Sunday, August 8, 2010
Blogging vs Working
When I conceived the idea for the Docisms blog back in May, I was busy building a Member section for my market blog. Given that trading is my job, the market letter naturally took precedence. I am happy to say the market letter has been well-received, and so my efforts have been fruitful. Nevertheless, I am anxious to write about topics other than stock and commodity trading, and I intend this blog to be the outlet for such desires, so check back soon!
Idea for a 9-Hole Golf Tournament
Occasionally, while trying to digest information (what psychologists like to call "incubation") before formulating my nightly market letter, I will fire up my Wii game console and play a round of golf. The game is quite relaxing, and the effort to divert my mind from market thoughts contributes to a more focused effort when the task of writing the letter is executed.
Now, I have the type of mind that is nearly always in a state of distraction. The downside to such a mentality is that I am usually not very sociable, as I prefer my own thoughts to the banalities others'. The upside is that once the seed of an idea is planted, my mind tends to run with the idea to the point of exhaustion. This ability to focus is quite a valuable trait when trading markets, and from time to time turns a frivolous thought, such as the idea for a golf tournament that struck me while playing Wii, into a creation.
In its simple form, the tournament would consist of two rounds of 9 holes, and could therefore be completed in a single day. The first round would see 16 players divided into four groups. The foursomes would play 9 holes with the winners of each group comprising the final foursome for another 9-hole round to determine the champion.
Obviously, groups of golfers with reasonably honed skills will produce a lot of ties through only 9 holes, and that's where the fun begins because playoffs are always more dramatic than primary rounds. Ties would be settled by a series of 3-hole playoffs, with each 3-hole set dropping any player who did not win or tie the set. The tournament becomes more thrilling if playoffs are necessary to determine winners of both the first and second rounds.
Finally, a bit more drama could be added if money is at stake. Have each contestant pay to play. The winners of each of the initial foursomes would get their money back, leaving the remainder to be awarded to first/second place in the final round.
I have to admit that such a tournament would not be very practical to organize independently from the management of a the golf course. Nonetheless, it would be a great way to add a little zest to a family reunion, run a quick charity event, or even promote a new course.
Now, I have the type of mind that is nearly always in a state of distraction. The downside to such a mentality is that I am usually not very sociable, as I prefer my own thoughts to the banalities others'. The upside is that once the seed of an idea is planted, my mind tends to run with the idea to the point of exhaustion. This ability to focus is quite a valuable trait when trading markets, and from time to time turns a frivolous thought, such as the idea for a golf tournament that struck me while playing Wii, into a creation.
In its simple form, the tournament would consist of two rounds of 9 holes, and could therefore be completed in a single day. The first round would see 16 players divided into four groups. The foursomes would play 9 holes with the winners of each group comprising the final foursome for another 9-hole round to determine the champion.
Obviously, groups of golfers with reasonably honed skills will produce a lot of ties through only 9 holes, and that's where the fun begins because playoffs are always more dramatic than primary rounds. Ties would be settled by a series of 3-hole playoffs, with each 3-hole set dropping any player who did not win or tie the set. The tournament becomes more thrilling if playoffs are necessary to determine winners of both the first and second rounds.
Finally, a bit more drama could be added if money is at stake. Have each contestant pay to play. The winners of each of the initial foursomes would get their money back, leaving the remainder to be awarded to first/second place in the final round.
I have to admit that such a tournament would not be very practical to organize independently from the management of a the golf course. Nonetheless, it would be a great way to add a little zest to a family reunion, run a quick charity event, or even promote a new course.
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