A perfect product to speed up game

Because my laziness knows no bounds, I was excited to see a product come my way the other day.

It is called the Scramble Scoop and is a billed as a unique golf ball retriever. Actually the makers of the product, which is based in Missouri, are marketing this product as a tool you can use while playing in a scramble tournament, when you have to retrieve your ball if it’s not the best shot.

I think there are many more opportunities to use it and went on a recent trip to Newport Beach Country Club to try it out. The course by the way is in fantastic condition and could probably hold the Toshiba Classic tomorrow.

The Scramble Scoop is perfect for someone in a cart, if you need to get your ball you don’t have to bend down to do it.

This is a great device for senior golfers. Some of the benefits are the reduction in stress on joints bending down to get a ball, reduces the chances of falling out of the cart when picking up a ball and will help put less strain on the back.

The company believes the gadget speeds up play and I would agree with that. Anything that speeds up the game I am all for, but I found another great use for it.

It is the perfect retriever for balls in ponds. Granted the pole doesn’t extend out as far as a conventional ball retriever, but the mesh netting makes it much easier to grab balls.

This invention was not created by a lazy golfer, though, it was devised by a woman named, Betty Bucher. She came up with the idea after playing in many golf scrambles and shambles over the year.

It took several years, but Bucher got a patent and refined her invention, finally perfecting it. Bucher, who has grandchildren, has also found the Scramble Scoop handy when picking up their toys.

The cost of the Scramble Scoop is $16.95 and can be ordered by calling (800) 590-8484 or visiting the website at www.scramblescoop.com.

CHARITY EVENT NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

Mariners Christian School is seeking volunteers and sponsors for its inaugural Fall Golf Classic, sponsored by Northwestern Mutual, The Waltos Group, to be held at the Newport Beach Country Club Nov. 9.

To support scholarships for the 2010-2011 school year, Mariners Christian School (MCS), a 2007 National Blue Ribbon Award-winning private school in Costa Mesa, has set a goal of raising $20,000.

MCS is pleased to join with The Newport Beach Country Club, site of the Toshiba Classic on the PGA Champions Tour, in its initial golf fundraising effort. The event, which begins with an 11 a.m. shotgun start, includes a raffle, silent auction, contests, lunch, tee prizes, awards and a fajita appetizer buffet.

“We are thrilled to be playing our Fall Golf Classic at The Newport Beach Country Club,” MCS Interim Head of School Todd Perkins said. “With the high level of interest in golf in Newport Beach, we expect this to be our first of many fundraisers at the Newport Beach Country Club, and we are thrilled that Northwestern Mutual, The Waltos Group, stepped forward to serve as a major sponsor.”

For more information, contact Carolyn Johnson at (714) 437-1700, extension 182, or [email protected].

This is a worthwhile event and as an incentive I am going to offer my Scramble Scoop to the first person that sends me an e-mail and tells me they have volunteered for the event.

JOHN REGER’S golf column appears Thursdays. He may be reached by e-mail at [email protected].