From
the Editor
 |
| Bob
Albright |
Nine to grow on
Ten years is a long time for any endeavor, but for
a complimentary regional golf magazine in this economic climate
it is almost inconceivable. Believe it or not, this year will
indeed mark the 10th golf season that North Shore Golf & Tennis
has faithfully showed up at your favorite pro shop, driving range,
and, more recently, tennis club four times a year.
I can’t begin to list how many publications I have seen
come and go since I had the privilege of writing the first cover
story, The Dream 18, for then-editor Gary Trask back in the spring
of 2003. I can also still vividly recall all the quizzical responses
from one pro after the next who I called asking for their nominations
for the best hole on their course.
“What’s it called again and you are telling me it’s
going to be at every local course free of charge?” was unfailingly
followed by, “Gee, that sounds like a great idea, look forward
to seeing it.”
The fact that nine years later we are revisiting that first cover
story idea would seem to validate that last sentiment and then
some. I would be lax if I did not turn the spotlight on the two
people who have been here since Day 1 and without whom this magazine
would have never made it to Year 5, let alone Year 10.
The first can be found right where he has been for the last nine
years – on the back page – and everywhere between
for that matter. Just as I often wonder how I survived as a journalist
before the advent of Google, I often wonder what I would do if
there was no Gary Larrabee to call or e-mail with the most pressing
or minute golf question. Almost as fast as Google, this golf search
engine unfailingly has the answer. While I’m sure every
state has its own local golf historian, I am confident that none
chronicles the sport with the unbridled passion and flair of this
talented writer and author.
Of course, no magazine ever goes from the computer to glossy paper
without a publisher, and on that count, golfers from Amesbury
CC to Bass Rocks and beyond owe a large debt of gratitude to Richard
Ayer. No, he did not make me write this; in fact to his credit,
he has never tried to unduly influence the editorial in this magazine.
That does not mean, however, that he is not a “hands-on”
publisher. From personally delivering the magazine to countless
courses in the area (his favorite part of the job), to bringing
home every rough draft of every article back home to Topsfield
to read with his wife Edlita, a former English teacher and proof
reader extraordinaire, he’s all in.
While I am confident there are more than a few financial planners
who have told him over the years to drop this publication from
his portfolio like a hot potato, each spring he gets that same
itch, like we all do, and thank goodness for that. Here’s
to a great 10th season and hopefully 10 more after that!
I’ll see you out on the courts and fairways,Bob
Albright, Editor
balbright@northshoremassgolf.com
Bob
Albright
editor
