[JasminBerkova]

I want to hear what the Morgan Cup means to people. No canned answer or PC answers, the truth. I don't want any bashing or finger pointing. I just want to know what the Morgan Cup means to each person that chooses to answer. Is it just a competition? A way to sell equipment? A way to get free gear? Building last bonds through the vision of two people? What? Please tell me because I am confused.

[AnIInWon]

For me personally, it's just like the demo days, I'm not participating so it really doesn't mean anything to me or have any bearing on my visits here one way or the other. From my viewpoint, it's a non-event.

[CIAFreeAgent]

For me personally, it's just like the demo days, I'm not participating so it really doesn't mean anything to me or have any bearing on my visits here one way or the other. From my viewpoint, it's a non-event.

Interesting point of view.

[Sxedlawb]

For me, it is a chance for a few great companies to sponsor some great people, and allow them to have the best golf experience of their lives. The companies get a ton of advertising and exposure, and THP'ers have a blast because of it.

[f6HLLFcw]

For me it's a dream come true for those involved, It's always been my dream to be a sponsored "tour" player and these morgan cup staffers have had the opportunity of a life time that others like myself haven't. It's a great honor for anyone to be affiliated with the morgan cup in any way-evn if it's just supporting the winning team (team paradise). I wear my Morgan Cup support banner with pride because even though I'm not directly involved, I'm supporting the best Morgan cup team with pride!

[CIAFreeAgent]

What does the Morgan Cup mean to me? In my opinion, the Morgan Cup is a celebration of THP and the Community that we are all a part of here. It's the Ultimate Amateur Golf Event, an experience like no other, that we are all a part of. Those selected to be in the Morgan Cup are bringing the experience to us that were not selected to be in it. The details of the orders for the Tour equipment, dealing with their Tour Rep, selecting every single detail to make a dream come true, and then sharing it with everyone here on THP through pictures, videos and words.

When the sign up thread went up and the excitement was through the roof, I posted, "Whether I am in the Morgan Cup or not, I will be there regardless." I did not get selected to be in it, but the day after the teams were announced, I sent my PM to GG asking to be on the Volunteer list, and I will be in Myrtle Beach to help bring this event to the rest of the community.

[AndreasLV]

For me, its an opportunity to follow along on a journey as random strangers on the internet come together with some existing friendships and form long lasting bonds while sharing in some golf, trash talk, banter, etc. It also gives me the chance to learn about new equipment and how much work it takes to put on an event. Its fun (for me) to follow along all the ups and downs as the participants share their practice sessions, swing changes, and excitement over every piece of equipment & soft goods from their sponsors falls into place. I have not been a member of either iteration, but I would consider myself a participant following along for the ride. It means a lot more to me this year, as its easier to relate after meeting so many of the participants earlier in the year. The idea of the Morgan Cup brings a lot of new eyeballs to the site and to the sponsors, so all the excitement over the signup is very contagious.

[viagraman]

For me, it means many things:

Being apart of something that is unheard of in the world of amateur golf
Representing THP and an OEM
Performing product reviews on equipment received from OEM
Camaraderie of an incredible competition that I am not only sharing with 23 other THP forum members but also representing my team and all the supporters on the forum

This is something that I have a hard time putting into words, but I am so grateful for this ONCE IN A LIFETIME opportunity. This kind of stuff does not happen to amateur golfers...it is unheard of. Yet, here we are and there are so many facets to it. Is there free equipment? Yes, there is - BUT so much responsibility comes along with it. It is not responsibility that was appointed but responsibility that I inferred and put onto myself.

This is something that I would be honored to do even if the sponsorship piece was not there. Sharing such an incredible event with other THP'ers, the camaraderie, the thrill & pressure of the actual competition.

I feel like I am rambling again.....but don't be surprised to see me come back and add more to this discussion.

[ticskebasse]

honestly? from someone who's been on the site for almost half a year:it's a tournament where the select few get to take part in a 'clic' event where they can banter bout inside jokes, 'trash' talk each other and get to check out and try new equipment/products that most people venturing on this site don't get or have the liberty of being a part of. these are honest and non-bitter eyes, but honestly as someone who's been around the site for awhile, i pretty much neglect or pay any attention to the morgan cup since it seems like it's something that the 'in' group is a part of, if at the very least, just by perception. would i love to participate in this? hell yea! likely? prolly not.

[ketNavatutt]

Oh dear, where to begin. Succinct or longwinded....


At first glance, since I joined this past April after the participants were already selected and were already working with their sponsors, it was a chance to watch some guys whose names I was getting to know participate in a process that would culminate with a dream weekend in Myrtle Beach.


As I started to get more involved, I got to know a few people better. Even outside of the MC specific threads, just participating in the forum made me feel more connected. Reading the MC threads, following all that was developing, the feeling that I was just watching changed. It became more than a spectator event for me. Now I can actually feel and share in the excitement that they do. I'm not just watching it happen, I'm sharing in their excitement and pride in their teams (especially Team Hackers!).


I jumped in and threw my support to a team of guys that I like. I put it out there, and I'm loving every minute of it.

[Gremlinn]

I see this as a dream come true as well, for those involved. The vision behind its inception was a masterpiece, one that should be able to get over a couple small humps and last the test of time. However, everyone can not be invited, in and of that problem we will see issues with involvement. While I don't see myself going to a future MC as a participant, I do want to see this successful for THP, the companies involved and those who choose to participate.

[HQTheodore]

I think it's different at different times.

Last year, it was about rooting for and against a group of my friends. I enjoyed mixing it up in the trash talk with them and there were many nights where I stayed up late just laughing my tail off from the things we were throwing at each other. I also enjoyed learning about the equpment they were playing. It was also a really cool thing to see them go out there and play. I got up early and was so excited to watch the matches unfold.

This year, it's been many different things for me as a participant. To start with, it was stressful and exciting leading up to the video party. Seeing everybody that entered throw it out there was great and I still think that Saturday night was the best night in THP's history.

The event gave me an incentive to improve myself on the golf course and I think I've done that. I don't know if I'm completely satisfied with myself in that regard, but I've tried my hardest. The idea of having this event in my future was a huge motivator for me.

For the last few months it's been very much about living a dream of building a bag and enjoying the feeling of being a Tour pro for the better part of a year. Pondering and discussing equipment with my friends and dreaming up the bag I've always wanted to play has been a great experience that becomes all too normal at times. Being able to share my thoughts is always something I enjoy and I love seeing other forum members reap the benefits our collective thoughts.

As it comes closer, I'm almost a little bummed because it will be over. However, the anticipation of the matches really gets me pumped. I think teeing it up with something on the line with 23 guys that have lived this same experience will be a lifetime memory for me. After the equipment is worn out and replaced I'll still have those memories. I don't buy that it's not a competition. It is a competition and I'm going to do my best to win some points. At the same time, I'm going to root for every other guy on that course to play well.

I think we've all seen amazing service and generosity from THP and the sponsors. For everything that may be said in a negative light, I think the sponsors and THP have made huge improvements in the way they led up to the event.

In a nutshell, it's a lot of things to me and it's consumed dang near a year of my life. I'm looking forward to tipping back some drinks with everybody that is there with me in MB and doing the best I can be a good voice for THP and the companies that have been so kind to us.

[Futfwrca]

honestly? from someone who's been on the site for almost half a year:it's a tournament where the select few get to take part in a 'clic' event where they can banter bout inside jokes, 'trash' talk each other and get to check out and try new equipment/products that most people venturing on this site don't get or have the liberty of being a part of. these are honest and non-bitter eyes, but honestly as someone who's been around the site for awhile, i pretty much neglect or pay any attention to the morgan cup since it seems like it's something that the 'in' group is a part of, if at the very least, just by perception. would i love to participate in this? hell yea! likely? prolly not.

While I will never dispute someone's feelings, I do want to point out how one was chosen. It was not THP selecting people, but rather video entries were submitted. Here is the link to how it was all done as far as people getting selected. I will go so far as say, that many that people thought were "definitely in" were left out by the judges.

http://www.thehackersparadise.com/?p=15122

[f6HLLFcw]

While I will never dispute someone's feelings, I do want to point out how one was chosen. It was not THP selecting people, but rather video entries were submitted. Here is the link to how it was all done as far as people getting selected. I will go so far as say, that many that people thought were "definitely in" were left out by the judges.

http://www.thehackersparadise.com/?p=15122

Sure I'm new, but that's what i love about the Morgan Cup, the players were chosen because of their videos not because of who they were, this means that anyone has a chance to be part of such a great event and just because someone isn't part of it doesn't mean they have to get offended about it. I chose to go and be part of the trash talk (even though I suck at it) and to keep up with the WOW Factor Production videos and all. Sure I may not have a staff bag and a 14 club sponsor but I still support the Morgan cup and their good players (Team Paradis only. . ) and I laugh at their inside jokes because I take the time to go through the threads and learn what I can about the Morgan Cup instead of complaining that I'm not part of it!

THe Morgan cup is a dream come true for everyone who was given the honor to be a part of it.

[ticskebasse]

JB, thanks for sending the link to the eval criteria. let it be known I wasn't complaining about not getting in, as I was sharing what i saw, as i saw it with the information i had. that being said and after reading the entry requirements, i think it would be an awesome experience and i will surely be putting in my entry the next time it comes around. seems like a pretty incredible experience.

[Futfwrca]

JB, thanks for sending the link to the eval criteria. let it be known I wasn't complaining about not getting in, as I was sharing what i saw, as i saw it with the information i had. that being said and after reading the entry requirements, i think it would be an awesome experience and i will surely be putting in my entry the next time it comes around. seems like a pretty incredible experience.

Nothing wrong with honest feedback dude. That is what makes people stronger and events better.

[viagraman]

Oh dear, where to begin. Succinct or longwinded....


At first glance, since I joined this past April after the participants were already selected and were already working with their sponsors, it was a chance to watch some guys whose names I was getting to know participate in a process that would culminate with a dream weekend in Myrtle Beach.


As I started to get more involved, I got to know a few people better. Even outside of the MC specific threads, just participating in the forum made me feel more connected. Reading the MC threads, following all that was developing, the feeling that I was just watching changed. It became more than a spectator event for me. Now I can actually feel and share in the excitement that they do. I'm not just watching it happen, I'm sharing in their excitement and pride in their teams (especially Team Hackers!).


I jumped in and threw my support to a team of guys that I like. I put it out there, and I'm loving every minute of it.

This is precisely what I did last year. I picked a team to support and jumped in head first. It was not until LAST MONTH that I finally had the chance to meet so many that I supported/rooted against and that I am now lucky enough to experience alongside many of them.

The entire Morgan Cup (as a participant or supporter) is what each and every person decides to make of it. Did it feel awkward jumping in feet first last year into the trash talk thread? Absolutely, but I had support from both teams and they were excited to see that forum members outside of those participating could have a vested interest in it also.

[Neitteloxesia]

After reading and following the best phrase that comes to mind is Greatest Amateur Golf Experience!

As I didn't participated in the 1st and am not participating in the second I'm just an observer. But as I started to participate in banter some of the MC players really drew me in. I love being able to vicariously live through all of them, even the team's I may not be pulling for.

I think it's amazing of THP and the sponsors to put all the time and effort into it. I'm sure it's a one of a kind experience for all involved. I only wish I lived closer to the locations!

I think the one thing we should never lose sight of, at least in my opinion, is it's not just free stuff. The participants should be working hard to review, demo and recount the experiences for all to read. If I was a sponsor I'd want everyone talking about my products as much as possible. It's not necessarily no press is bad press, but it's close!

The other word that comes to mind with the MC now is controversy, it sounds like their may be a few bad apples rocking the boat a bit, or just not everyone pulling their own weight. And that's sad, I would hope to see this awesome new tradition die two years in.

THP is an amazing place, a place I hope my kids will be someday once their old enough to be participating in golf. I learned more about things golf and non golf related from the awesome members here and hope they can be part of it all someday.

[Blolover11]

I want to hear what the Morgan Cup means to people. No canned answer or PC answers, the truth. I don't want any bashing or finger pointing. I just want to know what the Morgan Cup means to each person that chooses to answer. Is it just a competition? A way to sell equipment? A way to get free gear? Building last bonds through the vision of two people? What? Please tell me because I am confused.

I think it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience something most amateurs will never ever experience. I think that's why I am rubbed a little the wrong way with how many "repeat" MCer's there are this year (hey... you said no PC answers). If it really is a "once in a lifetime" thing- why do some people get to do it twice? I didn't "win" the MC 1.0 contest and I wasn't around for the second one... but if there is a third I would Love to be a part of it. I also know I would be pretty miffed if I didn't get in, while someone else is on their 3rd MC. Even if it is one of my friends from the board.

In that way, I think its a little bit of a selfish, bucketlist like event. I want the equipment, the competition, and the camaraderie that comes with doing something only a few people will ever get to do. AND realizing how lucky I am to be doing it.

For the companies: It is a way to sell equipment and get their brand out there. Not just who has the "best" stuff... but by being generous and supportive of a really cool idea. I, for one, and more likely to support these companies BECAUSE they are "donating" a great experience to 24 of my friends. I think a lot of it is more "goodwill advertising" than promoting specific clubs.

THP: It's simple. Being the best golfing forum on the internet, and continuing to push the limits to what people think is "possible". Ask someone 3 years ago if a thing like the MC could happen, and the answer is "Hell no". Well it's happened twice now!

Edit: I want to be very clear that I don't think participating in the MC is selfish, or that you SHOULD be selfish... only that it's really cool in a unique/rare way. Those participating should be very aware of how lucky that are- and how special the opportunity is for them to participate. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with it, and it should be taken seriously.

[nuveem7070]

I just had this conversation with a friend at lunch today.

To me the Morgan Cup is about an experience that very few people get to have an opportunity to experience. We're literally able to get a chance to live the lives of a professional athlete for a little while in our lives. So there's that part of it, that's a very cool element of it for sure but it's not everything. Then there's the bond we get to make with people all over the world who are lucky enough to get to experience this with us. When else can I say I made friends with a couple guys in Canada and a guy in Ireland? I'll likely never get to those places myself so through the Morgan Cup I'm able to build life long friendships. Not only globally but also right here in the US. I now have friends all over the country and that is really cool. There's also the competition part of it, I think it's helping all 24 of us drive up our practice and actually focus on improving for a purpose more than just improving for our weekly matches with buddies. Then there's the whole aspect of it to the THP and the members here. No other golf website or organization in the world offers this and everyone who comes in here everyday to get involved in the equipment banter to the trash talk gets to experience as well.

There's much more to it than that even, and to each person it's a little bit different but just as special to every one of us who are fortunate enough to call themselves Morgan Cuppers!