In this special holiday edition of 19th Hole, we're featuring a few players that were brought to our attention by Legend mrcaddie, host of the annual "12 Days of Christmas" on the WGT Forum (going on NOW!)
The annual 12 Days of Christmas is a community event where WGT players volunteer to be "Santas" to give away all kinds of free gifts on WGT to other players. The event is organized by mrcaddie and his friends, to keep it running smoothly year after year. This year is the fourth annual, with no signs of slowing down!
Initially, we wanted to feature mrcaddie and have him explain what the "12 Days" event is and how it works, but he turned the spotlight on his fellow organizers asking that we "interview a few of the players that have been with [him] since Day 1." Here's what they had to say...
"What is it that makes you want to take part in mrcaddie’s 12 Days of Christmas?"
PaulTon - Legend, Level 104
"Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone out there in WGT land!
Christmas is a time for families and friends to come together and a time for giving gifts to those who maybe can't afford to buy for themselves. And it’s no different in WGT land. My CC, Grande Oaks Golf Club, is my immediate virtual family, my friends list is my extended family and the wider communities are my friends.
Organized and led by the one and only Mr.Caddie, who began this 4 years ago and now his “12 Days of Christmas Giveaway” is a WGT tradition. The gifts could be anything from a Putter Pal right up to a full set of clubs and anything in between! My own contribution will be to offer artwork to anyone who wants some - this could be a customized player picture or logos and/or banners for your CC."
*Event poster above, designed by PaulTon.
PatriciaWilliams - Tour Legend, Level 100
"I've known Mr. Caddie for a few years now and when he started the '12 days of Christmas,' I thought it was a great idea of his to be able to help other WGT members who could use some help. After my first season participating and seeing the kindness from all who participated, and also from others in the background, with the laughter and gratitude and everyone having fun at a special time of year, makes helping out very rewarding. It's been a pleasure participating and I look forward to many more years. Morningside Hills CC is pleased to join me this year of being Santa.
Christmas to me is about family and friends, with the warmth and kindness you feel and see, which I’ve found that the community of WGT is also a part of."
opyeuclid - Tour Master, Level 97
"I have seen a lot of good things happen here in WGT land over the years. When I was gifted my first club that was just a wedge many years ago, it changed the game for me. (Yes, that club did help me to score better and make the game a bit more fun, but the idea that someone with a random act of a simple gift made WGT a bit more than just a game to me.)
The giveaway that Mr. Caddie started when I was a younger Forum Troll and not so unreformed looked like a snowball's chance in Bla Bla Bla, but the community got together and started something!
It is more about friends we may never meet face-to-face, but still enjoy what the game of golf is all about. A good or a bad day at the course, when old and new friends have a game, the score does not matter because we all win."
alcaucin - Tour Legend, Level 99
"I, like a lot of members, were already gifting randomly and when Caddie came up with the Giveaway idea, it seemed a natural progression... For me it was about being part of a community and building a better Forum spirit. Also - I remembered how much more enjoyment I got while learning the game in the beginning.
With the better clubs and balls, they actually went where I envisioned it in my head, so it was about trying to pass that on to members who maybe couldn't earn credits or didn't want to invest in the game before trying new clubs/balls etc.
I know members who were recipients of gifts, then passing it along. In fact the irons I'm using now were sent to me completely 'out of the blue' by a member I had sent a gift to, two years before!
WGT has many generous members; it took someone like Caddie who put in much time and effort, to make the Giveaways the success they have been."
Lobsterboy - Legend, Level 100
"Christmas to me means peace, love and goodwill to every living thing on the planet...and the time to play a bit more golf, and eat and drink too much. :)
The 12 Days of Christmas is a fabulous goodwill gesture and inspired idea by our good friend MR C. From what I've seen from previous years it gives a boost to players who want to upgrade equipment or play with decent balls but don't have the funds to do it. It's always nice as well for players with some extra change to know they've helped out a fellow player.
I hope to see you all in the "And Everything Else" section of the main forum…should be fun as always!"
SHRUDE - Legend, Level 98
"Aussie Aussie Aussie! is my country club though I rarely call it that. It is 'our' club.
Because the club is predominantly Australian we all believe in 'mateship' and 'helping a bloke out' and 'giving it a go.'
Mr. Caddie's '12 Days of Giveaways' is just how an Aussie embraces mateship and helping a bloke out. We actually really love to give things out whether small or large and having the recipient being so appreciative always gives us a buzz and a reason to have a beer and cheer.
The discussion on our forum is very active as we watch other clubs during the 12 days, and we are also proud to say we have Mr Caddie as an Honorary Member of Aussie Aussie Aussie!"
Thank you to PaulTron, PatriciaWilliams, opyeuclid, alcaucin, Lobsterboy, SHRUDE, mrcaddie and ALL the "Santas" involved with the "12 Days" over the years, we love the reminder to share the love!
mrcaddie’s 12 Days of Christmas started Sunday, so be sure to check the "And Everything Else" section of the Forum to join the fun and hopefully be chosen by one of these generous “Santas.” This thread is a great place to start!
Happy Holidays from WGT!