It was a warm August afternoon in the bustling beach town of Encinitas. Swarms of ocean-going families were shuffling toward Moonlight Beach for a dip in the warmer-than-normal Pacific. Late afternoon loungers made their way to the outdoor cafes and strolled up and down the historic Highway 101. It was a pretty typical summer day in these parts of Southern California.
But, something about the gathering of golf shirt-sporting folks forming an orderly, yet enthusiastic, line around Suite E-100 at 927 S. Coast Hwy 101 was a bit odd given the blue skies and beach weather.
Meet & Greet
The first annual Pins & Playtime event was getting ready to kick off at the year-old Scotty Cameron Gallery with a private Meet & Greet with Scotty. Rare, new Tour putters like the welded neck T-10 Select Newport 2 crafted especially for the event were staged, at the ready for their big reveal. New Gallery creations such as new handmade Cameron Cubes made from welded prototype Cameron Coins were proudly displayed under glass, awaiting new owners to cherry-pick the favorites. Chilled beverages were ready to offer respite from the heat. The Gallery and Putter Studio staff was eager to open the doors.
At about 2:30pm on this balmy, sunny day in San Diego, Scotty’s guests entered the hallowed grounds—the Scotty Cameron Gallery—to get this invitation-only gathering going. For the next few hours, more than 60 VIP Cameron Collectors—new faces and old friends alike—mingled among the Gallery’s goods, sharing conversation, laughs and the love of all things Scotty Cameron. Tour putters were purchased. The highly anticipated Mexican Blanket stand bags were shown and snapped up at an alarming pace. Many walked away with items they never even knew existed before today’s event. All in all, the first annual Pins & Playtime event got off to a great start.
Swap & Shop
Later in the evening, the group reconvened with Scotty at the plush Park Hyatt Aviara Resort for his Swap & Shop, a casual, old school, let-your-hair-down and let’s-make-a-deal evening soiree where nearly anything goes. See something you like? Make an offer. Trade? Two Tour Rats for that custom 009 SSS? It’s that kind of fun. We’re not sure of all the deals that went down, but the post-event recap saw several putters exchanging hands with happy recipients slapping high-fives.
Golf Outing
As Thursday evening gave way to Friday morning, another sunny day dawned and it was time to tee it up for the scramble. The Pins & Playtime golf outing got going with a shotgun start at noon at the Park Hyatt Aviara Golf Club. Banner San Diego weather met the group for an afternoon of golf, camaraderie, on-course contests and fun. And, this group knew how to have fun.
Awards Dinner
After a full day of golf, it was time to eat. And, collect some prizes. Low gross group members each received a special Scotty Cameron putter, their names stamped on the first hand-made Pins & Playtime trophy, and bragging rights until next year. After some spirited rounds of ro-sham-bo that saw Scotty give away more rarities like specialty headcovers from Margaret’s wall, the gathered faithful adjourned for the night, promising to return next year.
“It was a great gathering of people from all over the world who come together in the spirit of Cameron putters, golf, friendship and fun. We can’t wait until next year!” said Scotty Cameron.
