by Randy Ooney
My Nickel’s Worth by Randy Ooney
3M
In my career with Graybar Electric, a two way relationship was in place with 3M Company, Minnesota, Mining and Manufacturing Co. 3M purchased products from Graybar for their building and lighting maintenance and Graybar distributed 3M electrical products to the industry. I doubt that few contractor vans left their shop without a roll or two of 3M 33+ electrical tape, or a box or two of Scotchlok wire connectors.
A few years back the PGA Senior tour, now known as the Champions tour left Bunker Hills golf course in Coon Rapids for the fancy TPC in Blaine. Burnett Realty was replaced as title sponsor by the 3M Company. What a difference!!!
Signs will direct you along Radisson Road to the parking area near the airport, where you may park your vehicle at no charge. Then hop on a free Kottke shuttle bus to the main entrance of the TPC course. No admission ticket is required, just walk right in. If you don’t mind a lengthy line, wait your turn to enter the huge reception tent and receive some free gifts from 3M. You will receive a plastic bag and you may walk by tables and help yourself to Post it notes, various kinds of tape, a dispenser, adhesive backed products, super glue, and a box of Nexcare bandages. Don’t be a hog, please select only one of each.
On to the golf. Incredible, players who have reached the ripe old age of 50+ were having a birdie fest. Joe Durant made 10 birdies in his last 18 holes, and survived a three putt bogie to capture the Championship with an eagle on the first playoff hole. Miguel Jimenez survived a double bogie to make the playoff with Durant, however a birdie on the playoff hole was not enough. Local favorites Tom Lehman and John Harris had to be content with pars and finished far back in the field. Players in contention included past champion Bernhard Langer but a double on Saturday hurt his chances Sunday. I kept my eyes and ears open, however I did not hear anyone refer to Mr. Langer as “Lumpy”. However time will come in 2020 when I am sure Tim Herron will be playing in the 3M Championship tournament.
Thank you 3M and the PGA Champions tour for providing a great golf event for us Minnesota golf fans ! (I’ll be watching the Ryder Cup Event on TV because I don’t think anything is free at Hazeltine).
![](images/1_000.jpg)
past articles
![](images/MaxBowlingOfficialLogosmcopy_045.jpg)