I had already made that observation, but did you read the post I made earlier regarding Bruce Bonney from St. Louis and the LCSCA? Bruce works nights in the avaiation industry and I doubt if he reads this forum (never seen him post anyway). Again you can reach him thru the LC Smith forum (lcsmith.org); or if asked, PM me and I'll forward his email addy. Also, I would encorage you not to draw any conclusions from some of the negative comments made in this thread as I don't know of anything/any event ever invented that was perfect and pleased everybody; but the Southern, in spite of its faults, is definately worth the trip. As FYI I was there 14 years ago to attend the very first Southern Side x Side; the evemt was sparsely attended and the single small exhibitors tent at that first event had about half the tables provided empty, and some that were occupied were donated; one of which went to the PGCA. That was my first experience with the PGCA, and eventually lead to the idea of creating the LC Smith vs. Parker Challenge; which event would not have happened without the support of Bill Kempfler, the owner of Deep River. But if the Southern wasn't special in the minds of so many people who make purposeful plans to attend this event each year, it could not have become the phenomenal success it has become today. As to the clays courses at Deep River I've yet to shoot any, other than the 5-stand (time constraints) layouts; but Bill and I did dicuss those courses a few years ago. I learned that bill only has a 60-acre facility, which facility is bordered by constantly complaining neighbors. The result is that Bill is forced to be very cautious in setting up his courses so that shot does not reign down on neighboring tracts; and still insure the safety of shooters in different areas of the property is protected. So unless the acreage of the Deep River faciltiy can be expanded, Bill will continue to be limited as to what he can do with the different sporting clays venues.
Just my thoughts
Tom
