Persuading players and fans to share his optimism will be Solomon's mission, now that he has signed a five-year contract.

The town even persuaded players from various colleges to compete against local teams.

In this setting, there is open competition to persuade the most players in any given event to carry a company's driver, irons or putter.

With a potential market of 350 million in the European Union alone, that has already persuaded major players to clamber into a growing market.

So, the notion that he had 'coattails' in persuading players and officials on other teams to do as he did is rather spurious.

Vogts said he tries to persuade potential players to "just try it for two weeks and if it doesn't work out, fine."

Quietly, of course, the owners believe that the use of scab teams might persuade enough established players to break the strike, if not the union.

Pressgangs wander the halls of Gen Con, attempting to persuade new players to join.

Howard Schnellenberger succeeded in persuading talented players from Florida to stay close to home.

Along the way he persuaded players to believe in his philosophy, and he has maintained bonds with many of them.