I got back about a week ago from vacation in Savannah, Georgia. This was a family vacation so the focus wasn’t golf but I was sure to get in a few rounds while there. We drive down on Friday, July 10 and stopped in Hardeeville, SC. We were going to be staying with a friend and he still had guests so I got a room just short of Savannah. This allowed us to make a short trip over to Hilton Head for dinner at one of our favorite places there called Marley’s Island Grill. I highly recommend the Jerk Chicken. Last winter I had gotten a tee time at Harbour Town but I canceled it two months ago because it would be $250 for the round. I’ll play there sometime but I didn’t want to spend that money for one round on this trip. I was having serious second thoughts when we were there.

On Saturday we drove on down to Savannah. I’ve been dropping not so subtle hints to Amber that I need to get new irons. My current irons are Taylor Made SuperSteels circa 1999. Back then my swing was worse and I needed the regular flex, graphite shafts. Now I tend to spray my irons a little and I’m convinced steel shafts would help. Driving down I mentioned that there was an Edwin Watts Golf Store nearby and to my surprise she said I could go see what they had. When we got there I talked to the guys and decided to get a quick fit. Edwin Watts uses the Ping fitting system and I hit several different setups trying to dial in my specs. Besides the fact that they didn’t have the ones that fit me in stock, I want to hit different manufacturers on a real range as opposed to into a net. They had a launch monitor there but they didn’t use it on me. I know I can do better so ultimately I decided to wait. But I have permission so it will happen at some point.

After running some other errands we headed over to our friend’s house. His other guests were still there so, having no plans for the rest of the day, I decided to get my first round in. I drove over to the Wilmington Island Club and surprisingly I walked right on. The course was a little tight in places and still a little wet from rains the night before. Overall it was a pretty little course and a good start to the week. I shot 85 from the tips (6,715 yards) with the round talking only three hours to complete.

On Sunday we drove down to St. Augustine, Florida. I had held out hope that I could convince everyone else that we should stop by the World Golf Hall of Fame but I was out voted. Next time there will be no vote. Next time I will also cash in my canceled round at Harbour Town and play a round at the TPC Sawgrass’ Stadium Course. Amber’s been warned.

Monday was a beach day and I didn’t get back out until Tuesday, when I got in at The Club at Savannah Harbor. This is where the Champions Tour plays the Legends of Golf in April. I really liked this course but I played the second longest tees and from some tee boxes you literally cannot see the fairway. Under the circumstances I didn’t do that bad. I shot a 90 from the gold tees (6,627 yards) and I was fairly happy with it. Having played it now I’m sure I could do better.

Wednesday we spend on River Street and around old Savannah. I got back out again on Thursday at Henderson Golf Club. I brought Alyssa along although she only played two holes. Again, I played pretty well and really think I could have done better if I’d known the course layout. I decided to play the tips (6,650 yards) again this time and ended up with an 84. The course was definitely a step down from both the other courses, but it was in decent shape. I do wish they had a course diagram available so I would’ve known where things were and what hazards were ahead. But it was cheaper and sometimes you get what you pay for.

We came back on Saturday so I had no more chance to play down there. I got out this past Tuesday at Heritage Hunt with Alyssa riding along. I didn’t feel comfortable the whole day but I somehow squeezed out an 85. They were having a tournament Friday so I decided to go over to Winchester to play with my father-in-law. He’s been trying to get me to play Rock Harbor for about a year now and today seemed like the best chance. The course is very hilly and I don’t think it’s one I’d want to walk. It’s an odd layout with the paths crossing each other several times. It’s very pretty and give a good challenge, especially if you don’t like water. Since I wasn’t by myself we played the white tees with measure 6,265 yards. I played well and hit several good shots. I had two birdies and bunch of pars and bogeys and one double. That double irritated me because it was on a par-3 that played 185 yards. I had the only shot that hit the green but when we got up the hill I had run through and into a bunker. The pin was back, the green sloped away from me and I had very little room to land the ball from the sand, so it rolled down to the edge of the green at the bottom. I three putted for a five. It was that double that cost me my first round in the 70’s because I shot 80. But, hey, I was playing golf. I really can’t complain.

I’ve been enjoying Heritage Hunt the last month or so. One problem I’ve had however is that I usually play golf on Fridays. Every Friday in the month of June is booked for a tournament and I can’t get on my own club’s course. Last Friday (the 5th) they offered to get me a reciprocal round at Bristow Manor but it rained heavily the whole day, so I canceled it. I did get out on Sunday and ended up shooting my lowest round ever, an 80. And that 80 could have been lower had I not lipped a couple of birdie putts. The best part was that I had a witness (glad you were there Robert). On Monday I tried to get out again in the afternoon, but as happens on Fridays, they were booked with a tournament. I did request another reciprocal round somewhere for the 12th but it never materialized and I was left trying to find my own game somewhere.

I called out to a few courses that I’ve never played (Jackson’s Chase and Blue Ridge Shadows) but neither had any openings when I wanted them. I then got a time at Prince William Golf Course, the same municipal course that I played on my wedding day. While driving to the course I received an email on my iPhone from another friend. He was inviting me to play Robert Trent Jones Golf Club with him and a couple of his friends. I immediately canceled my time at Prince William in favor of RTJ.

I’ve been to RTJ once before to watch the pros play in the President’s Cup back in 2005. The course is a wonderful layout and the service and staff are exceptional. I arrived at the valet and got myself settled. They took my clubs and I went to the shop to find my friend. After greeting him we went back out and our clubs were on a cart for the ride to the range. Once the warmup was complete we drove back to the club house and met our caddies. Yes, I said caddies. I’ve never had a caddy before and I must admit I was a bit intimidated by the thought of playing golf in front of so many people I don’t know. I really wanted to play well and not embarrass myself or my friend for inviting me along. To make matters more difficult we played from tees that measured 7010 yards. The course was in unbelievable shape. The fairways were perfect and the greens immaculate. I don’t think I played too poorly under the circumstances. The greens were running about 12 on the stimp (according to my caddy). It took awhile to feel comfortable on them and I averaged 2.4 putts per hole on the front and I shot 48. By the back I was getting much more comfortable with the guys and my game improved somewhat. I hit more fairways and cut my putts to 1.8 per hole. I shot 43 on the back and ended with a 91. The rating and slope for those tees was 74.0 and 141, which is the hardest course I’ve played in quite some time. I was pretty happy with the 91 and I felt that I didn’t embarrass myself too bad. I got quite a thrill out of playing where the pros have played being treated so well by everyone involved. In short, I loved every minute of it and I hope to make it back out sometime. I can’t thank my friend enough for giving me to chance to have that experience. I could really get used to it.

OK, it’s been a couple of months since I posted anything here. I’ve not stopped playing golf during this time. My club, Virginia Oaks, sent out an email telling the members that they were increasing our dues, because of the economy. I realize that everyone is hurting but I’d just been looking at my golfing history to see if I was getting my money’s worth out of the membership. Based on the number of rounds that I played at Virginia Oaks over the last 13 months, I was only ahead by $250 or so over what I would’ve payed if I was a VGC member (discounted fees) versus a full member. While the rate increase was only $15 per month, that becomes $180 a year and significantly impacts my savings. Couple that with the facts that rounds can be slow and crowded and daily fee players can sometimes be less than gentle with the course, I decided to pursue other options. I checked around and another course, Heritage Hunt, had dropped their membership fees to exactly what I had been paying at Virginia Oaks. I tried the course out on a Tuesday afternoon and I shot 85 from their second longest tees. Where do I sign?

Golf is odd in many ways. Heritage Hunt is located in Gainesville, Virginia in a retirement community. Anyone can be a member of the golf club. I’ve found that I’m definitely on the younger end of the membership base however. The next two rounds I played there were from the middle tees since that’s where my playing partners wanted to play. Those tee can get you into a lot of trouble because the hazards are in play more and I can hit into, or through, the trouble. It caused me to hit clubs off the tee that I’m just not used to using. Because of that the next two rounds were more of an average 95 and 92. The fourth round there was last Friday and the forecast was for rain and possible thunderstorms. I decided to walk and play the longer tees again. I felt good and kept a great speed for the whole round. It showed in my score because I shot my best round of the year with an 82. On Saturday I played with my father and father-in-law. It was back to the middles and I again was in the 90’s with a 91. The end of that round was hurried though as there was an electrical storm blowing in.

Today, Friday, I went back for a round at Virginia Oaks because I waited too long to get a good tee time at Heritage Hunt. The course was packed and the round took five hours. I played pretty consistently and ended with an 86, even though I had three double-bogeys. It was nice seeing the people who work there again but I don’t miss the patrons. On number nine we had to drive to the green to tell two people to get off so we could hit. They apparently thought it was a practice green. I have to wonder how many practice greens have one hole and a big flag stick. In comparison, the people at Heritage Hunt may be older but they keep their balls in play and they move. I suppose they need to get finished so they can go for the early bird specials. Heritage Hunt’s lack of a daily fee probably helps too. You’re either a partial or full member so it’s technically private. I certainly can see the benefits.

As you can tell I’m still playing at least once a week. My handicap should improve a little with the scores I’ve been shooting. More importantly, I’m still having a great time. Now, I need to get more of my friends out.

Came up to Hershey for the Bears game last night. It was a successful game as they beat the Phantoms. Got up this morning and went to a course called Manada Golf Club. On previous trips I’ve played Deer Valley, which is a basic course in my opinion. I wanted to try something different.

I arrived and it was another basic course, though with more hills. The day was windy, which wouldn’t have been too bad except they swirled. 15 mph one way and a minute later it was 15 mph the other way. In spite of that the course was fairly easy. I walked the course and shot 91 in about 3 hours.

I stopped for lunch and realized that the girls weren’t going to be ready to leave Hershey Park for several hours. I decided to play another round.

I chose to ride this one and I got around in about 2 hours. With the benefit of knowing the course I shot an 85. The winds were still strong but I knew where to miss this time. It was an easy course but anytime I’m in the 80’s I’m happy.

Glad the real golf season is here.

I just got back from a long weekend in Myrtle Beach (booked by Myrtle Beach Golf Wizards). Three of us golfers (with spouses) spent a long weekend down at the beach to get away. We also had a friend come up from Savannah for two of the days.

We started on Thursday when we left at noon for the drive down. We arrived around 8 pm, checked in to the hotel and headed out for dinner. We decided to go to Margaritaville but even at 9 pm there was a 90 minute wait. We decided to walk around to Key West Grill. It was a great choice. The beer was cold and the food was delicious. We were the last customers to leave. With a full stomach we were ready for sleep.

On Friday we had a tee time at Wachesaw East (ranked 26th in MB by Golf Digest). We arrived, grabbed a bite, and were told that we would be given range balls to warm up. We went out to get our clubs and they sent us off in front of a large group. Oh well, no warmups. The course was in good shape. I like the layouts of courses down in Murrell’s Inlet and Pawleys Island. Each one has its own personality. I shot 93 but really didn’t feel like I played that well. The putting was probably the best part of my game. After the round we needed food. We found a place called Murphy’s Law. Smoky, dark, Pittsburgh-themed, gravelly voiced bartender (female). You’d think I hated it, but the food was great. Back at the hotel we decided the hotel bar could use our presence. Good choice. Here we met the non-gravelly voiced, Russian-born Mila. She was friendly and her drinks were not wanting for strength. We also met up with our friend from Savannah who arrived as we were having drinks. With a few more rounds of beer in us we went to Murrell’s Inlet for dinner at Drunkin’ Jacks. As always the food was amazing. All-in-all this was a perfect start to the weekend.

On Saturday our course was The Tradition Golf Club (GD rank 46). Again, the course was beautiful. In spite of almost being taken out by one of the drink carts on our way to the first tee, we had a great time. I shot 98, but I blame a stiff breeze. At least partially. Really it was my fault but I’m a golfer so I have many excuses. The service here started well with Ashley serving us on the front nine. A recent graduate on a golf scholarship, she attempted to hit a drive for me. Though the ball was topped I could see she has a great swing and a lot of potential. We looked forward to seeing her often as we made out way around the course. Unfortunately, we never saw her again. On the back nine we finally did see a drink cart but the two women in that cart didn’t even stop to check on us. We were not impressed. We didn’t let it bother us for more than two holes (another excuse) and took our time finishing. Lunch was at a different Murphy’s Law. This one was larger with less smoke and a bartender that could speak normally. It was still Pittsburgh-themed (what is it with these places everywhere?) but we knew the food would be good and we were right. We went back to the hotel and met up with the women for dinner. This time we went back to Murrell’s Inlet for dinner at Bovines. They have some of the very best ribs I’ve ever had. My mouth is watering as I type this. After dinner it was back to the hotel lounge to catch the end of the Caps-Canes game and yet more drinks. We shouldn’t have bothered with the game.

On Sunday we drove up to Grande Dunes Resort Course (GD rank 15). This was the gem of the three rounds. Believe it or not there was a frost delay, so we went off about 35 minutes late. It didn’t matter too much because they have a fabulous practice facility, which was open. This course has a lot of character. I usually don’t like courses that have houses and condos on the course, but it didn’t bother me much this time. I birdied the second hole (par 3) by hitting my tee shot three feet from the cup. With lightning fast greens I felt fortunate to hole the putt. I must say I love my new putter (a Scotty Cameron Newport 2). I highly recommend this for people who like to be treated well, by both the course and the staff). They drink cart even sold us beer before the SC Sunday minimum of noon. Lunch was served at Hooters with, yep, more beer. Afterwards we went to golf nirvana, Martin’s Golf and Tennis. This place has everything you could ever ask for relating to golf. I could spend hours and thousands in this place. I was good however and only spent $34. Another time, another time. Since it was Sunday, the lounge was closed at the hotel. Disappointed we went to a place at Barefoot Landing called Umberto’s for some Italian food. Guess what. It was Pittsburgh-themed. Forget steel, their primary export is people. We were looking for a nice, quiet meal for our last night but it wasn’t to be. A large group commanded the room the only way a NY/NJ group can. Our poor waiter was hoarse by the end of dinner. To apologize for the boisterous group, and to thank us for our patience, he gave us each a shot of Sambuca, himself included. I wish I had a dollar for every waiter or waitress that has ever had a shot with us. It seems to happen a lot. We headed back to the hotel but weren’t ready to pack so we sought out a bar at a neighboring hotel. It sounded easy; go two hotels down. Who knew that this hotel had three buildings. After wandering around their property for what seemed an eternity, we found their bar. We weren’t there long but we each felt it was necessary to wind down from the busy weekend.

We left early Monday morning for the ride home. Our last group meal was at a Cracker Barrel in Lumberton. It was also the first time since Thursday that I didn’t have beer to drink. The general consensus of our group was that we are definitely doing it again next year. We are currently deciding which weekend will work best. I’ll pick three more courses and get the quote. I hope to make this an annual event with more people. Based on the experiences from those of us that went this year, I know it will be memorable.

In the Winter time in Virginia it’s sometimes hard to get out to play golf. At the end of January luck was not with me since we had a day of 60 degree weather but I was tied up with the first day of a weekend musical event for charity. I did enjoy the weather that day because I always wear shorts at the event. It turned bitterly cold the following two days so, although I was still in shorts, I wouldn’t have been playing golf even without the event.

The next week saw us get some snow and ice and the temps stayed well below freezing. On Super Bowl Sunday the weather again turned nice but I was unable once again to get out due to a commitment to make my gumbo for a Super Bowl Party that we were hosting in O’Raleigh’s Neighborhood Pub. It probably wouldn’t have mattered anyway since there was still snow and ice in the shady spots.

After having two strikes against me in the quest for Winter golf, things began to look promising. Last weekend started with temps in the 40’s. Though the morning temps were in the 20’s by noon they had moved into the upper 30’s. I headed out to Virginia Oaks and got in nine holes. This was the first time I’d swung a club since early January. There was some rust but overall I wasn’t displeased. On Saturday I had setup a 9:30 tee time and I met a friend at the course. There was a frost delay but we were able to get off on the back nine at 9:45. The temps got into the 60’s and we had one of the most enjoyable rounds in a long time. We weren’t rushed, we played decently and, with the exception of some residual snow and ice, the course was in pretty good shape. We had to remember that it’s still February and the ground was still frozen. I still smile thinking about the trouble getting a tee into the ground. Next time I’m bringing a nail.

After having such a great time on Saturday I decided to make it out again on Sunday. My playing partner had to cancel so I headed out and hooked up with a twosome and another single. The course conditions had improved immensely since the temps stayed above freezing overnight. Tees were easier to get into the ground. I played ok and once again just enjoyed the weather and being outside at the course. That’s what it is for me. I just like being there.

On Monday I had to go back to work but I did get in nine more holes in the afternoon. The temps were still in the 60’s so I couldn’t resist. Four straight days in February. That won’t happen every year. And I still have a trip to Myrtle Beach to look forward to in March.

The holidays this year were decent for golf. I made it out for two and a half rounds. The temperatures fluctuate wildly but that’s par for the course this time of year. I found out that FootJoy makes a fleece hat that is incredible for any outside activity when it’s cold. I also use their WinterSof cold weather gloves. There is a loss of feel when using them but less than would be lost if my hands were numb from golfing without them. Winter golf is more about trying to keep my swing than scoring well so I don’t mind. With that hat and those gloves, coupled with a few warm, lightweight layers, I’m set. Anything above 35-40 degrees is fine.

Friday it was cold and windy. Well, the wind is still here but the temps have gone up. I got out yesterday for 18 and it was about 55 degrees. Even dealing with the wind I shot an 87. Since it’s the off season here in Virginia the tees have been moved up for the winter. That helps although I have to say the wind countered any benefit the tees gave me. I also got out for 9 this afternoon when the temperature was 65 degrees. It’s the middle of December for crying out loud. Still windy though.

On another topic, I was reading the latest issue of Golf Digest and I came across a short article about Meadows Farms Golf Course. This course is about 1.25 hours from my house. I’ve played it once more than ten years ago and I found it interesting. After reading the article I think I need to make a trip out one day to play it again.

It was forty degrees and windy today. I had told myself that as long as it stopped raining (which it’s done for two days now) that I would play golf. When I awoke this morning I could tell it had stopped so I went about my business of dressing for golf. I didn’t realize the wind was up until I walked out of the house. But since I was already dressed for golf I figured I might as well give it a shot. After dropping of Alyssa at school I heading to Virginia Oaks. When I checked in at the desk I was informed that I was the first customer of the day. An empty course; just the way I like it.

The front nine is the more protected of the two and I felt pretty good. I even began to get a little warm out there. Then I made the turn. The back nine is more open and therefore the wind was much stronger. Several times I had to back away from my ball because the wind was blowing me off balance and my score went up because of it. I still shot a 92 and considering the fact that it’s December, forty degrees and with 30 mph wind gusts, I’m not too upset. I was playing golf. How could that be a bad thing?

I have an iPhone 3G.  I love this thing.  A device that marries a phone, internet, gps and a camera is incredible.  I am somewhat of a gps junkie.  I’ve had several handheld gps devices and when I first heard about Sky Caddy I was sold.  The problem is that I couldn’t justify spending up to $500 on a device that is just for the course.  Nevermind that other equipment is sometimes just as much.

When I got my phone I searched the App Store for applications that would utilize the gps.  At first there weren’t many and the ones that were there weren’t that great or didn’t have many courses to choose from.  Then I found GreenFinder.  The price is more than most iPhone apps but it’s very worth it in my opinion.  I dropped the $35 for the app and took it out to the course.

My home course is Virginia Oaks in Gainesville, Virginia.  The carts at the course have gps in them.  That’s nice if you’re riding in a cart and the policy of the day let’s you drive on the fairways.  But what are you supposed to do if it’s cart path only or you’re walking the course?  That’s where this application shines.  From any point on the course (or the world for that matter) you get the yardage to the hazards as well as the front, middle and back of the greens.  I’ve also found the people at GreenFinder to be extremely responsive.  I was playing a different course and the readings were obviously wrong.  I contacted the company that night and received a response within an hour.  The mistake was corrected the next day.  If you find a course that isn’t mapped you just have to click a button and send the request.  I’ve found that the process takes only a week or two.

This is well worth the price, especially considering that other golf gps devices are usually several hundred dollars.  If I have any complaints it’s that the program does not allow you to keep score.  That’s ok though.  There are several other apps available that do.