The other hobby...

A close friend/ co Board member is a member there and he has invited me a couple of times. My first time was a couple of years ago and it is all you think it would be. It is, of course, the most nerve racking first tee shot you will ever take. The foursome is really an 8-some with the caddies, and you really want to impress them for some reason. My first drive went straight right into the woods. Thankfully they told us to hit 2 off the first. Managed a par on the 1st on my way to a 38 on the front (birdied downhill par 3 #6 with a 1 ft tap in). Front nine was good but not great for me, but then again...


My caddie was a 60 something year old named Lewis. I ended up referring to him as St. Louis as he easily saved me 10 strokes on the green. He has caddied for 30+ years out there, and was on a bag in 15 Masters. Knew Mr. Roberts pretty well it seemed. He watched me on the range for 30 minutes and actually made some adjustments/ suggestions with my swing. Once on the course, he NEVER let me choose a club. Just handed me what he was willing to let me hit. Even around the green. He kept my driver in his hand on the green and told me to putt to where he indicated with my driver. "This is the hole...putt like this is the hole." He must have said that on every hole. I would have misread most putts by a mile. Especially speed.

Ended up with a triple on 15, and didn't even go in the water. Hit it in the trees on the left at the top of the hill, and they had let the rough grow up. Took three shots to get it out of there. Three putted as well. Ended up with an 81, but should have easily been a high 70's round. It is not long at all from the Member's tee boxes, and just incredible to look behind you on the tee and see where the big boys play from.

The day is a perfect day as we get there around 11:00, and hang out in the clubhouse. Visit the real pro shop where you can get stuff you cannot get the week of the tournament. My buddy spend over $1,000 in there a couple of months ago when we played.

Lunch in the grill is very good as you can imagine. I have had the club sandwich, burger, and a melt of some kind.
Then it is off to the range and putting green before tee off.
Play from 1:30ish till 5:30 and then drinks in the grill.

Oh yeah, every time I have to get the "regular" at the turn. The drink of choice on the turn is a Transfusion. Grape Juice, Ginger Ale, and Vodka (I think). Whatever it is it is real tasty. There is someone waiting on the 10th tee to take your drink order and fix it right there.

So much fun to walk the course and not have all the stands around and just play the shots you have watched for ever.

The last time I played, Amen Corner took me behind the woodshed. +6 on those three alone.

Well, gotta get, but this has been fun. I love to go and am so grateful for the opportunity when it is given.

I recommend putting it on your Bucket List if you haven't already.