Arg's Travel Log

[Argonne69]

Lol. Oy. Why do courses have to make things so difficult? Found several open four-slots at Gleannloch Pines early tomorrow morning. The EZ-Links based booking engine showed 1-4 available. Selected a single player from the drop down, and received an error message stating that the tee time was no longer available. Sure enough the engine is misconfigured, as they don't allow singles to book. So why not just set up up to display 2-4 like hundreds of other courses that don't allow singles to book. 

 

Called the pro shop and was told to to book a twosome, and that they'd cancel one of the spots. Sheesh. 

 

[vernon]

21 hours ago, jjr said:

I've been away for awhile just caught up.

I wanted to ask if you played Pecan Valley on your 2011 trip, it was probably in bad shape at that point, 1 year from closing. 

Probably the only golf course I've actually been disappointed in hearing it had closed, fantastic public track.🥲

I rarely keep cards any longer, top courses only,but I knew I had this one! Very cool old card.

Keep on trucking Arg!

Played Pecan Valley probably a half dozen times back in the late 80's and very early 90's.  Always enjoyed that golf course although it could beat your brains out if you weren't hitting it decent off of the tee.

 

Loved the history of the place but even way back then as best I can recall the "clubhouse" was pitiful.

[Argonne69]

Enjoyable morning. Nice to be back out walking the course after a couple of days off. Got lucky with the weather, as the rain that was forecast held off. A couple of very light sprinkles on two holes, but otherwise a dry round. Well, at least dry from the sky. The course was saturated from the rain yesterday, and was CPO for the riders. I was expecting a slow round, but the twosomes in front were blazing. 

 

Gleannloch Pines today. The parkland layout has three nines (Pines, Gleann, Loch), and routes through a housing development. The homes are set back for the most part, so it doesn't feel pinched. The property is pretty flat, but they did a very good job with the mounding and green complexes. Fairway bunkering was decent. Greenside even better. Unfortunately the bunkers are trash. My playing partner is a member, and said that even in dry conditions they're unplayable. Pity. Water in play on 9 holes on the Pines and Loch nines. Only 5 holes with gentle left/right movement. 

 

Fairly easy off the tee, but a handful of bunkers do get into your head. Minor misses catch the generous rough. Big misses are typically OB. Approaches were fairly tough. Bunkering tended to pinch the green fronts, requiring an aerial attack. Greens had moderate contouring and slope. Middle of the pack as far as putting is concerned. Up and downs were a bit tricky with crummy lies galore from uneven lies. 

 

Par 3s were meh. Nothing memorable. Variety was very poor. Hit an 8 or 9 iron on all four. Par 5s were meh. Two were reachable, but no risk. Short 4s were also benign. Special mention to the tough par 4 Loch #4. 

 

Conditions were very soft. Plenty of areas where planting your foot would bring water to the surface. Turf conditions were decent, though. Rough was low and patchy. Bunkers were unplayable. Greens looked good, but were slow. Probably 9. 

 

Played a Masters/Members combo at 6440 yds (71.0/132). Decent day driving, but drives were losing major distance in the wet conditions. Short game was iffy, but the putter was golden. Three birdies and six bogies. Highlight was the 27' birdie putt on the 2nd par 3, but I topped that with a 72' Texas wedge from just off the front of the green on Loch #3. The pin was in the bsck on the top tier, and it barely made it up the slope before disappearing. 

 

Sadly going with just 4 cows. I definitely liked the look of the course with the mounding. The bunkering and green complexes were also very good. However, the par 3s, 5s, and short 4s were all meh. No walking rate, but the $60 senior weekday rate didn't break the bank. I'd probably tee it up here regularly if I was a local, but it's not a must play when visiting. No shock that I played it on my 4th visit to the area. 

 

[Argonne69]

Gleannloch Pines GC (Pines/Loch), Spring, TX 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full photo set: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/5rfxix6qx4n2auuedxjfd/AGRtiCZRaIorgeszbUPnwjM?rlkey=mmm334xq186817kycj8kz7lla&st=li9s5qq6&dl=0

 

Edited January 28 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

Third visit to Thistle Draftshop in Spring. Excellent selection of brews with 60 taps. Starting with a short pour of Real Ale Devil's Backbone Belgian Tripel (Blanco, TX). One of the imperial porters or stouts is likely on deck. Lol. 

 

 

I wasn't planning to eat out today, but then I remembered the Bleu Burger at Thistle. Didn't disappoint the second time around. 

 

 

Edited January 28 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

This weather is getting depressing. Another slop fest today. Drove to the course in a steady rain, but thankfully it stopped when I pulled into the parking lot, and stayed away for the round. The course was another saturated mess with standing water in the fairways, and practically every step bringing muddy water to the surface. It finally dawned on me after several visits to the area that Houston is only 50 feet above sea level. Like most of Louisiana, it's pretty much a swamp. It hasn't rained a ton this week, but the courses seem to have poor drainage. I was the first and only player out on the course, so at least it was a quick round. 

 

Atascocita GC today. Similar to yesterday's round, the parkland layout has 27 holes (Pinehurst, Point, Shores) that route through a housing development. I played Point to Shores, and it sure seemed like the two were built at different times. Unlike Gleannloch Pines it lacked the interesting mounding and bunkering. About as flat as you can make a course. Fairway bunkering was basically nonexistent. Greenside was OK on the Point nine, but almost no sand on the Shores nine. Water in play on 10 holes. Ten holes with gentle left/right movement. 

 

Fairly easy off the tee with little trouble other that a couple of holes with trees preventing a big draw. Minor misses were fine. Big misses were in someone's swimming pool. Approaches on Point were tough with small, crowned raised greens. Shores had bigger greens with little bunkering. Point's greens had gentle contouring, but a decent amount of slope. Shores' were benign. Putting was fairly straightforward on both. Up and downs were a little tricky due to the spotty condition of the dormant Bermuda. 

 

Par 3s were forgettable. Shores #2 had a pond in play. Nice mix of lengths ranging from a PW to a fairway wood. Par 5s were meh. Shores #1 was actually pretty good with the small green tucked behind a pond, but it played too long to be reachable unless one could bomb it 300 yds off the tee. No short 4s. Actually, very little variety in the par 4s. 

 

Conditions were barely playable. Standing water in the fairways with iffy turf conditions. Played preferred lies, so at least I was able to find a decent lie when I could locate a spot where I wasn't standing in water. Rough wasn't too bad. Bunkers were act playable, but could use a good grooming. Greens were very good. Surprised that they were still rolling 10+.

 

Played a Blue/White combo at 6370 yds on the par 71 layout (72.4/132). Ugly round. Decent off the tee, but drives were going nowhere in the muck. Approaches were almost always hit thin as I tried to pick the ball to avoid getting the big mud splat. Lol. Putter didn't bail me out today. Ten bogies. Highlight was that the rain stayed away. Did manage a 15' par putt on my 13th hole. 

 

Trying not to let the conditions affect my rating, but I have to go with 3 cows. If Gleannloch warranted four, this one isn't in the same category. I did like the green complexes on Point, but otherwise the course needs a boatload of changes. The $32 "Walking Wednesday" rate was nice. Unfortunately no walking rate Thursday through Tuesday. Playable course for the locals, but easily skipped. That said, it was the right call on a rainy day. 

 

[Argonne69]

Atascocita GC, Atascocita, TX (Point and Shores 9s)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full photo set: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/vrp2rr9k7z8xmvvraoocc/AEAnECk7Rlt2cUokSKV5BCk?rlkey=6bs40vji03ztqhyv1xjnakah9&st=pg1jsnzc&dl=0

 

Edited January 29 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

Thought I got lucky finding The Brass Tap a few miles from the course, but this one's taplist is meh. Went with a Delirium Deliria, but it's no Tremens. The sad looking 10 ounce pour is a downer. Lol. 

 

 

[Argonne69]

Going to take the day off tomorrow. The AccuWeather forecast states "A shower in the a.m., cloudy, windy; a few p.m. t-storms, some severe; storms can bring flooding downpours, hail, damaging wind gusts, and an isolated tornado". 

 

'Had my fill of sloppy golf. Hoping for sunny skies on Friday, although I'm sure it'll still be a bog out there. 

 

I managed to schedule a service appointment at the local Honda dealer tomorrow morning. Last major maintenance item the CR-V needs is a drive belt change. I learned years ago not to mess around with timing/drive belts and water pumps. The job will take close to 5 hours, but the dealer will drive me back to the RV park, and pick me up after the job is finished. With crummy weather forecast, it's a good day to knock off the final big ticket item on the Honda with close to 120,000 miles on the odometer. 

 

[Argonne69]

This probably deserves its own thread in the forum, but I'll toss it out here to get your feedback. For years I thought that Texas could be a possible candidate for a future home. I know that the summers can be hot, humid, and windy, and the winters less than idyllic, but I figured one could golf year round with a few brief breaks when the weather turns nasty. 

 

Minus the 12 days spent in Chicago, I've been in the state for 5 weeks. Maybe I just ran into a bad stretch, but boy, it hasn't been the best. I know many of you are staring out at 3 feet of snow and would kill to be playing a few times a week, but the cold, clouds, and slop have definitely put a damper on the excitement. 

 

Begs the question, what's more important? Sunshine and meh courses, or decent courses in mediocre conditions? Not a huge fan of overseeded courses, but I'd love to be out playing on a green course at this point. Lol. Probably be paying quadruple what I've been paying, though. Still don't think Southern Florida or Arizona is my cup of tea, but it's something I have to consider. 

 

[ssp]

17 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

This probably deserves its own thread in the forum, but I'll toss it out here to get your feedback. For years I thought that Texas could be a possible candidate for a future home. I know that the summers can be hot, humid, and windy, and the winters less than idyllic, but I figured one could golf year round with a few brief breaks when the weather turns nasty. 

 

Minus the 12 days spent in Chicago, I've been in the state for 5 weeks. Maybe I just ran into a bad stretch, but boy, it hasn't been the best. I know many of you are staring out at 3 feet of snow and would kill to be playing a few times a week, but the cold, clouds, and slop have definitely put a damper on the excitement. 

 

Begs the question, what's more important? Sunshine and meh courses, or decent courses in mediocre conditions? Not a huge fan of overseeded courses, but I'd love to be out playing on a green course at this point. Lol. Probably be paying quadruple what I've been paying, though. Still don't think Southern Florida or Arizona is my cup of tea, but it's something I have to consider. 

 

I don’t have a great deal of experience but South Carolina or TN is on my radar.  I have played SC many times/courses in all seasons.  My logic on TN is is getting a couple more months in season compared to Chicago but could travel to cure the itch if needed.

[StoutKing]

23 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

This probably deserves its own thread in the forum, but I'll toss it out here to get your feedback. For years I thought that Texas could be a possible candidate for a future home. I know that the summers can be hot, humid, and windy, and the winters less than idyllic, but I figured one could golf year round with a few brief breaks when the weather turns nasty. 

 

Minus the 12 days spent in Chicago, I've been in the state for 5 weeks. Maybe I just ran into a bad stretch, but boy, it hasn't been the best. I know many of you are staring out at 3 feet of snow and would kill to be playing a few times a week, but the cold, clouds, and slop have definitely put a damper on the excitement. 

 

Begs the question, what's more important? Sunshine and meh courses, or decent courses in mediocre conditions? Not a huge fan of overseeded courses, but I'd love to be out playing on a green course at this point. Lol. Probably be paying quadruple what I've been paying, though. Still don't think Southern Florida or Arizona is my cup of tea, but it's something I have to consider. 

 

We have nice low humidity golf weather year round in SoCal but gosh it's so expensive to live or retire here.  The courses are also overbooked.  There's a reason FL and AZ are so popular. 

[SnowbirdTom]

@Argonne69

 

Spent the last three winters down in Houston and January is nearly always a write-off. Mostly wet and cold with wind. It tapers off as you ease into February. Being a northern boy also, cold is relative.  Cypresswood and Willow Fork both heavily flooded early January for about a week.

 

I’d take that over the snow and bitter cold up here.

 

Thinking Columbus, GA might be our alternative next October-March. 

[ThinkingPlus]

28 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

This probably deserves its own thread in the forum, but I'll toss it out here to get your feedback. For years I thought that Texas could be a possible candidate for a future home. I know that the summers can be hot, humid, and windy, and the winters less than idyllic, but I figured one could golf year round with a few brief breaks when the weather turns nasty. 

 

Minus the 12 days spent in Chicago, I've been in the state for 5 weeks. Maybe I just ran into a bad stretch, but boy, it hasn't been the best. I know many of you are staring out at 3 feet of snow and would kill to be playing a few times a week, but the cold, clouds, and slop have definitely put a damper on the excitement. 

 

Begs the question, what's more important? Sunshine and meh courses, or decent courses in mediocre conditions? Not a huge fan of overseeded courses, but I'd love to be out playing on a green course at this point. Lol. Probably be paying quadruple what I've been paying, though. Still don't think Southern Florida or Arizona is my cup of tea, but it's something I have to consider. 

 

About the only part of TX that's truly year around golf is way down here in the RGV. As you found out, the golf is 4 - 5 cow heaven, but even when the winter weather is bad (which usually isn't bad bad) it doesn't stay that way for more than a few days. Today was on-off misty rain and 70s. Yes, we complained. It's also very cost effective, but the golf is more hard scrabble and brick bunker than anything.

[hammergolf]

1 hour ago, Argonne69 said:

This probably deserves its own thread in the forum, but I'll toss it out here to get your feedback. For years I thought that Texas could be a possible candidate for a future home. I know that the summers can be hot, humid, and windy, and the winters less than idyllic, but I figured one could golf year round with a few brief breaks when the weather turns nasty. 

 

Minus the 12 days spent in Chicago, I've been in the state for 5 weeks. Maybe I just ran into a bad stretch, but boy, it hasn't been the best. I know many of you are staring out at 3 feet of snow and would kill to be playing a few times a week, but the cold, clouds, and slop have definitely put a damper on the excitement. 

 

Begs the question, what's more important? Sunshine and meh courses, or decent courses in mediocre conditions? Not a huge fan of overseeded courses, but I'd love to be out playing on a green course at this point. Lol. Probably be paying quadruple what I've been paying, though. Still don't think Southern Florida or Arizona is my cup of tea, but it's something I have to consider. 

 

For me it’s weather first. I lived in South Florida for almost 10 years and except for a few days of the year it’s year round golf. To me, you’ve got the best of both worlds. GREAT golf and weather during the spring and summer in Chicago, then GREAT weather and decent courses in FL for the winter. 
 

If I was moving back to FL, I would be looking in the Ocala to Orlando area. You get a bit more terrain and in my opinion better courses. You would still be able to play year round, and the prices are slightly lower.

[ATXGolferGuy]

30 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

For years I thought that Texas could be a possible candidate for a future home. I know that the summers can be hot, humid, and windy, and the winters less than idyllic, but I figured one could golf year round with a few brief breaks when the weather turns nasty. 

Late December, January and early Feb are going to be hit/miss for course conditions here in TX, the further south you the better the weather is but you're limited on courses. You really can't judge the courses here in these conditions as they will play so different when the grass is green and the south winds get blowing. 

 

March, April, May and some years early June are great for golf along with late September, October and most of November...up until about Thanksgiving.  July/August, early September you can absolutely play, but it's like playing on the surface of the sun at times and if you're anywhere near the coast its like playing on the sun wrapped in a wet blanket. 

 

From June until about mid September or mid October this year, pretty much all of us down here look like Lucas Glover when we play. 

 

I think the perfect golf weather would be Rocky Mountains, west coast in the summer and then high tail it down to New Zealand or Southern Australia for the winter:)

[mshills]

There are very few places with really high quality golf and pleasant weather year round. They are priced accordingly.

[CMCSGolf]

3 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

This probably deserves its own thread in the forum, but I'll toss it out here to get your feedback. For years I thought that Texas could be a possible candidate for a future home. I know that the summers can be hot, humid, and windy, and the winters less than idyllic, but I figured one could golf year round with a few brief breaks when the weather turns nasty. 

 

Minus the 12 days spent in Chicago, I've been in the state for 5 weeks. Maybe I just ran into a bad stretch, but boy, it hasn't been the best. I know many of you are staring out at 3 feet of snow and would kill to be playing a few times a week, but the cold, clouds, and slop have definitely put a damper on the excitement. 

 

Begs the question, what's more important? Sunshine and meh courses, or decent courses in mediocre conditions? Not a huge fan of overseeded courses, but I'd love to be out playing on a green course at this point. Lol. Probably be paying quadruple what I've been paying, though. Still don't think Southern Florida or Arizona is my cup of tea, but it's something I have to consider. 

 

This January has been particularly rough with basically below average temperatures for the entire month. That being said, it's not going to be like Arizona.  As far as weather, I think Texas is close to the best in the country (barring coastal California). The summers are hot, but livable.  Especially since you are an early morning golf guy. The winters are mild and you can play golf ~51 weeks per year.

 

Cost of living is good here, but there are too main drawbacks in my view. (1) The golf is mediocre at best.  Coming from Chicago where there are 75 solid to good courses within an hour drive, there is nothing like that in Texas I've seen.  Yes there are plenty of good courses in the state, but the plethora of walkable interesting courses in the midwest is hard to beat. Secondly, there is nothing within a days drive of anything in Texas.  This might not be a big deal to a retiree who doesn't mind the long drives, but it is a bummer that there are essentially no weekend trips available to Texans. Compare this to the Carolinas where you can be in the mountains or the beach within 4 hours.  In Texas you get a dirty gulf or a 1,000 miles of plains.

[buckI]

Arg, not sure what you’ve been doing is for me but definitely have seen a lot of the country and played a lot of courses.

 

Personally I like better courses.    Living in Ohio I play at a good club which is not stuffy and we have about 12-16 guys that play early each day.    As a recent retiree, thinking of doing some multi week trips to warmer locations in the colder months but not being locked in to one specific locale to go to.   Spring and fall golf in the Midwest is usually pretty great.

[Argonne69]

10 hours ago, hammergolf said:

For me it’s weather first. I lived in South Florida for almost 10 years and except for a few days of the year it’s year round golf. To me, you’ve got the best of both worlds. GREAT golf and weather during the spring and summer in Chicago, then GREAT weather and decent courses in FL for the winter. 
 

If I was moving back to FL, I would be looking in the Ocala to Orlando area. You get a bit more terrain and in my opinion better courses. You would still be able to play year round, and the prices are slightly lower.

 

I'll be in the Orlando area in five to six weeks. Yeah, decent golf and decent weather.

 

One of my family members sold their winter home in Florida and moved to Charlotte. I'll be visiting in late March. I do like the Carolinas, but the summer humidity could be a killer.

 

Still uncommitted on a final place to set down roots, but I wouldn't be shocked if I wound up back in the midwest, and then wintered in the deep south.

 

[mshills]

Our plan has always been to get back to the southeast….we are misplaced southerners, job moved me around a bit. The heat and humidity I’m fine with — don’t love it, but it’s no big deal. Like most of Texas, most of the southeast gets about 4-6 weeks when it is too cold and wet to play. I love Bermuda — a nice dormant tan Bermuda fairway is a perfect surface from which to strike a golf ball. 

[Argonne69]

13 minutes ago, mshills said:

Our plan has always been to get back to the southeast….we are misplaced southerners, job moved me around a bit. The heat and humidity I’m fine with — don’t love it, but it’s no big deal. Like most of Texas, most of the southeast gets about 4-6 weeks when it is too cold and wet to play. I love Bermuda — a nice dormant tan Bermuda fairway is a perfect surface from which to strike a golf ball. 

 

Yeah, I don't mind dormant grass when it's sunny and dry. It's this wet, muddy stuff that's killing me at the moment. Lol.

 

[vallygolf]

Weather wins out in my book, but I just love to golf.  I really enjoy great courses, but have no problem teeing it up at a complete goat track.  Playing well is playing well.  This is why AZ is a great fit for me.  There is plenty of high quality golf, but loads of places to just get out and golf.  Usually travel 5-6 times a year to play destination courses and have a home club I love to play for the rest.  Not a single day this year that I couldn't have golfed if I wanted, a few summer days that I would recommend a cart instead of walking, but all in all it suits me fine.  The only other places with this ability is Ca, and Fl.

[zer0]

On 1/10/2025 at 5:14 PM, ZephyrS4 said:

I see you got it un-cut…..a buddy ordered deep dish once and had it delivered that way. Made sense, so as to not have everything leak out.

 

 

It's the ONLY way to order a deep dish.  Otherwise you will ruin your pizza.

[zer0]

On 1/11/2025 at 2:45 PM, mci711 said:

 

I got it uncut in Scottsdale out of habit. When I got to my hotel, I remembered I didn't have anything to cut it with. Ended up just picking the whole thing up and eating it like a caveman. 

 

 

Did you at least fold it NY style? 🤣

[ssp]

2 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

I'll be in the Orlando area in five to six weeks. Yeah, decent golf and decent weather.

 

One of my family members sold their winter home in Florida and moved to Charlotte. I'll be visiting in late March. I do like the Carolinas, but the summer humidity could be a killer.

 

Still uncommitted on a final place to set down roots, but I wouldn't be shocked if I wound up back in the midwest, and then wintered in the deep south.

 

The midwest/south combo is ideal really ... pending all the financials work out.  Our timeframe is at 5 years.  Starting in 2 years my wife retires and we plan to do 6+ week winters for 3 years to decide on more perm location.  I also suspect we just continue that trend and extend the 6+ weeks.  Will start with SC.

[zer0]

On 1/21/2025 at 8:08 AM, Argonne69 said:

Looks like I made the right call yesterday heading to SATX. Wouldn't really want to be driving in this. 

 

 

I was planning to go grocery shopping, but it can wait until tomorrow after the ice has melted. Don't need to wreck the Honda driving on icy roads for a carton of orange juice. 

 

 

 

Cmon Arg, you're from Chicago, don't be such a pvssy.  🤣

[GowerND11]

What about Alabama? Idk the quality of golf, but with the RTJ Trail, is that an option?

[mci711]

16 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

This probably deserves its own thread in the forum, but I'll toss it out here to get your feedback. For years I thought that Texas could be a possible candidate for a future home. I know that the summers can be hot, humid, and windy, and the winters less than idyllic, but I figured one could golf year round with a few brief breaks when the weather turns nasty. 

 

Minus the 12 days spent in Chicago, I've been in the state for 5 weeks. Maybe I just ran into a bad stretch, but boy, it hasn't been the best. I know many of you are staring out at 3 feet of snow and would kill to be playing a few times a week, but the cold, clouds, and slop have definitely put a damper on the excitement. 

 

Begs the question, what's more important? Sunshine and meh courses, or decent courses in mediocre conditions? Not a huge fan of overseeded courses, but I'd love to be out playing on a green course at this point. Lol. Probably be paying quadruple what I've been paying, though. Still don't think Southern Florida or Arizona is my cup of tea, but it's something I have to consider. 

 

 

I'm going to end up in Az or Nevada. Our biggest difference, though, is that I went from playing 100+ rounds a year in Chicago to playing 50 or so. You are much more dedicated than I am 😂 and play a lot more. So my cost per round would be a lot but less rounds. I also don't mind playing 90% of my current rounds at my club. I know you like to mix it up right now. Do you get bored playing the same course or is that an option? The only real option for GREAT golf and weather year-round is California, in my opinion. And unless my company sells for a lot more than it is worth I can't afford that lol

 

I'd put parts of the Carolinas at 2. Retiring to the Pinehurst area sounds like a great life to me. I am kind of out on humidity though. I have 20 years to think about it ha

Edited January 30 by mci711

[Argonne69]

2 hours ago, zer0 said:

 

 

Cmon Arg, you're from Chicago, don't be such a pvssy.  🤣

 

Lol. It's not my driving that I worry about. It's the knuckleheads in the big pickup trucks that think because they have 4 wheel drive they're exempt from the laws of physics. Every time there's a light coating of snow we see countless videos of drivers spinning off the roads.