Walking the Course

[Maxwell]

Late winter, heavy steady rainfall & Misty the American Cocker Spa

This morning, we had a "Heavy Rain Warning" for St. Catharines,Ontario but winters almost over and there is not much snow left at the Royal Niagara Golf Course . Misty, our American Cocker Spanial is a "tough little dog" who seems to like the cold conditions of southern Ontario and loves a walk on a golf course. This morning we headed out for a walk around the perimeter with lots of rain, 30 kt. winds, over-flowing streams and icy cart paths. We saw three "White Tail Deer" running away from us and around the course, watched a 60 car Toronto bound train moving westward along it's tracks and lots of Canada Geese taking off and landing all over the course. Our "GustBuster" umbrella gotta a good work-out this morning and worked very well indeed. A gift a couple of years ago from Donna. By the time we were heading towards the tee box on the first hole we were both pretty wet but the walk on the golf course was fun. Attached is a picture of Misty and our daughter Katie.
Max

[cardoustie]

Maxwell

Just came in drenched from doing the same thing at King Valley with our tri-colour American Cocker - his name is Charlie

He loves charging around the course in the off season, a scent of a rabbit and he is off !! He also loves chasing Canada Geese in the Fall

The funny thing is my clubs were in the back of the SUV from yesterday's visit to the local golf dome, in full withdrawal, have only been a few times all winter

I attached an image of him from the summer in shake down mode after one of his swims in Lake Huron (Kincardine)[attachment=739202:beach dog.JPG]

[profsmitty]

It must be very hard for people who play golf 12 months a year to identify the angst that those of us whose golf season is measured by months (or in some of your cases, weeks). This is a very painful time. We can see the end of the wait. We're teased occasionally. But it's supposed to be in the forties next week with wind and maybe rain. Maybe by next weekend . . .

[Maxwell]

[size="4"]Smith5606 - Golfers from southern latitudes(from us) are fortunate to play the game "all year round". I think I would like that option but having grown up in a 4 seasons part of the world, I think I would miss that aspect as well. Sometimes, a break from golf is good. It provides reflection, analysis and a "child like anticipation" for the opportunity to get out on the course.
Max[/size]

[profsmitty]

This week is supposed to feature a couple of days in the 50s. I haven't played in so long . . . Guess where I'll be if it does reach half a century!

[teespoon]

[quote name='smith5606' timestamp='1324910767' post='3988589']
This week is supposed to feature a couple of days in the 50s. I haven't played in so long . . . Guess where I'll be if it does reach half a century!
[/quote]

Go for it Smith. It was 52 here in South Georgia yesterday, and I walked nine with 3 clubs and putter. Felt good to be walking again. Old guys like me get in the Carts too much..!

teespoon

[stage1350]

I'd just be happy to find a course in Vegas that would let me take my dog with me on the course. 4+ miles of walking is exactly what he needs and if I can get in 18 at the same time, so much the better.

[Woodridge]

Around 30 years ago I used to play golf at dusk with an older guy whose Sheltie would walk around with us. Some of the best times I've had on the golf course were those evenings.

[Maxwell]

[quote name='Woodridge' timestamp='1326652573' post='4088577']
Around 30 years ago I used to play golf at dusk with an older guy whose Sheltie would walk around with us. Some of the best times I've had on the golf course were those evenings.
[/quote]

Ya know Woodridge, I've thought about something like that too! Sounds like a relaxing and fun way to play some golf - Max

[Ironmaster Oddities]

[quote name='Maxwell' timestamp='1355060790' post='6041293']
[quote name='Woodridge' timestamp='1326652573' post='4088577']
Around 30 years ago I used to play golf at dusk with an older guy whose Sheltie would walk around with us. Some of the best times I've had on the golf course were those evenings.
[/quote]

Ya know Woodridge, I've thought about something like that too! Sounds like a relaxing and fun way to play some golf - Max
[/quote]

Woodridge and Blair,
That brings back memories of my youth. We would play 18 in the late afternoon, after we clocked out of our summer jobs. Then around dusk, when the course was about empty,we'd tee it up again. This time it would be cross-country golf. Playing from the furthest southwest green (#9) to the 14th green at the northeast corner of the property. Then back again from 15 tee to the 2nd green. Par 10 "holes" , if my memory serves me. And the bets would fly. Big money: probably a buck or two on low total, plus a coke for a "birdie" and a dollar for an "eagle".. Just 4 or 5 of us lunatic kids having a great summer evening, giving each other the needle at every opportunity.
A lot of times I forget that we are supposed to [b]play[/b] golf, not work golf. Over the past few years, as my game has evaporated, it has been hard to remember that.

Uncle Bob

[flip flappy]

I turned 45 this past Saturday and have started trying to walk more lately. I would rather get exercise playing golf than going to a gym. Our weather has been really warm lately but a cold front came in with 45 for the high with 15 mph winds today. It was cloudy with a little drizzle. I got there at 7:50 this morning with an empty parking lot, except for the guy that works the pro shop. I walked 18 and went in the clubhouse hung out with the super a while and then had lunch. The guy in the pro shop joked with me that my green fee was good for all day, that I should see if I could walk 9 more since it wouldn't cost anymore! I went ahead and did it and shot the best 9 I have in a while! Not a soul played all day, except me! Pretty cool having the course to yourself all day!

[guisician]

[quote name='flip flappy' timestamp='1355352590' post='6058989']
I turned 45 this past Saturday and have started trying to walk more lately. I would rather get exercise playing golf than going to a gym. Our weather has been really warm lately but a cold front came in with 45 for the high with 15 mph winds today. It was cloudy with a little drizzle. I got there at 7:50 this morning with an empty parking lot, except for the guy that works the pro shop. I walked 18 and went in the clubhouse hung out with the super a while and then had lunch. The guy in the pro shop joked with me that my green fee was good for all day, that I should see if I could walk 9 more since it wouldn't cost anymore! I went ahead and did it and shot the best 9 I have in a while! Not a soul played all day, except me! Pretty cool having the course to yourself all day!
[/quote]

Nothing like having the course or practice tee to yourself; this time of year in the northeast is great for this. And walking is the rhythm of golf, pure & simple.

[flip flappy]

[quote name='guisician' timestamp='1355387173' post='6061249']
[quote name='flip flappy' timestamp='1355352590' post='6058989']
I turned 45 this past Saturday and have started trying to walk more lately. I would rather get exercise playing golf than going to a gym. Our weather has been really warm lately but a cold front came in with 45 for the high with 15 mph winds today. It was cloudy with a little drizzle. I got there at 7:50 this morning with an empty parking lot, except for the guy that works the pro shop. I walked 18 and went in the clubhouse hung out with the super a while and then had lunch. The guy in the pro shop joked with me that my green fee was good for all day, that I should see if I could walk 9 more since it wouldn't cost anymore! I went ahead and did it and shot the best 9 I have in a while! Not a soul played all day, except me! Pretty cool having the course to yourself all day!
[/quote]

Nothing like having the course or practice tee to yourself; this time of year in the northeast is great for this. And walking is the rhythm of golf, pure & simple.
[/quote]
I felt like I was the owner of my own private golf course!
Walking does bring a whole new aspect to the game. Just about everybody I play golf with are cart riders, but I have one buddy who walks occasionally and is ready to get on board with walking all the time!
I know an older gentleman that is 69 years old that walks 18 at least 3 times a week. Shoots even par to just a few over also.

[Skip Castaneda]

Loved reading your stories. I prefer to walk and play alone. I love to play golf with old timers. Twenty years ago when I first started playing, I loved hearing their stories about being in WW2 or Korea. Then they would tell me they came home, found a job, got married, started a family, bought a home, work, come home to the wife and kids every night. The Greatest Generation they are called. Now those old men are slowly going away. It was an honor to play golf with them.

[oldschoolrocker]

So very true Skip about "The Greatest Generation ". We owe them a supreme debt of gratitude. Not as many of them around these days, so any time one can have with them is special.

[ScooterMcTavish]

[quote name='Skip Castaneda' timestamp='1377716746' post='7760799']
Loved reading your stories. I prefer to walk and play alone. I love to play golf with old timers. Twenty years ago when I first started playing, I loved hearing their stories about being in WW2 or Korea. Then they would tell me they came home, found a job, got married, started a family, bought a home, work, come home to the wife and kids every night. The Greatest Generation they are called. Now those old men are slowly going away. It was an honor to play golf with them.
[/quote]

Very true.

Used to love visiting with the old veterans at my Grandmother's apartment block. Also used to visit with my great-uncle who served in WWII (and after whom I am named).

Spent a lot of time with this generation, and it has shaped me and many of my fellow Gen Xers so much differently than our baby boom parents. Our folks were too busy out running around for themselves, and were more than happy to leave us with our grandparents, who coincidentally were more than happy to have us with them as much as possible.

[Maxwell]

[quote name='guisician' timestamp='1355387173' post='6061249']
[quote name='flip flappy' timestamp='1355352590' post='6058989']
I turned 45 this past Saturday and have started trying to walk more lately. I would rather get exercise playing golf than going to a gym. Our weather has been really warm lately but a cold front came in with 45 for the high with 15 mph winds today. It was cloudy with a little drizzle. I got there at 7:50 this morning with an empty parking lot, except for the guy that works the pro shop. I walked 18 and went in the clubhouse hung out with the super a while and then had lunch. The guy in the pro shop joked with me that my green fee was good for all day, that I should see if I could walk 9 more since it wouldn't cost anymore! I went ahead and did it and shot the best 9 I have in a while! Not a soul played all day, except me! Pretty cool having the course to yourself all day!
[/quote]

Nothing like having the course or practice tee to yourself; this time of year in the northeast is great for this. And walking is the rhythm of golf, pure & simple.
[/quote]


"walking is the rhythm of golf, pure & simple."


I like that saying. Max

[atlanta golfer]

[quote name='Maxwell' timestamp='1324908187' post='3988493']
[size=4]Smith5606 - Golfers from southern latitudes(from us) are fortunate to play the game "all year round". I think I would like that option but having grown up in a 4 seasons part of the world, I think I would miss that aspect as well. Sometimes, a break from golf is good. It provides reflection, analysis and a "child like anticipation" for the opportunity to get out on the course.
Max[/size]
[/quote]

I like Atlanta as a great compromise (I have lived here since 1981 but am originally from Michigan). We get a very pronounced 4 seasons (leaves turning are beautiful right now) but the winter still averages a high temperature of about the low 50's. We still get depressed when we have lots of days of cold and rain in a row, or when we can't play after work during the week due to darkness. So when we do play on weekends, even with some frost delays, it is a big thrill.

I call it the "off season" because we can play less often and the conditions are not as nice, but we can still play.

[HoldenCornfield]

[quote name='flip flappy' timestamp='1355352590' post='6058989']
I turned 45 this past Saturday and have started trying to walk more lately. I would rather get exercise playing golf than going to a gym.
[/quote]

Lots of great thoughts in this thread, but I wanted to address this one. I know some people who get their endorphin rush from lifting weights. And I'm jealous of my wife who gets one so easily from just a short jog. She'll come in like a ball o'fire after jogging. Me, I'll feel like I just took a beating.

But I realized last evening that I find my endorphin rush on the golf course, walking a solitary nine holes just before sunset. I teed off just ahead of an approaching storm; the wind was gusting, thunder rolled somewhere off to the west, there was an occasional flash of far off lightning (I figured I was safe with my hickory shafts, right?) and the breeze carried the smell of imminent precipitation...but all of that was offset by a birdie on the first hole. Good things seemed to be in the offing.

The sky had blackened by the time I got to #5. The wife called to warn me there was a hailstorm in the neighboring county and that I had better get home.

"But, I'm even par!"

"Well, I guess they can put that on your gravestone."

The rain started as I sank a curling 12 footer for another par on the fifth green, but I had my umbrella ready. The wind was strong enough now that before each shot I'd have to lay my golf bag on top of my open umbrella to keep it from blowing away. But at this point I was walking back in the direction of the clubhouse so why not play my ball as I went, right? Yeah, that makes sense. Keep going.

Made another improbable par save at #6, then popped up my tee shot on #7 leaving me about 215 to the pin. I then nailed my spoon into a helping wind and watched it until I lost it in the gathering gloom, thinking I had probably drawn it into the front left bunker. But when I approached the sand I saw no ball. There on the back edge of the green, though, I found it. And from there I made a really improbable birdie to go one under.

But on #8 the magic ran out. At about the same time the rain stopped and the skies lightened I missed a short par putt, then hooked my tee shot on #9 into the lake. Ended up with a 38.

When I got to my car to load up I realized it was the last one left in the parking lot. I guess everyone else had had the good sense to leave already? By the time I got home, though, the storm had completely blown over and -- true story -- there was a rainbow over my neighborhood as I pulled into the driveway.

What a wonderful evening walk.

[scomac2002]

Great tale HC! I wished I lived a little closer to my club because I can certainly envision those sorts of quick nines teeing off around 6 pm. My wife and I used to play nine and dines at a cute little pitch and putt about 45 minutes from home. A really nice local restaurant catered those dinners and the menus were always varied and interesting. I think it was $35 for your golf and dinner. We would go half a dozen times a summer. Sadly, that club quit offering those a few years back. Those were all the rage for a while, but have fallen by the wayside. It's too bad because I miss them and those early evening strolls!

[birly-shirly]

What a great story well told Holden!

I don't always, or even frequently, score as well as you did - but I can certainly relate to much of the rest of it.

Even under darkness, I find it difficult to walk in the direction of the clubhouse without also hitting balls. And the curiosity of walking up to a green after a decent-feeling shot, wondering where on earth your ball has gone.

I'm almost always the last car in the car park on my midweek outings. Sunsets on the course are awesome.

[HoganApexBlades]

[quote name='HoldenCornfield' timestamp='1433933859' post='11724190'] [quote name='flip flappy' timestamp='1355352590' post='6058989'] I turned 45 this past Saturday and have started trying to walk more lately. I would rather get exercise playing golf than going to a gym. [/quote] Lots of great thoughts in this thread, but I wanted to address this one. I know some people who get their endorphin rush from lifting weights. And I'm jealous of my wife who gets one so easily from just a short jog. She'll come in like a ball o'fire after jogging. Me, I'll feel like I just took a beating. But I realized last evening that I find my endorphin rush on the golf course, walking a solitary nine holes just before sunset. I teed off just ahead of an approaching storm; the wind was gusting, thunder rolled somewhere off to the west, there was an occasional flash of far off lightning (I figured I was safe with my hickory shafts, right?) and the breeze carried the smell of imminent precipitation...but all of that was offset by a birdie on the first hole. Good things seemed to be in the offing. The sky had blackened by the time I got to #5. The wife called to warn me there was a hailstorm in the neighboring county and that I had better get home. "But, I'm even par!" "Well, I guess they can put that on your gravestone." The rain started as I sank a curling 12 footer for another par on the fifth green, but I had my umbrella ready. The wind was strong enough now that before each shot I'd have to lay my golf bag on top of my open umbrella to keep it from blowing away. But at this point I was walking back in the direction of the clubhouse so why not play my ball as I went, right? Yeah, that makes sense. Keep going. Made another improbable par save at #6, then popped up my tee shot on #7 leaving me about 215 to the pin. I then nailed my spoon into a helping wind and watched it until I lost it in the gathering gloom, thinking I had probably drawn it into the front left bunker. But when I approached the sand I saw no ball. There on the back edge of the green, though, I found it. And from there I made a really improbable birdie to go one under. But on #8 the magic ran out. At about the same time the rain stopped and the skies lightened I missed a short par putt, then hooked my tee shot on #9 into the lake. Ended up with a 38. When I got to my car to load up I realized it was the last one left in the parking lot. I guess everyone else had had the good sense to leave already? By the time I got home, though, the storm had completely blown over and -- true story -- there was a rainbow over my neighborhood as I pulled into the driveway. What a wonderful evening walk. [/quote]

Kevin, as I read yet another glorious story of your golfing escapades, my thoughts once again drift back to the scene in Caddyshack with Carl Spackler caddying for Bishop Pickering during the torrential rainstorm.

RAT FARTS!!!

[attachment=2801486:Bishop.jpg]

[HoldenCornfield]

[quote name='HoganApexBlades' timestamp='1434039740' post='11732370']

Kevin, as I read yet another glorious story of your golfing escapades, my thoughts once again drift back to the scene in Caddyshack with Carl Spackler caddying for Bishop Pickering during the torrential rainstorm.

RAT FARTS!!!

[attachment=2801486:Bishop.jpg]
[/quote]

LOL, that's what I thought of also when the sky turned black!

[Woodridge]

Great post Kevin! How did your new bag handle the weather?

[Kirasdad]

Loved your post Kevin. Wonderful.

One of the problems on living in such a big place as LA is it is very very rare to get any sort of solitary Thoreau like experience on the golf course. Too many people. Never happens. When I travel, however, sometimes I get lucky. The last time was at Mid Pines, oddly enough, you wouldn't think so with the big tournament and all. It was Friday, practice round day, and even though we were supposed to play only 18, after I finished my practice round, I had a bite and asked the pro shop guy if I could go back out. "Sure". I had purchased a new (well, old) driver and wanted to work with it some more. My hickory bag is just a sunday bag, really light, especially with just 9 clubs. I go out and just start hitting shots and strolling along. It's a beautiful place, crisp Nov. weather, hickory clubs, walking, OMG it was something. It's a rolling sort of ground, and I looked out over the landscape I could see almost no one, but myself still out there. The lights of the lovely hotel and clubhouse flickered on as twilight moved to darkness, and I walked in.

Just great.

[Woodridge]

[quote name='Kirasdad' timestamp='1434088654' post='11736838']
Loved your post Kevin. Wonderful.

One of the problems on living in such a big place as LA is it is very very rare to get any sort of solitary Thoreau like experience on the golf course. Too many people. Never happens. When I travel, however, sometimes I get lucky. The last time was at Mid Pines, oddly enough, you wouldn't think so with the big tournament and all. It was Friday, practice round day, and even though we were supposed to play only 18, after I finished my practice round, I had a bite and asked the pro shop guy if I could go back out. "Sure". I had purchased a new (well, old) driver and wanted to work with it some more. My hickory bag is just a sunday bag, really light, especially with just 9 clubs. I go out and just start hitting shots and strolling along. It's a beautiful place, crisp Nov. weather, hickory clubs, walking, OMG it was something. It's a rolling sort of ground, and I looked out over the landscape I could see almost no one, but myself still out there. The lights of the lovely hotel and clubhouse flickered on as twilight moved to darkness, and I walked in.

Just great.
[/quote]


Talk about perfection. That's my idea of heaven right there.

[Sean2]

I usually get to the course around dawn. I go to the short game practice area with my shag bag. The sun is just beginning to rise, the grass is heavily laden with dew, and the birds begin to greet the day with their morning song. The quiet and peacefulness is ineffable. I practice chipping, pitching, and pretty much anything under 90 yards, all the while enjoying the solitude.

If I am fortunate I am sometimes the first one off the tee. I play the first hole quickly, but after that I slow down as I know the groups behind me will never catch up.

I hit my shots, perambulate back and forth across the fairway depending on what aspect of Mother Nature moves me. A couple of weeks ago I saw a decent sized turtle beginning to make his way across the fairway to get to the pond on the other side. He was in for a long haul. So I stopped, picked him up, and carried him to the pond and gently set him down. His little legs where going a mile a minute as we made are way across.

Sometimes I will just stop and sit for a bit and just take in my surroundings, not particularly thinking about anything. Or, I may drop some balls and do some chipping. Or, I may go into the woods, look for golf balls and commune with the mosquitoes.

[scomac2002]

Sean,
That sounds a lot like my now semi-regular Sunday game. I've been playing with the same fellow for five or six years on now at the same tidy little public course.

We arrive around 6:30, get ready and then generally tee off before 7:00, often time before course staff has even arrived It's quiet, dewy and the morning light accentuates the simple beauty of the surroundings that becomes washed out in full midday sun. It is my favourite time of day to play. I have often wondered why more folks don't venture out to see the world arise from its slumber upon a golf course.

[Sean2]

[quote name='scomac2002' timestamp='1434111383' post='11737476']
Sean,
That sounds a lot like my now semi-regular Sunday game. I've been playing with the same fellow for five or six years on now at the same tidy little public course.

We arrive around 6:30, get ready and then generally tee off before 7:00, often time before course staff has even arrived It's quiet, dewy and the morning light accentuates the simple beauty of the surroundings that becomes washed out in full midday sun. It is my favourite time of day to play. I have often wondered why more folks don't venture out to see the world arise from its slumber upon a golf course.
[/quote]

It's great isn't it? No in front, no one behind, and the day just beginning. :-)

[Wriggles]

[quote name='Sean2' timestamp='1434106370' post='11737166']
I usually get to the course around dawn. I go to the short game practice area with my shag bag. The sun is just beginning to rise, the grass is heavily laden with dew, and the birds begin to greet the day with their morning song. The quiet and peacefulness is ineffable. I practice chipping, pitching, and pretty much anything under 90 yards, all the while enjoying the solitude.

If I am fortunate I am sometimes the first one off the tee. I play the first hole quickly, but after that I slow down as I know the groups behind me will never catch up.

I hit my shots, perambulate back and forth across the fairway depending on what aspect of Mother Nature moves me. A couple of weeks ago I saw a decent sized turtle beginning to make his way across the fairway to get to the pond on the other side. He was in for a long haul. So I stopped, picked him up, and carried him to the pond and gently set him down. His little legs where going a mile a minute as we made are way across.

Sometimes I will just stop and sit for a bit and just take in my surroundings, not particularly thinking about anything. Or, I may drop some balls and do some chipping. Or, I may go into the woods, look for golf balls and commune with the mosquitoes.
[/quote]

Sounds pretty much what I do. Though, looking for balls in the woods can be hazardous. I found a tick near my navel back in April. I must have gotten it in the woods looking for balls. I went to a minute clinic for an antibiotic, little buggar was really in there.

After 50 years of golf and golf ball hunting, I got a tick bite. According to the recent newscasts, ticks and the related diseases they carry, are on the rise.

So, everyone, be careful.