Slingers together – part 2 91

Southern Comfort Swing

Chevy

None of us played particularly well. Deb made sure we understood that she didn’t care for Bermuda. Welcome to the south! But we all laughed and had a great time. I lost count of how many times Met threw her clubs, I guess you can afford to do that when you aren’t paying for them. But she’s pretty good at it and didn’t break a single club. I had met MX and Deb at Pinehurst and it was great seeing them again. They are two of my favorite people. Meeting Paul was a real treat. He’s like a long lost brother. I felt like we had known each other for years. Of course having Met here was awesome as usual. It was good to have the gang back together. Yes it was disappointing more Slingers couldn’t come but that’s how it goes. Y’all missed a great 3 days of golf and fun commiserating and great companionship. I was truly sad to have to say good-bye Thursday to Paul, MX and Deb. But Met and I made our way back to Aiken so we could meet Golf in Atlanta for more fun!

Now let me explain this to ya… Coastal golf is flat with plenty of water.
Golf’s home course is about as opposite to that as possible. Not a flat spot anywhere on that course. Tough fast greens on top of it all. YOU DON’T want to be above the hole! Golf’s friend Clint played with us and was a nice guy who can hit the ball a mile but with little idea of where it was going to end up. Never threw a club once though… hint hint. My game still sucked but it was a fun course to play and I really enjoyed it.

Slingers rock! Thanks again Metro for bringing us all together.

MX

For the second year in a row a few Slinger’s came together to play golf, gossip, eat and have the occasional cocktail.

Deb and I left on Sunday, not sure what we would find after S.C had been slammed with record breaking rain.  Our first challenge was I-95 was closed just North of where we needed to go.  No problem, we have smart phones and GPS.  Not two miles after we got off the interstate we were as lost as a four year old at Disney World.  I mean we were in the middle of no damn where, with no signs other than repeatedly running into “road closed ahead”.  We were so far from signs of intelligent life the Map Quest app wouldn’t work.  This is a no shit fact, both Deb and I tried to use our smart phones only to get a vague blue screen that said Map Quest didn’t know where we were either.  So as I drove around Deliverence Country (are those dueling banjos I hear) with a gas gauge dipping below a quarter left; my brave and smart bride said screw the map app and we drove from a small road to a bigger one and then from there to yet a bigger one and so on until we found a road that had a center line.  From there it was on to a road with a double yellow line and eventually on to an intersection with a stop light.  Thank God we had found civlilization with people who still had most of their teeth.  150 miles of detour and we found our hotel with Met, Chevy and Phil standing outside looking worried (actually I think Met was smoking).  Finally at our destination we all greeted and compared traveling stories, our near death experience and Met’s 30 hours traveling from Singapore to S.C.

All checked in at the hotel we considered our options for dinner and settled on the sports bar located about 25 yards from the hotel’s front door.  This is now a requirement for all Slinger gatherings, a nearby bar, one that preferably also serves food.  We got together to drink to our pending adventure, and to world peace and pretty much anything else.  We planned our initial foray at Charleston National golf club the next day.  After breakfast the next day we gathered in the parking lot and took our two car convoy to the golf course.  It was a very nice facility and probably the hardest course we would play.  So of course I played terrible.  I wasn’t playing well coming in so it wasn’t a surprise but you always hope lightning will strike and you will play your best, but that wasn’t the case.  I wasn’t alone as the only one who played well was Chevy who manuevered his way around the course with skill.  I spent the day figuring out how many balls I had in my bag versus the rate I was hooking them into the swamp.  (I know Met, the hook is the better player’s miss, but it just means I am hitting my second from the left woods vice the right woods). Still we survived the round and thankfully we were able to play as a fivesome so there were always five sets of eyes tracking every tee shot.  Afterwards under Chevy’s knowledgable guidance went to Market Street in Charlston to shop and dine in a fine seafood restaurant.  It was a perfect end to a day of bad golf and great company.

The next day was our 36 hole marathon.  It was comfortable golf shoes and hydrate, hydrate hydrate.  The first course was Coosaw Creek and then on to Westcott Plantation.  Coosaw Creek was a very nice course, up scale and after a rough start I and everyone else started to play better.  At least I was losing balls at a slower rate.  Some of that is due to Met giving us all lessons on the driving range before the start of play.  Again we managed to play as a fivesome which made for a lot of fun and trash talk.  We finished our round with no time to spare before rushing off to Westcott Plantation, a couple of miles away.  Rush to park, pay and get our carts, no need to warm up and we were off again as a fivesome.  Westcott was more of your standard public course, probably the easiest we played but still a nice track.  As it was the easiest so of course I played my best golf of the trip.  We were racing the sun and we finished at dusk.  Tired and in need of a showers all around we headed back to the hotel and dinner and drinks at our favorite bar which was still the one closest to the hotel.

Up early the next morning we all took an excursion to a golf store for supplies, some of us needed yet one more box of golf balls.  And then it was off to Stono Ferry which is a resort level course for our last shot at glory.  A stunning course where we finally ran out of luck and couldn’t play as a fivesome.  Running along a river the course was a treat, with the final hole a short par four with an island green.  A poor 4 iron off the tee left me a long second, my five iron hit and got hung up on the bank.  Still dry I hit a fair chip and two putted for bogey.  I was just happy to finish with the same ball I started with.

That night back to our favorite bar (the close one) and favorite waiter for a final dinner and drinks.  Lots of laughs, opinons and friendship.  Chevy ordered shots all around and we toasted until the next time.  Met, Phil, Chevy, Golfer Deb and me all had drinks and sang sad songs (actually we laughed and told lies).  The next morning Deb and I were the first to leave.  After breakfast we did the hugs and goodbyes (Phil, Chevy and I did Bro Hugs, nothing weird).  And then we were off back to Maryland over the now open I-95 which means we missed seeing our toothless friends from the drive down.  Another memorable Slinger trip, bad and sometimes fair golf, good friends and cold beer.

Sign us up for the next one!

DEB

So it has been several weeks since the Charleston Southern Comfort tour. And I am already hoping for another Slinger get together.  The group was smaller than the last one in Pinehurst, we had a blast just the same. The weather looked to be perfect for the gathering, and it certainly was. After the horrendous rain that they had received the weeks before, I was worried about the course conditions. But I called each one, a few days before we were to head south, and they all assured me that they were open for play, and recovering nicely. Whew, that was a relief.  So MX and I headed out on Sunday, the weather, glorious.

We left Maryland early in the morning, figuring an 8 hour trip, even with road detours. We knew that part of I-95 was closed going south, but all my GPS info said we could get around that. Great ride to Florence, SC. We looked to be ahead of schedule. Not so fast….As Mapquest led us to a state road, we came to a screeching halt. Road washed out. Drat, ok, reroute…again, road washed out. Ok…it got so bad the GPS actually started taking us down dirt roads, and even driveways. Then it had is U-turn. I mean, really.  For a while we could not even get the GPS to work! Running out of gas, we just started to look for signs of civilization. After an hour lost in” Deliverance “country, we finally made out way back to where we got off the interstate. We were resolved to take the long road to Charleston, and we knew that was open all the way. An 8 hour trip turned into 11 hours. Great start.  But we finally made it to our hotel for the trip. And the rest of the gang was there waiting. Hugs all around, and of to the conveniently located bar/restaurant.  Love that cold beer! Lots of catching up with Metro and Chevy, and great to meet Paul. This is going to be good. Plans were set for meeting in the am, and MX and I crashed for the night.

First day, golf at Charleston National. The course was very close to the hotel, so that was nice. I was located in a beautiful community, lots of gorgeous homes. All checked in, we went to the range to warm up. At the first Tee we were given clearance by the starter to play as a fivesome. Sweet! Off we went. I wasn’t playing very well, but what the heck. The course was longer than most I play, so that was a challenge. But it was beautiful. A large part of the course wound through the lowland wetlands, full of marshy areas and water. Since I play from the cheating tees, I did not have to hit over most of the hazards. Thank goodness. Lots of laughs along the way, and great scenery. My first encounter with Bermuda grass. Not a fan, I must say.

We ended up finishing early in the day, so we got cleaned up and headed to downtown Charleston for a bit of a walk, and dinner. We strolled around Market Street, full of shops of all manner of things. Lots of tourist stuff. Then off to Hymans for a seafood dinner.  A classic sort of place, casua,l but delicious. I think the Buffalo shrimp was the hit of the night.  A great way to spend an evening with Slinger friends. Chevy, thanks for taking us there!

Day two was our double day. I don’t think I have ever played 36 holes in one day, and I don’t think I am likely to do that again. Holy moly, a very long day indeed.  First up was Coosaw Creek. Another golf course in a beautiful community. Lucky us, fivesome again! The course was a challenging one, at least for me. Funny that they have to post warning signs about messing with alligators. Pretty common sense, if you ask me. Glad for the signs though. We don’t have those kinds of hazards in Maryland. My compatriots all were having moments along the way, but after all, it is golf. We were cutting it close for our next tee time At Wescott Plantation. So we packed up fast and zoomed over to the next  site of shenanigans. The course was pretty close, so that helped.  This course has 3 nines, so we were given the directions for the two we were playing, and off we went.

I was pretty tired already, so I knew that this was going to be a very long afternoon. And actually, this turned out to be my best round of the four we played. Though, I will say, that toward the end it was more like hockey. It was threatening rain, and getting dark. I think we all were hungry too. I don’t remember too much about the course. Let’s see, here were trees, some water, oh, and that damn Bermuda grass.  Still not a fan.  All done, exhausted. We headed back to the hotel, got cleaned up and stumbled to the bar. Relived the moments of the day and solved the world problems. Slingers are the best.  We have made some plans to go to a local golf shop before our last round. Off to bed kiddies!

Last day of golf and we all managed to get up after the longest day of golf EVER!  We rounded up in the morning and headed to a golf shop nearby to secure a shaft  for the shiny new driver head that Metro bestowed on Paul. Christmas and a birthday all at the same time. We went back to the hotel, only to gather up again and head to the last course on the agenda, Stono Ferry.

As usual, Metro gave the boys lessons in the parking lot before we left. Always looking for the magic, eh. The course of the day was a semi private one and they were persnickity about us a fivesome.  So MX, Metro and I played the first nine, then Met dropped back to play with Phugg and Chevy.  This was one of the prettiest courses I have played. Front was very much parkland style, while the back had wonderful water views.  MX and I motored away on the back, and the course was quite a challenge.  “Gosh, I wish I had known that was there.”  Oh well, It still was fun. The 18th green was an island, so MX and I could watch the other slingers hit up. Lots of chatter on our parts, harassing those still playing.

But our  golf adventures had come to a close. Happy but sad as well.  For the last time we headed back to the hotel for our final dinner together, and of course, reliving our last few days. The following morning, we said our goodbyes early. MX and I wanted to get on the road.  Hugs and well wishes shared by all. Phugg, my man, hope you can make it back again someday.  Chevy, thanks for getting us together. You are a real gentleman,  special thanks to you. Metro, you are the best. I hope that you had a good time. Always a pleasure to spend time with you. Hope we can do it again. 

I am already looking forward to the next Slinger gathering.

Metro

3 am Friday 9th October for once, I beat the cat alarm – my turn, yes!

10 hours later and I am in Narita – Tokyo. Easy peasy!
Not so quick.  There is that small issue of that Narita – Atlanta leg ahead. That’s cool, only another 14 hours and then another 2 till Augusta… Remind me again why I am doing this?
It takes me all of a couple of minutes to remember – Slingers Together, part 3 for me and nothing is cooler, except for maybe an inflight entertainment system that works, but that’s another story. Morning Delta 🙂

9 am Saturday 10th of October. It is morning – yes?
And it’s chucking it down – rain that is. 2 hour delay at Goshen Plantation GC in Augusta – Chevy’s home course. The pro is a bloke named Spike and a champion he is. He and his wife could not have been more welcoming. Really, seriously nice people.

Finally, we are off. Carts only in the rough, but an inch of rain will do that.
Nice, really nice golf course and the best part? They let kids play for free. Did I say that Spike was a champion?
Chevy’s mate Randy joined us on the back nine and for reasons only God knows, I suggested and we played another 9.
27 holes. Just what the doctor ordered 🙂

Sunday – off to Charleston after a visit to Chevy’s Freedom Bikers Church for a Sunday sabbatical. Cool people and again, so very welcoming. This Southern thing is quite nice and growing on me.

Check into a Comfort Hotel somewhere? in Charleston with the obligatory  sports bar next door – Happy Days!! Think Pinehurst and The Hickory Tavern, but only a chip away and not a full wedge. There’s a bloke wandering around looking like he’s looking for someone – Phil? Yes!!! and the Slinger hugs are the bestest!!
Deb and MX arrive just in time for dinner after a drive from hell – see Mx’s post on that little debacle and it’s game on… Slingers rule!! Well we did that night ’cause there was no one else outside.

Charleston National is our first venue on Monday morning and with all the rain they have had, biblical proportions, it was in pretty damn good shape. As has been mentioned, they let us play in a 5 ball – very accommodating and even more appreciated.  Nice course, but with all the rain and zero run, 6500 yards is too long for this old gal. My excuse and I’m sticking to it!!

We finished just after lunch, so wandered off to somewhere? in Charleston with a lovely open air market. Wandered around if for a bit and then had a late lunch – early dinner at Hymans. Now… due to the way my mind works and the fact that it was two doors down from the Sticky Fingers bar… you can guess the rest 🙂

Tuesday and 36 holes. Who’s bloody idea was that? Chevy!!
First stop – Coosaw Creek. Really, really good track and again, 5 ball not a problem. We all played ordinary golf, as seems to be the norm in these Slinger Swings, but what the hell, the golf is what it is. It’s us being together and having a ball that is what matters and far more importantly, my club tossing is getting better. They at least, are going where I’m aiming.
The second of our 36 holer is at Westcott Plantation. Westcott is a public facility, but really, really good for a public track. Again… 5 ball no problem.
Dinner was a blur. I wonder why?

Wednesday and Stono Ferry. Yet another great course, but this time – no 5 ball and buggy on track. Bugger.
We are all starting to play just a little better. Too little – too late eh, but what the hell, as stated earlier. The main thing was catching up with Deb, MX and Chevy and finally meeting up with Paul – Phil… whatever your bloody name is 🙂 Paul, you are a star! The others are too, but I’ve sucked up enough there.

Thursday and back to Chevy’s place and some Ellie love. Boy, was she happy to see her Daddy. One very cool little bitch!

Friday. Mystery Creek in Atlanta and catch up time with Golf2 or rather, Jim. His name I don’t have a problem with. Morning Phil 🙂
Another fabulous golf course, but unlike the lowlands of SC, this place had some serious undulations. Really, really good golf course with very quick sloping greens. I didn’t pick a good day to go left hand low. Bugger….

After that, off to TopGolf in Atlanta.
Topgolf is a pretty cool driving range with full on F&B while you are “playing”. You can also play at targets where the hit or miss is registered on a monitor. You play with your mates and with all the alcohol on call, it’s game on.
Great to catch up with you again Jim and thank you for taking the time to be with us for the day.

Saturday was a lazy day – go Spartans!!!! Sorry Chevy, but it had to be said 🙂 And….Sunday was home day.
Another Slinger fest done. Where on earth did the time go?

Some big thanks in order here.  Thanks Ellie for the dog love. You are a wee ripper girl 🙂
Thank you Chevy for all you did in organising this and putting me up and putting up with me.

Thank you Deb and MX for making the drive and the time to join us for another Slinger Swing and finally.. thank you Phil for coming all the way from Zurich to finally meet up with your Slinger brothers and sisters.

This place is without question very special.
So most of all, thank you all for being a part of it.
Yeah, we do rock!

.

_____________

Wendy’s Portugal Pleasure

Two days before we were due to leave, Sheila warns that thunderstorms are due on Tuesday, our first day of golf in Portimao, Algarve, S. Portugal. Much consternation as Janet & I were already maxed out on our shared golf bag limit of 20 kilos. Out went my 2^nd pair of golf shoes and in went the waterproofs.  Janet probably jettisoned an evening gown.

Day 1.   Smooth journey to Gatwick airport apart from Jean’s annoying habit of jabbing her elbow into my ribs every time she spoke to me.  She has very sharp elbows.  Janet’s and my golf bag was 19.9 kilos, Sheila & Jean’s 20.8 kilos.  No-one raised an eyebrow.  Bugger. Wish we had taken more note of the route the driver took from Faro  airport to the rental car lot.  See return journey.

Sheila drove from Faro to Portimao.  Janet navigated via the Satnav although it had a tendency to cut out at strategic moments.  Once we were off the motorway there were an awful lot of roundabouts to negotiate.  An awful, awful lot of roundabouts. Remember we were driving on the “wrong” side of the road, in a left-hand manual car.  The brakes appeared pretty good thank goodness.    Quick pit-stop at a supermarket to pick up essentials, i.e. wine and nibbles. The hotel was excellent; large room with twin beds – too close together for comfort although that is useful for hitting a snorer over the head with a pillow – a decent kitchenette, power shower in the bathroom, and an enormous balcony overlooking the marina. Phew – don’t have to walk far for a cigarette at least.  Quick unpack, cursory check of facilities, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, etc then off to find a local eaterie.  Struck lucky and we ended up eating in the same place for 4 of the 5 nights.  Squid, prawns and sardines for me – steaks and spaghetti for the others.

Golf?    Don’t be so impatient!

Day2.  Leisurely breakfast then off to our first course at Salgados, a par 72 (can’t see any yardages on the cards and too idle to look them up now) which was described as a links-style course with palm trees.  The card showed a course strewn with numerous lakes, ponds, streams, etc.  “That’s nice”  I thought.  Practically none of the water came into play except by accident.  Accidents happen of course.   The forecast thunderstorms? Halfway round I suspect one of the Singaporean aircraft had veered off course and dumped  its load of water on us.  It was that heavy and that sudden.  Didn’t even have time to put the waterproofs on.  Soon dried out in the sun.  Format choice today was Jean’s and she opted for  straightforward individual Stableford.  She’s 76, has heart problems, a bad back, shingles, etc.  Not the most elegant swinger of a golf club; in fact I thought she had duffed every approach shot to the greens, until I realised that was her style and most effective it was too.  Outplayed us all, I was way back in 2^nd place.  Quick beer and then back to the balcony for aperitifs.

Day 3 was Janet’s choice of match play at Morgado. Sheila and I against Janet & Jean. A difficult and very undulating (hilly) par 73, so we had tried to book carts the night before but had been told we could only do so on the day at the pro shop.  An unsmiling pro shop man told us we could only have 1 cart & 2 manual trolleys.

Sheila asked for and was told we might be able to get a 2^nd cart for the back 9.  Not happy about this but had to accept.  Jean & I went to collect our cart handing the booking slip to the cart master who didn’t check it closely enough and asked “2 carts?” I kicked Jean and sweetly replied “Yes please” and off we drove with 2 carts.

High 5s all round back at the car as we loaded our golf gear.  Apologies if you were the poor schmuck whose cart I took.  Lovely course with some challenging holes. Jean again played like a demon but Sheila and I pipped them to a win on the 17^th.   Found another supermarket on the way back  to replenish essential supplies – wine, water, nibbles and bananas. Janet’s choice of restaurant too – Italian, where I took half my pizza home – “We can always eat it on the course tomorrow”.  Yeah, right. Civilised course where we were able to order tasty toasted sandwiches from the cart man and duly jettisoned the pizza slices.

Day 4.   Our tee time at Alamos par 71 (twinned with Morgado) had been brought forward so we ordered breakfast to go.  Sheila & Jean wolfed their sandwiches down (I don’t do breakfast & certainly not at that ungodly hour) whereas Janet and I saved them for halfway round the course.  No problem with carts this time thank goodness as this was even more hilly than Morgado and we had been given the wrong cards for the course.  Bummer as my choice of format today was Stableford with 4 hidden holes, so we needed the SI.  Normally we are cruel and you lose any points you made on the 4 hidden holes, but being the kindly soul that I am, and not realising what a bandit Jean was, I had opted to double the points made on the 4 hidden holes.  It seems ignorance is bliss for me when playing brand new unknown courses as I was roundly booed as I not only won on standard points but picked up a bonus of 10 points to rub their faces in it.  “Just hand over the dosh, ladies!”

Day 5.  Our tee time had been put back to 2pm at Salgados, so time to stroll along the vast beach boardwalk (didn’t find the cardigan I had inadvertently lost the night before) and to sit around the unheated swimming pool.  Sheila’s choice of matchplay with Janet & I against her and Jean, plus a bonus for nearest the pin.  The hole location kept changing for the latter as time after time we failed to hit the green – sometimes by inches.  I played really well, and Janet & I held our own, when Jean snatched the 18^th for the win.  Nothing I could do with the shots she had in hand and her standard of play.  Sheila said Jean’s handicap should be cut by 4 upon return to UK.  Jean retorted that she and I had merely played almost to our handicaps, but that Sheila and Janet had played rubbish.  Ouch – but valid.   Mad dash back as it was dark by now, packed as much as we could, quick drinks, dinner and bed with a wake-up call at 6am for return journey.

Day 6.  Made good time back to the airport but unfortunately the helpful hotel staff had put  the head office of the car hire company on the Satnav  and we ended up in a totally different town!!   Think we were all a bit stressed out by now with Jean whispering in my ear that she knew we should have left at 5am, and we had a slight accident with the rear bumper on a pavement which popped up from nowhere.  Eventually – an hour later – found the right place,  1 minute from the airport,  but now only had 10 minutes to go before the boarding gate closed.  Car inspector didn’t notice slight damage to rear bumper.  Yippee.  Mad dash through passport control, security, seemed to take forever, but made it in time. I hate sitting around airports anyway.   Stiff G & T and a bottle of wine for Janet, Jean and myself on board (each, obviously).  Lime and soda for Sheila as she was driving us home – at least it was in her own (automatic) car.  We made unhelpful jokes as we came to roundabouts.  Smoked my first cigarette of the day as I crossed my own threshold.  Gave Sheila bottle of red wine on Tuesday.   Got email from her yesterday asking for remainder  of money for our January trip to Spain.   Hey, that’s only a couple of months away

_______________

Pinehurst Plonkers

Chevy

 This was my second Slinger outing, and was excited about seeing my old pals 8ed, Tugoo and Golf2day, also known as Bryan Ernie and Jim. 3 great golfers and even finer people. But more so I was going to get to meet our leader Met, Radar, Billy, and MX. The more the merrier after all. Radar brought his wife Mary along but she didn’t play, and MX brought his wife Deb along and she did play and is quite the golfer too. What a lucky man he is to have such a beauty for a wife and she loves to golf!

I was still at home on Tuesday morning kibitzing in the treehouse with Met and she says why don’t you get your ass on the road and play with us? So I fixed my hair and hit the road. It was around 3 1/2 hours once I actually got moving for the 223 mile journey that took a few more miles because my damned GPS lead me into the middle of not a place called Mid Pines North Carolina, but  I eventually found it. I went into the club house and they told me I couldn’t play because they were already a 4 some but let me take a cart out so I could watch them play. After driving past the first green you can turn right to go to the 6th hole or go straight on to the 2nd. I turned right, and there they were in the middle of the fairway. After a nice hug from met I went back to the clubhouse and explained that they were only 3 and paid my 65 bucks, grabbed my clubs and met them on the 7th tee. Of course I hit a great drive right down the middle of the fairway. But the important thing was I was playing with Met, Ernie and his lovely wife, Sharon. It was a beautiful course and a toss up between that and Pine Needles where we played on Friday as to which was my favorite.

A few holes later I get a text from Billy, and he’s close by and meets us on the course later and follows us around. The Slinger contingency begins to grow… watch out NC!!!

That night we met MX and Deb for dinner, although I can’t remember the name of the place it was very nice. As we were leaving later there were some guys chipping into a hole in a carpeted box in the lobby. Yes, we were in golf mecca. More golf courses per square mile than probably anywhere on the planet. Heaven, or at least as close to it as I’ve ever been.

Wednesday’s round was delayed by rain, as we were scheduled to tee off at 9 AM but rescheduled for 1 PM and 1:08, which was perfect because 8ed ran into some problems that delays his arrival. We played Hyland which was nice, but not as pristine as Mid Pines or Pine Needles nor as daunting as Tobacco Road. More on that later. It still was a very nice course with an interesting layout and plenty of challenging shots and variations.

Next to our hotel was the Tavern. It was really a sports bar but we spent every night there having a great time, eating, drinking, having great conversations, and on Wed night we even came in 3rd in trivia, and won a 10 dollar gift card to be used at the Tavern. On that first night when everyone but Billy, Met and me were gone, I had to endure at least 1 1/2 hours of Met and Billy talking about his golf swing. It took that long because Billy likes to talk and wasn’t stopping his talking while Met was trying to explain what he needed to do to get rid of his over the top move etc… I think she told him to shut the feck up 15 times…lol. It was a blast though. Kind of like watching a drunken episode of  All in the Family. But different. I miss them both already.

It was great fun when everyone was there, Radar, his wife Mary, 8ed, MX and Deb, and eventually Golf on Thursday. He’s the only quiet one in the bunch. MX is hilarious. Deb is a lot of fun. Radar is a blast and Mary is definitely not the shy quiet type. All of these people seemed like good old friends and not people I had just met. I had a wonderful time playing golf with them all even though I didn’t hit the ball as well as I would have liked half of the time. Especially at Tobacco Road. That was not the course to have my worst ball striking day, but that’s how golf goes.

Here’s my opinion of the courses….

Mid Pines – Top notch course, my favorite, even though I only played 7 through 18.
Hyland – Best course for your dollar for sure. Great layout and nice greens.
Tobacco Road – Something you have to play once just to say you did it. Challenging doesn’t begin to describe it. Great views, sever greens, many blind shots… Not a classic course, but interesting to say the least. All that was missing was the windmill though.
Pine Needles – Every bit as nice as Mid Pines, and my other favorite. Beautiful in every way, great layout and very challenging. but fair. No gimmicks at all.

In closing IBilly have to say  it was the best week I’ve had in a long time. I miss you all already, and look forward to the next time when we can all get together. You are all a bunch of awesome people and I’m thankful for having the pleasure of getting to meet you all.

Billy

Pinehurst, NC…what an unbelievable setting for this adventure.  Tugoo’s knowledge of the game of golf, it’s history and the golf courses in that part of the country are simply amazing.  I’m honored to call him my friend.  I will blindly go any where he says knowing from experience (Indianapolis and now Pinehurst) that it will be outstanding.  Thanks Goo!  Hope our paths cross again in the future brother.  BTW..Tabacco Road was a unique golf course that everyone one should experience at least once.

We went to the Pinehurst Resort..wow!!!!  The are 5 golf courses on the site (including the famous #2) .  Everyone bought a souvenir at the Golf Shop (duh!).  The grounds are immaculate and steeped in Golf History.  If you are a golfer, Pinehurst should be on your “bucket list”.

The Pinehurst trip was the best turn out so far for a Slinger event.  Lee, 8, Tugoo, Chevy, Golf, Radar and his wife, MX and his wife and me (Billy).  I could write a paragraph on each of them.  And I love all of them as my brothers and sisters.  Rather than do that..I’m going to sum it up this way.  If you were planning a golf trip and you wanted to be around friends and have a great time….these are the people you should invite.  These are quality people.  They are Slingers..AND they rock.  I can’t wait until the next time I get to see them all again AS WELL AS (I hope) those Slingers I haven’t had the chance to meet and play golf with yet.  Let’s get the wheels turning for 2015 and see where we can continue the adventure.  I’m in!

Radar

Our trip to NC started a couple of days earlier than the Pinehurst part . Although the weather wasn’t cooperating we saw bits and pieces of the beauty of the fall colors  in the Great Smoky Mountains and along  the Blue Ridge parkway, discovered the Shelton Vineyards , spent some wonderful days with Mary’s cousin in Mount Airy that she hadn’t seen in 30 + years and even found the time to hop over to see friends in Virginia.

We hooked up with the Slingers on Tuesday night to have dinner at Pinecrest. I was  happy to meet Ernie and Sharon. Ernie you are a true champion for putting this together  for us even if your physical ailments didn’t allow you to participate the next few days. I hope you will enjoy the book !!

My first golf was at Hyland and we got rained out of our morning tee time. This worked out great as it gave us time to visit Pinehurst. Beautiful building and quite the experience to walk those hallowed grounds where all the golfing Gods have walked before us. It also allowed 8ed to join us as he made it in time for the 1 O’clock tee time.

I played with Billy ,Chevy and 8ed. The rental set was a true piece of shit so that’s my excuse for playing so poorly, it wasn’t me !!! Chevy let me use his SLDR and I hit some decent drives. On the second nine I was alternating between Chevy’s and 8ed putter and actually sank a few. It took me 8 holes to finally find a sand trap ( it was much easier finding water) and I got my free lesson on how to get out of them. Weight on the left leg and open up the clubface a lot more than what I was used too and low and behold I hit 4 good shots out of the sand the rest of the way, damn near holed one on the 18th!!!

We’ve got to give honorable mention to the Hickory Tavern next door to our hotel ( which by the way is by far the best Comfort Inn I’ve ever stayed at, good choice) . How can you beat a drinking hole from which you can crawl home to your room and that  actually served some pretty decent pub fare. The Slingers RULED the patio for 3 straight nights !Oh and Chevy, Europe DOES have more independent countries than Africa.

On Thursday we played Tobacco Road. According to the guy at our hotel Golf Digest rated it the 6th toughest golf course in the US. Well……NO SHIT. It started off good though ,a guy from the clubhouse came a looking for Radar and I received a box of pro V 1’s for the winning RC bet as well as a bar credit from C2.

For me it was never about the golf but more for the camaraderie and this golf course was absolutely out of my league. It’s a miracle that I only lost 3 balls while finding two . 8ed’s Lydia Ko putter actually worked half decent for me but the term “waste area” has a totally different meaning for me now. On the 16th there was another blind shot with a 90 degree dogleg to the left on another insane green. After I hit my drive the ranger put both his arms up in the air and not knowing what it meant I was thinking” Oh shit……another one”  . But then after Mr and Mrs MX hit their teeshots  ( both very good golfers) and Billy ( pretty straight hitter off the tee) he made the exact same gesture. After we drove up there all 4 of us were in the fairway , a miracle had occurred!. I proceeded to hit my best iron shot of the week that actually went too far  and hit a pretty good lag putt from an impossible spot on the top tier. My best bogey of the week hands down. We all had beers on C2’s tab after this amazing experience and I will be wearing my Tobacco road T shirt proudly. I think I’m gonna design one that says ” I survived Tobacco road and lost only one ball ” ( well, net anyways 🙂 )

Two straight days of golf was enough punishment for me but I wouldn’t  have missed meeting Ernie and Sharon, Mike and Deb , Jimmy, Brian and Bruno for the world. And of course it was great to see Lee and Billy again. Thanks all for the memorable couple of days

.

Golf

My third trip to get together with Slingers was a great one in the sand hills of North Carolina.  Off to a slow start when I missed my exit past Charlotte and the next one wasn’t for 5 miles, it really is out in the boonies, a lot of open country.  Arrived at the Hickory Tavern and saw Chevy & 8’d sitting with a group of Slingers I had yet to meet in person, turns out they were smarter than they looked as they were collecting 3^rd prize for the trivia contest at the bar.  It was great to meet so many new Slingers at once, I am so glad that I did not pass up the chance to drive the 800 mile round trip to what seems like a golf Mecca.

The first course that I got to play was Tobacco Road on Thursday, what an experience that was, be very aware of any course that has that many bells and stairs.  The course was in immaculate condition, very nice tee’s and greens, as we drove in to the course we passed the 14^th hole, a tough par 3 on a lake with a very narrow green, I pointed it out to Radar as we drove in not knowing I would knock one inside 10 feet, birdie the hole and catch a fish.  With all the stairs and sand dunes to cross it really was work to play this course, I thought 8’d was joking when he wanted to play an emergency 9, I said I might be up for and emergency 3.

It really was a great getting to play with Chevy and 8’d again and a special treat to play with our fearless leader Ms. Metro, a perfect day of golf, could not have asked for more.  Shooting a nice 77 with 4 birdies didn’t hurt much either, obviously inspired by my company.  Although I was worn out from traversing the dunes at Tobacco Road, we did swing by for an emergency nine at the old Hyland course where I bogeyed 6 of those nine holes while playing with Billy and Radar, not my best play but really a great time getting play with 2 slingers I have yet to play with, maybe someday I can get out west to play with them on their home turf.

Friday was my second day of the trip, a special thanks to Chevy for letting me bunk out in his room which made it much easier to stay and play Pine Needles.  It was another perfect day for golf in the Carolina’s, playing another immaculate course and this time with MX and golferdeb to lead our group out in a threesome(yes there was room for 1 more Slinger, we could have used one of ya!).  I had not played with Mike and Deb before but knew from the results at Tobacco Road that they could play and the three of us got around real well on a really classic southern course.

I started off a bit shaky when I chunked a wedge for inside 100 yds on the first hole but bounced back with a chip in for birdie on the next shot, then proved it wasn’t a fluke by chipping in for birdie on the 3^rd hole, when we finally got to the last green I had one more chip for birdie that I liked the look of but my 77^th shot hit the flag squarely but somehow bounced about 3 ft away, I should have tapped that one in but marked it and waited to gag on that final tap in instead.  It was very enjoyable playing with Mike and Deb that day, as it has been each round I have played with Slingers.
The trip was really fantastic and I can’t thank Tugoo enough for setting this all up, maybe in a few years I can try to set up something here in Atlanta but it is a tough act to follow.

8’ed

My plan was to leave at 8am Tuesday & arrive in Pinehurst to meet Billy & Chevy, and find the gang on Mid Pines & heckle them as they come up 18. A phone call late Monday night changed all that. Instead of a good night’s sleep before the 8 hour drive, I’m tasked with babysitting the grandbaby the other side of Louisville (the opposite direction from North Carolina) as it seems the Baby-mama found a jug of juice after my kid had left for a Business trip. I arrive there after midnight, & take care of a couple of wakeups during the night, she’s been having nightmares it seems. And, a 30 minute tussle with the 7 month old German Shepherd who didn’t recognize me at 3:30 in the morning, although she was whelping about having to go outside & pee. I finally had to manhandle the poor thing. This wasn’t going to cramp my plans too much, I could leave from there as I threw what I thought was enough stuff in a bag for a few days of golf.

8:15am I hear, “dada I’m up” from down the hall. I get the kid up, wake her mother up, & she gets the baby ready for day care. 3 minutes later…mama’s puking guts. After 90 minutes of, “are you OK to take this kid to Day Care?” I take her.  I hang there until 6pm to make sure the kid will be cared for & head back home. So, I’ll miss my first night in Pinehurst & my first round on Wednesday. I didn’t get much sleep dealing with the kid & the dog. Grandpa’s are supposed to only stagger to pee in the middle of the night. Hard to fall back to sleep when actually tasked with doing something.

I awake at 2:30am Wednesday & after some contemplation, I decide to just start my trip. I’m checking radar in Pinehurst as I go, & it looks like they won’t get out at 9am as planned. I wait until 7:30 to call Chevy, & he confirms they’ll probably postpone the tee time until the afternoon. First good news I’ve heard. I get there after my gps directed me to Midland CC (seems there’s more than 1 Fairway Dr, or Rd, or Ave in Pinehurst..whodathunk) a quick call to Billy to confirm that Hyland is up on Hwy 1, & I get to the course with 15 minutes to spare!! A quick change in the crapper (not exactly great fucking changing sheds) & let’s play!!

I meet Metro, Radar, Mx & Deb for the very first time in person…& anyone who’s met a Slinger will tell ya, it’s like hugging a long lost best friend. Or, a sibling who you was separated from the family as a kid. You feel like you’ve known them….your entire life. Hard to describe the emotion, actually.

OK, so then we start this golf thing. Top, hack, chunk…great start 8’ed. Why do I feel so much pressure to perform, I’ve played with Billy, & Chevy before…must be trying to impress Radar? Oh, wait…I talk (brag) about my good scores on the easy courses I play every day back home. That was pretty fecking stupid!! Ha, I never claimed to be smart. Nobody played very well, but I somehow managed to put a 78 on the card, and wasn’t totally embarrassed (that will come later) Billy drove the cart, even though Ernie warned me about it. The driving wasn’t THAT bad, we got through it in one piece! Although, Billy has my exact set of irons, & somehow my bag was missing one of mine. Billy must have thought that mine were somehow better? Ha! Love ya, Billy

After the round, we talk about where we’re going to eat over a beer (yeah, Yeungling!! A local lager not available East of the Carolinas, & the preferred brew of all my beer drinking mates when we’re in SC playing golf) The Hickory Tavern (AKA Slinger’s NC nightly treehouse) a lob wedge from the Motel on the adjacent property was chosen. Apparently, Metro had already made this her American Home on the previous couple of evenings (or, was that mornings to her?)

Wow, it’s fun to sit at a table with Slingers & an adult beverage or 4. I don’t normally drink grown up drinks, as I’ve found that I’m stupid enough without them, but I somehow managed to keep my clothes on & not dance on the table…thank god for small mercies. I met Radar’s wife there for the first time & she’s crazier than he is. Mx & his wife Deb are some great people who I hope will spend (waste?) more time on Slinger’s site. They’ve got that same sick sense of humor that we all seem to have in common. That, & they’re great lovers of all that is golf.

OK, FINALLY Golf2day makes it from Atlanta. Mama Bear Metro was having me risk permanent damage to my iphone battery by constantly texting him to check on him, as he first let me know he was a couple hundred miles out, at 4:11pm. Oi…she’s such a Mother (fill in the blank after if you must)

So, Thursday & the infamous Tobacco Road Golf Course. I think I’d have better off NOT finding there Website, doing the course flyover, reading that Golf Digest has it as the 67^th HARDEST golf course in America. Chevy has me & Metro on a cart & I feel a bit nauseous. Scared to death she’ll actually see my horrid golf swing. This golf course is crazy. It’s stupid. There are holes with flags nearly 15 feet tall, because the greens are up such a steep slope you’d have no idea where the green even is while standing 20 yards from it. But, it’s gorgeous. It’s cool. It’s fun. I’ll happily go back next Spring when my local tee time maker/ trip planner has us in Pinehurst for the first time ever. I’d bet the farm we’ll be there next Memorial Day (if only because I’ve been, & he hasn’t)

I managed an 89, bogie golf with 10 fecking pars. 2 doubles, 2 triples, & a 9 on the par 4, 18^th will do that to ya. It’s real easy to just give up on a hole at this place. Golf2day shot a 77. He was seeing a different course than the rest of us were, no doubt!! He’s such a good golfer. 90% of all his shots have that lower flighted slight fade always working towards the hole. And, his short game…it’s frigging MAGIC. Oh, to be as consistent as G2. Metro, Chevy & I…well, we finished the course, give us credit for that.

Metro & I wanted MORE. More golf. Nobody seemed interested, but as we were drinking courtesy of a fantastic surprise (the Canadian had called down to the clubhouse & purchased a doz pro v’s to pay off Radar for the smackdown USA took in the RC had also bought us the first round in the 19^th!!!)  We get a taker or two to stop back at Hyland for a quick 9. Because 9 more at Tobacco Road just seemed…”dumb”. Ha, by the time we’re headed there, everyone is playing except for Mr & Mrs Mx (who opted to head back to the Motel to no doubt have another romp on that surprisingly comfortable mattress?)

After the round Metro offered some free lessons. She tried to teach me how to chip. Ha!! She obviously prefers to be bound, gagged, & whipped to get her jollies in the bedroom. She was helping me, Chevy & Billy…Golf2day…he needs no help at this game AT ALL. A great 20 minutes was spent on the 9^th green. I actually believe 1 or 2 of the 47 things she pointed out I was doing wrong…actually stuck as evidenced this past weekend on the links here. Thanks for that effort Met, you’re a trooper!! (oh, and just for the record, Metro still cares about her golf game, she can throw a club with the best of them. Damn good thing Billy wasn’t driving my cart as I was able to avoid it as it raced just in front on my right front tire)

Another glorious night at the Hickory Tavern (as there wasn’t a single question where we’d eat my last night there…our 19^th hole was a great place to hang all evening). Sadly, no trivia this last night. Billy brought us from next to last place Wednesday to 3^rd when he somehow pulled “Phoenix” out of his ass to get the big last question bonus points for, “name the only American State Capitol with over 1,000,000 population inside its City Limits. I’m still amazed that he knew that J

Last day, & the glorious, old, historic Pine Needles. The Donald Ross gem where Peggy Bell made her home the last 61 years, the very ground where Annika, Kerrie, & Kristie Kerr hoisted US Open trophies. You’re greeted at the front door & escorted to the Pro shop, as there’d be no way you’d guess that it’s down the wide elegant stairwell. Your clubs were left in the turnaround, & they meet you alongside the large practice green adjacent to the first tee. The bent grass green rolls true & for just a normal Friday, fairly fast. There are as many golf balls to hit as you care to at every station on the range. Chevy videos us teeing it up on the first, & off we go. Me carting Billy, Chevy & Metro. Golf2day played with the Mx’s as a 3 in the group ahead as we had said farewell to Radar & Mary who left early for their trip back to the land of Fruits & Nuts.

I sucked..again. Really? Whodathunk I’d hack it with a pro in my group. I play in a lot of events here in Lexington & I never get the jitters. But, when I see a golf pro in a cart, watching…I lose all ability to swing a club. So, when “our” pro is right there for the whole thing? Oi…I stunk. G2 & Met tied with 79s & I had my typical multiple double bogey round for an 81. Met’s got game, it’s there…no question. Just a little rust & jetlag prevented great scoring. OK, at Tobacco Road? The damn course prevented it more.

I’m charged with babysitting Ella Saturday morning, but, would prefer to stay & play Talamore with Met, MX & Deb…but, I can’t get out of it. I tried, so…I say goodbye to my Slingers in the parking lot of Pine Needles & point myself back the extremely crooked trail home.

Did I mention I carted Billy the last day? Hey Billy, you don’t need to send my 4 iron to me next day air. I’m done with comps for the year…just ship it the cheapest method.

Slingers, do indeed ROCK

Metro

Monday… somewhere. Yep, the taxi driver has that Southern thing going y’all, so I’m in the right place…. I think. Pinehurst, it has to be because you can smell it. That wonderful perfume of pine trees, the slow rustle of them as they move gently in the breeze. It’s 9 pm Monday or 9 am Tuesday – I’ll take the 9 pm Monday thank you. Check in to the motel and then find a bar and it’s right next door – happy days indeed. Even better, it’s a nice one with a manager who knows who the All Blacks are.

Tuesday… Awake at 3 am because I have to get back to work. No? Fantastic, now can I get that body clock in order and sometime soon? Ernie and Sharon arrive at the motel at around 11. Big, and I mean big hugs all round. Why and how do we know each other so well and fit straight away? Slingers rule huh 🙂

Off to Mid Pines. It’s Peggy Kirk Bell’s second acquisition after Pine Needles and it is a wonderful initiation to the best of the South. Ernie or as he more well known – Tugoo is the epitome of the Southern gentleman. His wife Sharon is a honey of the highest order and yes, I did understand every wurd….

Ernie is one very funny man and a very, very fine player. Life does not get better than this afternoon.

Somewhere on the sixth hole, this really weird bloke rocks up in a cart. Jeeze… the marshal’s are tough here…. we’re not slow are we? After the 5 minute hug (it never got boring) Chevy went and got his clubs and joined us for the rest of the round. He absolutely ripped his first drive and played more than decent for the rest. He made a lovely par on 18. So did I – ask him about it sometime 🙂

Late in the back nine another marshal arrived – Billy!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The hugs NEVER get boring.Golf done and back to The Tavern. Radar, MX and Deb join us for dinner, drinks and prerequisite BS.

(Having had the luxury of reading everyone else’s input on this…. note to self. Chivas and golf lessons do not mix. Apologies to all concerned and those who had to listen from not so afar)

Radar, I’ve met before and it was great to catch up with the Tommaaarrrto King. Please note spelling and pronunciation.
MX and Deb are fantastic people. Funny and quick as hell.You have to listen carefully, because the barbs come very quick and fast. This is going to be a fun week. It must have been, as GolferDeb is now a fully fledged Slinger.

Wednesday…. Its raining and big time. 9.10 tee time at Highlands CC. No worries. Tee time changed to afternoon. In the meantime, breakfast and Radar suggest going out for it. We did, no idea where, but I did remember my first experience of grits. Really? You serve up warm, molten cardboard and call it food? Strange….
Pinehurst CC on the way back. Very,very cool. Loads of history and loads of people paying for it. We got photos and a book 🙂 and left. I didn’t feel like we had missed anything – we had plenty and all great, to come.
Highlands CC. Good and very playable course with a very lovely lady running the show. Plus a very cool dog named Aus and an even cooler cat named Missy Highlands. She is 18 years old and was born there. I got a cat fix after playing pretty crap golf with MX and Deb. (A purr goes a long way to fixing one’s ills.)  Both can play and both are as good on the course as they are in The Tavern. Big effort that! MX and Deb that is – not Aus and Missy.

Thursday… and Tobacco Road. My opinion –  a really good golf course screwed up by 5 or 6 holes and a monument to ego. When you have to station a marshal in the middle of a “fairway” to tell you where your ball is….. yeah well…
Great condition all round and some really great holes. Fun day… no matter how bad the results. I got to play with Chevy, 8 and Golf and that allevi8’ed some of the pain. Big hug from 8, prefaced by “hello you crazy bitch”. Say no more eh? :-). Golf played great – 4 birdies on that golf course, first time up, is something pretty special. Plus, he caught a fish! First cast and got one. You have to be kidding me!!!!

Friday…. Pine Needles. Great golf course, really great. The old style of no tricks or BS – See it and play it. 3 US Women;s Opens there and of course, Peggy Kirk Bell, one of the true icons of the game.
Billy, Chevy and 8 were the protagonists and or wankers – take your pick 🙂  For the first time all week, I played semi decent. Up till now, it had been more than mildly embarrassing. 79 with no shanks, Happy days!! I also beat 8 by 2 shots! Contrary to what 8 says, the man has game and is fun as hell to play with.  Not so happy was saying goodbye to all but Chevy, MX and Deb. The g’day hugs were awesome. The goodbye ones…. not so much.

Saturday and Talamore. Last day and played with Deb and MX. They played well, especially Deb who carded a very well done 80. Chevy had left in the morning to get back to deeper south and hot women and dogs. I was back to my less than mediocre best. Actually felt a little flat after the previous four days. It was all coming to an end and I didn’t want it to. Seriously big bugger…
Got to 18 and two people were on the second floor patio watching us come in. Who other than Ernie and Sharon who had driven from Atlantic Beach – the best part of 4 hours drive, to come pick me up and take me back to my friend Nonnie’s place, just down the road a bit from them.  That is one of the most ridiculously nice things that anyone has ever done for me. No other words than thank you.

I’ve spent an hour writing this and I could spend another 10 and not even come close to conveying how good this week was and how special you all are to me. Thank you all, so very much.

 MX

Slingers East Coast Fling

Version 2.0

I wrote a page and a half all about the golf courses we played and how well I did or didn’t do.  How much fun it was and how I am so in for the next time we do this wherever it may be (California?).  But I had to stop, it wasn’t about the golf, it was about the people. I don’t post a lot in the tree house and I was the only one who hadn’t ever met at least some of the others in person.  As we were getting ready to go my wife kept asking me about everyone and all I could say is they seem nice online but then that’s true of all kinds of people who end up on Dateline, surprised and without their pants.  None of them had ever met me so out of the group I was the unknown, not any more, I have friends for life; Slingers Rock!

The golf was great and although I only played well one day out of the four I really don’t care about that.  It was meeting the people.  Tug is a southern gentleman, good company and someone who would give you the shirt off his back after knowing you five minutes.   I only wish he could have stayed longer as we only got to eat dinner with him and his lovely wife the first night and see them for a few minutes on the last day.  For all that it was Tug that set everything up and for that he gets whatever it is we give someone for doing good.  Thank you Tug.

Ahhh the people.  8, Chevy, Billy, Radar, Golf and Metro, now that I have met you it will never be the same againonline.  As I said the golf was great but what I remember is after, in the 19^th hole or at that bar next to the hotel where we camped every night for hours drinking and arguing the finer points of complete, irrelevant bullshit.
There were bottles of wine, pitchers of beer and whatever the hell it is Metro drinks (it involves ice and wherever we were she was never able to explain how much or how little ice she wanted, I think it was the accent).  What do I remember?

-  There was Mrs. Radar (a funny lady) who doesn’t golf but found out where to get a massage and open a new credit account at a store they don’t have in Arizona (but as she explained, she got an extra 10% off).  You sit with Radar and you swear he has never had a bad day, ever.

-  There was 8 explaining how a haiku has 17 syllables during the trivia contest, and yes he was right and no we didn’t listen to him.  I don’t know if this was before after he put a lit cigarette in his mouth and one up each nostril (see photo) in case you were in doubt this was an alcohol-involved event.  For the rest of my life, every time I go to the mall and see a four year old with a tee shirt that says “here comes trouble” I am going to think of 8.

-  Me and Billy, arguing at length over whether or not cigarettes contribute to lung cancer (this in a smokey bar), the judges called it a draw but Billy was quick to claim victory and light another cigarette.

-  Chevy sitting in the corner, kind of like a tall Yoda, saying less than anyone else but when he did whether it was wisdom or wit it was always right to the point and got everyone’s attention.  Keeper of the pencil during the trivia contest he kept us on track and as well organized as was possible.

-  Metro, perhaps slightly under the influence, giving golf lessons in the bar.  You have to realize that this is Pinehurst and the place is lousy with groups on golf outings.  So here we are in the bar with Metro showing someone how to keep their arm straight or fix their alignment or shift their hips (point of information: I learned the technical term for shifting your weight is to “crush your nuts”, unless of course you are a female in which case you are to “slam the clam”.  Proper etiquette is to give this instruction verbally, in public and at the top of your voice.)  Metro probably didn’t notice but as she is giving impromptu lessons, half the strangers in the bar are listening and swinging their arms or crushing their nuts.

-  And Golf, the quiet one and I save him for last for a reason.  In case my compatriots were going to accuse me of skipping over the golf to minimize my crimes, I am here to confess.  At Pine Needles, the swankiest and by far most expensive course we played, I am the first Slinger to tee off on #1, so I stand on the first tee of this fine resort course and promptly shank my tee shot through the driving range, embarrassing myself and everyone in the group.  Mortified I re-tee and hurriedly hit again (teeing two hitting three) and stripe a beautiful draw to the left side of fairway a long way down there (second shot hall of fame).  We had all been put in teams and my wife and I were paired with Golf.  Much of this on the strength of the previous day at Tobacco Road where the Mrs. and I were given strokes, played well and took everyone’s money.   So here I am placed on a team with high expectations to play well and I went the entire round and didn’t contribute a single hole to the team effort.  (Sort of like being a Captain’s Pick for the Americans at the Ryder Cup.)  My wife played well (again) but Golf carried me for eighteen holes, sorry Golf, I will do better next time or at least I’ll lose some weight.  And Tug, since everything was in your name, don’t be surprised the next time you call Pine Needles if they ask if “Shankapotomus” will be playing because they are going to want an additional $150.00 to clear the driving range while I tee off #1.

Again thanks to Tug, I loved meeting everyone and when are we doing this again?

 GolferDeb

This is like having homework.  Fresh off a vacation and back to work. Well, not really.  It has been a few weeks since we (MX & I) got back from the Slinger gathering in North Carolina.  I was a bit nervous about going, since I did not know anyone, nor was I part of the group online. Now, I play lots of golf, but do not consider myself any good.  So the prospect of playing in front of strangers sent me into panic mode.  Started amping up practicing, and even took lessons.  Oh, hell. It is what it is.  Off we went.

Plans were set to meet up the first evening, to go to dinner and meet all.  Ok, so far so good. Everyone grill seemed nice, very chatty.  Off to dinner, so we thought. Apparently MapQuest wanted us to see all of Pinehurst first. We made it, and had plenty of adult beverages to grease things along.  Weather forecast for the am’s scheduled play did not look good, so alternate times were in the works.  This actually worked out great.

The next day we headed out to Hyland golf course. Let’s see, Billy, Radar, Chevy, 8ed, Metro, MX & myself.  All to the range to warm up.  Please god, let me make contact with the ball.  Chevy is taking video, oh please, not of me. 8ed is cracking wise. Guess cuz he just drove a gazillion miles. Not enough caffeine in that guy. Billy being Billy and Radar is so funny. The head honcho, Ms. Metro, was working thru a bit of the jet lag, but pretty impressive to watch, for a mere mortal like myself.  Off to the 1^st tee, MX, me & Metro. Crap, I hope I don’t shank my tee shot.  But a deep breath, and 18 holes later I survived.  The course was very nice, though not a resort. A pleasure to play for the first day.  First time playing off of tricky pine straw. First lesson learned: stay out of it.

Needless to say, there was an evening gathering at the local, and conveniently located bar/grill.  Lots of yabbering.  Radar had his wife with him, and she was loads of fun.  8ed was still on warp speed, much to everyone’s amusement.  Good thing I didn’t need to talk, no way to get a word in. I have never heard guys talk so much…EVER!  At long last another Slinger arrived from far away Atlanta, Golf.  Heartily welcomed by all. Still do not have everyone’s name yet.

Next day we headed out to the second course in the lineup: Tobacco Road. The course is supposed to be a nightmare, bring lots of balls.  Apparently someone else heard that too, because they gave a dozen Pro V’s to Radar before we even teed off.  Sweet.. Well the view from the first tee looked pretty scary.  And, it only got worse!  I have never seen “waste areas” like this before. Holy crap, There is more waste areas than fairways! MX & I were paired up with Radar & Billy. What a fun group.  Most tee shots seemed to be blind, and there was a lot of “Geeze, I wish I knew that was there”. Where the f**k did my ball go?  I was pretty lucky most of the day. I think they named one of those waste areas after Radar. He seemed to like to be in there.  Billy used a lot of colorful words by the end. We were glad it was over.  Hey, but the weather was great.

MX & I had had enough, but the others wanted more golf, so they headed back to Hyland for a quick 9.  We all wound up at the watering hole again…Needless to say, more libations were involved.  At some point, we started playing a trivia game, but Chevy had control of the pencil, and no one else had control over anything.  8ed kept putting cigarettes everywhere.   Radar, his wife, and Billy were testing the red wine.  Must have been good, cuz they kept ordering it.  I think Metro does not like ice. She kept scooping it out of her drinks.  She really was enjoying this group ciaos.  She was on her iPad, getting worldwide updates from other Slingers.  Another good day, done.  I haven’t totally embarrassed myself.  I am having a way, good time.  Sad to say bye to Radar and his wife.  Such good folks.

Day 3 takes us to the famous Pine Needles course.  Wow, this place has such class.  Their range balls are better than the ones I play.  Absolutely gorgeous course.  Superbly manicured.  MX & I played with Golf. Holy moly, this guy is good.  I would kill to have his short game.  What a sweetheart to play with.  I don’t get the fishing thing though.  Never saw that before.  As a threesome, we moved right around the course.  Metro, 8ed, Billy, and Chevy were behind us.  MX and I retired to the bar while we waited for them to finish.  Had to sell a kidney to pay for the beers. I guess at ritzy places like that the beer is better, or they wouldn’t charge so much. But the munchies snacks were free. Another day and I still have not puked on my golf shoes.  Only one more day to go, and already I am missing this.  It will be the last get together. 8ed and Golf headed home directly, Billy was off super early in the am. Chevy was kind enough to stick around to help get Metro to our last golf in Pinehurst.

Day 4, the last of the good golf for us.  MX, Metro and I were off to Talamore, home to the famous llama caddies.  Another beautiful morning and another beautiful golf course.  Sorry the rest were not there to enjoy it.  Really splendid way to finish off this trip. Metro could not be any nicer.  I so enjoyed playing golf and her company these few days.  I really hope that we can do this again.  I have such good memories from this trip.  Thanks to all for treating me so nice.  And thanks for letting me in the Tree House.  I will try to do you proud.   Thanks to Ernie for all his work setting up and organizing this clambake.  We wish you could have stayed and played. Next time for sure. Pleasure to meet you and Sharon.  Super people.  Thanks to Chevy, for keeping things straight.  You did an admirable job.  We will have to visit you in Aiken some time.

Tugoo

MEETING MS. METRO

Even though I was unable to participate fully in the Red Neck Sandhills Sling with the other Slingers, I enjoyed trying to put it together and was pleased the event and Metro were coming to North Carolina. I only hope not too many body parts were bruised, nor golf balls lost by having you play the most unusual Tobacco Road Golf course. It’s a memory for sure, some good and some not so good.

Sharon, my wife, and I really enjoyed meeting and playing golf with our leader on Tuesday at Mid Pines Club and the only hiccup we had was when Chevy and then Billy showed up. It then became a golf cart parade…just joking. It was worth it to see Chevy and Metro meet each other. Chevy was trying to be incognito by having grown a goatee and I didn’t recognize him at first as he flew by in the cart.

On to the motel to meet all of the others who had arrived and then went to dinner at one of the oldest hotels in Pinehurst, the Pinecrest Inn. It was disappointing to find they were using their limited menu but it was Tuesday so it was ok. All seemed to enjoy their meal or lied about it…not sure and after a few minutes of BS on the front porch it was back to the motel and good night for most. We were bushed.

Sharon and I left the next AM to return home. For those of you who do not know, I have struggled with a sporadic back for quite some time and have been unable to play two days in a row without some pretty good pain hence our departure.

Sharon and I returned to the Sandhills on Saturday to pick up Metro and take her to Emerald Isle on the coast of NC to stay with her good friends who used to live in Singapore for some 12 years. Sharon and I had a wonderful time the following Tuesday playing golf with Lee and her friends at our club. I hope we also found a way for Lee to swing a golf club without pain…at least she thinks it will work.

While I didn’t get to spend any significant time with the majority of the Slingers who attended it was an absolute pleasure renewing a few acquaintances and a pure joy meeting Radar and Mary along with Mike and Deb…our newest Slinger. Best wishes to you all and I hope our paths will cross in the future…soon.  A sincere thank you to all of you who came to the Sandhills and for the wonderful gift. It will be a pleasure and a joy to read.

PS:  I hear there may be another gathering in Myrtle Beach in a couple of years…great…

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