Pinehurst Golf Adventure

 

Pinehurst NC

A Golf Adventure

August 2021

 

           

          I’ve played golf in Branson MO, Kansas City KS, and Salt Lake City, but haven’t done a real “golf vacation.” Marjorie’s brother-in-law Jeff (my then apartment mate when he started dating Mary, thereby leading to my soon-to-be 50^th wedding anniversary ˗ but that’s another story) invited me to join a golf gathering of friends from St. Catherine’s High School in Racine WI (plus others over the years) that since 2001 has been a periodic reunion event dubbed “Still Crazy;” the core group is captured in freshmen “mug shots” (1961) in one of event organizer Bob Schroeder’s e-mails. 

 

Their logo is, shall we say, an homage to both the SCHS Angels and the “Blues Brothers” (John Belushi & Dan Aykroyd). Sites for the gatherings have included Santa Fe, Utah, Myrtle Beach, Breckenridge, Phoenix, & Orlando. Cancelled last year by the COVID pandemic (like so many things), but the 11^th “full-fledged official trip” has been organized for Pinehurst NC in August. I wait to see if there’s room for a “guest,” the invite coming in June to be on the 24-man roster, a smaller group this time. Couldn’t pass up this adventure. More about Pinehurst and courses below, but suffice to say legendary Bobby Jones called it “the St. Andrews of United States golf.”

            I arrange my participation with Bob, who has quite a task! Plus Tim Paulson handling financial matters. The stay is covered by a trip charge that, to quote Bob, “covers EVERYTHING once you arrive: shared vehicle travel, all meals, all munchies/healthy eating between meals, a dozen balls, green fees, carts, range balls, beer, wine, soda, juices, fruits, personal bar soap, tournament entry fees and prizes, four days of great conversation, a houseful of developing new friends, more golf tips than you can stand...and the best tasting hot early morning coffee you can ever recall...on and on...” I decide to join most of the guys for early Saturday arrival to allow a practice round Sunday before festivities officially begin with dinner Sunday night ˗ and, Jeff says, my “initiation.” My flights from Albany to Charlotte NC via Washington DC use mileage accumulated on our United credit card while the pandemic limited travel. Thought I might visit friends outside of Charlotte, but logistics don’t work out. A borrowed bag from friend Glenn will hold golf bag & clubs as checked baggage. That bag has oversized dimensions, but golf bags don’t incur an extra charge. Have to stay under 50 lbs, splitting clothes between carry-on & checked bag. It helps that I can use a very light golf bag that golf buddy Mike wins at a golfing fundraiser.