Grand National

DATE:
February 27th

LOCATION:
Opelika, AL

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

Water water and more water. Reminded us of Myrtle Beach. We started to play a little better. There were more elevation changes than you would expect for lower Alabama.

Highland Oaks

DATE:
February 28th

LOCATION:
Dothan, AL

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

This course had a little of everything. The grass was a bit burned out but playable. The 500 yd. bridge was unique, especially since we were walking.

Eagles Pointe

DATE:
March 11th

LOCATION:
Hilton Head, SC

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

A nice course especially for walking. Typical South Carolina lowlands course with lots of water and minimal elevation changes.

Golden Bear at Indigo Run

DATE:
March 12th

LOCATION:
Hilton Head, SC

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Dick Pickel
Barb Pickel

Our Observations:

Another lowlands course. Nice combination of short and long holes with some interesting doglegs thrown in. The gators were out in force.

Rock Manor Golf Course

DATE:
April 10th

LOCATION:
Wilmington, DE

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Karen Lentz
Ken Lentz

Our Observations:

Another Very interesting fun course right along I-95. Audobon rated. Nice variety of layouts and very, very fast undulating greens.

Manor Golf Course

DATE:
April 14th

LOCATION:
Shillington, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

Hills, hills and more hills. It was a real workout. The putting greens were slow but hard to read because of the slopes. Not the most pristine course but the hilly terain made the holes varied and interesting.

Overlook Golf Course

DATE:
April 17th

LOCATION:
Lancaster, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Chris Stetler
Betty Bollinger

Our Observations:

Basically our home course. We know every tree and blade of grass but that doen't always help scoring. Just like most city courses, it is a tight course where accuracy is rewarded more than power.

Downingtown Country Club

DATE:
April 21st

LOCATION:
Downingtown, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

A former resort course and a surprisingly beautiful course for being right in the middle of downingtown. A lot of variation to hole shape, tree lined and demanding greens even though the greens were very slow.

Tidewater Golf Course

DATE:
April 28th

LOCATION:
North Myrtle Beach, SC

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Steve Graham

Our Observations:

Our favorite course in Myrtle Beach. Fantastic holes on both the Cherry Hill inlet and the intercoastal. All holes were fun, unique and challenging. Greens were a bit weather damaged so they gave us a $50 gift card which we used for the golf. They also gave us a sleeve of pro V1's. First class all the way.

Diamondback Golf Course

DATE:
April 30th

LOCATION:
Loris, SC

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

We played in lightning and rain throughout and we followed the slowest 5-some ever. Flat course with required water hazards. All holes were cut through dense forest. Not great condition. Joni was on fire. Despite 3 shots in the water she scored an 84.

Sea Trail Resort - Maple Course

DATE:
May 2nd

LOCATION:
Sunset Beach, NC

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

Sea Trails is a large resort community so there were many houses. Fun layout with a lot of doglegs and lakes. We finally had some fast greens that were a challenge to get used to. The cartpaths had more potholes than Chestnut ST. in Lancaster.

Shaftesbury Glen

DATE:
May 4th

LOCATION:
Conway, SC

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

A nice clubhouse modeled on a Scottish manor house greeted us. They had nice fast greens. The holes were cut into trees but it was not as secluded as Diamondback. Many deep wide bunkers. Not as much variety as we would have liked.

Long Bay Club

DATE:
May 7th

LOCATION:
Longs, SC

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

This course was all about sand and mounding. Many holes had large waste bunkering along the fairways and the shallow greens were elevated and protected with traps and mounding. The difficulty here were the approaches. Many houses have been built bordering the holes since the last time we were here.

Legends - Moorland

DATE:
May 9th

LOCATION:
Myrtle Beach, SC

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

Wow! What a course! Hard to describe. Every hole is an adventure. If you are not careful, disaster awaits but it is so much fun. Elevated greens protected by sand (some traps 20 feet high) large mounds, railroad ties and many other diabolical hazards. One of our favorite courses down here.

Par Line

DATE:
May 15th

LOCATION:
Elizabethtown, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

Back home and we did not pick the greatest course to start with. Par Line has a fun layout, the holes are all different, but the conditions are a bit lax. Great value for the money. Also, the par 5's are the longest in the county. All 5 over 530 yards.

Tanglewood Golf Course

DATE:
May 17th

LOCATION:
Quarryville, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

We have played here many times and never realized how close the holes are to each other. Joni was almost hit 5 different times due to shots from other fairways or blind tee shots. Otherwise it is a nice country layout. 10 and 18 are still tough.

Loch Nairn

DATE:
May 20th

LOCATION:
Avondale, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

This was a surprisingly fun course. Every hole was different from the first hole split fairway onward. Uphill, downhill, doglegs, short par 3's and 4's, long holes, water. This course had it all. I would definitely play here again. (Of course, not again this year.)

Host Resort

DATE:
May 24th

LOCATION:
Lancaster, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Chris Stetler
Josh Rineer

Our Observations:

We played the Host because Chris had a free coupon. Good reason. The course was a bit ragged but not bad in the fairways and greens. The rough was way to high for a resort course. The round took 5 hours because of having to locate balls off the fairway. Not cool. Joni and I smoked the boys in a skins game. Thanks for the beers guys!

Briarwood-West

DATE:
May 30th

LOCATION:
York, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

Another surprise. I thought this course was flat and boring. Nope. Plenty of hills and doglegs. Conditions were fair but good fairways and greens. It must have been wide open because I didn't have to punch once. They need another set of tees because I played from the backs at almost 6500 yds. Next choice was 5700. Joni also played back from the senior tees at 5500. We both still did very well. Another course I would play again. (especially for $21!)

Inniscrone

DATE:
June 2nd

LOCATION:
York, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

We walked this course and that added to our misery. This course is a true target golf course and neither of us had our A (or B) game. Some features: 450 yard par 4's with hidden hazards, severely sloped fast greens, narrow sloping fairways that run off into trouble. It might have been somewhat fun if we were pinpoint on our shots but we were not. The front nine was scenic but houses have been built all along the back nine. If you play, be sure to have everything working for you.

Royal Manchester

DATE:
June 5th

LOCATION:
Manchester, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Chris Stetler
Josh Rineer

Our Observations:

Great links style course. Best example of this style in the area. Course was in great shape and is very interesting. Wind plays abig factor and you do not want to veture off the fairway. You are not punching out from the high grasses. It is a miracle but I did not lose a ball off the tee all day. Great twilight rate of $19 after 4. Wow, what a bargain for a high end course!

Honey Run

DATE:
June 15th

LOCATION:
York, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Ken Lentz
Karen Lentz

Our Observations:

A fun course I hav not played in 25 years. Lots of doglegs and hills. The ninth and eighteenth are both holes that are steeply uphill with the green perched on the top. Conditions were so-so but the greens were very nice. A fun day.

Royal Oaks

DATE:
June 18th

LOCATION:
Lebanon, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Roger Petrilli
Tara Petrilli

Our Observations:

Ugh! Up at 4:45 to tee off at 6AM. We started our quest for 60 holes in one day right after sunrise. No one around, dew on the grass. It wa cool. Plus we all started out very well. Tara played better than I have ever seen her. The course was in nice shape and we got done before the 9- degree weather hit. A pleasant first course played in just over 3 hours. We are right on schedule.

Pine Meadows

DATE:
June 18th

LOCATION:
Lebanon, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Roger Petrilli
Tara Petrilli

Our Observations:

Course 2 of our 60 holes. There was no one else around when we teed off so we got off a bit early (after picking up our breakfast sandwiches). It's a good thing we started early. This course is brutal for those who do not hit straight. All the par 3's were through trees. Many hills, trees, water and tall brush around. Some holes had small landing areas. We probably lost 20-25 balls between us. We were getting hot under the collar for more than one reason. But we finished on schedule and headed for course 3.

Fairview

DATE:
June 18th

LOCATION:
Quentin, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Roger Petrilli
Tara Petrilli

Our Observations:

The hot weather was good for one thing- no one on the tee here and no one in front of us. After ordering a much deserved beverage, we headed out. This course was much more friendly, especially to Roger. The heat was really building but there was a breeze blowing so we didn't melt. Fairview is a fun course, mostly open so we could relax a bit. Finished at 6:30, just enouhg time to get to Overlook for our final 6. Thanks to the Petrillis for sharing the "fun" with us.

Rocky Gap

DATE:
June 23rd

LOCATION:
Flintstone, MD

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

We are on our way to Jim's wedding. Our first stop was a casino resort at Rocky Gap State Park in northwest Md. Beautiful mountain course designed by Jack Nicklaus. $30 to ride (and ride you must!) Sweeping mountainside fairways, pretty mountain vistas and interesting and challenging layout. Fantastic!

Brickyard Crossing

DATE:
June 25th

LOCATION:
Indianaplolis, IN

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Arkansas Chris

Our Observations:

Spur of the moment selection on our way to Chicago. Very cool playing inside the track. Cars were driving around although very slowly. Course was very nice, a bit tight in places, but not worth the high green fees. Obviously charging for the experience of being inside the speedway, which was a treat.

Thunderhawk

DATE:
June 27th

LOCATION:
Beach Park, IL

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Adam Fischer
George Mavros
Jim Mavros

Our Observations:

Jim's wedding outing and it was a special day in more ways than one. The course was a RT Jones masterpiece. It wound through Audobon sanctioned wetlands and stray balls were not recoverable. Many, many forced carries but nothing unreasonable. A beautiful and fun layout.

Harborside

DATE:
June 30th

LOCATION:
Chicago, IL

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Jim Mavros

Our Observations:

Jim took a day off from work to play with us again. He suggested this course in the city limits of Chicago. You would never know it except being able to see the skyline in the distance. Great links style course built on an old landfill. Hilly and winswept, just the way a links course should be. Very challenging and scenic. We loved it here. Thanks Jim!

Sawmill Creek

DATE:
July 1st

LOCATION:
Chicago, IL

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Kentucky Daryl

Our Observations:

Stopped here on our way to Pittsburgh to see a Phillies game. Nice enough course with tree lined fairways. Very walkable because all the holes were very flat. The par 3's were scenic and challenging, all with forced carries. Other than that not very memorable.

Manakiki

DATE:
July 2nd

LOCATION:
Cleveland, OH

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Ken Fry

Our Observations:

Joni's uncle Ken took us to a municipal course east of town. Not a typical city course. It used to be a private course and was extremely hilly and very interesting. Each hole had a different feel to it. It was fun to play and even though I had 5 pealty strokes on my first 7 drives, I ended up with a 90. We really enjoyed it. Thanks uncle Ken, nice choice! Now it's time to knock off some more local courses.

Foxchase

DATE:
July 12th

LOCATION:
Denver, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Bob Bachman

Our Observations:

We are back home. It was threatening rain but we decided to give it a go. A short rain delay after nine but it cleared up. The delay was just long enough for a refreshment. It was muggy and hot but we had a fun time. It's always fun playing with Bob. And a specials thanks to our group caddy, Deb Bachman!

Hawk Valley

DATE:
July 19th

LOCATION:
Bowmansville, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Tara Petrilli
Roger Petrilli

Our Observations:

A last minute tee time while the Las Vegas visitors were elsewhere. Great weather and the Hawk was in great shape. Greens are just not fast like the old days. A nice afternoon with friends!

Grey Stone

DATE:
July 25th

LOCATION:
White Hall, MD

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Karen Lentz
Ken Lentz

Our Observations:

THis was a course the Lentz's really wanted to play and it did not dissapoint them. Located in the rolling hills of northern Maryland, it had 86 traps and 9 ponds. I found just about all the traps. Joni and I walked the front and that was enough. Not a walking course! It was interesting and challenging with almost no flat holes. Another winner!

Penn State-White

DATE:
July 31st

LOCATION:
State College, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Jim Mavros

Our Observations:

This course always brings back memories. This was the course (half of it, they took some holes away for buildings) I played many times in college. Believe it or not I am better now. It's not as polished as the blue but it has a fun layout with a little of everything.

Mountain View

DATE:
August 1st

LOCATION:
Boalsburg, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Bill Martin
Roger Petrilli
Dave Singleton

Our Observations:

PSU Golf weekend is here! First stop - The old Elks club under new ownership. It is a very hilly course with extremely sloped greens. I drove and putted well but not much else worked. The course had a few holes rerouted and the layout is much better. This is always a favorite.

Toftrees

DATE:
August 2nd

LOCATION:
State College, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Bob Bachman
Darla Kelly

Our Observations:

Trophy Day, and as always, I am in contention. This time it took a max double par on the last hole to tie for the trophy (4 way tie) This couse is always a challenge for me and my mind makes it harder than it should be. Hi, I'm mister basket case. This course is rated as one of the best in the state and I won't argue. A beautiful mountain course through central PA forests.

Pilgrim Oak

DATE:
August 7th

LOCATION:
Peach Bottom, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

One of our favorites in the area. Every hole has it's own character. Beautiful views of Amish farms from everywhere. Nice elevation changes, tricky greens and enough trouble to keep you on your toes.

Springwood

DATE:
August 10th

LOCATION:
York, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Chris Stetler

Our Observations:

We always loved the layout of this course. Nice mix of holes with elevation changes that offered nice views. However, the conditions have gone downhill. Heritage seems more interetsed in having a nice restaurant instead of a first rate golf course. Too bad because it wouldn't take much to bring it up to "par". It still is a fun course to play, not too fun to walk!

Raven's Claw

DATE:
August 15th

LOCATION:
Pottstown, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Karen Lentz
Ken Lentz

Our Observations:

What a beautiful day for golf! This course was another fun, challenging layout. Many elevation changes and sharp doglegs to vex you. But the most difficult issue was the greens. Not overly fast but they all had multiple slopes and the pins were all placed on the sides of the slopes. Toughest greens so far.

Broad Run

DATE:
August 19th

LOCATION:
West Chester, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Betty Bollinger
Deb Youse

Our Observations:

Wow! Talk about elevation changes and beautiful vistas! There were great views on every tee, although some shots were blind. That could be bad because there was a lot of danger if you strayed off the fairway. This was one of the few local courses that Joni and I would not attempt to walk. We were told there were almost 9 miles of cart paths and most of those were steeply down or uphill. Fantastic course, another local gem.

Chesapeake

DATE:
August 26th

LOCATION:
Rising Sun, MD

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

This is the sister course to the one in Northeast. This one is more open and a bit easier. It's fun and the greens were tough but it's not as scenic as Northeast. Joni and I both parred the 18th to get 89's. It's always a treat to break 90.

Dauphin Highlands

DATE:
August 28th

LOCATION:
Middletown, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

One of our favorite local courses. Very fun to play. We got a beautiful day to play, 78 degrees, sunny and a nice breeze. Unfortunately the greens were just aerated. I think it should be illegal for courses not to disclose this when you make your tee time. Joni and I both did well, shooting in the 80's. I came within one ball revolution of getting 3 birdies, which I am pretty sure has never happened. Great Day!

The Links of Gettysburg

DATE:
September 2nd

LOCATION:
Gettysburg, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Jamie Singleton
Dave Singleton

Our Observations:

Ouch! This course, although beautiful, kicks my butt every time. I think it has the hardest starting holes in the area. It's very tight with mucho water. Again, we played on aerated greens. I have to remember to ask for the next couple rounds. This course is very challenging but interesting. One of these days I will bring my A game (or B, or C) here. Thanks to the Singletons for taking a day to spend with us. We really enjoyed it (epecially the burgers after).

Honeybrook

DATE:
September 18th

LOCATION:
Honeybrook, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Betty Bollinger
Karen Lehman

Our Observations:

Very nice course. Front nine holes are rolling hills through farmland. Back nine has some holes through woods for a nice change of pace. Just enough elevation changes to keep things interesting. It was an enjoyable round, but that may have to do with Joni and I shooting in the mid 80's. Thanks Betty for inviting us!

Gatlinburg Golf Course

DATE:
September 23rd

LOCATION:
Gatlinburg, TN

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Darla Kelly

Our Observations:

A resort course with a dual personality. The front nine was wide open sprawling fairways with either very long or very short par 4's. The back nine was very tight with big hills and blind shots,a little tricked up. Signiture hole was a par 3 with over a 200 ft elevation drop. (See picture).You knew where you were playing due to the mountain views and the Dollywood train whistle blowing every 10 minutes.

Longleaf

DATE:
September 28th

LOCATION:
Southern Pines, NC

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

We are now in the Pinehurst area. Longleaf, our first course, was built on the former site of a horse training farm. Remnants of the track rails are still on the course. This course is also one with a dual personality. The front nine is the one with the farm touches. It is an open rolling links style nine. The back nine is wooded, fairly tight and very hilly. The wierd thing is that Joni and I did much better on the back. We were able to walk, which was a surprise for a resort area. Also, the course was fairly empty. We think it was because the Rider Cup was not (technically) over yet.

Foxfire-Gray

DATE:
September 30th

LOCATION:
Pinehurst, NC

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

Playing our home course! We are staying on the course here about 6 miles from Pinehurst. We decided to play both courses in one day. We started early with major dew on the fairway. It made it play long but it was great playing with no one around in the early morning mist. First hole was a par 5 with a large lake in the landing area. We had the course to ourselves. For some reason the holes seemed to play 50 yards longer than the stated yardage. I'm sure it had nothing to do with our swings!

Foxfire-Red

DATE:
September 30th

LOCATION:
Pinehurst, NC

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

Course number two today. We decided to ride since the first course was a hike. After we drove our golf cart to our condo (cool!) for lunch (and to pick up beer for the course) we were off. After some major water holes early we hit the back nine. Joni must have been pissed that I beat her on the front because she shot par the first 5 holes on the back. It may have been a coincidence but we also started our beer consumption on hole 10. After picking up another beer at our condo on hole 17 (see photo) we finished up. It was a fun day.

Seven Lakes

DATE:
September 30th

LOCATION:
Seven Lakes, NC

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

This was a fairly new course in the Pinehurst area and very highly rated. It was a nice course, only a few memorable holes, but in great condition. These were the best greens we played on. More water than any other course we played down here(7 Lakes-duh!). Neither of us played that great but again we were by ourselves most of the time.

Tobacco Road

DATE:
October 1st

LOCATION:
Sanford, NC

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck

Our Observations:

I can't begin to describe this place. It's like a different sport. First of all it's all about the golf. The pro shop is a small cabin and they really don't have a restaurant, just a snack bar in the pro shop. You basically take a dirt road to the clubhouse. We actually turned onto a cart path for a few yards on the way in before we realized it. Every hole is completely different and a unique challenge. The first tee shot is semi-blind between two "mountains" (see first photo) and the approach is also between two high mounds. They have no "bunkers". All sand is considered waste areas and they are everywhere. There are greens hidden behind mounds, blind tee shots over sand walls, and many other shots you don't find anywhere else. It is always mentally draining but a real thrill ride to play.

Heritage

DATE:
October 14th

LOCATION:
York, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Ken Lentz
Karen Lentz

Our Observations:

This was our second attempt at this course after being "leagued out" last time. This time we had the course to ourselves. It was a great, blustery fall day. I played an autumn orange ball but my aged eyes couldn't find it, even in the light rough, so I changed to white. Too bad - I had 5 straight pars and shot a 42 on the front. I did not do nearly as well with the white. We all had real trouble on the fast sloped greens, especially since the winds were blowing at 20-30 MPH. Fun day!

Conestoga

DATE:
October 18th

LOCATION:
Lancaster, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Rory Gallagher
Tara Petrilli
Deb Youse

Our Observations:

This was the course of my youth when my father had a family membership. Due to my childhood memories I never played well here....until today. I shot an 89 on a blustery fall day. It was nice to play well during our Ryder Cup contest. The course was in great shape as the men took a 5 to 3 lead over the ladies. I really enjoyed the day, my play as well as hanging with the gang. Life is good!

Ledgerock

DATE:
October 19th

LOCATION:
Mohnton, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Danny Scheurech
Jamie Singleton
Karen Lentz

Our Observations:

WOW! What a course. Hidden in the hills of Berks county, this course has a postcard look from every tee. All holes had major elevation changes, slick greens (they made Conestogas seem slow) and strategic shot decisions. We were treated first class from the time we got there (our names on lockers) to when we were done (sitting in front of a large outdoor gas firepit). The weather was a bit chilly and very windy. I brought my D game which, as you can imagine on a course like this, caused me to be brutally spanked. No problem, men win!

Green Mountain

DATE:
October 28th

LOCATION:
Killington, VT

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Roger Petrilli
Tara Petrilli

Our Observations:

Greetings from Vermont. It was a bit cold and rainy this week but we found a great golf day to play this course. The Killington Mt. course was already closed and this course was preparing to close the next day. They didn't even have the bar open! We played here before and it is a beautiful mountain course, great scenery and great variety. The course was in nice shape although since they were closing they didn't mow the greens. They were Evergreen speed. The course was hilly and tight but we all walked anyway. It was a bit of a challenge, especially the back nine. I showed off all my golf skills by shooting a 55 -42. Consistency is my middle name! 4 more to go!

Reading Country Club

DATE:
November 5th

LOCATION:
Reading, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Betty Bollinger

Our Observations:

An old style course that was a private club until a few years ago, Reading actually hosted a PGA tour event in 1951. It was a different time then as the yardage from the tips is only 6200 yards. Due to the layout, elevations and the fact that it's a par 70 made it play much longer. It was a typical older club type course fit into a small parcel of land. It was tight and tricky, just what you would expect.

Crossgates

DATE:
November 12th

LOCATION:
Millersville, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Betty Bollinger
Karen Lentz
Ken Lentz

Our Observations:

A 60 degree day in mid November...I might get my 60 in after all! Crossgates is an old standby. It's hard to believe it took this long to play it. One nice thing about midweek November golf...you can play as a 5-some. We were joined by my most loyal participants, Betty and the Lentz's. It was a really fun day on a course that still had a bunch of color. We finished just as the sun was setting which made the colors even more vibrant. Fall golf is awesome!

Wynecote

DATE:
November 24th

LOCATION:
Oxford, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Betty Bollinger

Our Observations:

Who would think that in late November I would be playing golf in 20 to 30 MPH wind...and be comfortable in a short sleeve shirt. Yes, wind was the word of the day, especially on a links course like Wynecote. This course is completely treeless, but not wide open. Tall grasses were everywhere to devour your ball. All I can say is that I got rid of all my used and scuffed balls today. It is a pretty course but it rewards accuracy, not my strong suite. My scores are starting to deteriorate. One more round and I think it's time to give the clubs a rest. (But where to play the last round....stay tuned!)

Sunset

DATE:
December 17th

LOCATION:
Middletown, PA

PLAYING PARTNERS:
Joni Hauck
Betty Bollinger
Chris Stetler

Our Observations:

WE DID IT! Accident or no I was determined to finish my quest. Who better to end it with than the the golfers who were my first guests. I wanted to end with an upscale course out of town but unforseen circumstances changed my plans. I wasn't sure how things were going to go so I stayed close to home. The weather reports were such that I figured this day was going to be the best through the end of the year. Well, it WAS warmer (45 degrees) but the wind and clouds made it a bit uncomfortable. Our shots of whiskey at the turn made the back 9 a bit more bearable. My swing was not as affected by my sore ribs as I feared and we had a great time. I shot a 90 which was very unexpected. Finishing my quest was a little sad but it's time for the off season. Thanks to everyone who accompanied me on my journey, all 5,794 strokes worth.