Thistle Club

 

July 12, 1999  (I was 54)

 

Thistle Club

         We were ready to play at 7:30 a.m. but it poured rain, so we

skipped our tee time and waited it out for a couple hours.  As soon as it

stopped, they got us out .  We played 27 holes without a drop. 

         Thistle is a beautiful fun course, particularly for one only open about

four months.  Much water and marsh and more bridges than I’ve seen on a course.  We played the middle of five sets of tees to a slope of 126.  The

track began mildly with short par fours, fairly easy water crossings, and avoidable  traps that guided you toward more optimal locations.

         Sections were a bit raw, but planted with colorful flowers and varieties

of blooming thistle. Later holes were longer and tougher.  The bent greens

were large and well-tended.  They rolled smooth and true, increasingly quick

as they dried.

         It will be interesting to compare them to the superb bent greens at

Surf Club later in the week.  I played well (83), so of course I liked the place,

but it got favorable comments from the both foursomes. 

         The staff was courteous and helpful, and the food was reasonable. 

This is a great addition to the Myrtle Beach Strand (actually in North Carolina).  It will be a continued favorite for future trips, I’m sure.  They loaded our vans

and attached complimentary bag tags.  It will be a pleasure to promote

the place to friends.   

Wild Wing –Avocet

 

from this week in June, 2000 (I was 55)

 

Wild Wing –Avocet

         A return to the course after a year’s layoff.  It is a sculpted

landscape with towering mounds and deep traps framed by thick

woodlands.  Molded obstacles traverse the fairways at unusual

angles.  Barrancas of native grasses, marsh growths and pond

crossings make for visual deception and difficulty gauging distances.

The Bermuda fairways held the ball high on a light bed, easy to divot,

but causing some fat hits especially with high irons and wedge shots.

The large greens, often 40-45 yards deep, were tiered and undulating.

The challenges are fair because options present themselves, and

occasional easier holes provide breathing space.  I felt fortunate to

card a 90 though I knew I could improve both strategy and execution.

The course has a fabricated beauty of elegant human design artfully

imposed on the natural landscape.  I like the course, especially the

fairways, and we will return to experience more of this four track

complex. 

 

Marsh Harbour

 

June 27, 1998  (I was 53)   & June 24, 2000

 

Marsh Harbour

         This Dan Maples gem is a fair test that plays through the

whole bag of clubs.  It’s a perfectly designed combination of six

holes on each nine that require a variety of shots leading to the

real test of similar, but more demanding shots on the finishing

holes.  Even the scenic beauty is increasingly intense to enhance

the demands of more skillful play.  The well maintained fairways

and pine straw rough in the marshland and waterway setting,

provide a stunning contrast of color.  Just a well-conceived,

logically planned build up of drama into the final three holes on

each side.  No wonder that it has become the choice to both open

and close the two week trip, nor that other Maples courses have

become annual favorites (Oyster Bay, Willbrook, Sea Trail and Pearl).  

Heritage and Willbrook Plantation

 

June 19, 2004 (I was 59)

 

Heritage and Willbrook Plantation

         Love and frustration define holes at Heritage, a superb plantation

course.  Some difficult forced carries and deceptive shot choices, puzzling

even after a number of plays.  Bermuda greens with subtle breaks right

at the hole are a part of the test here.  Three hundred year old oaks,

emotion-laden plantation history, lowland humidity, cobalt sky with drifting

puffs of cloud, alligator ponds, a killer course with deceptive shot choices

and potato chip shaped greens in the burn of summer.  A genuine taste of

the South Carolina low-country golf experience.

         Willbrook is another definitive plantation course with moss

laden oaks, meandering stream and dark reflective ponds on grounds

replete with historic markers to recall details of the old plantation life.

You don’t want a ball in the sweaty, snaky, insect-infested wetland.

Nor do you want to miss the feeling of a golf round in the setting golden

sun on the idyllic last day of a great pair of weeks.  I played nineteen

full rounds and nine more holes in twelve days of golf, not a trip

record, but more than satisfying.

 

Wild Wing Plantation, The Falcon course

 

from this week in 2005 (I was 60)

 

                  Wild Wing Plantation, The Falcon course

    The front nine is okay, some repetitive, back and forth holes in seemingly typical Rees Jones style.  Fairway bunkers in series on either side and sometimes in progression from one side of the fairway to the other.  One trap leads to another if you’re not out cleanly.  The course was in very good shape considering last night's warm rain that dissipated during our first three holes.  My game also had a dreary start.

          Don Brown’s witty chatter in an Irish brogue (as real as magic) and the diminished showers, brightened my demeanor and put me into the game.  Clouds parted to blue skies after the third hole.  The back nine had interesting mounding that created a stadium effect on a number of holes.  The course also moved through some scenic wooded areas of pine in a nice atmosphere of seclusion.

         We rode up to the 18^th tee box to see four large birds perched near the markers.  At first I thought they were statue replicas; the four courses here are named for birds.  But, here there was a falcon (or large hawk) and three turkey vultures.  Soon we realized the hawk had a squirrel pinned to the ground.  The vultures were looking for an opportunity.  They held still until we stepped from the carts.  Then the hawk flew off with the squirrel dangling from its talons.  It evaded the vultures maneuvering through the pines far off into the distance.  This round of golf instantly moved into the realm of the memorable.

Heather Glen and Glen Dornach

 

June 7, 2006  (I was 61)

 

Heather Glen and Glen Dornach -Little River N.C.

         Heather Glen was a challenge in an enchanting setting.  It

was in excellent condition in spite of last night’s lightning that

literally exploded a tree to shreds all over one fairway and green. 

In testimony to the maintenance, most of the fairway, and all of

the green had been cleared by the time we reached them at

9:30. The greens were as good as I’ve seen here, true rolling

Bermuda. The twenty-seven hole layout is secluded and woodsy,

no houses on the entire course.   

         Sister course, Glen Dornach is supposed to be the premier

track of the Glens group, but for me, it’s second-fiddle to Heather

Glen.  Still, it’s also a scenic course, and it’s a win-win discussion

of preference.  It was a sun-filled day with great coastal waterway

views, lots of boats and jet skiers.  The front nine had a few

low-lying holes that had some musty Bermuda greens and soggy

spots in the fairway.  The layout is quite original, a few holes

bordering on the diabolically tricky side. What a pair of courses,

with surprises in vista and architecture, and especially pleasing

if aesthetics are as important as scoring!

I’m in the van in a thunderstorm

 

from this week in May, 2012  (I was 67)

 

I’m in the van in a thunderstorm

At Leopard’s Chase Golf Course

A woman in black spandex trimmed in red

walks toward the cart barn with a purpose

A young man in a red polo shirt meets her

She has a glove on her left hand

After an exchange of words and gestures

they get into a cart together and ride

back toward me on the cart path

I hear her say as they pass

“My whole life is in that cell phone.”

He says, “Here’s what we do when this happens,”

They splash up the cart path from green to tee

It reminds me of a time I never did find

the keys to the rental van

I was more frantic than she

even though my whole life was not involved

and the sky was not pitching rain

Marsh Harbour & Sea Trail G.C. Calabash N.C.

 

June 28, 2000  (I was 55)

 

Marsh Harbour G.C.   Calabash N.C. -morning

         Another great round at a course whose attraction is natural beauty unadorned and tamper free.  It is interesting that most guys in the group find this the most appealing course after playing such a variety of modern sculptured ones.  Architect Dan Maples’ best work seems to create interesting avenues for fairways among the trees and waterways with minimal disruption.  I like the thinned trees that define borders with scattered pine needles underneath as the primary rough.  Even with some spotty greens, apparently attacked by some type of fungus,  the scenic variety and the build-up to dramatic finishes on both nines makes this the best we played in terms of bang for the buck.  Sparse summer play by locals makes for the seclusion of a private club.

Sea Trail –Reese Jones Course  -afternoon

         Dan Bachelder and I stopped into the real estate office to pick up some brochures and spoke to an agent for less than 15 minutes.  When he learned we had a tee time, he called the pro shop and compt our round.  Nice.  After all the golf in the past weeks we were too tired to focus on serious play.  The day was warm, we were relaxed as we recalled memorable moments of the trip.  Dan Stevens came upon a six-foot alligator that eyed him from the lip of a fairway trap he was in.  After ignorant re-assurances from the rest of us, he hit the shot (quite well) as we took pictures.

Tiger’s Eye golf course at Ocean Ridge Plantation, NC

 

June 16, 2006  (I was 61)

 

              Tiger’s Eye golf course at Ocean Ridge Plantation, NC

 

         After last week’s wet play, the fairways and greens have firmed up, cut to quickness with punitive subtle breaks. The maintenance on a course of this caliber for under $55 is incredible, a truly superior value.  I partnered with Dan.  He shot a 70, two under par from the back tees, beating his previous best by five strokes.  Awesome, five birdies.  All of us present were in agreement; we’d rather shoot 70 than have a hole in one. 

         Later Dan said he would never have done it if he was cart-partnered with JD, as it is JD’s style to talk trash and get inside a competitor’s head.  Instead, he appreciated my realization I ought to just play my game, maybe with more subdued commentary.  In part yes, but Dan’s play re-awakened me to a most satisfying pursuit in golf, to attain a meditative state through precision in physical action.  I bettered my front nine 53, with a back nine of 42; not a great total score but a valued lesson.

         In the afternoon, TP’s foursome traveled to Avocet at Wild Wing to cash in a rain check.  Four played Heather Glen in the usual golden warmth and magical light of late afternoon.  Four relaxed and packed for the morning flight home.  A most memorable trip. 

 

 

June 5, 2006  (I was 61) 

Myrtle Beach Natl. King’s Course

          Starting at 3 a.m. it rained harder than I thought possible.

We woke thinking we’d be rained out, went to the course for rain

check vouchers, it stopped raining.  We played 36 holes under

partly cloudy to sunny skies.  The greens were slow, aerated two

weeks ago and rain softened.  Beautiful floral landscaping, a well

groomed interesting layout with much water, most of which does

not come into play.  Courteous friendly staff in the clubhouse and

on the courses. The most fun and playable of the few Palmer

courses I’ve experienced.  There were quite a few doglegs, but

only to the left.  Perfect for the famous Palmer draw?  “The

Gambler” is the signature par five.  You tee to an island fairway

180 yards across water, or you take a circuitous route round the

pond adding 100 yards to the hole.  The problem is, you must be

well down the island fairway to be able to make the second water

crossing to the green.  Even from the middle tees the risk was

greater than any reward my game might accrue.

         We played the West course at the same complex in the

afternoon, a much easier track, more wide-open and traditional,

not to mention a value at $35 on the replay rate. 

Thistle Club

July 12, 1999  (I was 54)

 

Thistle Club

         We were ready to play at 7:30 a.m. but it poured rain, so we

skipped our tee time and waited it out for a couple hours.  As soon as it

stopped, they got us out .  We played 27 holes without a drop. 

         Thistle is a beautiful fun course, particularly for one only open about

four months.  Much water and marsh and more bridges than I’ve seen on a course.  We played the middle of five sets of tees to a slope of 126.  The

track began mildly with short par fours, fairly easy water crossings, and avoidable  traps that guided you toward more optimal locations.

         Sections were a bit raw, but planted with colorful flowers and varieties

of blooming thistle. Later holes were longer and tougher.  The bent greens

were large and well-tended.  They rolled smooth and true, increasingly quick

as they dried.

         It will be interesting to compare them to the superb bent greens at

Surf Club later in the week.  I played well (83), so of course I liked the place,

but it got favorable comments from the both foursomes. 

         The staff was courteous and helpful, and the food was reasonable. 

This is a great addition to the Myrtle Beach Strand (actually in North Carolina).  It will be a continued favorite for future trips, I’m sure.  They loaded our vans

and attached complimentary bag tags.  It will be a pleasure to promote

the place to friends.   

ns

and attached complimentary bag tags.  It will be a pleasure to promote

the place to friends.   

Wild Wing –Avocet

from this week in June, 2000 (I was 55)

Wild Wing –Avocet

         A return to the course after a year’s layoff.  It is a sculpted

landscape with towering mounds and deep traps framed by thick

woodlands.  Molded obstacles traverse the fairways at unusual

angles.  Barrancas of native grasses, marsh growths and pond

crossings make for visual deception and difficulty gauging distances.

The Bermuda fairways held the ball high on a light bed, easy to divot,

but causing some fat hits especially with high irons and wedge shots.

The large greens, often 40-45 yards deep, were tiered and undulating.

The challenges are fair because options present themselves, and

occasional easier holes provide breathing space.  I felt fortunate to

card a 90 though I knew I could improve both strategy and execution.

The course has a fabricated beauty of elegant human design artfully

imposed on the natural landscape.  I like the course, especially the

fairways, and we will return to experience more of this four track

complex. 

Marsh Harbour

June 27, 1998  (I was 53)   & June 24, 2000

Marsh Harbour

         This Dan Maples gem is a fair test that plays through the

whole bag of clubs.  It’s a perfectly designed combination of six

holes on each nine that require a variety of shots leading to the

real test of similar, but more demanding shots on the finishing

holes.  Even the scenic beauty is increasingly intense to enhance

the demands of more skillful play.  The well maintained fairways

and pine straw rough in the marshland and waterway setting,

provide a stunning contrast of color.  Just a well-conceived,

logically planned build up of drama into the final three holes on

each side.  No wonder that it has become the choice to both open

and close the two week trip, nor that other Maples courses have

become annual favorites (Oyster Bay, Willbrook, Sea Trail and Pearl).  

Heritage and Willbrook Plantation

June 19, 2004 (I was 59)

Heritage and Willbrook Plantation

         Love and frustration define holes at Heritage, a superb plantation

course.  Some difficult forced carries and deceptive shot choices, puzzling

even after a number of plays.  Bermuda greens with subtle breaks right

at the hole are a part of the test here.  Three hundred year old oaks,

emotion-laden plantation history, lowland humidity, cobalt sky with drifting

puffs of cloud, alligator ponds, a killer course with deceptive shot choices

and potato chip shaped greens in the burn of summer.  A genuine taste of

the South Carolina low-country golf experience.

         Willbrook is another definitive plantation course with moss

laden oaks, meandering stream and dark reflective ponds on grounds

replete with historic markers to recall details of the old plantation life.

You don’t want a ball in the sweaty, snaky, insect-infested wetland.

Nor do you want to miss the feeling of a golf round in the setting golden

sun on the idyllic last day of a great pair of weeks.  I played nineteen

full rounds and nine more holes in twelve days of golf, not a trip

record, but more than satisfying.

Wild Wing Plantation, The Falcon course

from this week in 2005 (I was 60)

                  Wild Wing Plantation, The Falcon course

    The front nine is okay, some repetitive, back and forth holes in seemingly typical Rees Jones style.  Fairway bunkers in series on either side and sometimes in progression from one side of the fairway to the other.  One trap leads to another if you’re not out cleanly.  The course was in very good shape considering last night's warm rain that dissipated during our first three holes.  My game also had a dreary start.

          Don Brown’s witty chatter in an Irish brogue (as real as magic) and the diminished showers, brightened my demeanor and put me into the game.  Clouds parted to blue skies after the third hole.  The back nine had interesting mounding that created a stadium effect on a number of holes.  The course also moved through some scenic wooded areas of pine in a nice atmosphere of seclusion.

         We rode up to the 18^th tee box to see four large birds perched near the markers.  At first I thought they were statue replicas; the four courses here are named for birds.  But, here there was a falcon (or large hawk) and three turkey vultures.  Soon we realized the hawk had a squirrel pinned to the ground.  The vultures were looking for an opportunity.  They held still until we stepped from the carts.  Then the hawk flew off with the squirrel dangling from its talons.  It evaded the vultures maneuvering through the pines far off into the distance.  This round of golf instantly moved into the realm of the memorable.

Heather Glen and Glen Dornach

June 7, 2006  (I was 61)

Heather Glen and Glen Dornach -Little River N.C.

         Heather Glen was a challenge in an enchanting setting.  It

was in excellent condition in spite of last night’s lightning that

literally exploded a tree to shreds all over one fairway and green. 

In testimony to the maintenance, most of the fairway, and all of

the green had been cleared by the time we reached them at

9:30. The greens were as good as I’ve seen here, true rolling

Bermuda. The twenty-seven hole layout is secluded and woodsy,

no houses on the entire course.   

         Sister course, Glen Dornach is supposed to be the premier

track of the Glens group, but for me, it’s second-fiddle to Heather

Glen.  Still, it’s also a scenic course, and it’s a win-win discussion

of preference.  It was a sun-filled day with great coastal waterway

views, lots of boats and jet skiers.  The front nine had a few

low-lying holes that had some musty Bermuda greens and soggy

spots in the fairway.  The layout is quite original, a few holes

bordering on the diabolically tricky side. What a pair of courses,

with surprises in vista and architecture, and especially pleasing

if aesthetics are as important as scoring!

I’m in the van in a thunderstorm

from this week in May, 2012  (I was 67)

I’m in the van in a thunderstorm

At Leopard’s Chase Golf Course

A woman in black spandex trimmed in red

walks toward the cart barn with a purpose

A young man in a red polo shirt meets her

She has a glove on her left hand

After an exchange of words and gestures

they get into a cart together and ride

back toward me on the cart path

I hear her say as they pass

“My whole life is in that cell phone.”

He says, “Here’s what we do when this happens,”

They splash up the cart path from green to tee

It reminds me of a time I never did find

the keys to the rental van

I was more frantic than she

even though my whole life was not involved

and the sky was not pitching rain

Marsh Harbour, Sea Trail

June 28, 2000  (I was 55)

Marsh Harbour G.C.   Calabash N.C. -morning

         Another great round at a course whose attraction is natural beauty unadorned and tamper free.  It is interesting that most guys in the group find this the most appealing course after playing such a variety of modern sculptured ones.  Architect Dan Maples’ best work seems to create interesting avenues for fairways among the trees and waterways with minimal disruption.  I like the thinned trees that define borders with scattered pine needles underneath as the primary rough.  Even with some spotty greens, apparently attacked by some type of fungus,  the scenic variety and the build-up to dramatic finishes on both nines makes this the best we played in terms of bang for the buck.  Sparse summer play by locals makes for the seclusion of a private club.

Sea Trail –Reese Jones Course  -afternoon

         Dan Bachelder and I stopped into the real estate office to pick up some brochures and spoke to an agent for less than 15 minutes.  When he learned we had a tee time, he called the pro shop and compt our round.  Nice.  After all the golf in the past weeks we were too tired to focus on serious play.  The day was warm, we were relaxed as we recalled memorable moments of the trip.  Dan Stevens came upon a six-foot alligator that eyed him from the lip of a fairway trap he was in.  After ignorant re-assurances from the rest of us, he hit the shot (quite well) as we took pictures.