The Season Goes On!

The holiday weekend is over and the Christmas holidays will be here before we know it. But, the golf season is still going. We played again on Saturday under some pretty mild conditions for late November. And, the weather may cooperate for a few more days. We'll see, but we may squeeze a few more days out before the winter dance on Saturday. Base on what I've heard this year's dance promises to be a good time. Reservations are way ahead of the past couple of years and the food sounds pretty good, and the music should be very entertaining. If you aren't planning on being there you should reconsider.

Back to golf. I was able to take a few few dollars from the Social Director while only losing one to Dean S (aka the Great White Hunter(GWH)). SD's putter was almost as cold as the temperature when we started out. Can't believe how good the course is at this late date.

Above is the last picture from the JR/SR Championship. Sure would be nice to have shorts on again. I know TTS would agree. I wonder if those are real legs or did they ride in on chickens? I guess photos do funny things but I don't think these were touched up.

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A Great Day

They tell me this is late November but I really didn't believe it until I realized it was The Big Game day. The weather has almost been perfect. More like October than November. But, back to my original thoughts.

Saturday was really a good day for your humble blogger. I won three different ways. In no particular order of importance, the 1st was when I took the majority of the skin money from my two Saturday golf chums. They tried to set me up an it back fired on them. It started out they only wanted to play the front so as not to miss the kickoff of the OSU game. Then they got greedy and thought we had time to play the loop. Well, it back fired on them since I was able to take advantage of their poor putting and picked 7 skins due to carry overs. I guess they will never learn. Second, OSU beat Michigan again and won the Big 10 outright! Third, I even won some money in the football pool. The real winner there was Linda S who took 2nd and 3rd quarters and the game money. Not bad work if you can get it.

We need to give a big thanks to our Social Director. He brought in the group picture from the JR/SR Championship. Check it out in the grill. We'll have a hanging ceremony sometime in the future (just an excuse for getting together for a drink). The Shake of the Day pot is over $50 again thanks the ladies at the OSU vs. Michigan party. They thought it was great fun and would have probably played all afternoon if we let them. But, rules are rules.

We Should All Have His Genes

That's right we should all have Fred's genes. At least once a year he seems to find his game and overcome his chipping yips to take the money. Yesterday was one of those times. He was well on his way to shooting better than his age before the rain forced off the course after 16 holes. While he didn't take all the marbles it was darn close. LBB and I made a late rally to cut into his marble bag. Uncle Bob also snuck in for a share of the loot. The best part was Fred was winning with birdies, three to be exact. It was great to just watch.

Gilhooley tried to bring in a ringer. Scooter from Southfield was in town and brought his game to BCC to try take our limited funds. Personally, I think Gilhooley and Scooter were in chaoots and planned to split the money at Ralphies later that night. For those of you who don't know him, Scooter is one of Gilhooley's tax bandits who used to be a member (and former BCC caddie) before moving to Southfield. Fortunately Fred was able to spoil their plans. They were both skinless at the end of the day.

As you know Wednesday is Mexican night. TTS showed up at the course to pick up his clubs and was invited to come, or more correctly we inquired if St. Gwen would like to join the group. Remember TTS's delicate palate has trouble with any thing stronger than black peeper. TTS said he doubted it since he was making ham loaf again. By the time we came in there was a message from him wanting to know what time to show up. I guess the ham loaf wasn't going over well at the homestead. Not sure how the evening turned out since we had another engagement.

Remember lunch Friday if no golf due to the weather.

Cold And Windy

Well the sun was out and the day showed promise. Six of us (with probably too much time on our hands) decided that it was a good idea to play. However, the wind was howling out of the northeast and the wind chill made it feel like 35 instead of 50. We talked about only playing the down wind holes but LBB voted that down for obvious reasons. So off we went bundled up like the little kid in the snowsuit in the Christmas Story ( the classic movie shown every year non stop on TNT on Christmas day). I had on so many sweaters and vests I failed to realize I didn't change my street shoes until after hitting my tee shot on the first hole. Of course my friends were nice enough to point it out for me in some very graphic terms. Anyway, we played as best we could and people kept collecting skins like they were Halloween candy. I don't get it. These guys don't play this well in normal conditions. It was so windy on #6 that it took a driver and three woods to get to the edge of the green and four guys made six to halve the hole. I decided that a sinus headache was not worth the chance to win $2 and dropped out after nine holes. The rest continued on and I don't know how the day ended. My guess is that LBB was the big winner. I vowed to return on Wednesday if it doesn't rain and the wind calms down. I also found a hat with ear flaps, and no it doesn't tie under the chin.

After warming up and popping a few sinus pills I went to visit TTS and take him his post op cookie. He was in good spirits and bouncing around the house like he normally does. St Gwen looked a little frazzled but OK otherwise, and not quite ready to brain him with the frying pan. He showed me the surgery pictures (nice digital shots of the inside of the knee) and it was pretty clear that the surgery was needed. Now if he doesn't overdo it in the next few days recovery should be quick.

Almost forgot, welcome back Uncle Bob.

November Golf

These are the bonus days of the golf season. Saturday was pretty nice and we played just a casual round. Too many good football games on to be hanging around the course for too long.

Here's an interesting tidbit of info. While talking with our pro I learned that we have used more than 80,000 tees this year. That's the the four boxes the club bought and the remainder from the previous year. Not really sure of the actual count but that's a lot by any measure. Probably not the most expensive item in the budget but it all adds up. Too bad some people can't bend over and pick theirs up on the tee box. Wonder how many range balls we lose a year? I sure have found a lot of them around the course. I know they are planning on using a different brand next year and the NXT's will only be on the chipping green.

Saw H1 in the grill on Saturday. The top of his head had healed and he was laughing about hitting the tree with his cart. He also showed me the repair estimate - not cheap. Good thing they don't come with air bags because that most certainly would've deployed and added to the cost. Just glad no one was hurt. Even the tree seems to be OK.Didn't realize umbie was such a physical game.

The Old Bear

It was a pretty typical day. Five guys, skins game, clear crisp day the only difference was TTS came out of hibernation for one last round before getting his knee scoped on Monday. Well as you can guess things were going along as they usually do; it is hard to win a skin with five guys playing. Thru 13 holes four of us managed to eek out a win. TTS was skinless and taking a fair amount of ribbing, especially from LBB. As LBB said later "I must have poked the old bear once too often" because TTS found his game and won 3 out of the next 4 holes. He even made a natural birdie on #15. Congrats and good luck on Monday. And, yes I'll bring you another cookie.

Lots of News

First and foremost Dr. J did it again. Yep, rolled 5 aces (2 rolls) for $33.00). This is getting to be too much and we may have to put him on Shake of the Day probation. Nobody has won with aces before!! Plus, he won in the skins shoot-out. We did have a measure of revenge, the drinks cost more than he won. Speaking of playing we had 5 and 1/2 guys play in about three hours. The 1/2 was TTS who only played 9 holes (more on him later). Everyone had their own cart and I'm sure it resembled a swarm of bees running around the course.

Dave H showed up after spending time in Hawaii. Said he had a great time and now knows why everyone raves about the islands. He said one of his favorite things was learning to do the hula. Now tell me, a semi old bald guy wearing coconuts and a grass skirt, swiveling his hips can't be a pretty sight ( I don't care how many rum drinks with little umbrellas you've had).

As you all know Wednesday is Mexican night at a local tortilla factory. Well the normal crowd showed up. LBB made a special effort to invite TTS and St. Gwen. Well St Gwen came but TTS was absent. We all thought maybe golf bothered TTS' foot our his knee was giving him trouble. But noooo, we were informed (after much questioning) that TTS wanted to stay home in his jammies and have warm milk and cookies before going to bed at 8 PM. I wonder if his jammies have feet in them? At least the cookies should have been good since TTS is a master baker.

One last thing, this morning we looked out our big windows to see a doe munching on our rose bushes. This is right next to the house mind you. Before she was done a young buck also showed up. Note to Dean S - just come to our house instead of going West to hunt. We'll only charge a fraction of what you're paying out there.

Bright and sunny again today. Can golf be in the picture?

Just Another Day on The Links

It certainly wasn't a great day weather wise but not the worst either. Plans to play nine holes turned into eighteen for Gilhooley, Fred S and I. Too bad the rest of you fair weather birds didn't show up since my putter was hot and I had my playing partners mumbling and grumbling most of the round. Fred S found another place to look for balls. When we got to 16 tee Fred was going to use the ball washer. When he pulled up the plunger he found a new ProV1. Now I've heard about a lapse in memory but that has got to be one of the best. And, can you imagine the embarrassment if you ever admitted to leaving your ball in the ball washer? That's like leaving your driver on the tee and driving off to play your next shot (TZ I believe), or leaving your putter in the middle of the fairway. I don't remember who did it but it happened this year.

Wednesday is dawning with clear skies and moderate temperatures so maybe we'll see more of you trying to take advantage of these bonus days. Note - new paving projects on 10 and 3 are complete and TTS can quit complaining the rough ride.

Calling It Quits

No I'm not quiting golf, just looking for balls for the season. While watching the 4PM news yesterday I noticed the lake on #2 looked as smooth as glass. Being the ball hawker that comes with living by a golf course I thought one last trip around the lake might be rewarding. So off I went and 15 minutes later I came home with my pockets bulging with 14 balls ( 40% were ProV/Titleist). That's not a record for one trip but a pretty good haul. The total for the season is 14.7 dozen (slightly above average since I've been doing this). At an average of $25 per dozen (about 50% of all balls are pro line) that represents $367.50 at retail. Over the years we've lived here I've found over 83 dozen so you figure what they might be worth. Maybe I should sell them instead of giving them away (with the market, recession and being on a fixed income). At $.25 a ball that would be about $45.00 per year. Ah, on second thought I'll just give them away.

Sunday - Wow!

Wasn't able to play golf on Saturday due to family function in Germantown, but did play Sunday and what a great day it was. Can't remember the weather being so nice in November in the recent past. Seems like the past several years the door slams shut on golf about this time and doesn't unlock until mid April of the following year. Any way we had six couples and played a little 2 best ball competition for $5 a person. Surprise, surprise every team was minus 8. What are the odds of that happening? Followed that up with cocktails and chili at a participant's house. A lot of lively conversation, good wine, and food. The wives were introduced to the "shake of the day" and thought it was great fun. Most wanted to roll again since there were no winners. We had to remind them of the name of the game (no it's not really my gas fund).

I've been thinking about what to blog about in the off season and am working on several ideas. One of which will involve the history of the JR/SRS. If any has any ideas I'm open to suggestions. As indicated earlier rules will be covered and maybe I'll address issues that relate to work that Eric does. I think there is a lot of misunderstanding about his work and why he does some of the things he does. Anyway, I'll let those postings take their own course.

The weather looks reasonable for the next week so let's see everyone at the training table.

Could Have Been Worse

Well Gilhooley showed up for a change and brought Fred S with him. The one constant, LBB was missing in action. After much kibitzing and hem haughing they decided they could play a few holes. While all this was going on the G Man showed up and declared it was perfect weather to play and we were burning daylight. So off we went and 9 holes turned into 18. I think the motivating factor they each won a couple of early skins and thought they could make an easy killing. Did they forget they were only playing for $5.00 since I wasn't much of a factor yesterday.

Bill S and Laurie came home for the weekend. They were bundled up and sitting in their sun room when we went by on #2. Tried to to say hi, but they thought the crazies were loose and tried to ignore us. It was really disappointing that Laurie didn't have cookies ready on #3 like she normally does. We did have dinner with them and the Gilhooleys at the club and they seemed to have warmed up by the evening. Have to say there was a nice crowd for dinner with several new faces.

The Friday lunch meeting will start this week. You guys really don't want to miss this. If your absent you become the topic of conversation.

Two Days In A Row

LBB and I were sitting in the chow hall sipping our coffee yesterday at the appointed time wondering where everyone was. Now we knew TTS was on the mend and can't play: The Social Director never plays on Wednesday due to better company for lunch; Sarge says he is working (but the real reason the SAI doesn't have insulation on his body for warmth); and Dr. J was at another appointment. But where was Gilhooley? This is the guy from Vermont who says they made sweaters to stay warm when it's cold. So I pulled out my cell phone (TTS that's a new invention that most of us use to communicate with) and rang him up. After only two rings he picks up and without saying hello announces it's too cold to play golf and besides it's raining at his house. Now understand LBB and I are looking at the sun peeking thru the clouds and not a hint of rain at BCC (and we're maybe 3/4 of a mile from him). Well LBB and I played the front nine and the loop in about an hour and fifteen minutes in perfectly sunny skies and we were actually warmer than the day before. Had the whole course to ourselves, and a great time. We both took carts and it really speeded things up.

The story didn't end there. Wednesday is Mexican night at one of the local eateries and Gilhooley is the ring leader. The better half and I were a few minutes late and the drinks were already flowing when we arrived. I could tell Mr. G Had been working hard to justify not playing to LBB. I felt it was appropriate to pile on and proceeded to join in. Needless to say I don't think Mr G. will miss showing up again ( he may not play). TTS and St. Gwen showed up which was a real surprise since he has that delicate French palate and says Mexican is too spicy. I think he tied to order a hamburger but was talked into tacos or something close. I'm sure he survived but we'll all hear about it for weeks.

That's it for today. Watch for my new feature on rules starting soon.

Who's Cold?

Well the day was bright and sunny with a chill in the air. Gilhooley (the guy from upper New England) declared it was too cold and decided to stay with TTS in the chow hall. They probably loaded up on free cheese and crackers before going home for their naps. The Social Director said it was cold but he would try 9 holes. LBB and I couldn't figure out what the problem was since we had our fleece jackets and rain pants on (turned out we were over dressed). Anyway we all took off in separate carts to speed up play ( or come in if we chickened out). The G Man meet up with us on 3 green and played the rest of the round. To make a long story short it was brisk but not cold and we had a fun time. And, for a change I won the majority of the skins.

TTS was finally following his doctors instructions and wearing the boot. Now maybe the healing process will speed up. We all know how patient he is and follows orders (yeah right). Can't understand why St. Gwen doesn't take the proverbial fry pan to his head.

Golf is on a weather check basis (hourly at times), but we'll play as long as we can. Remember Thursday is Texas Hold'em for those interested. Starts at 6PM ends at 9PM in the Men's Grill, with dogs and chili available.

A Sunny Tuesday

The sky is clear and bright. Just another crisp Autumn day, and if it warms up and the wind isn't too strong a great day to play. Let's hope the course is drying out. I did play nine holes Sunday with the better half and the Gilhooleys. While the temperature was OK the course was still really wet. But that didn't seem to stop a lot of people from coming out. A real log jam on the 1st tee around noon time. That's great for BCC, and a lot different from the recent past.

How many of you subscribe to the WSJ? I imagine most of you do. Recently my subscription ran out and I was waiting to receive the same price I've had for the past two years - $99 for 52 weeks. Well The WSJ wasn't cooperating. They kept making some ridiculous offers and I kept turning them down. Their normal price is somewhere around $400 per year. This has been a topic of conversation at lunch since many of the JR/SRs were in the same boat. TZ emailed me the other day and said the best he had gotten was $200. I figured if I was ever going to read it again I was probably going to cave-in and pay a higher price. Mind you it wasn't the money so much but the principle. Well, on Monday morning the WSJ called to offered me the $99 price. I can just picture the expression on TZ's face when he read my email telling him that.

Just a reminder that the official posting season is over and the real "silly season" begins today.

A Blustery Day

To quote Mr. T, "Pity the fool(s)". That's what we did as we drank our coffee and had a pastry yesterday morning. We started out with good intentions but slowly came to our senses as three groups made the turn and gave us a weather report. You can always tell the avid golfer who doesn't get to play a lot. If they were playing in a hurricane the conditions would be great. Well, those guys coming thru said the frost bite wasn't bad and the 35 mph winds were really a plus on the downwind holes. Plus, the one guy in shorts said it was just a little cool (guess he couldn't see his blue legs). That was enough for us and we packed it in.

For those who weren't there Friday night Oktoberfest was really good. A big crowd and the staff did a great job. Over ninety people in attendance. Have not seen that size crowd for a while at a non major function. Let's keep it up.

We should all take our hats off to our master wood worker - Steve H (aka the pilot). He did a fabulous job with the trophy base. We unveiled it Friday night to the ohs and ahs of the crowd. And no JJ it is not like the Stanley Cup. You do not, repeat you do not get to keep it a home for six months. LBB was seen polishing the plate with his name every half hour. It now resides in the Men's Grill next to our famous Pig Trophy. Check it out next time you're there.