spider

Number 48. Tallahassee, Florida 07/02/2018. The last capital on this road trip, I played the Hilaman Golf Course, 6304 yards, slope 70.7/123. This was a good round to to end the road trip on, to wind down as I head home. My game is better and even though I've just played golf in 25 states in 23 days, I'm ready to play more. A totally great experience the people and the places. Two states remaining, Hawaii, later this year, and Alaska next year. 43-43 for an 86.

Number 47. Montgomery, Alabama 07/01/2018. I played the Lagoon Park Golf Course, 6413 yards, slope 69.6/117. I needed a less challenging course after Wolf Creek in Atlanta. I played a nice easy round and kept the ball in play. 45-40, hope restored. The pictures will explain the name, Lagoon.

Number 46. Atlanta, Georgia 06/30/2018. I played Wolf Creek Golf Course, my second state of the day. This course was long and tough from the back tees at 7069 yards, slope 73.2/143. Too tough for me, so I played forward 6656 yards, slope 71.2/138. I had high hopes for this round, based on my morning round Linrick, but hope wasn't enough. I was missing fairways and the rough was no joke. I was playing alone, loosing balls, almost lost my putter by leaving it on the side of one of the greens. I made the turn and now I'm waiting on a group of three. Things were going so badly with my balls, that I chipped a ball in the hazard practicing on the tee box. I hit another ball in the hazard with a great 7 wood from the rough. On hole 15 I hit my last ball into the water on the right. Wolf Creek sent me on my way to Montgomery. No score to see.

Number 45. Columbia, South Carolina 06/30/2018. I Played Linrick Golf Course. from the back tees it's 6941 yards, slope 73.5/138. I played forward of that 6263 yards, slope 70.3/127. I didn't feel like taking on nearly 7000 yards.This course was similar to the last course in I played in North Carolina because they are part of the same region, hills, slopes, trees, water and greens. I started alone ahead of the other groups. I was caught by another solo golfer, David. I told him to play through because I was taking pictures and he was playing quickly. I soon caught him on the fourth hole and we played the round together. David was playing a practice round, preparing to take money from his friends the next day. We played well, for the most part, and David helped me navigate the course. This was another good quality course, and according to David, one of the best values in the area. The name (Lin Rick) is the combination of the two founders. Score 43-44 = 87.

Number 44. Raleigh, North Carolina 06/29/2018. I didn't think I could do it with these two states, but I did. I played two states on the June 29. When I got to the course in Raleigh, River Ridge Golf Course, it was 5:15, I went in just to make a tee time for the next day. I was told I could play until 8:30, so since I was there, I went out and played. River Ridge is par 72, 6769 yards, slope 72.4/138, challenging course. The course was beautiful, in great condition, and the greens were the same speed on each hole. More courses should make the effort to set the speed consistently on each hole. It makes a big difference in our scores. I played thru one group on the second hole, and it was clear until number eight, when I caught a group of five. I didn't play thru because I was playing well, and too often when I play thru I start to rush and hit bad shots. I stayed back and let the group move on. I thought about just playing the the front nine and moving on to Columbia, then I decided to move up to the tee one closer and play the back with just my irons. When I got to hole ten, there were two groups on the hole. I played hole ten with my irons and left for Columbia. I really enjoyed this nine and didn't want to ruin all the good images with bad shots by over playing. I took my 42 and left.

Number 43. Richmond, Virginia 06/29/2018. I played Providence Golf Club, a par 71, 6529 yards, slope 71.2/136. I got to the golf course early, thinking I could get out first, but they wouldn't allow it, so I had to wait for an hour. I was sent out with Jimmy, an 82 year old member that plays about 3 times a week. He doesn't play on weekends because it's too busy. Jimmy has a regular partner, but today his partner was at the beach with his wife (not Jimmy's wife). So it was my good fortune to play with Jimmy and have him guide me around the course. I told Jimmy that I was playing from the back tees, he said he was playing from the lady's tee, so you see Jimmy was a quick witted funny guy. He also was a good golfer, shooting be 80 and 90. He was long off the tee, hit great irons and was a super putter. He had 5 heart bypasses in one operation. He worked as a computer guy, as does his son and grandson. Interesting guy. The course was in good condition, with hills, slopes,blind shots and all the normal hazards. Some drives I had to carry vegetation, some I made, some I didn't. The speed of the greens was very inconsistent. With all of that we played well, shot 44 front, 41 back, and I didn't keep Jimmy's score, but I know he scored better than I did.

Number 42. Crownsville, Maryland 06/28/2018. Annapolis does not have a public course that I could play, so I played the Eisenhower Golf Course in Crownsville, Maryland. This is a really good course to play. It's challenging in every way and in great condition. It's a par 71, 6659 yards, and slope 71.5/126. keep it in the fairway and score well, I had 40 on my first nine, the back nine. Miss the fairway, the rough is penal as well as all the trees and other vegetation. I had 45 on the back, missed fairways, and missed putts and pitched shots out of the rough. This is my favorite type of course. The course is closing for renovations to the fairways and greens, changing the type of grass. I also played the East Potomac golf Course today in Washington D. C. It's a flat course with a simple layout. I played the front nine well, 41, the back ok, 47. It was good to be in Washington D.C. for the first time. D.C. This is Eisenhower score card

Number 41. Dover, Delaware 06/27/2018. I played Maple Dale Country Club a par 72, 6630 yards, slope rating 71.5/128. The club seems to be semi private, they were having a membership meeting when I arrived at 12:00. Yes, this was late for me, usually I'm there when the doors open. After two rounds yesterday and knowing that I was only playing one today, I decided to sleep in. The starter told me he could get me out at 1:30, so I chipped and hit balls on the range. I hit my driver three times and it had that driving range magic. When I Started my round, the magic was gone, I was hitting high short shots and slicing into the trees. I was hitting my irons well, but I wanted to get the driver working. I was working on a new setup, which put the driver in the slot on the back swing and when I turn my hips the ball takes off down the middle. Since I playing alone, I decided I'd work on the driver on the course, because everything works on the driving range. It took me well into the back nine to put the pieces together, but I did. The course is located in an upscale area with trees and water hazards. The water hazards were not in play, except on hole number 3, a par 3. There is a large tree that partially blocks the green, and if you hit the tree your ball falls in the water or on the edge of the water hazard. I had a 184 yard shot that hit the tree and fell in the water. As I passed the tree I saw many balls partially submerged in the mud around the hazard, so I stopped and picked up 10 balls. I thought I might need them the way I was hitting my driver. When you are alone and missing the fairway on a course you haven't played, you tend to loose balls, at least I do. The 10 balls I found, I lost, hitting multiple balls on some holes. The course looks very good with tall trees, beautiful fairways, smooth greens, and thick rough. It's a flat course, easy to walk, even though it's long. It has some beautiful homes around some of the holes.

Number 40. West Trenton, New Jersey 06/26/2018. This second state course I played in on the 26 of June was in New Jersey. I drove three hours from Hartford. New Jersey does not have a public golf course in Trenton, the capital, so i played in West trenton, not the capital. The course was Mountain View Golf Course, which is the name of the golf course in my community in Palm Desert. It was a par 72, 6682 yards, with a slope rating of 72.5/133. Very similar to my home course in numbers, but different in physical structure. There are no homes on this course, so it looks much larger, with more trees, and slopes,large greens and fairways. the greens are so much better than my home course. Actually most of the courses I've played on this trip, the greens have been better than my home course. I enjoyed this course. I played the front nine alone, and when I made the turn, a threesome was ahead of me. I had to wait and I was caught by Beth, who joined me for the remainder of the back nine. I played well on the front, hit some good quality shots, but when I had to wait on the turn, i got a little fast. Again this is golf. I felt like I played better on the front, but I had the same score for both sides, 43. Beth plays in a women's league and was there working on her game. She was easy going and we had some laughs and good time. I have one more, 2-for-1, golf pairing, Annapolis and Washington D.C., after that it will be one state/day. The cities begin to stretch out. Nine capitals remaining for this trip. Nine out of 26, I'm rolling!

Number 39. Hartford, Connecticut 06/26/2018. This was another two state courses on the same day. he first was Goodwin Park Golf Course, par 70, 6015 yards, slope 68.6/119. I shot 40 on front, 45 on the back, but I started on the back. My highest score is consistently my first nine, regardless of where I start. What's with that? This round I also had different playing partners on each side. I was joined by a great guy, Ken, a retired police officer and currently a school teacher. This was the fifth school teacher I've played with on this trip. He was also the best, former 2-handicap, with a smooth swing, something I'm striving for. We had great conversations about golf and life, while still enjoying our golf. The back nine is the tougher of the two. The fairways were not wide and I played out of the rough more times than not. I hit my drives well but I kept ending in the rough. Ken only played the back nine. I was joined on the front, the easier nine, by Rob and Marco, both retired. The fairways were wider and I cracked a good drive down the middle, Rob also hit a beautiful draw down the middle, and Marco was coming back from a long layoff, so his drive wasn't as good. These were two friends who also enjoy teasing each other, as well as encouraging. I had six pars on the front, but Rob had the only birdie. He hit a beautiful drive, a second shot within two feet and made the putt. Another fun day on the golf course, with three fun guys. In the first picture is Ken, and the second picture Rob on left, Marco on the right in green shirt, for those of you who confuse your left and right.

Number 38. Providence, Road Island, 06/25/2018. The second today was played at Triggs Memorial Golf Course, a par 72, 6588 yards, and a slope rating of 72.3/132. This course was longer and rated harder than the Boston course. I used my woods and shot an 89. When I arrived at Triggs most of the players on the practice greens were smoking cigars and acting like they were having a big party. I was finally paired with a very nice elderly couple, Bob and Barbara. They both played from the forward tees and we all hit various good and bad shots during the round. Just as in Boston earlier that day I only had one par and still shot 44. I’m learning to appreciate getting a bogey, so I don’t panick when I have a series of bogeys. I know that I can still have a good score, according to my expectations.

Number 37. Boston, Massachusetts, 06/25/2018. I played golf in two capital cities. The first, The William J. Devine Golf Course in Boston. I stayed overnight in Concord and drove to Boston early to play alone so that I could play fast and go to Providence. The course was a par 70, 6013 yards from back tees, and slope 69.5/126, not a very hard course, but you still must hit the shots. I went out alone and played the course with just my irons and a 3-hybrid. I've been hitting my irons more consistent than my woods. My total score was 85. I only had one par and eight bogeys on the front. On the back I had more pars, but also more double bogeys. This is the same result I get when I use my woods and play more difficult courses. What is the common weak link? Chipping and pitching. I've improved, but as you see, not enough. I enjoyed playing the course, because I just enjoy playing golf. I've been playing almost everyday since June 10. Driving from state to state playing and always looking forward to the next days round, or the next round on the same day.

Number 36. Concord, New Hampshire 06/24/2018. I played at Beaver Meadow Golf Course. This was the tale of two nines, 50-44. I've been avoiding the double bogeys, but not today because I was swinging with my arms, slicing into the trees. My driver swing was better on the back, which is a constant pattern. My iron play is better since I started cocking my wrist, shots are more solid, straight and towering. I find it easier turning my hips with my irons, than with my driver. I played with Terry, another left-handed retired school teacher, who also works for the golf course, cutting grass several days a week. The course is not long, but it does have hazards that you need to be aware of. Terry had a little trouble with the distance on some of the holes. Beaver Meadows only allows players 75 years and older to play from the forward tees. I don't think your age should determine what tees use, it's how far and well you hit the ball. Terry said when he plays from the forward tees he enjoys playing better because it puts him in position to get on the green with irons instead of woods. Terry helped me navigate the course and we had a good time.

Number 35. Augusta, Maine 06/23/2018. I played at Westernview Golf Club. This was another grueling drive from Montpelier to Augusta, 197 miles. I took Highway 2, leaving Montpelier at 6:30 a.m., and got to Augusta 6 hours later. In the future I will avoid all state highways going through small towns. The golf course is owned by a very nice couple. The husband's brother lives in my city, Palm Desert. The wife said the course was short, but challenging, and she was right. Blind shots, small greens sloping away from with plenty of movement. I was fortunate to play with Gary, otherwise it would have taken me much longer to play the course. Gary owns a construction company, passed down from his grandfather. Another 9 hole golf course that I didn't play well. I'll just chalk it up to the drive. Gary played well and played a second nine. I left for Concord to beat the rain.

Number 34. Montpelier, Vermont 06/22/2018. I played at Montpelier Elks Country Club. I played two courses on the 22. The ride from Albany to Montpelier was a grind. It took 5 hours, my GPS stopped working in the mountains, I got lost, had to stop at a fire stations for directions to Montpelier. Got there at 3:30, but couldn't play until 5:30, and played only 9 holes. I hit more bad shots than good. Big difference from my morning round. I couldn't stop looking up, and when I did, all I saw was a bad shot. But, the guys I played with, Mario, Gary, and Brian were a lot of fun. Good playing partners, a lot of joking and teasing. They have a team tournamet weekly and go out a few days to play nine holes after work. The course is long and hilly, with a a lot of left or right slope.