The first TST-Michigan outing is in the books.  We exceeded our target with a total of seven TST’ers meeting up in Okemos, MI.  A few observations:

• It was interesting meeting the people behind the user names and avatars.  My plan was to get to the course a bit early to put out a small “TST” sign to attract the members as we wandered in.  Before setting out the sign, I passed a gentleman a couple times and I strongly suspected he was part of our outing. Why?  No idea other than he seemed as interested as I in everyone wandering around. Yep!  @JonMA1.
• We got lucky with the weather.  While it was much chillier than we might have wanted, there was no rain.  We have had a very rainy start to the year in the Soggy Mitten (aka Michigan) and attempting to select a day without rain is a real crap shoot.  A few members had to drive close to 2 hours.  For me, nothing is more depressing than making a long drive to the course in the rain.
• I often look at user names and make assumptions.  One looks at @MSchott or @tlazzol and it is easy to assume that their first name starts with “M” and “T” respectively.  And so it turned out that was the case.  Then we get to @Wally Fairway.  Okay, his last name was unlikely to be “Fairway” but I might have bet his first was “Walter” or “Wally.”  Wrong!  Joe?  How the heck is WallyFairway named Joe?  I am not sure how @Braivo connects to Mark, but maybe next time I can get in his group and find out.
• Amazingly, we all got there a bit early.  Considering the traffic, construction projects and distance some had to travel, getting everyone there 30 minutes before tee time was a minor miracle.
• Every time I looked at @dennyjones, I felt like wagging my head side to side.  I wonder why?
• I think we all left with the feeling that we could have played better.  Still, we all hit some good shots and next time we will have great weather and our “A” game.
• I witnessed one of the best birdies in a long while.  We had a fairly hefty par 3 (184 on the score card).  It is cold.  The wind is in our face.  There is trouble between us and the hole.  There is greenside bunkering.  @tlazzol struck a pure hybrid/wood and hits the green.  Then rolls in about a 35-footer for birdie.  Outstanding!

If/when we have a next time, we might consider setting up a “game.” No big stakes but maybe play one group’s best ball score against the other for a drink after the round.  Also, we will try to recruit an even dozen players.  Aim high!