Rain Water to Lemonade!!!

[BonoVox]

So I am in Sarasota, Florida visiting from Southern California for business. Flew in late Wed and was supposed to catch a 2PM flight home, but when I went online to check in I got the dreaded "call us" message!

Long story short because of the mess with the weather up North my flight to LA was canceled and I am stranded here at the Ritz Carlton another night.

So I called an audible and got set up with a round of golf at the Ritz Carlton Members Club-Sarasota.

I just got off the course an hour or so ago and I had one of the most enjoyable rounds ever! As I arrived at the course after one of the pros picked me up at the hotel. I found out I would have a caddy accompanying me. (totally not expected). Though it added a bit to the nerves at the start I had a blast. Worked out great, as I played as a single and it was awesome having someone with me. Jeff the caddy was a great guy and we had a great day out on a beautiful Tom Fazio designed course.

I will post some photos later. But I even got to hang with Wally the Alligator on the edge of a "hazard" on one of the par 5s.

I have to say my overall score was mediocre but I had some of the best shots and best holes that I have played in the last 6 months and finished with great momentum! (all this with rental clubs)

I have to give major props to the Ritz Carlton Sarasota and the Members Club! Everybody was just awesome from the members, my caddy, to ALL the staff!

[leezer99]

That is really great to hear! It's a great feeling when an unfortunate situation like yours turns into something spectacular. Now, if we could just convince this rain in So Cal to hold off until Monday we would be good to go for this weekend!

[Boyder]

That just sounds like a GREAT way to handle a bad situation ... Count this as a Lucky Day!!

[jlh1508]

sounds like an excellent time. Glad you enjoyed yourself and left with some confidence. Can't wait to see the pictures

[BonoVox]

Here you go. I actually did not take a lot of photos. To much into the experience. (good thing)





Wally the gator was cool! I actually had to take a drop in his vicinity. Then knocked a sand wedge to 5 feet to save par!





It seems funny (then again not) when you spend 4 or so hours with someone that is immersed in your game.....you end up as best friends in the end.

[BonoVox]

This is 18. I had to run an Armadillo off the tee box before I hit. LOL Serious.

It is 411 yard par 4 iinto the wind with a severe dogleg that plays about 450. (from the blues) I don't know what it is, but whenever I have to line up to the left for a dogleg (especially when the green is in view straight away) I hit the perfect cut shot with the driver. (natural shot is a draw) Perfect until I see the splash! ughghghgh Actually I know it is alignment issue with what becomes an open stance. But anyway I had a bad kick and went into the water. Then hit my best ever Hybrid from a pretty sever sidehill lie from about 210 yards to the back of the green. Caddy said if I make the putt (ended up being about 100 fee as the pin was up front) it would be the best par he has ever seen on that hole. LOL No didn't make it but seeing that ball come off the club face and cut right on to the green was a killer last image!

[BonoVox]

From what I was told this is one of the courses that they hold US Open qualifying at. The pro told me it is usually the toughest course of all the courses utilized, as it can be stretched out to 7,500 yards. (that 180 yard par 3 over the water becomes a 250 yard par 3) Great design with 5 tees to choose from, So if you play from the proper tee just about anybody can enjoy it.