50 States and 50 Capitals Golf Trip

[spider]

Number 28. Nashville Tennessee 06/17/2018. I hope that every golfing father was on a golf course, where he really wanted to be, instead of elsewhere. I had intended to play ted Rhodes Golf Course but it was closed because they were replacing the greens. Instead I played Shelby Park Golf Course, the hilliest golf course I've played so far. I was hitting up or down on most holes. Each course has been different and presenting different challenges. Shelby was not long , 6163 from the back tees,  short par fours, narrow fairways, large and small greens. The rough was made of various weeds and graces and clover. The ball was hard to find in the clover. The greens were not healthy and the holes had not been moved for while. It was hot, 97 degrees, and humid, which to me me is better than cold. I played ok for most of the round, until the last few holes. 40 front, 44 back, total 84. I played with Tony, the older, and Joe, the younger guy. They play and work together and were a lot of fun, constantly cracking on each other. They hit their drivers as hard as they could and the ball went far when they connected. I've met many Californians on my trip. Joe is from my home town, Memphis, and attended White Station High School. Another fun pairing.   

[spider]

Number 29. Frankfort Kentucky 06/18/2018. I played Juniper Hill Golf Course, which was similar to Shelby in Nashville. It is hilly but not as severe. Another slow start, which I've got to change, but things got better. 42 front, 43 back, 5793 yards. I played again with two good friends that were wise guys. Art the older, Keith the younger, both left handed. Keith started out par, birdie,  one under after two holes, but he woke up after that. My driving was pretty good, chipping was not as good.     

[spider]

Number 30. Charleston West Virginia 06/19/2018. I played Coonskin Park Golf Course. It was a par 3 course that allowed me to play with just irons. This was great. It gave me a restful break from a full sized golf course and I used this round as a practice round.

[spider]

Number 31. Columbus Ohio 06/20/2018. I played two 18 rounds in Ohio. The first round was in South Bloomfield, the home town of a friend of mine, Rick, who has a winter home in California. We played at a course built by the PGA player, John Cook's family, Cook Creek Golf Club. Rick is 85 years old and was a professional golfer, that qualified for the 1962 U. S. Open. Rick plays from the forward tees and consistently scores in the 70's, on our course in California. the back tees are 7071 yards, I played from the 6221 yard tees. The course has very wide fairways, but that didn't stop me from finding the rough on some holes. I played well, but I still didn't beat Rick, 81, Spider 88.      

I drove to Columbus after playing Cook's Creek, to play at Minerva Golf Course, but Minerva has been turned into a housing community. I found the Champions Golf Course, which was close by. It was early so I decided to play. I started alone, but was joined by another player, Danny, at the 10th tee. We started on the back. Danny was playing an early nine holes, before his league play. Danny was a 80's shooter with a very good draw swing. He was really excited about my playing golf in the 50 states, because he mentioned it over and over. He would do it, except he's married. We listened to the Hawaiian music he was playing and had a good nine. Danny stopped after nine and I continued on the front. My first nine seemed harder than my second nine, too many bogeys, but not as many blowup holes. I'm putting the ball back in play instead of trying a risky shot. 41 front, 43 back, 6222 yards.  

[spider]

Cooks Creek score card. played with Rick. 06/20/2018.

.

[spider]

Number 32. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 06/21/2018. I played at Dauphin Highlands and was part of a three group foursome, playing their weekly tournament. I was in the last foursome with Kevin, Dan, and Larry, whom I rode with. We started on the back and minus my first two holes, 10 and 11, I played pretty good. Dan was Mr. Steady most of the round, short off the tee, but straight. Kevin was longer than Dan, not as consistent, but still had his share of good shots. Larry had one of those days were it was hard to get air under the ball. Low but straight, and new the end his putter got hot. Dan and Kevin were retired school teachers. Larry was a retired psychologist and school principle, but his education and training could not keep him from grumbling about his game. If you hit too many bad shots, Golf will make you forget your name. They were fun to play with and I had a good time. 40 front, 45 back, 6756 yards, 71.9. Kevin->Larry>Dan 

     

[spider]

Number 33. Albany, New York 06/22/2018. I played alone at Capital Hills at Albany. I played fast and played through many groups. Rushing caused a few big scores, but once i got ahead of the other groups I had some nice holes. I had a birdie on number 16, which was exciting. 16 was a 197 yard par 3. I hit my 3-hybrid about 9 feet from the pin and made the putt. I recorded it, but since I was alone I can only show the results of the swing in the first video. The second video shows the putt. I enjoyed the  round, and rushed off to Vermont. 41 front, 44 back, 6332.    I can't load the video because of the file type. I'll change it load it later.

[spider]

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.   

 

[spider]

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.  

[dennyjones]

Thanks for the update.   I always enjoy your posts.

[spider]

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. 

  

[spider]

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.  

[spider]

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.     

[spider]

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.  

[spider]

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!   

   

[spider]

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.

[spider]

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

[spider]

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.