My Best Christmas Present Ever.

[EbonyGentleman]

Happy New Year folks, it's been a while for me. Just wanted to share an experience I had...

Around two weeks before Christmas Day, my wife's job in Southern Pines, NC, had their annual Christmas party. The previous year, it was held at a private golf club. This time it was held at the Pinehurst Resort, home of the famed No. 2 course.

I didn't realize this until we were on the grounds the night of the party.

We enjoyed a free three course meal in the Donald Ross Grill Room. The pro shop had closed before we arrived, so I didn't get a chance to buy any memorabilia. I walked out on the veranda and patted the "Putter Boy" statuette, then walked back inside and viewed the pictures, locker rooms (with full service bathrooms and Golf Channel on the TV) and trophy cases. I actually saw a copy of Michael Cambell's 2005 US Open signed scorecard. The US Open trophy replica was not in the case, but I did snag a picture of myself with the PGA Championship Wannamaker trophy.

I was kicking myself for not bringing my camera beforehand, but luckily I had my camera phone. My wife wasn't understanding why was I was going nuts, but she took the hugs and kisses nontheless.

3 Photos are attached: (Had to shrink them to make the limit.)

1. Me with the Wannamaker Trophy
2. The US Open plaque with autographs from the players.
3. "Donald Ross Grill Room" lettering on the 2nd floor of the ballroom.

[Norm66]

Cool! A guy I work with lost a bet with his son (about his golf accomplishments) and the two of them will be playing Pinehurst No.2 in May. Glad you had a good time.

[FIJIGolf23]

That place is incredible. Cool experience it sounds like. I was there for the '05 US Open on Sunday and I was dumbfounded the entire time.

[Big_M]

Very cool... can't wait to move to Charlotte so I can sneek over and play #2 without telling the wife

[Q.Q.Quillume]

Well done, Ebony Gentleman. I'm envious!

[EbonyGentleman]

Thank you everyone for the kind comments. I'm still kind of numb from the experience. You could just feel the history and elegance of the place. I'll have to go back someday. In the meantime, check out http://pinehurst.com . It will make you salivate. :)

[teal]

That's awesome. I felt the same way walking around Peble Beach and I didn't even golf at the time. Wasn't interested at all. Walked into the club house and out by 18. It just kind of shakes you a little.

Now of course I am in no position to do that (living in Monterey at the time) and I wish I had the opportunity to all over.

Glad you got to take advantage of your chance!