alf174

Supply & Demand economics. Around my neck of the woods there are many golf courses all competing for the same business. Course restrictions are limited to having reserved tee times before 11am on the weekends. Otherwise its walk-on heaven. Travel up to the richer Oakland County north of Detroit where there are fewer courses and a larger population, and the restrictions get more numerous.

Played a course last Saturday that snakes through a subdivision. One of the houses is only about 10 yards off the beginning of the fairway and tee box; it looks oddly close. I sliced (barely) my first shot right into the house's siding and it sounded like an explosion. The owner's wife was sitting on the rear patio and boy did she yelp. I apologized profusely and she said it was alright and that it happened often. Luckily, my ball had bounced back onto the fairway.

I agree. IMHO, the host should have kept the OP (and all guests) in his group as originally invited.

LOL, I understand. Though in Michigan, the entire Upper Peninsula is made up of cheese heads (GB Packer fans) and in NW Ohio many are Wolverine, Tiger, Piston and Wing fans.

Must be kind of tough being so close to Buffalo...do you cheer even just a little for the Sabres? They had a good season last year, may do it again if they get a captain that can lead them.

go Red Wings

Roody, you and BBdowoin both make valid points and I agree with many of them. I have never liked the whole IRAQ matter, generally disagree with our foreign policy, and think its shameful how this country's government treats some of its own citizens (as in the Katrina aftermath); and I consider myself a right wing conservative who usually votes Republican. But I believe that respect for everything here that is good (and bad) has to start somewhere and for me its the flag. I'll get off my soap box now.

You've done so well until you end each post with a personal attack. Age and maturity again? And I think I will join the NRA. Because I can.

The correlation to military history is an acute and obvious example but its more than that. Have you ever traveled outside of this country? Into areas of poverty that you could never believe existed and don't exist in this country? Have you seen those TV commercials of the children that live in conditions that are unfathomable? I have. They actually exist, very near to our southern borders. It was after visiting these places that I gained an appreciation for the US and everything that has led up to its current condition. Sure, there is always room for improvement but the American flag is the primary representation of that appreciation. BTW, I don't watch Fox and am not an NRA member.

Someday your life will be greatly impacted by what you so casually dismiss. I'll attribute your disrespect for the people that have made your life so easy to your young age and immaturity.

I care. And I dare say any of the thousands (or millions) that have served this country and the families of those who have died for this country. Their loved one's coffins were draped with the American Flag and many of their treasured memories are bound to those flags. Respect for the country that you live in and that protects you has to begin somewhere.

see this url for the point system explanation: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/golf/...p_x.htm?csp=34

I've decided that it warranted an email to the LPGA with a strong suggestion that they do some damage control (apology, whatever). Unintentional as it is, something like this can escalate very quickly and get totally out of hand.

I believe she was too caught up in the moment to recognize what happened but there is definitely no excuse for LPGA officials or the media handlers; it should have been caught quickly before any photos were taken.

There was a golfer killed here last month after he ducked under a tree and lightning struck it. Best to head for a building or head for the lowest spot and away from the cart and equipment. http://www.gcsaa.org/resources/facts/lightning.asp

I'll be giving this Orlimar Artic bag a serious look soon for a cart bag:

Since April '07 after taking a 32 year break for college and raising kids and indulging in a bunch of other sports that I'm too old for now (water skiing for example).

Start with my PW and when I get 5 good straight shots in a row I begin to work with my wedges (same drill, sand, gap, and lob). Then my 9 thru 3 iron, then 5, 3 woods, driver, same drill of 5 good shots in a row. I then imagine playing a par-5 using the driver, fairway wood, pitching wedge, then gap or lob wedge, in that order. The basket has 135 balls and that round will eat them up pretty quick. If I'm feeling strong I'll get two baskets. Oh, and I pick out one of the yardage markers as a target.

Look around for group lessons, they can save quite a bit.

The majority of driving ranges near me are grass and well kept (they move the line in order for sections to regrow). My favorite range replaces their balls every year or so, a bushel of 135 is $10, they have a tricky par-3 9-hole that is kept in good shape ($9 walk, $12 includes a cart), and they have punch cards that get you freebies every ten purchases. Competition is good for the consumer!

Jack has been a true ambassador for the game. Tiger is technically phenomenal at the mechanics of the game but I believe he'll have to pay his dues that only time can bring for him to get to Jack's level.

There are 21 courses within 10 miles of me so I'll go with the closest: Willow Metropark Golf Course Another I play is: Sandy Creek

Electrical Controls Engineer in custom machinery. Primarily automotive manufacturing related.