aconder

I volunteered during the 2012 matches at Medina and I will 2nd the previous the comment that it was very crowded and difficult to get close to the players but I thought all of the players were very friendly and interactive with the gallery. To get around the crowds just skip ahead a few holes and wait for the groups to come through. I worked both practice round and tournament days and that interaction with the crowd really decreased when the matches began. In my volunteer position I was paired up with a husband and wife who were from Germany and they had worked matches that were based in the EU and the US. They mentioned that the crowd sizes in Europe were nothing like those in the US - they enjoyed the atmosphere in Europe better. I have been to several tournaments over the years from weekly PGA events to 3 of the 4 majors and have always enjoyed the practice rounds. I don't think you will be disappointed at all.

Also was going to mention that we are going to be playing The Judge @ Capitol Hill and the two courses at Grand National for a total of 6 rounds.

Thanks for all of the input. I really appreciate it. I am leaning toward just planning the trip myself. I am now stuck on trying to decide which course to potentially leave out in order to fit into our schedule. So with that being said what are your thoughts on: Ross Bridge Fighting Joe The Schoolmaster With our schedule I am only going to be able to play two of those. Thoughts on which one to leave out? I have heard very good things on all three but time does not allow for all three with the drive time between Hoover and Muscle Shoals.

I have never played any of the trail courses and was planning on making a trip down this May. My dad is turning 65 and I was planning on 3 days of golf. I have done the basic internet research on the different courses but was wondering what were some of the recommendations from others. Is it best to plan your own courses to play or go with a pre-set package? Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

Webb Simpson - 275 (-13) Lee Westwood - 277 (-11) Bo Van Pelt - 278 (-10)

Best non-tournament round was a 1 under 71 Best tournament round was was a 1 over 72 Best 9 hole score was a 33 (wish I would have had time to play the back nine) All of these scores occurred several years back...want to get back to those days.

Topper - I can't agree more with this statement. I can't' remember the last time that I played on a day that was perfect for golf. I too try to find days (or they are the only days I have available) where the weather is cloudy and cooler or it is so blazing hot that no one else is on the course. I can make it around the course faster and that is usually the only way I can play 18 holes.

I first became interested in golf around the age of 10, by watching golf on TV. My dad did not play, but liked to watch golf on TV - that is probably how it started. My uncle played a lot at that time and he gave me a stack of old Golf Digest magazines that he was getting rid of. I still have a few of those magazines from the late 80's and it is a lot of fun to go back and look through them (oh how the game has changed). I spent a few months going through those magazines and around that time bought my first club which was a Fuzzy Zoeller Powerbilt 8 iron. I found some old golf balls and just spent the year beating that 8 iron around the back yard. There was nothing but a corn field behind our house, so once I could hit the ball out of the yard and into the field may dad thought it was probably time to buy me a beginner set. I was probably around 11 when I go that set and I started playing at a local municipal course that was a short, straight-forward course and perfect for beginners. I would just go out every day in the summer and approach a two-some or three-some and ask if I could join. Most were accommodating and the rest is history. Now my dad plays and has for probably the last 20 years. I have a 5 year old and 1 year old son. I hope that both want to play and I can't wait to hook them on the game. My 5 year old already has his own set and loves going to the driving range (I hope it's a good sign).

Hello everyone. Andrew from Bloomington, Indiana. Been playing golf for 25 years, since I was about 10 years old. Virtually lived at two area golf courses while also working at one all the way through college. When I got to my late 20's other aspects of life became more important and I started playing much less. Still addicted to the game and hope that each year, I will play more and lower my handicap back to where I think it should be. I look forward to joining the group here. I have enjoyed what I have read so far and look forward to discussing more.