As of today my handicap is 25.5. Not that it matters, but it gives some perspective. About 30 years ago I was ready to throw my clubs in a fairway pond...my hair started smoking I was so mad, and why?... yea, shanked one. Now my score looked like 110 rather than 109. Big deal.
So I thought ( a rarity)...why did I spend all that money on clubs, and $20 for the round only to drive myself to the brink of insanity? hmmm....good question. At that point, life changed...for the better.
If you can relate to this, here are some ways I've learned to enjoy the most frustrating of all sports. The site also serves as a convenient placeholder for links I use, for golf books I read, and for golf tidbids it took me awhile to find and might be of some use.
Golf Trip II Update - Transportation Costs:
You all have airline tickets, right? Good...
I've reserved two vans for the week and a bus to get us from Narita airport back to Fussa. I've added in the $20 wager and driver tips to come up with an equatable per-player cost.
Please pay me upon arrival at Pattaya, the following: US players: $180
Japan players: $200
Today is Friday, pronounced "Kinyobi" in Japanese, and it's been a great, but very hot day.
Jeff and I played a remarkable round today (best ball against a single opponent). When we tee'd off at 7 am the starter's shack thermometer registered 85 degs. At 9:30 am it was 90+ and at 11am it was 100+. Of course when we left for the course before sunrise, I foolishly suggested using pull carts; we each sweated about 10-20 lbs during the match. We also hit a multitude of good shots. Yikes! Where did that come from...well who cares, it was great!
My wife is suspicious of the new shoes I bought and didn't mention ($126); it looks like I'll be buying a $300 purse for her birthday wrapped in lots of love. After all, she is the greatest for letting me play golf so often.
The Foursome
by Troon McAllister
Scratch
BarrancaJ. Michael Veron The Greatest Course That Never Was
the Greatest Player Who Never Lived
The Caddie
Golf fiction’s finest hustler— Eddie Caminetti—returns in a laugh-out-loud novel featuring a foursome of upwardly mobile golf fanatics who get their just rewards. Mixing equal parts of suspense, hilarity, and raw human drama, Troon McAllister deftly shows readers what can happen when money, friendship, ambition, and greed converge explosively in a single round of golf.
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Golf Trip I was the golfing experience of a lifetime. After one night at the Hog's Head Hotel we moved to Lewiinski's Hotel and Bar - a good move as it's a focal point for Thai golf, and, it's very resonably priced. the Nag's Head was okay for the price, so no complaints. We played a lot of golf, generally 36 holes a day, and experienced an intriging variety of courses. Playing with caddies was great, especially when they provided useful advice, like, "you topped it because you looked up...don't look up so soon." Yeah, I hate to hear that, but when it's true it actually can be helpful.
Unlike some of the Japanese courses that require wearing a sports coat in the clubhouse and wearing slacks while golfing, Thailand has a slightly more relaxed dress code. Wear a collared shirt, but you can also wear shorts and flip-flops if you like.
Don't use profanity too loudly on the course.
Treat your caddie with respect, even if she reads putts wrong and gives you a 3-wood when you're 150 yds from the green.
Plan to shower at the last course of the day -- bring a change of clothes (and a towel from the hotel).
Caddie tips: basic fee is usually 200 Baht and the tip should be 100 to 300 Baht depending on level of service.
Food/drinks on the course: early in the round the food/crink stops may not be open, so on Sat we will go to a COSCO-type store and buy some basics (water, juice, and snacks). There is a 24hr McDonalds near the hotel where you can get some junk-food for breakfast (it's only a week so how much damage can it do?)
Money issues: green and cart fees can be paid via a credit card. Almost everything else, including the hotel, requires cash
Missing Links
Shanks for Nothing
Bob Mitchell
Match Made In Heaven
Philip Reed
In Search of the Greatest Golf Swing
James Patterson & Peter de Jong
Miracle on the 17th Green
(baht). There are numerous trustworthy ATMs in the area and money exchangers (where you can get a good rate for US$ to Baht). I like to change dollars at the airport (in the baggage claim area while waiting for bags). The rate is good there. Don't expect anyone to accept a personal check. Be careful with your cash until you can put in in a safe deposit box at the hotel. Withdraw it from there as needed.
Passports: first, you don't need a visa for Thailand for this 8-day stay. It's a good idea to make a photocopy of the cover and picture page of your passport and to keep that in your wallet (ti's actually a legal requirement to carry your passport or photo copy at all times, however I seldom do). Leave your real passport in the safe deposit box at the hotel.
Laundry usually takes a day - drop it off in the morning and get it back the next day. Pack light and accordingly.
Golf balls weigh a lot so don't bring more than a dozen or so. There are used golf ball sales-boys around every course who will restock your bag for a measly amount.
Okay, what happens at night on this excursion......for the full-time golfers, we'll get back to the hotel around 6 p.m. each evening. Usually we're tired, but ready for a good dinner. After dinner there are many great diversions within a few blocks - like Thai kickboxing, shopping malls, and interesting bars. Probably the best way to spend some time is to get a Thai foot massage. It may not take strokes off your game but it will make you feel a whole lot better. The catch is that you'll have to be ready to go the next day at 4:30 to 5 a.m.
Tours: let me know and I'll set up something very interesting - great museums, shrines, a day in Bangkok, etc.