Living in the northern climate, there is one constant that everyone must concede. The golf season here runs from mid March to early November (for the die hard players).
Most of the courses close around the beginning of November, and don’t open again until the snow is gone for good. There have been times; however infrequent, where Northerners get to experience the greatest phenomenon in golf: Winter Golf.
In November, usually somewhere in the first or second week, many cold weather players begin the same ritual. You get to the course and just have that feeling. This is the last time I am going to play for the next six months. The round may last 20 holes because you can’t quit unless it is a par or better. You head to the car for a long silent ride home. When you get home, you head to the basement where you meticulously clean each and every inch of your equipment. It is your chance to say goodbye to your friends until next year, save the few trips to the heated range or golf dome. Your shoes get a thorough cleaning and a last polish before spending the cold winter months next to the bag in the basement.
The snow falls and the mercury starts hitting below freezing regularly. You have been relegated to watching the TOUR in Hawaii or playing Tiger Woods Golf on your video game system. GolfWRX.com seems full of people talking about how great golf is in Arizona in the winter. Every manufacturer starts putting out the new line-up. Oh well, time for another glass of Cabernet by the fire watching the snow fall.
Every couple of years though, something magical happens. There is no snow on the ground from a previous rain or maybe it hasn’t even fallen yet. The weather patterns are just right and the warm air from the South makes it way north. Sure, it might only be 50 degrees, but it may as well be 90. Wait though. Who is going to be open?
The phone begins to dial itself. Every course within 50 miles gets a call. Pick up… Pick up… VICTORY! "Yes, we are open. Come on over! Hello? Sir?" The phone has already hit the counter and the car is out of the garage.
There are no tee markers and the entire course hasn’t seen a mower in three months, but YOU ARE GOLFING IN FEBRUARY! The pins are either just where they were left in November or right in the middle of the green. The normal high is 22 degrees, but you are on the course today in a balmy 49 degrees wearing nothing but a sweatshirt and shorts.
In the entire history of winter golf, there has never been a round played over 85. A shank off the tee wasn’t your fault because it is February and the only swing you have practiced was the refrigerator door; better take a mulligan. Thinned wedges don’t count; the ground is frozen. You missed your 10 foot putt? Why, these greens are shaggier than US Open rough; you would have made it otherwise. Count it. There is still a little snow in that sand trap. Free drop.
The sun on your face has more therapeutic benefits than a trip to the spa for the full treatment. There are few things in life that are more enjoyable than having ten inches of snow on the ground one week and standing over a four footer the next while never having jumped a plane or driving 10+ hours. Every bad shot is just dismissed with "I am just happy to be here".
Yes sir, outside of the very loose rules, winter golf is true. It is pure. Every duffer on the course in February is having the best 16 holes they have ever played (two were still under water from the snow melt). You don’t worry about handicaps, scores, the bogeyman, or a $2 Nassau. Golf is golf, and you are playing. Enjoy it like you did when you were a kid and had no concept of par. You will be making real snowmen again next week anyway.
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Dad and Mom
Jan 13, 2008 at 3:40 pm
“You nailed it!” says mom. I found myself chuckling out loud as I identified perfectly with every description; from the feeling of the sun on your face to the “best 16 holes…”
Keep up the good work, son.
Jorge
Jan 12, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I was able to experience this today. 1 over for 9 holes….I couldn’t be happier. This was the best read in ages…