I’m new here. Just thought I’d throw a line out there. I play out of Skybrook in Huntersville. If anyone ever wants to come play let me know.
P.S. what is the WhatsApp thread?
Cheers!
Welcome!
The WhatsApp thread is where most of the action is amongst us Carolinians. If you want the link, let me know.
Yeah that would be great. Thanks!
@Double_Bogey_Dave Hey was listening to the latest Nest Podcast and your the best point of contact on this site. I rarely use this but I’m thinking of legitimately coming down to Raleigh-Durham in March. Do you have any recommendations of courses in the area? I have played Duke University golf course which I loved but would love to play some other courses in the area. Also, if I’m coming down it is for two weeks. Would you recommend going to the pinehurst area to play courses there?
Thanks,
Michael
I’d definitely recommend Pinehurst area courses, so many good options and the sandy soil keeps them from getting soaked when it’s rainy.
In the Triangle the UNC and NC State courses are good (though I they are a bit over priced). Hillandale, Pine Hollow, River Ridge, Occoneechee, Umstead to Pines are your best bets. Other options just outside the Triangle are Mill Creek, the Challenge, and Keith Hills. ,
I want to add to this question. Late February/Early March, How is the weather in North Carolina? My wife is a Gamecock but I don’t want to lump the Carolinas together and assume the weather is the same.
Total crap shoot. Last year I played 36 at MidPines in 70 degree weather in February. Or it could be snowing. We get all 4 seasons, sometimes in the same week.
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Charlotte is not too different from Columbia during that time, jacket in morning but by noon you might be in shorts or still in your jacket with 40 degree rain.
Heading west will stay cold for most of day
As @stevearrowood said for Pinehurst area total crapshoot
Thanks for the tip fellas. My Assumption was correct. May just have to play it by ear and keep the schedule flexible.
What happened with this? He had a big instructional program at Monroe, correct?
Yes, everyone who worked with him said he was a really good teacher. I’m guessing he got a pay raise at Stonebridge because the head pro at Monroe is employed by the city, rather than by the golf course. Probably not a substantial wage. He took the job initially because it was a welcome reprieve from his previous work at Wade Hampton. He said he could actually play golf, drink a beer and wear shorts at Monroe so he liked that a lot.
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Makes sense. Was wondering about doing a lesson package with him at Monroe. Haven’t had a chance to play there yet-only played at Stonebridge this summer and had a weird experience with the pairing so haven’t been back.
He definitely got a bump as GM at Stonebridge and is working for Wingate (3rd party intel). I took two lessons with him at Monroe and enjoyed his approach to teaching the game. Super down to earth and patient. I wish it was a little closer to Charlotte because I’d go see him more often, but the Stonebridge facility is nicer so I’ll get out there soon.
Go Bulldogs
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Anyone been to a good one day short game school in NC (or SC) ?
The Recap email / post:
Hello to all you crazy sickos who took on TR yesterday with me. There is sincerely something wrong with you. I know I am crazy about golf, but the fact that you all stuck it out means you are too. Thank you for that. I could have asked for a little better weather, but I could not have asked for a better experience and people to share it with. I was at Tobacco Road for a total of about 9 hours yesterday, which sounds like how I want to spend every New Years Eve from here on out.
Alright, but I also wanted to give a little recap of the day and share what happened. There are a lot more pics and stuff, to come (shoutout Double Bogey Dave and his wife Katie).
Philanthropy:
The goal of the day besides getting everyone out there was to raise some money for The First Tee of the Triangle. Here is how that broke down:
- Putting Contest: $120
- Additional generous donations: $68
- Not everyone submitted scores, but based on the 25/45 I got folks were averaging about 1.2 birdies. So we will take that as our number and call it 54 birdies on the day (sadly no eagles). 54 * $2.50 = $135
Total: $323
In addition I know a couple of folks mentioned they would throw some matching money in as well! So glad we are going to be able to get some money going there!
The Games:
- Straightest Drive on 4: Colin L., which was about 18 inches off the line. He mentioned it maybe wasn’t his best drive of the day, but willingly took his gift card with pride.
- Closest to the pin on 6: Lauren C. - I mean we knew she had to get one right? I know Amol was heartbroken he got beat, but also knew he needed to tip the cap to the pro.
- Closest to the pin on 14: Bryan G. (Aka Fluff) - Playing 195 from the Ripper I watched his 5iron back up to the hole and end up to tap in birdie range.
Quota:
- I didn’t get all the scores from folks, but did get some late breaking scores come in to change the leaderboard a little from what I announced on site, so wanted to share the updates top 3 (which as you see is really 5).
- T-1st: Pat L. - +6 - one of the low cappers that truly came to play. 4 birdies on the back 9 will get it done most of the time. Congrats Pat, especially while playing in the “featured group”. He got the first place money based on the back 9 tie breaker.
- T-1st: Spencer C. - +6 - A late arriving score, but Spencer came out and painted the course with 11 pars which was the most of the day! Sounds like a wet day of keeping it between the mayo and the mustard.
- 2nd: Mike R. - +5 - All those rounds at Mid Pines and Pine Needles must be keeping his handicap artificially high because he ripped my heart out with a chip in on 18 when we had a match this year, and came out for blood on NYE with the +5 at TR.
- T-3rd: John P. - +4 - Some of Lauren’s greatness must be wearing off on him, because he came to play for his first time taking on TR. Our only podium board member who was a first timer, and got the 3rd place spot on tie break.
- T-3rd: Ben M. - +4 - Sadly, he was the victim of the USGA rules and coming away with no money, but I felt it needed to be mentioned that Ben continues the streak of being a quota menace!
I know I said it before, but seriously y’all are awesome. Thanks for a great day. And like many others I bought my players card yesterday, so if you ever want to get back out there, just say the word! I would LOVE to tag along.
Also, I already wrote another thank you to the folks at TR and might have slyly mentioned that we may run it back next year. Mark the calendars and let’s start praying for more dry weather now.
Cheers,
Thomas
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Thomas, it’s been said before, but I’ll say again, well done. My donation has been sent. Thanks again for coordinating all this. Not sure how much influence you had on some of those pins but they were tough (very front right on 3 was the first time I’ve ever seen it up there)!
I’m amazed at all these sickos that stuck it out but I’m glad y’all did, everyone was all smiles after. Particular shout-out to my group; Mark (not sure of his u/n if he’s on here) for helping sherpa two first timers in @Churchie and @franklinorr. Was really cool to see their enjoyment of the course, even through the rain. @Churchie, your decision to “embrace the suck” was the correct one. @franklinorr I’m glad we finally were able to tee it up. Had a blast fellas. Cheers.
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GF and I are walking front 9 at Monroe GC tomorrow at 3 if anyone would like to join.
Wife and I will join you if the offer still stands. Let me know!
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Great job setting all this up. Is there a link to the charity? Or should I just throw some extra cash to the First Tee?