I'm wrapping up my trip in South Carolina. I didn't realize that this area of Hilton Head/Beaufort was such a hotbed of golf. But it is. We arrived in the Savannah airport on Wed. night after having worked hard to get out of town. It didn't seem like such a bad idea when we planned the trip but it was difficult to get away. Like ripping off a bandage, I did it anyway. Once we got here I was able to begin to relax.
I travelled with Sean O who I had gone to the Masters with last year. We're old friends from the near beginning. He had such a good time last year he suggested we do another trip. So we did, and he had to work to get away, having 2 small children and another soon on the way next month. But we were coming to visit his parents so it was a legit trip.
We stayed at the Embassy Suites in Savannah after arriving about 11 p.m. A good nights sleep later and a good breakfast we talked with Gautham the manager while waiting for his dad Brian to pick us up. The hotel was brand new, very nice. Brian got us and we were driving north on I-95 for our first round of golf.
We played day 1 at Oldfield, a Greg Norman course. Like Meadowbrook Farms in Houston, it takes advantage of the natural terrain. It was a private course, so not many people there. When we pulled up, another golfer was getting out of his black AMG Mercedes so I talked with him a little. I said I had an AMG also and he said "F---kin' A!" with a smile. The proper response in return?: "F---kin' A!" Not sure why he said that, but it had a good attitude.
The course was in fine shape. Interesting holes taking into account the trees, marshes, bunkering. One hole was evocative of Pine Valley and I asked Brian if he had played there (top course in the USA and the World). "Of course!" I enjoyed the course and shot 92. Beautiful flower blooming as well.
Afterwards we checked into his house and Sean and I walked around Spring Island. At one time it was a big plantation and you can see the remnants of the stately oaks planted. Its a development, but with a large area dedicated with conservation easements so there is minimal development. Dinner was at home with delicious meatballs and pasta and organic brownies.
Today we got up and played at Chechessee Creek Club with Sean's mom Kathy. The day started off cool, 48 F, but warmed up to a nice day. I hit the ball better after a day of warmup and shot 89. Very happy with that. The course was really to my liking. Crenshaw & Coore design, very natural, walking with caddies. The tees and greens were very close together. It reminded me of ... wait for it... Tyrrell Park (!) in Beaumont (!?) Yes - just a very back-to-nature feels to it, but with challenging elevated greens, all with false fronts. Good driving course.
Dinner tonight was at the Old House Smokehouse in Ridgeland, SC, which was a very good place in an unassuming side of the road locations. The chef trained with Paul Prudhomme so it was very New Orleans in style. Just like I like.
Tomorrow we leave here early at 0700. It's been a good trip. Brian and Kathy are great hosts. It's like being with Ed and Kate - right at home.
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