So, about the name. Those of you that recall the old TV broadcasts of SEC basketball games, should remember that Joe Dean was fond of this particular phrase. Since I have a fondness for Alabama basketball, then the phrase seemed like one with a connection.
Since this blog should be good for some ramblings, then let me start with saying that I enjoy golf. Its not an obsession, although it once was consuming. But its one of the few outdoor activities that I actually participate in, instead of being a mere spectator.
One advantage of being in Alabama is that we get to enjoy golf year-round. Not as much as our friends in Florida, but its readily available and comfortable 10 or 11 months each year. Some would quibble with that, but except for the warmest days of July/August and the few bitter windswept periods in January, its great the rest of the time.
A true treasure for golfers is the Robert Trent Jones golf trail. High quality facilities at very reasonable prices, the Trail is remarkable. It never ceases to amaze me how many people from other states travel all the way to Alabama to enjoy the RTJ facilities.
As an example, the other day I had a few spare moments and found myself in Opelika with my golf clubs still in the back of my car. The weather was great -- sunny, a light breeze and 72 degrees. I dropped by the Grand National facility
http://www.rtjgolf.com/courses/grand_national/
with the intent to play the short course. Two hours of shotmaking fun! But when I arrived, they told me that the short course was closed for maintenance. As an alternative, they sent me out for 9 holes on the Lake course for the same cost. ($24)
I set out by myself and after five holes, I caught up with the twosome ahead of me, as they waited behind a couple of foursomes ahead. They said we were all going to proceed at the same pace and invited me to join them for the next four. I agreed and they told me they were on a golf vacation spending 3 days playing different RTJ facilities around the state. One was from Arizona and the other from Indiana. They'd never been to Alabama before, but made the trip simply because of the Trail. They had already played the new Ross Bridges facility in Birmingham the day before, and were headed to Anniston/Gadsden to play the Silver Lakes courses the following day. They were impressed with all the facilities and it sounded like they were planning to return on another vacation in the future.
As we finished up, a twosome pulled up behind and they invited them to join them for the rest of the round. This twosome was from Southern California and were on a six-day golf vacation, playing 36 holes a day at different RTJ sites. They too were headed to play Silver Lakes the next day. The Californians were experienced RTJ vacation fanatics and said this had become a regular weekly vacation trip for them. I told them I was envious of their vacations, as I parted company with them and headed back to the clubhouse.
