From Tee to Green

From tee to Green

       June 9/10, 2010

Last night our teaching pro, Clark Renner, came to dinner. Clark’s family has an amazing past. His father grew up in Shanghai and was a neighbor of Albert Einstein and Eugene O’Neil for a while. He came to the states and worked for thirty years in the horse business. None of Clark’s family played golf. As a youngster Clark played miniature golf one day and was smitten forever. He was a key player on his Torrey Pines State Championship team and later turned professional. This interesting conversation took place over Belgian Ale, aged Vermont Cheddar cheese, New York Steak, and Italian potatoes. It was a good evening.

On Wednesday we played at The Farms as Bert Edelstein’s guests. Our foursome consisted of Gary Vernon, Tom Hardy, Bert, and me. Though the round took over 5 hours there was never anyone behind or in front of us! This private club is beautifully laid out, and it felt as if I was walking through an outdoor art museum. The landscaping is otherworldly. Bert was very gracious as our course guide and host at lunch after the round. We all appreciated his kindness.

On Wednesday night Vicki and I drove to the Castle Creek Inn in Valley Center. Upon check in the woman at the desk had me listed as Mr. Baltoro. In trying to clear up the confusion I mentioned that we had hiked on the Baltoro glacier in Pakistan. She said is that in the Hindu Kush? I looked at her in amazement while she told me her hobby was geography. I guess she is better at places than names. That night we drove to Lawrence Welk’s place and had chicken and dumplings, which were delicious.

Today we played the Castle Creek course, where we were paired with a nice couple from Irvine. They were social and athletic. At one point a player behind us hit a ball about 5 feet from me. We weren’t pleased, until the hitter drove up in his golf cart and explained that in thirty years of playing at Castle Creek he had never reached that green, which was 285 yards from the tee box, in one shot. All was forgiven, and we moved on.

Having spent a lot of time now in rural north county playing golf, I find that the rocky, rugged terrain is growing on me. Castle Creek, Woods Valley, and Eagle Crest are some of my favorite courses. Tomorrow we play locally at Encinitas Ranch. Tonight the Fish Market!