Go on the golf trip
I remember being at my wedding venue with my (now) wife doing a taste test for the food that would be served for our wedding day. I don’t remember because the food blew my mind but because that’s when I officially decided to travel to Pinehurst North Carolina with my cousin and a mutual friend of ours. It was kind of a spur of the moment decision. I had a lot going on at the time, planning a wedding (not that i was really doing anything other than nodding at my fiancé decisions) and actually getting married in a month and a half. I really couldn’t justify missing out on seeing Pinehurst for the first time, so I told them I’ll see ya in the morning.
We played UNC Finley golf course home of the Tar Heels, Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club, and Pinehurst number 1….and of course the Cradle. after the long drive We arrived at our hotel and went out for dinner and had a few drinks. In the morning we woke up, had some much needed caffeine to curve the small hangover we all regrettably had and walked the UNC campus a little before we hit the links. Mind you, early February is NOT where my game finds its peak. we don’t have to talk much about this round but I found a nickname for myself that eventually kind of stuck, “Triple Digits” (trip dig) for short…the official number on the scorecard is unknown. I could probably find it somewhere but thats honestly none of your business.
Next was Mid Pines. If I had any advice for someone that might stumble upon this post it would be go out of your way to play this golf course. You can find some insight to this Donald Ross course on the Linksvue podcast on Spotify and YouTube. The green complexes were so laughable, at times I thought I might hear Mr. Ross himself cackling from the clouds above. The three of us had horrible weather, spitting rain and overcast but wow what a place. you’re at a golf destination and once you roll up to the first T you know it. There’s an energy that surrounds this place that cant be described. If you find yourself in or around the North Carolina area take the sticks to Mid Pines. you won’t regret it.
After the round we found ourselves at the cradle in Pinehurst. Basically Disney world for golfers. Grab three wedges, a putter and a transfusion and off you go. maybe the most fun I have ever had playing golf.
Pinehurst number 1 was short in terms of yardage but wow what a hike. We walked every course this trip. I’m so glad we decided to do so because it allowed us to really appreciate the architecture of these tracks. We had the best weather the entire trip on this particular day and some of the best views of the trip as well between the horse track and looking into the cradle and the infamous Pinehurst clubhouse on 18.
Years later I still think about this trip. I went back and forth for a little while on weather or not to go, but I’m so glad I did. Being with my friends playing these beautiful courses was something I’ll never forget.
To me, and maybe to some of the few who might read this, Golf is a beautiful game. When you add the memories and laughs in the company of good friends It becomes something more. Life is short, travel with friends and play this game as much as you possibly can. Then look back on the memories you make, and smile. What other choice is there? Go on the golf trip.
