Clayman, Kirk, Ballyneal, Riviera.

[Michael Robin]

I was lucky enough to get to play with a group of Ballyneal members at Riviera on Wednesday. My illustrious group consisted of me, a distinguished Ballyneal/Denver CC member, Mr. Adam Clayman and Mr. John Kirk. Some Highlights:

4th hole - Adam Clayman almost became the 20th player in history to ace this great hole when his driver lipped out. He did make his birdie putt.

John Kirk using a combination of good driving, a good short game and some timely putts to fire an even par 35 on the front.

18th hole - Clayman's fairway wood from the right rough, around the trees to the front of the green, followed by a terrific 65 foot 2-putt for a 4.

Kirk firing 75 the first time he sees the place and beating his host straight up, which I thought was a little rude.

Getting to see more pictures and hear Jim O'Neal talk about Ballyneal and get a real sense of just how great this place might be. Can't wait to
get the chance to see the "E green" in person.

Thanks again to all the Ballynealers and much good luck as you open in
the coming weeks.

MR.

[Jonathan McCord]

The E Green??? Sounds interesting, Please Explain!!!

[Garland Bayley]

Glad to hear John played well. I trust his foot is fully healed and not a bother.

[Larry_Keltto]

Adam, John, I'm proud of you for representing Ballyneal so well in its first-ever club event. John, a 75 after a long layoff?! Hey, I want toe surgery!

The "E" green is a reference to the 7th green site at Ballyneal. (There was a fairly in-depth discussion of it here this winter. Adam and John both describe it better than I do.) The green essentially is shaped like an "E", with bunkers occupying the spaces within the "E". The left side of the green is banked (a bit like the 12th green at Deal), so if you needed to go from the front right of the green to the back right, you can use the slope of the bank to get there.

The 7th is a short par 4 (about 340 from the tips, 325 from the members' tees). It plays downhill, so big hitters will be tempted to go for it. An enormous blowout bunker occupies the left side of the fairway -- in line with the shortest route to the green, if memory serves.

[John Kirk]

Michael,

Thanks for everything.  I had such a great time Wednesday, especially the group dinner in Brentwood that night.  I will e-mail you with more detailed sentiments when I get a chance.

The most peculiar thing occurred Wednesday night.  We're all milling around outside the restaurant after dinner, waiting for cars and saying goodbyes, and Jim O'Neal overhears two gentlemen mention Tom Doak.  It turns out that two of the principal investors in the Bay of Dreams golf project in Cabo San Lucas were having dinner in the same restaurant.  A short friendly conversation followed.  How's that for coincidence?  Great karma!

[Michael Robin]

John -

That was strange. Great minds huh? Look forward to your email.
.
MR

[A_Clay_Man]

One correction before I add to the praises.
I'm not a Denver CC member. ED is, and I know there are a few others on here who post, are.

Michael Robbin - Thanks to you and your band of great hosts, I was floored by what a great trip I had and I suspect we all had.
Your love for Riviera just gushes from your aura. Walking and discussing her was truely a highlight never to be forgotten. Thank You.

As John Kirk alluded to, the dinner we all had together was as if we were all old friends. Truely an amazing experience.

Following the Riv, we were fortunate to be allowed access to the grounds at LACC. All I can say is wow. I never knew there was so much movement topographically just that side of Wilshire Blvd.


After that, as if it wasn't enough, John and I went and met the emperor at Rustic Canyon for an early morning, fog filled, fantastically fun day. The canyon was as verdant as I'm certain it ever gets. We had so many yucks, my wrinkles have sun burn while the negative space is still white.
To top all that off I had to show-up early today at Ballyneal for more caddy training. Ahh the sacrifices I make for the good of the game....

[Michael Robin]

Hey Adam -

I guess my punctuation leaves something to be desired. The Denver CC
member was our fourth, Ed. Glad you guys had such a good time. You'll have to post or email me your thoughts on all 3 courses you played. Hope to catch up with you at Ballyneal this summer/fall.

MR.

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