I want to first say thanks to everyone involved. Thanks for putting up with me for 8 days!
I had never been to New York. The closest I ever got to the place was Plainfield, NJ, and even then I could smell the greatness. I just didn't know how great. In a similar fashion to a dream trip I took by myself in 1996 to the UK, I couldn't sleep in the nights proceeding my departure.
For those of us out here in the West, I can only say one thing in terms of a safe journey, and that is Jet Blue. With a fleet of brand new immaculately maintained aircraft, Unbelievable crew and a fare of just $252.00 round trip including tax, out of the no frills/no hassles airport of Long Beach.
I was in New York for 8 days, and I saw the following:
Tall Grass
Maidstone
Shinnecock (A peak)
Friars Head
The National Golf Links of America
Easthampton (A peak)
Piping Rock (A peak after a rain out)
The Creek (Same as above)
Garden City Golf Club
Yale
Fenway
Winged Foot East & West (A very plesant surprize ,Thank You!)
I tried to get over to Kelly's Laurel Links, but unfortunately had a rainout that day and got a late start. I actually was on my way there with little day-light left, when I decided I wasn't going to make it, so I pulld into the parking lot of Long Island National to at least see that. What I saw was a bunch of ugly man-made shaping, I said to myself, "What the Hell am I doing here???) so I quickly left and headed to the Elbow Room for a marinated NY Steak and a Beer. Just like Scotland, there just isn't enough time to go see everything!
I'm still aghast at trying to place all of this golf architecture that I saw. But I can say that it was without doubt the most eye-awakening trip. I could live out there on that end of the island. It wouldn't be hard at all. In fact, I wish my host at Friars Head would have just dug a hole and buried me right there. Then he had the honor of seeing me soil my pants when I saw Shinnecock and then NGLA for the first time.
Can golf get any better anywhere on the planet then on Eastern Long Island? I think the answer is that we all have our own private places, and this confirmed Fife-head has unfortunately found a new home on the East End of this very and pastural setting. I thought I left my heart in St. Andrews back in 1996. Somehow, it picked itself up and found its way to a locale just North of Riverhead, which is perfectly located for me.
And then it hit me.
Long Island is a bit of everything I have adored in my life. The farm like setting of summers spent in Oregon during my youth; The beaches, like where I live now; The surprizing demeanor of the people, which I have to tell you is like some of the nicest people I have met; and finally, the Golf--which is never-ending in its pursuits of golf architecture. I had made a full circle back to Scotland and the Kingdom of Fife, because in reality it is all of the same. WE are all in the same.
For those of you that have never played the Game there, I can only suggest to strive to make it there. It will change or life. And just like the reality of coming home, and sleeping in your own bed makes you hope and wonder if Heaven is a place where you can be anywhere you want, then I'm indeed in Heaven.