The year was 2014. I finally was able to attend a Midwest Mashie. 2011 saw pre-Mashie injury, and it would be another 8 years before I saw Lawsonia. 2012 and 2013 were double mortgage territory.
But here I was at Canterbury Golf Club. Host of many prestigious tournaments, including the U.S. Open, the U.S. Amateur, the U.S. Senior Open, the PGA Championship, and the Sr. PGA Championship. Coming into the weekend, temperatures were in the 80s and things looked great. In typical Cleveland fashion, the temps dropped 40 degrees in one week, and this Mashie remains the coldest I've played by far. Sleet greeted us on the 11th green. Feeling intimidated by new company and the wonderful golf course in front of me, I proceeded to have one of the worst playing weekends of my life.
Despite all this, I gained many great friends that weekend. The caddy tandem of Big Money and Big John saw to it that we enjoyed our time. After a rough front 9, I ordered a Ketel One and Sprite to help calm the nerves a bit. After two (maybe 3) shanks at 11, I was pretty despondent. At 12 tee, Big John arrives with another Ketel One and Sprite, saying, "Sir, you need this." Indeed!
I'm so thankful Bill offered to host our group here. I know that event, and course, changed my thinking on how good a golf course can be. Since that time, I've been able to play many more great courses and get a better perspective on golf in general. Canterbury is still one of the best I've played, and I can't wait to get back to NE Ohio and see more great courses; preferably when the weather is above 50 degrees.
Moments after I almost took off Ken Fry's and Big Money's head with a shank at 9
Canterbury's trophy case
A brief moment of sun on Sunday morning at hole 2. Near freezing temperatures not depicted.
Last hole of the event for me, 15. Can you imagine hitting hickories up to that green?!
