Gene,
I would be remised if I didn't follow up on a question I've asked other folks that frequent great courses.
What do you remember about your first round at Sand Hills, and what sticks out from your last round? I'm interested in how great courses evolve. And I'm a major beard puller!
Ben:
Nothing has changed from my first experience at The Sand Hills to my last, which was this past weekend.
The place is timeless.
The first time I played it I was alone waiting for friends to arrive from the west coast. I played the first two holes and then...
...stopped.
It was midweek and I was the only one on the course so I put my bag down (no caddies hired there yet) and sat down at the back of the 2nd green.
I simply sat there and gazed at the vast expanse behind this green at what surely must be the edge of this world, completely overcome by what I had just experienced on those first two holes.
I had to allow some time to pass because I knew if the holes were to continue in this fashion that I would in all likelihood be playing the greatest course in the world. I wanted to soak it all in as I didn't know if I would ever be allowed back again or make the trip to this remote locale.
So I sat there for an hour.
I also thought about other things besides golf, assuredly a fine spot for reflection, which highlighted then as it does now the spiritual nature of a visit to the Sand Hills Golf Club.
I continue this practice today, periodically breaking away from the group during post round refreshments, usually as the sun is setting and play a 6 or 9 hole loop, what I term "church nine," walking on the most peaceful ground this earth will offer.
I left three days ago.
And the place haunts me.
It haunted me in exactly the same manner and intensity 14 years ago as it does this very moment.
It haunts me during the winter months.
And when I sleep.
And when I allow my mind to run adrift for a few short moments during the day.
For me it is the most compelling golf course and land on which a golf course rests in the world.
And obviously others feel the same.
I just had someone text me saying June 11th wasn't good for him NEXT year and to PLEASE include him and try to arrange our golfing retreat on any day but that one.
And he is one of many.
One of many who has had a spell cast by some golfing ground in the middle of nowhere.