[Kevin Lynch]

You ever have one of those days when you have 100% mentally committed to play, "no matter what"?  Have you wondered about the limits of "no matter what?"

In Buffalo, we have been blessed by a fairly mild winter thus far, and I have spend the last few weeks alternating between sledding with my son on 1-2 inches of snow and then golfing on the off days when it melts.  Saturday was gorgeous here, with highs in the mid 40s (aka "shorts weather"), but I was unable to get away.  Even though the forecast for Sunday was only a high of 29, the wind was expected to be light, so I maintained a glimmer of hope.

I called Byrncliff around 9:00 am and asked "are you letting the crazies out on the course today?"  The answer was yes, but "no carts" (no problem here).  As a result, the call went out to Ron Montesano and JNC Lyon to make the trek for an expected 10:30 tee off.  I was 100% committed to playing "no matter what."  What's a little sub-freezing temperature?

On New Year's Day, we kicked off the 2012 Season and dealt with a few holes like this:




But something strange happened on the way to Byrncliff.  Around 10:00, the snow started falling and sticking.  It didn't look good as we pulled in.



We may have left, but I felt bad that JNC was already an hour into his drive from Rochester, and would have bought him brunch at the restaurant.  As I walked through the clubhouse, I saw the woman who had answered my call at 9:00.

"I'm so sorry - I swear it was green when you called"
"No problem - we'll still grab some brunch.  Just a quick question - are we forbidden from playing?"
"No - you can go out of you don't mind putting through the snow."

And with that, I was fully committed again, but still had to convince my cohorts.

"Guys, just so you know, we're not forbidden from playing.  I think I'm going to do it"  Surprisingly, it took very little effort to convince them.

As we descended toward the 1st tee, Mac Plumart's tagline of "Sportsman / Adventure Loving Golfer" was mentioned, and emboldened us for our quest (the Wild Turkey in the flask provided contributory inspiration).

First Tee at Byrncliff - you need to avoid the light poles and snow fence set up for the coming Cross Country Ski season.




Messrs Lyon, Lynch & Montesano (Note the Pink Noodle Ice and Yellow Spongebob balls).




The follow-through only a young 20-something Tebow Wannabe can hold:




Mr Montesano's robotic, ever-repeating swing conquers the uphill 5th the same as mid-July (you can see the pink ball between the last two evergreens on the right side of the fairway)




The 9th Green - Note the trail of the 20 footer that found the bottom of the cup.




Alas, the day was called after 9 holes.  We needed time to spend some money at the Clubhouse Bar for their generosity in enabling our adventure, as well as journey to the Wales Hotel for the Annual Chili Cookoff, all before the Tebow Kickoff.

It's the first time I recall my Christmas lights being packed away before my clubs, so it's been a great season.  The forecast for Tuesday shows a high of 41, and I am playing "no matter what."

[Terry Lavin]

I have some friends who play every Sunday during the winter here in Chicago, weather permitting.  So far, they haven't played all that much.  BECAUSE IT'S BEEN TOO DAMNED WARM, according to them.  Now, mind you, they don't play if it's under 20 degrees either, but they really prefer to play when it's freezing outside, with some snow on the ground.  The Buffalo conditons depicted above would probably suffice, but they would probably laugh at the "ease" of the conditions.

These are my friends, of course, I would only be seen on the 19th hole of any golf course from December through St. Patrick's Day in these parts.

[PThomas]

love the Spongebob ball Kevin!

I played again yesterday, twas in the 40s..this winter is so bizarre....i have to find out what the lowest snofall for the year in Chicago is, because we have had about ONE inch so far!

[Mac Plumart]

I wish I was there...that looks like fun!!!

And add in the Tebow jersey...epic!!!

I am jealous.

 

[Ronald Montesano]

Had I known that the Payne Stewart look was the style of the day, I would have broken out the Fred Jackson Bills jersey I have...next weekend, perhaps.

[Evan Fleisher]

Great stuff guys!!!!!!

[Ronald Montesano]

Evan, Our license plate will read "ISKI18"

[JNC Lyon]

The Byrncliff trip and round of golf was a great adventure.  It also led to a little self reflection on just how radical I can be.  I mean, it was probably mid-40s and sunny here on Saturday, but of course, I didn't play any golf.  Sunday?  It's 30 degrees when I leave my apartment, and it's blizzarding by the time I get halfway to Byrncliff.  And I played golf.

Of course, in my mind, there are two types of golf: Golf, and Adventure Golf.  I much prefer the latter.

And yes, Tebow and the Broncos winning didn't hurt.

[RJ_Daley]

I guess I have to chime in on this.  Today, for me,  was a day like you don't ever forget for the rest of your life for some special reasons that I can't go into, but they involve golf with someone very special and some private subtext.  But, I can tell you that the day itself was unlike anything we have seen here in Green Bay WI in anyone's memory.  It got to 50, and there were estimated some 140-150 golfers at a course that will stay open anytime you can see grass.  Not a morsel of snow, due to yesterday was also very mild, and several dozens played yesterday (I couldn't due to prior commitment) The fact that the greens were frozen, despite the warm temp, and a ball landing on the green will bounce high and off the green, makes it all the more fun.  The unmowed greens were probably stimp6-7, but it is fun that way as well.  So after today, I can say I have played golf in GB every month of the year.  December golf is not uncommon, but once on the last day of Feb about 10 years ago after a warm snap for a week leading up to that day melting the snow.

I had as much fun a few days before Christmas at the same course.  I played twice in the days before Xmas, just going there to play by myself and catching on with others similarly inspired to just get out there.  Well, I only wish I had a camera, because I played with Santa Claus!  There is this fellow- about 60 years old, that totally has the long pure white beard, long white hair over the ears, and granny glasses, and even more fat and rolly poly than me.  I asked him if he plays Santa for the kids at some Dept store or whatever, and he said, no-never.  But not kidding, he was a perfect charicature.

If we had 2-3 more days like this (which we are not predicted to) I would have to mow my lawn. 

[Kevin Lynch]

What JNC said rings true for me, in terns of self-reflection.  I have played more golf in the last three weeks (the warmest day was 45) than I did in September and October combined. There is something to be said about savoring every round and taking every chance to play, because it might be the last one for several months.

It seems like these final rounds are much more enjoyable because the focus is completely changed. Rather than caring about results and score, I find that these rounds are savored simply for the opportunity to play and share the day with friends.  And then I stop and think - "why the hell isn't that my perspective for EVERY round?"

I feel honored to share Sunday with Ron, JNC, and our 4th amigo (Eric).  Honestly, it took almost zero effort to convince them that this would be a great experience. By the time we were walking down the 6th fairway, I had texted our first tee photo to many amazed relatives and friends with the caption "I have found my Golf Soul Mates."

And that illustrates the beauty of this game, in general, and this site, in particular.  I was connected to Ron by a mutual co-worker / brother in law who recognized our passion for the game and thought we may enjoy meeting. Since that day 9 years ago, we have travelled the country together sharing those moments of awe and appreciation. We met JNC solely due to GCA.com and I met Eric through a charity golf event.  Ultimately, I probably would have played in the snow alone, but the experience was magnified solely by virtue of being able to share it with other passionate golfers.

[Kevin Lynch]

RJ -

It sounds like you had a great experience, magnified by sharing it with someone else as well as the heightened appreciation given the time of year.   I think the heightened appreciation of these "bonus rounds" is one of the advantages of being a Northern Golfer, which may elude someone who can play continuously. Of course, as I mentioned in my previous post, perhaps that appreciation should be applied all year.

It also sounds like Green Bay Golfers are reacting the same way to the warm weather as my neighbors.  After our Sunday snow, the forecast showed a high of 41 today and 45 tomorrow.  Based solely on that forecast, demand shot off the charts.  In order to play Terry Hills (27 hole complex) tomorrow, we needed to make a tee time early on Monday.  The super told me they already have 175 rounds booked for the day.

[Evan Fleisher]

Evan, Our license plate will read "ISKI18"

+1!!!

[Sven Nilsen]

Having endured a legal writing class in graduate school where we were beaten over the head with a blue book, I don't see how winter golf by members of this forum could be inspired by anything other than The Honorable Company of Reverse Jans Golfers, even if the course was played in the normal rotation.

[Ronald Montesano]

We mentioned it, but I don't think they play in the snow. In other words, Chicago golfers are wimps.

[RJ_Daley]

It got up to 53*AGAIN  today in Green Bay, so I went alone and caught up with a couple young fellows and played again.  Here is what it looked like.  You won't see a landscape like that too often in January on the so-called "frozen tundra".  We are starting to worry it will be too warm when the Giants come to town in a few days.  Although a winter storm is/was supposed to move in yet later today with blowing snow and high teens.   

[Tim Martin]

It got up to 53*AGAIN  today in Green Bay, so I went alone and caught up with a couple young fellows and played again.  Here is what it looked like.  You won't see a landscape like that too often in January on the so-called "frozen tundra".  We are starting to worry it will be too warm when the Giants come to town in a few days.  Although a winter storm is/was supposed to move in yet later today with blowing snow and high teens.   

RJ- Hoping for a great game on Sunday. As a long time Giants fan I think we have an uphill climb as your Pack is a helluva team and even tougher at home. Best of luck.

[Sven Nilsen]

We mentioned it, but I don't think they play in the snow. In other words, Chicago golfers are wimps.

A.  Go back and review the Reverse Jans threads, not only was their snow, I believe you can witness glacial activity in a few of the pics.

B.  I must have missed it, because nothing in your write-up mentioned the shot over the police cruiser.  Wimps play courses without the risk of incarceration.

C.  Having spent winters in both locations (Upstate New York and Chicago), I would gladly trade with you.

D.  Moose and Rocco (two of the south sides finest blokes) may be stopping by for a friendly debate on the general demeanor of the Chicago golfer.

[Ronald Montesano]

A. I'll take your word for it, my friend. No time to perform scholarly research with citations on previous threads;

B. My declaration of wimphood was based on the absence of pow. Since you assert that there was some, I ask the court's permission to withdraw the declaration;

C. No grounds for comparison. Don't know if I've ever been in O'Hare, much less the hamlet of Chicago;

D. Moose and Squirrel? That's it? I'll squeeze them with my glutes and make them pop.

[JNC Lyon]

Although a winter storm is/was supposed to move in yet later today with blowing snow and high teens.   

Blowing snow and high teens?  Sounds like a Hamptons nightclub...

[RJ_Daley]

Although a winter storm is/was supposed to move in yet later today with blowing snow and high teens.   

Blowing snow and high teens?  Sounds like a Hamptons nightclub...

Now that's funny right there, I don't care who you are...   

[Geoffrey_Walsh]

Blowing snow and high teens?  Sounds like a Hamptons nightclub...

An early candidate for funniest post of the year.  Nicely illustrates the differences between GB and NYC!

[Dan Herrmann]

I can sure relate to this thread, but the boys in Tonawanda prevented us from playing in the snow.  My winter destination?  The International Club on the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario!   They let us play in any conditions!

[Kevin Lynch]

I can sure relate to this thread, but the boys in Tonawanda prevented us from playing in the snow.  My winter destination?  The International Club on the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario!   They let us play in any conditions!

I will add ICC to my repertoire.  So far, I've been limiting my extended season to those courses that actually consider closing.  Terry Hills and Byrncliff seem to be the two courses that hold on as long as possible.

Doesn't ICC set up temporary greens in the winter, or do they let you play onto the normal greens?

[Kevin Lynch]

It got up to 53*AGAIN  today in Green Bay, so I went alone and caught up with a couple young fellows and played again.  Here is what it looked like.  You won't see a landscape like that too often in January on the so-called "frozen tundra".  We are starting to worry it will be too warm when the Giants come to town in a few days.  Although a winter storm is/was supposed to move in yet later today with blowing snow and high teens.   

Sounds like a great day for a last hurrah!

Today is 37 degrees (plenty warm), but accompanied by a steady rain that will be turning to snow for the next few days.  Looks like yesterday may have been it for Western New York (but I've said that 3 or 4 times already in the last month).  Terry Hills had a huge final day, with 27 holes solidly packed with over 250 golfers.  Following Seinfeld's advice to leave on a high note, I managed to conclude the 2011-12 season with a birdie/birdie finish, so I can rest a little easier for the next 60 days or so.

As for the weather being too warm for the Giants, the -20 degrees from Favre's final season didn't seem to help in that Championship game, so perhaps a warm spell may slow them up.  Good luck this weekend!

[Dan Herrmann]

Kevin - I'm talking 1982.  Graduated from Buff State and jobs took me out of town.  If I were you, I'd give ICC a call before heading across the bridge!

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