I was unable to play on the eastbound leg, and did not sound you for options on the return journey because complications (my wife is an invalid) were anticipated along it too. Thanks again for your suggestions, which will be saved for future reference.
Rather than flail away at course reviews in this company, I’ll confine myself to general remarks about the road trip's three golf experiences, one as a spectator. The two playing opportunities met my two basic requirements: inexpensive and good (for mid-day Friday rounds on public tracks) pace of play.
My Charlotte NC brother took me to Springfield Golf Club (Clyde Johnston, 2001) across the border in Fort Mill SC. Springfield, described as the most difficult public course in the area, is somewhat hilly, which I understand makes it unusual in these parts, and well maintained. It nevertheless got me hot under the collar for three reasons: the greens were being aerated, I played horribly, and the weather was so muggy that I had to submit to the indignity of a cart after five holes.
South Park Muni (Paul B. Riis, 1929) south of Pittsburgh PA is not on “best of” lists, and online comments led me to expect poor maintenance. I was a single paired with Tony from Florida, who spent two years in the Peace Corps in the 60s before being ordered to Vietnam – until reassigned at the last minute to the space program. The retired engineer’s run of good fortune continued when our starter, reversing an earlier decision for no discernible reason, ended our wait on the first tee by releasing us into an empty back nine under cooling morning clouds. The course turned out to be in good condition, with the exception of the bunkers (hard, wet sand; pools of water), of which there were mercifully few. Plentiful trees did not interfere with play (same at Springfield), nor was there a traffic jam at the turn. While SP’s hilly fairways and uncomplicated greens are arguably “one note,” the absence of houses is a consolation prize, contributing to the atmosphere of “unspoiled nature.” Why South Park? To research my story about the United Golf Association, or “Chitlin’ Circuit,” and Billy Eckstine.
The DG knows more about Oakmont than I ever will, but I’ll give a few impressions. I was struck most by the tightness of the property (I have never been to an old, private club), including the close proximity of the tees and greens. The rough looked as juicy and abundant as billed, the fairways and greens as perilous. The place was impressive, and could be appreciated more as the heat dissipated and the crowds thinned. The vibe, from the players to the volunteers, was friendly. On top of everything, I achieved my ulterior motive of conducting research for a story about Oakmont, which will be unlike anything written about it before. For a preview of Secret of the Orphanage, see my site <newmonumentsgc.com>.