Playing anything new close to home?

[Bernie Bell]

I recently took advantage of a gracious invite and work-from-home flexibility to play a course new to me, Talbot Country Club on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.  It's never been mentioned here, to my knowledge, nor is it mentioned in my Cornish/Whitten, although it's been around since 1910 and was one of the founding member clubs of the Maryland State Golf Association 100 years ago.  Originally 9, it was re-done as 18 by Ed Ault in the early 60s.  I think you would say it's representative of his work from that time, although on a flatter site than I'm used to around DC.  A very nice club and thoroughly enjoyable day.  A brief spot of heavy rain, but nothing like the violent hail storm on the ride home.  Sounded like my car was being pelted with golf balls.

Anyone else play something close to their home during the pandemic that they never got around to before, for one reason or another?

[Tal Oz]

Finally got out to Soule Park. Instantly fell in love with those greens. Looking forward to getting back out there ASAP!

[Peter Flory]

I've really been enjoying Lac La Belle since it opened (Craig Haltom renovation).  It was enough of a redesign that I consider it to be new. 

8th- new hole (my favorite hole on the course)


9th- renovated hole


18th- new hole

[David_Tepper]

I have played Lincoln Park in San Francisco once a week for the past 7 weeks, which is probably more than I have played it in total over the last 40 years. The course is a very quirky par-68, with several 260-300 yard par-4's and back-to-back 230 par-3's. It's in scruffy shape, but the afternoon green fee for SF resident seniors is just $22.

[Tim Leahy]

I have played Lincoln Park in San Francisco once a week for the past 7 weeks, which is probably more than I have played it in total over the last 40 years. The course is a very quirky par-68, with several 260-300 yard par-4's and back-to-back 230 par-3's. It's in scruffy shape, but the afternoon green fee for SF resident seniors is just $22.

David, the last time I played there the greens were VERY fuzzy and many bare spots on the "fairways". Does it look better now. It is a great location with spectacular views and they could at least double the green fees for nonresidents to pay for better maintenance.

[David_Tepper]

Tim -


Some of the greens at Lincoln are better than others. The ones that are out in the open and get a lot of sunlight are not bad at all. The ones that sit in the shade of the trees for much of the day do have bare patches here and there.

The quality of the turf is best described as "variable." I play the ball down and rarely do I get a lie that is  bad.

The views at various spots around the course are indeed spectacular.

DT

[Duncan Cheslett]

David,


I was reading about Lincoln Park only the other day courtesy of the San Francisco Public Golf Alliance, of which I find myself a member following their very generous support of the Cavendish crowdfunding appeal!


https://www.sfpublicgolf.org/index.php/courses/lincoln-park


It is gratifying and heartwarming that such a public course survives, occupying as it does a spectacular and very valuable piece of real estate. Long may it remain.