Occasionally life will throw you a little bone…you and I just miss it most of the time…here’s one I didn’t.
About three months ago my pals Leon and Andy and I were sitting around talking about Pinehurst, golf, and whatever else when an idea was hatched.
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I was telling them about my idea of getting an RV and staying there for the 2005 US Open at Pinehurst #2.
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I sent my money in as directed for the lottery by a woman who runs the park who could only be described as “exact”…but alas, even though I followed all of her rules, I didn’t win…you have to believe the only time you could lose the lottery for a spot in an RV park would be around the US Open…oh well.
On to the idea…the U.S. Women’s Open was to be played at Pine Needles in neighboring Southern Pines at the end of June…why not give this idea another shot? We’ll get a spot at the park, cook a few steaks, play a little golf, and watch the women play one of the best courses in America…this was either brilliant or stupid as hell, only time would tell.
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Leon asked if his Dad could come. He loves golf, had never played in Pinehurst, and, best of all, he owns an RV.
So off we went…Andy, Leon, Leon Sr., and me. Leon Sr. is a delight…the kind of guy who’s every tool is in it’s place in his garage…the American flag rippling in his yard 365. His nickname is “The Frog” because the worse the weather, the better he plays.
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The RV wasn’t quite big enough for all of us…it was one bed short. The campsite was a little cramped…but we made due.
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That was the worst of it though…we woke up Thursday, had a big breakfast at Mac’s Anytime and 
then mosied #2 in the afternoon with caddies….from there we retreated to the park for some big ribeyes and a good sleep.
then mosied #2 in the afternoon with caddies….from there we retreated to the park for some big ribeyes and a good sleep..
Friday it was #8…no breakfast this time because the tadpole (Leon Jr ) needed an hour or so to Zen his way into the round…no worries, there are very few places I’d rather hang out than the range at The Ocho.
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We were cruising along just fine (meaning I was 8 over) when I hit my drive on # 11 into a grove of trees and directly behind a birdhouse.
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“Back up biggin‘, this could come back at us” was my warning to Andy.
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The next two sounds I heard I’ll never forget…first that high pitched noise a cart makes in reverse, then a mighty crash as it hit a pine tree at about 80 mph.
After we put the windshield that flew off back on and picked up the sunscreen, coke cans, tees, balls, headcovers, towels, and the Skycaddie that went flying we were on our way.
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You’ve been on a roadtrip and one thing never fails…you WILL come out of it with a nickname, or several.
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So Andy “Big Pine” was born on the 11th fairway that day.
Over to the tournament for a few minutes until the weather horn blew. Grace Park was eyeballin‘ Big Pine…at least that’s what he claims.
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Of course we had dinner at the Pine Crest Inn , superb, and home the next morning.
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Road trips are necessary, one of the very best things in the ancient game…plus I got to see Leon and his Dad spend a few special moments together…and a thousand laughs with my buds.
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What’s better than that? Nothing that’s what.
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Yes, life throws you a bone now and again…we all just need to slow down a little so we can catch it.
