Hobby Thread - May 10, 2025 [TRex]

Welcome hobbyists! Pull up a chair and sit a spell with the Horde in this little corner of the interweb. This is the mighty, mighty officially sanctioned Ace of Spades Hobby Thread. We gave the Ace of Spades Wheel of Hobbies(TM) a spin and it came up with golf!

[Top photo

ebble Beach, California]

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By quasi-popular demand, golf is the hobbying theme for the week. Somehow we have made it almost a year of Hobby threading without golfing. Roughly one in seven Americans play golf at least once a year. Some of you live in places with golf-friendly weather all year. Others are in locales with more variable weather, so spring means hitting the links and shaking off the winter rust.

TRex has a small brain and short arms, so golfing is not on the roster of dino hobbying. Going to need some help from the Gray Box friends for this one.

Are you a golfer? What courses have been memorable? What courses are on your bucket list to play someday? Are you a regular? Do you play through inclement weather? Do you play with the dawn patrol? Have you played in charity events or work-related events with interesting people? Are you good enough to be a competitive golfer in tournaments?

Do you watch golf? Have you been to high profile events like Pebble Beach or the Masters?

Are you more comfortable with golf of the miniature variety that features wind mills rather than sand traps?

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Did Mark Twain really say that "golf is a good walk spoiled?" While he is often credited, he may not be the culprit.

In August 1948 The Saturday Evening Post published an article about the genesis of golf in Scotland. The first paragraph dubiously assigned the joke to the famous humorist from Hannibal, Missouri....In conclusion, the earliest citation in 1897 indicated an anonymous attribution, and the quotation marks signaled that the quip was already in circulation. The ascriptions to Mark Twain and William Gladstone are currently unsupported.

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I love aerial views and St. Andrews provides a great place for a flyover.

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How was a famous island green constructed?

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Dimples:

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How golf clubs are made:

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Does CBS pipe in artificial bird noises for its Masters coverage? The answer is elusive.

Masters 2022: Solving the mystery of Augusta National's missing (?) birds

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Why does John Daly keep showing up at Augusta for the Masters when he isn't playing?

John Daly makes an absurd $780K in annual Hooters appearance at Masters - despite not playing since 2006

Daly's team told ESPN that last year, he made $780,000 selling $40 hats, $10 autographed golf balls and $250 boxes of cigars, among other wares - and they estimate it could be even more this year.

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Mini golf traces its origins to the St Andrews Ladies' Putting Club in Scotland.

The oldest mini golf course in existence, according to Guinness World Records, can actually be found in Scotland: The St Andrews Ladies' Putting Club was formed in 1867 as a members-only green for women golfers. The club was a result of the conventions of the day that decreed it improper for a lady to "take the club back past their shoulder." Metal Floss

The club's website includes an origin story that references friction with the caddies:

Before 1860 the caddies had laid out a small putting area near where Rusacks Hotel now stands. They would play to pass the time while waiting for a bag. When the course was quiet a few young ladies would play.
There was some tension between the caddies and these adventurous ladies so much so that Mr D. L. Burn decided that a piece of ground be found where the ladies could play outwith the public gaze and away from the caddies. Mrs Boothby suggested that there was a piece of ground to the north of the Swilcan Burn. The ground was rough with whins which were used by local washerwomen to dry clothes, and pitted with rabbit holes. A fifteen hole course, a "miniature links," was laid out by Old Tom Morris requiring a cleek and a putter and so the St Andrews Ladies' Golf Club was formed in 1867. Old Tom gradually smoothed out the surface and cut back the whins so that over time only putters were needed.

The hilly course became known as the Himalayas and is open to the public. No mini golf gimmicks or novelties - just terrain.

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Golf across borders?

A Map of the Strange Border between Sweden and Finland that Crosses a Golf Course

Play one round of golf at the Green Zone Golf Course and you get to do it in two countries. The course and the surrounding towns were built on the delta of the River Tornio which also marked the border between Sweden and Finland.

But wait, there's more...

Despite all the friendly relations between the two towns, Sweden and Finland actually lie in two different time zones. This makes for some strange experiences. Residents often celebrate New Year's Eve twice the same night. And on at least one border-straddling hole on the golf course, your ball will land an hour after you hit it.

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Pebble Beach is the most well known public golf course in the United States.

Even if you're not a golfer, 17 mile drive is worth the trip.

A Complete Tour of 17-Mile Drive (Part 1)

A Complete Tour of the Spectacularly Scenic 17-Mile Drive (Part 2)

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Perhaps you were looking for a different golf?

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Horde Hobbying from Teresa in Fort Worth:

I just finished the stitching on my latest Christmas stocking (#14). I haven't put a name on it, as it is for an as-yet-born grandchild (or great-grandchild).I will be getting it finished by a local needlepoint shop which has finished all of my other stockings that I have made over the past 40 years. I am going to see if they can finish it in such a way that some future stitcher can access the name panel to stitch a name on it when a recipient is "found." I am thinking they might be able to rig up the lining so that the area behind the name portion looks like the back of a removable pillow sham.

Very nice! Thank you!

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Horde Hobbying update from polynikes - this painting is called "The Chapel at Twilight"

Good stuff as always. Thank you!

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What are you hobbying these days? Does spring weather open up new options for your hobbying? As per usual Hobby Thread etiquette, keep this thread limited to hobbying. Your participation does not need to limited to the theme. All hobbying is welcome. However, politics, current events and religious debates can live in threads elsewhere. Play nice. Do not be a troll and do not feed the trolls. Pants, as always, are optional.

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Did you miss the Hobby Thread last week? We talked Canadian travels. The comments may be closed, but you can re-live the content.

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Notable comments from last week:

20250509-AOP Springs.jpg

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Words of wisdom:

"Because despite all our troubles, when things are grim out in that wide round world of ours, that's when it's really important to have a good hobby." Posted by: tankascribe at June 22, 2024 07:41 PM (HWxAD).

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If you have trouble finding something in the content or comments that resonates with you, hijack the thread for your hobbying as you see fit. We will feature a different theme next time. What are you hobbying? We love showing off Horde hobbying. Send thoughts, suggestions and photos of your hobbying to moronhobbies at protonmail dot com. Do mighty things.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 05:30 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 A hobby? I thought it was a good walk, spoiled??

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 10, 2025 05:31 PM (0eaVi)

2 Welcome Hobbiests

Posted by: Skip at May 10, 2025 05:31 PM (ypFCm)

3 Miniature golf was fun as a kid, and we played often but the big game was beyond me

Posted by: Skip at May 10, 2025 05:32 PM (ypFCm)

4 I've played mini golf and computer golf, and that's it. Golf isn't my thing.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 10, 2025 05:32 PM (0eaVi)

5 Golf game of the wealthy

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 10, 2025 05:34 PM (rT96s)

6 From a previous Hobby talk, my continuing game of a refight of the 7 Years War battle Kunersdorf, with correct order of battle using my Napoleonic era armies
https://tinyurl.com/ee48pkkh

Posted by: Skip at May 10, 2025 05:35 PM (ypFCm)

7 Oh look. I'm comment number fore.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 10, 2025 05:37 PM (0eaVi)

8 I often tease DH, asking him if he doesn't get tired running those eighteen bases. And after he got a hole-in-one, informed him that surely his game would suck from that day forward, because it's only downhill from there.

Posted by: tankascribe at May 10, 2025 05:38 PM (NtoJk)

9 I can do a lot of things. Golf isn't one of them.

Posted by: Fast Eddie Felson at May 10, 2025 05:42 PM (Wznjk)

10 Saw this and thought Hobby thread right away
Grown kids with a professional play time
https://www.planetf1.com/lego full size formula 1 cars miami-grand-prix
https://tinyurl.com/3fb3ye37

Posted by: Skip at May 10, 2025 05:43 PM (ypFCm)

11 Teresa in Fort Worth, what a wonderful bit of work on that stocking.

Posted by: mindful webworker - Christmas in May at May 10, 2025 05:44 PM (b/vRQ)

12 That's a Rabbit.

Posted by: fd at May 10, 2025 05:46 PM (vFG9F)

13 Evening, Hobby Folken,

I know nothing of golf aside from the scene in Goldfinger between Bond and the villain. And little of that. My second mother-in-law was taking golf lessons in the '80s, but I don't know how that worked out for her.

As for the Golf car: Originally, in America anyway, it was called the Rabbit, as we all know. When I first saw a TV ad for this new Volkswagen, I laughed out loud. I was used to car models with names like Falcon, Barracuda, Cougar, Mustang, and Wildcat. Rabbit???

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 10, 2025 05:47 PM (omVj0)

14 I enjoy golf and used to be decent.

OTOH, I could play that foreign course above and legitimately say, "I hooked a drive in Finland ... and it ended up in Sweden!"

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at May 10, 2025 05:47 PM (HlyYF)

15 My son is working at a place that raises turf grass for golf courses. In addition to working at this, he would also like to have a job that involves research. I told him what he does is important, since many people get a good deal of satisfaction. And pleasure from playing golf aside from it being good exercise. It makes their life happier.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 10, 2025 05:47 PM (yxwuC)

16 A golfing buddy of my dad tried to recruit me to working up to the LPGA. I chose to ride horses instead.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 05:47 PM (NVNRw)

17 Miniature golf I once played, with a lady I was dating in the late '80s. She was also the one who brought me to see nitro-burning funny cars and monster trucks at the Superdome, so I can say she did lead me to some new experiences.

I've never felt the urge to do either again. I suppose miniature golf wouldn't be too bad, if we even have such things any more.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 10, 2025 05:49 PM (omVj0)

18
Go
Off
Leave
Family

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at May 10, 2025 05:50 PM (dg+HA)

19 That's a Rabbit.
Posted by: fd at May 10, 2025 05:46 PM (vFG9F)

That's what I thought, too.

TiFW - Beautiful work.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at May 10, 2025 05:51 PM (VNX3d)

20
Gentlemen
Only
Ladies
Forbidden

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at May 10, 2025 05:51 PM (dg+HA)

21 In Russia, golf plays you...

Posted by: Yakov Smirnoff at May 10, 2025 05:51 PM (zTf8W)

22 The stocking is wonderful and the chapel painting is beautiful!

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 10, 2025 05:51 PM (yxwuC)

23
I quit playing after hitting a hole in one.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at May 10, 2025 05:52 PM (QnmlO)

24 If I buy that VW, any chance it will improve my drive?

Posted by: HappyFun at May 10, 2025 05:53 PM (rELun)

25 I worked for a VW dealer about the time they started calling American Rabbits "Golfs". The first GTI came out during that time.i was even trained on the Rabbit diesel. Nobody else wanted to work on them.

Posted by: fd at May 10, 2025 05:53 PM (vFG9F)

26 Why does John Daly keep showing up at Augusta for the Masters when he isn't playing?
---------
John Daly, Kid Rock and Tucker Carlson had a pretty amusing podcast about a year ago.

Seriously. It was off the hook funny.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 10, 2025 05:54 PM (Q4IgG)

27 Last time I played golf it had the windmills and stuff.

Finishing up a short animation, unconnected to any ongoing projects.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at May 10, 2025 05:55 PM (CHHv1)

28 Back then VWs had fartfignewton.

Posted by: fd at May 10, 2025 05:55 PM (vFG9F)

29 One of my little brother's favorite golf stories is from playing in Jamaica. (Where they do give you a caddy as part of your green fee.):

There was a long par 5 that plays straight into the stiff onshore wind later in the day. My brother hit a solid drive, but the wind gobbled it up a little bit.

He then hit a solid 3-wood on his second shot, but once again the wind gobbled it up a bit.

He starts to hand the 3-wood to his caddy, thinking the green would now be reachable. The caddy then said (in a heavy Jamaican accent); "Oh mon, you are going to need that club again!"

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at May 10, 2025 05:55 PM (HlyYF)

30 I've been golfing, public courses only, since I started caddying in the late 1950's. Score wise, I probably peaked in 1966 or so, before I added far to many inches in height to remain a good golfer.
Still play once a week or so in decent weather with a friend of over 50 years. Scores don't matter once we're finished.

Posted by: From about That Time at May 10, 2025 05:55 PM (n4GiU)

31 I am not a golfer, other than miniature golf. That was my Daddy's game. He played it weekly and then worked at the golf course during his retirement. Anytime anyone would ask him how his game was coming along, he'd say "Tiger Woods has nothing to be concerned about..."

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at May 10, 2025 05:56 PM (Eaoic)

32 John Daly, Kid Rock and Tucker Carlson had a pretty amusing podcast about a year ago.

Seriously. It was off the hook funny.

It was, indeed.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at May 10, 2025 05:56 PM (mH6SG)

33 I visited the Isle of Mull in the early nineties, and found a hiking path that ran past what I was told was the Tobermory Golf Course. Said to be a very good one too! I don't play golf but I still suspected that it would be a challenge to play--it was hilly, and near the water. The day I was there it was particularly windy and I wondered what that would do to play!

Posted by: Lirio100 at May 10, 2025 05:56 PM (zS4/f)

34 14 I enjoy golf and used to be decent.

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at May 10, 2025 05:47 PM
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Good evening, Sir.

Posted by: TRex at May 10, 2025 05:57 PM (Eaoic)

35 Teresa, you create the most beautiful pieces. What a treasure to receive. And how generous of you to share your talents with those you love.

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at May 10, 2025 05:58 PM (Eaoic)

36 I worked for a VW dealer about the time they started calling American Rabbits "Golfs". The first GTI came out during that time.i was even trained on the Rabbit diesel. Nobody else wanted to work on them.
Posted by: fd at May 10, 2025

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I had a buddy who had a Golf diesel, and rode in it a few times. It was sort of fun (my usual car was a gigantic '65 Mercury, so a very different ride), but kind of noisy inside. As unlike a mid-'80s Mercedes diesel sedan as you can imagine.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 10, 2025 05:58 PM (omVj0)

37 12 That's a Rabbit.

Posted by: fd at May 10, 2025 05:46 PM
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Only in the US and Canada.

Posted by: TRex at May 10, 2025 05:59 PM (Eaoic)

38 Here is the Carlson interview with Daly and Kid Rock on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_vI-p77LfM

Posted by: Notorious BFD at May 10, 2025 06:00 PM (mH6SG)

39 The Rabbit diesels were awful cars. The pickup version even worse. They topped out at about 80mph but it took a few minutes to get there.

Posted by: fd at May 10, 2025 06:01 PM (vFG9F)

40 15 My son is working at a place that raises turf grass for golf courses. In addition to working at this, he would also like to have a job that involves research. I told him what he does is important, since many people get a good deal of satisfaction. And pleasure from playing golf aside from it being good exercise. It makes their life happier.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 10, 2025 05:47 PM

We have several courses in my area that are in fantastic shape, and several that are abysmal. All depending on the skill of the course manager. I think our big state agricultural college even has courses on turf management.

I believe very good golf course managers (greenskeepers) make excellent money, because the crappy ones can't do the job.

If he likes the green thumb aspect, and wants to do research, then maybe google some colleges. Some of the ag graduates coming out of our college are VERY sharp scientists!

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at May 10, 2025 06:01 PM (HlyYF)

41 One of my customers was President of the Silverado Country Club in Napa and a sponsor of Johnny Miller. Jack loved my greyhound so every weekend he would drop his daughter off to ride and take my dog to the club with him.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 06:02 PM (NVNRw)

42 Good evening, Sir.

Posted by: TRex at May 10, 2025 05:57 PM

Howdy TRex!

Thanks for another Hobby Thread.

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at May 10, 2025 06:04 PM (HlyYF)

43 The Rabbit diesels were awful cars. The pickup version even worse. They topped out at about 80mph but it took a few minutes to get there.
Posted by: fd at May 10, 2025

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The Mercedes 300D turbodiesel was better, though no race car, but the earlier non-turbo models were sluggish. And the 240D before that? There's a reason why a lot of taxis all over the world were (are?) diesel Mercedes: solid, comfortable, but intended mainly for slow city driving.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 10, 2025 06:04 PM (omVj0)

44 My hobby is knitting and I made 3 hats this week; my husband was in ICU with sepsis, and knitting kept my hands busy and my brain distracted while I was sitting with him.

Posted by: Frankie at May 10, 2025 06:05 PM (O3qZY)

45 My attempts at playing golf were less than successful but had plenty of humor. (I will say that throwing shot put in high school and college does NOT prepare you to swing a golf club.) I had a consistent slice. The ball didn't go where needed but it was a thing of beauty. Seagulls would study it to learn how to fly in graceful arcs. Also, some of my drives would go a hundred yards or more and never got higher than 12 inches off the ground. The pro I took a few lessons from couldn't figure out how I managed to do that. I may have violated the laws of physics.

I do enjoy watching golf on TV, at least the major tournaments like the Masters and British Open. It's the drama of the event where every swing of the club can spell a miracle or disaster.

Posted by: JTB at May 10, 2025 06:07 PM (yTvNw)

46 44 My hobby is knitting and I made 3 hats this week; my husband was in ICU with sepsis, and knitting kept my hands busy and my brain distracted while I was sitting with him.

Posted by: Frankie at May 10, 2025 06:05 PM
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Best wishes for your hubby. If you send me a photo of your hats, I'll post it in the Hobby Thread content next week. There are knitters among the Horde that might enjoy seeing.

Posted by: TRex at May 10, 2025 06:07 PM (Eaoic)

47 Ok. that's it. Grabs fd and AOP, a bottle and listens to the tales they have to tell.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 06:07 PM (NVNRw)

48 Miss Linda is dragging me to a "Champagne Stroll," an even along an uptown shopping avenue. Most of the shops stay open late, and many offer a glass of free wine or champagne plus things like cheese & crackers. At the cost of struggling to park somewhere, and some walking up and down broken sidewalks, I'll at least get some snacks. Some of the stores have interesting stuff, though overpriced. And there will be open art galleries too.

Uptown, too, you see more young, slim, attractive people. Not overwhelmingly, there are still many who need Ozempic or a good diet and exercise program, but quite a bit more than elsewhere in town.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 10, 2025 06:08 PM (omVj0)

49 I played Pebble Beach once. Too be fair, it was more like Pebble Beach played me. I was visiting the area with 3 very good golfers and they invited me to be a 4th for comic relief.

Beautiful place.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 10, 2025 06:09 PM (viF8m)

50 Sent Little the story about the F1 Legos. He'd heard about them and said they pretty beat up in the end. Would love to find some pics of the aftermath..

Posted by: Joe Kidd at May 10, 2025 06:09 PM (zTf8W)

51 My uncle was on the PGA tour and won three events.

His granddaughter just finished winning four straight individual titles in the state golf championship in high school. I can't wait to watch her play college next year.

I believe a very large portion of athleticism is genetic. Unfortunately, I did NOT get those genes on my side of the family tree!

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at May 10, 2025 06:09 PM (HlyYF)

52 One of the best jokes I ever heard was from golfer Lee Trevino. He said in a lightening storm it's best to hold up a one iron because even God can't hit a one iron.

Posted by: JTB at May 10, 2025 06:10 PM (yTvNw)

53 I think there had been a 220D Mercedes diesel sedan, too. One of them was celebrated for hitting a million miles with its original owner a few years back.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 10, 2025 06:11 PM (omVj0)

54 I have practiced on the putting green at St Andrew's, does that count for something?

Posted by: Skip at May 10, 2025 06:12 PM (ypFCm)

55 About a decade or so ago my daughter worked at Pebble Beach in their "Pro Shop." She got two passes per year to play golf.

I had golf clubs at the time.

I played "golf" there. For whatever definition of "golf" you'd like to use.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 10, 2025 06:12 PM (Q4IgG)

56 Pillage Idiot, very impressive and you are right about the genetics.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 06:13 PM (NVNRw)

57 53 One of the best jokes I ever heard was from golfer Lee Trevino. He said in a lightening storm it's best to hold up a one iron because even God can't hit a one iron.

Posted by: JTB at May 10, 2025 06:10 PM

That joke cracks me up too.

You do have to be a golfer to properly get the joke. There is literally no way to explain it to someone that has never had a bad, frustrating day with their irons, particularly their 3-iron.

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at May 10, 2025 06:13 PM (HlyYF)

58 Even if you're not a golfer, 17 mile drive is worth the trip.

Being a private road the 17 mile drive does not allow motor cycles .
But if registered at the hotel there, your "vehicle" is allowed. Met a guy who did just that on a Ducati. Rode up and down pissing em off.

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at May 10, 2025 06:15 PM (GsDOX)

59 57 Pillage Idiot, very impressive and you are right about the genetics.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 06:13 PM

Her swing as a 4 y.o. was better than my swing at any point in my adult life!

P.S. I didn't know it until after the Kentucky Derby, but apparently every horse in the race had Secretariat in their bloodline!

Do you enjoy pondering the genetics on your potential horse pairings? I have read that it is both an art and a science.

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at May 10, 2025 06:17 PM (HlyYF)

60 Last played golf in Texas, near Gun Barrel City. We had to find golf balls to finish. Snapping turtles in the water hazards, IIRC, were to be avoided.

A straight up hike would have been more fun.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 10, 2025 06:17 PM (u82oZ)

61 My childhood experience with golf began and ended with watching President Eisenhower playing the Newport Country Club course. The public couldn't get too close, naturally, but using binoculars let you see the president. Kind of neat for a grade school kid.

Posted by: JTB at May 10, 2025 06:19 PM (yTvNw)

62 With some water hazards, you just have to take penalty.

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at May 10, 2025 06:20 PM (dR2JP)

63 {{{Ben Had}}}
🎼 ♭ 5/4 ♫♫ ♫♫ Good evening! ♬♬ ♩ ♪

Got a warm, spiritual, encouraging letter from Tecumseh Tea today. Thank you.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 10, 2025 06:20 PM (u82oZ)

64 I have seen the pros hit a 3-iron 255 yards and have it settle 12 inches from the hole.

My accuracy with a RIFLE at 255 yards is about a 12" plate when there is some wind.

I literally do not understand the perfection (and physics) of the golf swing at the PGA top level.

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at May 10, 2025 06:21 PM (HlyYF)

65 Pillage Idiot, there is always an unknown factor in breeding but building a bloodline is an art. I was lucky enough to have 2 shots at it in my lifetime.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 06:22 PM (NVNRw)

66 A golf swing is not a natural motion- unless your Fred Couples.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 10, 2025 06:22 PM (nLzcW)

67 Ah, Pebble Beach. Beautiful. Even with the golf.

Posted by: Bulg at May 10, 2025 06:22 PM (77rzZ)

68 BTW, Evenin’, All.

Posted by: Bulg at May 10, 2025 06:23 PM (77rzZ)

69 NaCly, dearest.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 06:24 PM (NVNRw)

70 Hi, Ben Had. How art thou?

Posted by: Bulg at May 10, 2025 06:25 PM (77rzZ)

71 Of you don't play the 18th hole, the windmill won't keep your ball and you can play all day.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 10, 2025 06:25 PM (8uoau)

72 63 With some water hazards, you just have to take penalty.

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at May 10, 2025 06:20 PM

I know some guys that say snapping turtle soup is excellent. Although I have never had it.

Likewise, I have heard that smoked gator tail is also excellent.

Since I am now pretty bad at golf, would it be OK to treat water hazard shots as opportunities to acquire dinner?

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at May 10, 2025 06:25 PM (HlyYF)

73 66 Pillage Idiot, there is always an unknown factor in breeding but building a bloodline is an art. I was lucky enough to have 2 shots at it in my lifetime.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 06:22 PM

Definitely awesome for you to have lightning strike in the same place twice ... so far!

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at May 10, 2025 06:27 PM (HlyYF)

74 I won't call each of you out, but nice to see all of the Gray Box friends this evening. Cheers!

Posted by: TRex at May 10, 2025 06:27 PM (Eaoic)

75
The closest I've come to golf is my "Pebble Beach Edition" ol' Lexus.

Posted by: Soothsayer's Innaccurate but Amusing Bigoted Facts at May 10, 2025 06:29 PM (7+8uT)

76 73 Since I am now pretty bad at golf, would it be OK to treat water hazard shots as opportunities to acquire dinner?

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at May 10, 2025 06:25 PM
***
Careful! Perilously close to turning this into the Food thread!

Posted by: TRex at May 10, 2025 06:29 PM (Eaoic)

77 Bulg, life on the farm is a blessing I try to live up to.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 06:29 PM (NVNRw)

78 Beautiful work, Teresa. So much talent.

Posted by: TecumsehTea at May 10, 2025 06:29 PM (Eo96p)

79 {{{TecumsehTea}}}

Got your letter today. Thank you so much. and your penmanship is exquisite.
See comment #64.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 10, 2025 06:32 PM (u82oZ)

80 Everybody behave for TRex!

My next hobby activity is off to run the chainsaw. The last storm brought down some big branches and we are having multiple mothers over tomorrow for dinner on the patio.

Apparently God still has a soft spot for mothers, because our local weather is supposed to be perfect!

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at May 10, 2025 06:33 PM (HlyYF)

81 Tecumseh Tea, your kindness is so appreciated.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 06:34 PM (NVNRw)

82 Posted by: Pillage Idiot at May 10, 2025 06:01 PM (HlyYF)

Thanks for the info and the helpful suggestion.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 10, 2025 06:34 PM (42Vb+)

83 Teresa,
That Christmas stocking is beautiful. You've created an heirloom that will be cherished by the one to get it.

Posted by: JTB at May 10, 2025 06:35 PM (yTvNw)

84 Been to Pebble Beach several times, not to golf, but to sit on the veranda of the 19th hole and enjoy a glass of wine. Also have seen car shows there, and more than one wedding - none of which appeared to be solely for "love"

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at May 10, 2025 06:35 PM (Eaoic)

85 Grateful, I can not wait until.we can share a glass of wine together.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 06:39 PM (NVNRw)

86 Bought a set of clubs from a guy who was transferring to West Coast, I 'played' a couple times, gave the clubs to a guy who worked for me when I left Norfolk.
The End

Posted by: Eromero at May 10, 2025 06:39 PM (LHPAg)

87 Polynikes,

I've enjoyed many of your paintings but this might be my favorite. The restful dark greens and indigo sky against the gentle light of the chapel and how it is reflected in the calm water creates a mood of meditative peace. Wonderfully emotional and evocative.

Posted by: JTB at May 10, 2025 06:40 PM (yTvNw)

88 "It's in the hole! IT'S IN THE HOLE!"

Posted by: San Franpsycho at May 10, 2025 06:41 PM (RIvkX)

89 Grateful, I can not wait until.we can share a glass of wine together.
Posted by: Ben Had
*********
Glass? Oh, there's gonna be more than a glass shared....but I look forward to it too.

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at May 10, 2025 06:42 PM (Eaoic)

90 Norman's collapse, in '96 at The Masters, after having a 6 stroke lead was hard to watch.

Posted by: Joe at May 10, 2025 06:44 PM (rzwGB)

91 I had a bag of old golf clubs that belonged to my Grandpa. Some were really old. Our kids used them to bat some balls around the yard a few times. We made a miniature golf course one time, with obstacles and ramps and tubes and stuff. That was fun. They grew up though.

I eventually sold those clubs as a set for $200 on ebey. There were a couple I looked up that were actually worth some bucks.

Posted by: fd at May 10, 2025 06:46 PM (vFG9F)

92 Late to the thread. Ironically I was golfing. This is the 2nd in the series of paintings I’ve done of scenes in my gated community. You can see one of the vineyards they have on the property. It’s Texas wine but actually pretty good.

Posted by: polynikes at May 10, 2025 06:47 PM (VofaG)

93 Prior to turning 29, I played a lot of golf. After-work leagues, charity outings and just good ol' Saturday morning tee times. I wasn't gonna set the world on fire with my skills but it sure was a lot of fun.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at May 10, 2025 06:48 PM (mH6SG)

94 87 Bought a set of clubs from a guy who was transferring to West Coast, I 'played' a couple times, gave the clubs to a guy who worked for me when I left Norfolk.
The End
Posted by: Eromero at May 10, 2025 06:39 PM (LHPAg)

---------

So there wasn't even some Pitch N Putt potential in those clubs? Sad.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 10, 2025 06:51 PM (8JMv1)

95 F*cking Finland.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 10, 2025 06:52 PM (8JMv1)

96 Golf is something I knew as a child because my parents watched every golf match on television. I knew all the courses and all the old time players like Jack and Arnie. I even knew the rules. But I never played much until Mr. L. gave me golf lessons as a present for graduating with my Masters degree. I have worked on my game ever since. I am not very good but I do love the game!

Posted by: Mrs. Leggy at May 10, 2025 06:52 PM (dyL4B)

97 78 Bulg, life on the farm is a blessing I try to live up to

---------

The chores!

Posted by: Oliver Wendell Douglas at May 10, 2025 06:53 PM (8JMv1)

98 Fresh air!

Posted by: Oliver Wendell Douglas at May 10, 2025 06:54 PM (8JMv1)

99 I always aced the windmill, only to be thwarted by the water wheel.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at May 10, 2025 06:56 PM (8JMv1)

100 Swedish golfer Jesper Pavernick introduced his nanny , Elin to Tiger Woods .

Posted by: polynikes at May 10, 2025 06:56 PM (VofaG)

101 Hotszcakes!

Lisa Douglas.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 10, 2025 06:56 PM (u82oZ)

102 FORE!!!

Love to golf somewhere along the Monterrey Peninsula, but it's a bit pricey and a very long drive.

I love to golf, I don't do it enough. Not cheap to do in Babylon DC, even on muni's.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at May 10, 2025 06:58 PM (byWhc)

103 I didn't realize Polynikes painting was a painting. I am on my phone so it's not the best picture. I thought it was a photograph.
Outstanding Polynikes

Posted by: Skip at May 10, 2025 07:02 PM (ypFCm)

104 Are you a golfer? Yes

What courses have been memorable? Pinehurst #1 and Southern Pines. All the courses there are great though. I'll add the New Castle Country Club now renamed. Can't remember what. Grew up near it, could never get on it since I'm white trash. Finally, they went semi-private and I golfed it a couple of years ago. An A.W. Tillinghast gem of a course. Built in 1921. Hard but, well, hard. Beautiful course and design.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at May 10, 2025 07:02 PM (byWhc)

105 The Villages in Florida has over 900 golf holes and the courses are always packed. Geezer golf at its pinnacle.

Posted by: polynikes at May 10, 2025 07:03 PM (VofaG)

106 Haven’t golfed. Thought a bought learning the game when I was in the AF but never got around to it. When I was at Andrew’s I drove through the golf course all the time. Fort Sam is said to have the nicest golf course in the Army but I will leave that to others. Wouldn’t mind learning the game even now.

Posted by: Catch Thirty- Thr33 at May 10, 2025 07:04 PM (vm8sq)

107 What courses are on your bucket list to play someday? Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and Kiawah Island

Are you a regular? Time permitting. Still a working stiff.

Do you play through inclement weather? If I'm already in it, yet.

Do you play with the dawn patrol? I have. Not preferred

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at May 10, 2025 07:05 PM (byWhc)

108 Loved going to the Salinas horseshow because you could buy 20lb bags of artichokes for 10 bucks

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 07:05 PM (NVNRw)

109 I was in Scotland over a few days Newy Years Eve, I think we took the trip to St Andrew's on New Years or day or Eve. Either way it was pretty deserted, but we got to play on the practice putting green for a bit.

Posted by: Skip at May 10, 2025 07:06 PM (ypFCm)

110 Have you played in charity events or work-related events with interesting people? No

Are you good enough to be a competitive golfer in tournaments? No

Do you watch golf? Yes. Between golf and racing, I don't watch much else. I'm boring. You're welcome!

Have you been to high profile events like Pebble Beach or the Masters? No. Some PGA events in the DC area though. I'll be missing the Senior PGA Championship and LIV tour event this year. Both are in the area soon.

Are you more comfortable with golf of the miniature variety that features wind mills rather than sand traps? Sure

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at May 10, 2025 07:07 PM (byWhc)

111 I hurt myself really bad on a golf course once. I fell off the ball washer.

Posted by: Muchas buchas at May 10, 2025 07:08 PM (W3y2X)

112 110 Loved going to the Salinas horseshow because you could buy 20lb bags of...

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 07:05 PM
***
And 20 lb pound bags of garlic at the Gilroy horseshow??

Posted by: TRex at May 10, 2025 07:08 PM (Eaoic)

113 Lego is coming to Virginia.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 10, 2025 07:09 PM (8uoau)

114 I got back into golf this year after a multi year hiatus. Its slowly but surely coming back.

I’ve never seen it in person but from photos and tv St. Andrew’s seems boring. Not my thing. Give me a nice mountain course with elevation changes throughout. That’s my bag (golf pun tee hee).

Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at May 10, 2025 07:09 PM (ImXfC)

115 My good friend who loves to play golf but can’t break 100 has played some of the most prestigious courses in the country because of his business dealings with tort attorneys and insurance brokers.

Life ain’t fair.

Posted by: polynikes at May 10, 2025 07:10 PM (VofaG)

116 TRex, bought those at Chowchilla!

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 07:12 PM (NVNRw)

117 I’ve never seen it in person but from photos and tv St. Andrew’s seems boring. Not my thing. Give me a nice mountain course with elevation changes throughout. That’s my bag (golf pun tee hee).
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at May 10, 2025 07:09 PM (ImXfC)

And that’s what most American golfers think . Even some of the professionals but they know to keep it to themselves.

Posted by: polynikes at May 10, 2025 07:13 PM (VofaG)

118 115 Lego is coming to Virginia.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 10, 2025 07:09 PM
***
Hobby thread field trip!! They already have a small building on site as a visitor center painted yellow and modified to look like a lego brick. The new facility will be near Richmond.

Posted by: TRex at May 10, 2025 07:14 PM (Eaoic)

119 Because this is the Horde, what is your favorite ball to play with?

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 07:14 PM (NVNRw)

120 Chesterfield County to the south of Richmond.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 10, 2025 07:15 PM (8uoau)

121 There used to be Putt-Putt (TM) miniature golf courses with standardized holes. No windmills or funny clowns. They even had tournaments on TV.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at May 10, 2025 07:16 PM (63Dwl)

122 Prov1

Posted by: Muchas buchas at May 10, 2025 07:18 PM (W3y2X)

123 110 Loved going to the Salinas horseshow because you could buy 20lb bags of artichokes for 10 bucks
Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 07:05 PM (NVNRw)

When I was new to California, I could typically get artichokes for 99 cents. One day I called my folks and had them guess at what they cost during a recent shopping trip. They refused to believe any price below 50 cents

Five for a dollar

You could hear dad in the background, "J**Ch***, they're practically throwing them at you when you walk in!"

Posted by: Joe Kidd at May 10, 2025 07:19 PM (zTf8W)

124 I have a fond memory of the VW Golf. No, the Golf. The actual German one. I was in fourth grade there, and after a hard fought spelling bee, I was made the alternate representative from my class and my fourth grade teacher insisted that I show up at the spelling bee night where the ultimate champion would be crowned, just in case. It was at a PTA meeting. I thought highly enough of my class and teacher, so I went even though I came in second.

It must have been about 8:30 when the thing ended. My teacher stopped me and asked how I was getting home; I said I was going to walk home as I always walked to school before being bussed to the building where the school annex was where the fourth grade classes were. She insisted on driving me home instead. I insisted on walking home; she said she would be upset if anything happened to me on the way home so she wanted to give me a ride home. So I relented and she drove me home. She drove a forest green VW Golf.

Posted by: Catch Thirty- Thr33 at May 10, 2025 07:21 PM (vm8sq)

125 Time to say good night and thank you before the next act takes the Ace of Spades stage. As always, thanks for being here and thanks to submitters for sharing their hobbying. Hat tip to the lurkers! We'll do it again next week. See y'all in Club ONT later!

Posted by: TRex at May 10, 2025 07:23 PM (Eaoic)

126 How do you use a swingless golf club?

You just adjust the settings you require, line it up and then press a button to fire the golf ball towards your intended target.

The swingless golf club has a lever at the back that allows you to change the power.

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at May 10, 2025 07:24 PM (xyTle)

127 Hottest girl I ever met drove a Golf.......in Germany.......

36 years later, she's still my wife....

That's the only good thing I know about Golf ;o)

Posted by: zooomzooom at May 10, 2025 07:24 PM (npZx2)

128 TRex, all thanks go to you.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 07:25 PM (NVNRw)

129 Everyone, boys and girls, were taught the basics of golf (and tennis and baseball) in gym class. My nickname was "The Divot-Maker". I didn't improve much in my 20s.

This week my hobby has been killing house-spiders. For the common spider, I recommend the lightest driver I could find, the Cleveland Golf Turbo Launcher. More experienced spider-killers may prefer heavier options.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at May 10, 2025 07:26 PM (kJ2Ie)

130 Golf is the only sport where the object is to play as little golf as possible.

Posted by: The Neon Madman at May 10, 2025 07:30 PM (yNfcm)

131 I forgot to mention my course recommendation: Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan. Beautiful 18-hole courses and great staff. The Masterpiece is for the better player (obviously not me).

Posted by: NaughtyPine at May 10, 2025 07:32 PM (kJ2Ie)

132 A thank you to all of you that share your life experiences . There is no better place than here.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 07:32 PM (NVNRw)

133 Learned in Santa Barbara and Goleta in my yute. Used to play 3 times a week before work in Auburn CA. Hardest course Sand Piper up the coast from Goleta. One hole you /Tee from the cliffs and the green is 100ft below you and out quite a ways. It was found to be too short to be an alternate for pebble beach.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 10, 2025 07:35 PM (9E83l)

134 Once here i haven't golfed the rates are just to high for my budget.
After the stroke in Jan my goal is to walk and not drop things from my left hand.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 10, 2025 07:38 PM (9E83l)

135 In regard to my post above:

New Castle Country Club, is now called Avalon Field Club. It's north of New Castle, PA. FYI. It's a great course and I recommend it highly. I had to look up what it's called now.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at May 10, 2025 07:38 PM (byWhc)

136 My parents' old country club, a small one, was dying on the vine in 2019.

Then National House Arrest was imposed. The only people out having a break from confinement were the golfing fours and pairs.

People on our mountain, a well-to-do bedroom community, saw these folk as they drove by the course....and now the club roster is full up, with an extensive waiting list.

One of so many unforeseen consequences of that time.

Posted by: Beverly at May 10, 2025 07:39 PM (MUbWj)

137 Castle Hills Golf Club, also in New Castle, PA, is a public course that was built in 1932. I grew up playing that one and it's much cheaper than it's country club neighbor. Very well maintained course. Can get a bit crowded. Golf courses in Western PA are being sold and closed down at a pretty alarming rate. Population decline.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at May 10, 2025 07:41 PM (byWhc)

138 121 Because this is the Horde, what is your favorite ball to play with?
Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 07:14 PM (NVNRw)
.45ACP 230 grain FMJ ball.
'They all fall to ball.'

Posted by: Eromero at May 10, 2025 07:43 PM (LHPAg)

139 Greendale Golf Course is the one I golf on the most now. Its south of the beltway in Babylon DC. Maybe, 5 miles south. Nice, but a bit rough. Gets lots of golfers on it. Might be the only public 18 hole course in my little part of NoVA.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at May 10, 2025 07:43 PM (byWhc)

140 Beverly, I love that!

Posted by: NaughtyPine at May 10, 2025 07:43 PM (kJ2Ie)

141 Favorite golf ball? Whatever one that finds the fairway.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at May 10, 2025 07:44 PM (byWhc)

142 I've broken 90 once.

At Radrick Farms, a Univ of Michigan course, one of Pete Dye's earliest projects. The UM course across from the football stadium was designed by the Alistaire McKenzie, who designed Augusta National.

Posted by: 2009Refugee at May 10, 2025 07:45 PM (8AONa)

143 My father was playing a par-3 course at Shady Oak CC in Fort Worth alone about 5pm. He hit a hole in one, but couldn't find anyone to witness it. He still framed the ball and told everyone the story!

Posted by: jayhawkone at May 10, 2025 07:50 PM (A+UG7)

144 Titleist used to be the ball of choice.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 07:50 PM (NVNRw)

145 Beverly, any results from the MRI?

Posted by: Ben Had at May 10, 2025 07:52 PM (NVNRw)

146 We were invited to lunch with my brother in-law at Spanish Oaks CC in Austin. I couldn't find where to park and followed a sign that I thought would lead me to it. Unfortunately, I ended driving my SUV onto the cart path and then couldn't turn around. I got an escort (armed?) back to the valet parking. Fortunately my in-laws didn't turn around in the dining room to see their idiot brother-in-law (although I could see them through the window!!).

Posted by: jayhawkone at May 10, 2025 07:56 PM (A+UG7)

147 Ben Had, thanks so much for asking.

No official report, but the tech was kind enough to tell me she didn't see anything unusual!

Doc report on Wednesday.

Posted by: Beverly at May 10, 2025 08:00 PM (MUbWj)

148 Golf is awesome! Outdoors with friends alcohol and cigars. I've haven't played Pebble yet, but I have played Torrey Pines. There are several holes at Torrey along the coast. The hang gliders are so close you can hear them talking to each other. Quite an expensive hobby. Torrey is ~$300/round. I think that Pebble is ~$700/round.

Posted by: Zymurgyst at May 10, 2025 08:52 PM (5yxtk)

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