LIV GOLF Orlando 2023

The new kid on the professional golf block LIV GOLF came to Orange County National the end of March, so I took a first hand look on Friday. The PGA has been on full anti-LIV propoganda the past year with their paid mouthpieces Rory, Tiger, Justin, Freddie, etc. For those who aren't aware what the PGA PIP program is all about, there is a $60,000,000 fund which they now arbitrarily distribute at years end to those members who best promote the PGA. No surprise that top 2022 PIP money last year went to Tiger at $15 million, Rory at $12 million, and Justin at $7.5 million. You now see why these guys are constantly on attack against LIV??

For those old enough to remember the AFL (1960-1970) and the ABA (1967-1976) who also challanged the established leagues, I don't recall all the animosity and hate that I'm seeing now. Both of them went out and paid huge sums for star players like Joe Namath, Len Dawson, Dr. J, Spencer Haywood, Moses Malone, David Thompson and hundreds of others. The new teams were funded by many successful entrepreneurs who offered the current players a different way of doing business. If the PGA had listened to player concerns and made the changes that LIV offered there would be no controvery. One year later the PGA has now upped some of their payouts to $20 million, have limited field, no cut events, just like LIV.

The recent Masters event proved the PGA propoganda machine wrong again in their accusations that LIV players wouldn't be competitive because of their limited schedule, only playing 54 holes no cut events, and wearing shorts. At the end of Masters week LIV took 3 of the top 4 spots and The Big Three PIP mouthpieces were at home watching from their couches. Rory was so despondent from another Masters failure that he didn't even show up for the following weeks designated event at Hilton Head, which may cost him several $$million in fines. Unfortunately, until the LIV players are awarded world points for their own events you will see fewer of them playing head to head in the future majors. Hopefully, if the PGA comes to their senses we will see a new Ryder Cup type event between the two groups just like the NFL and AFL did with the early Super Bowls.

As you can see from the photo's I took below, you can really get up close and interact with all the players. Music provided all over the course with an overabundance of staff made for a most enjoyable day. I loved the shotgun start that took no longer than 5 hours for everyone to be finished. The $5 million team event really did add to the exciting finish won by Brooks Koepka. I really see the younger golfers being much more drawn to LIV than the stodgy PGA. If LIV comes near you surely give it a try.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ESnTFmB5bxFtXtUW6 Please paste and copy photos. Go to SLIDESHOWS to view the Crooked Cat Course.

#903 Baytowne GC

Baytowne GC is another one of the four courses at Sandestin Resort, which was designed by Tom Jackson in 1986 and renovated in 2005 by the orginal designer. Holes 13-15 you must pass underneath a tunnel to access them on the beachside of the property. Here you will find the only semblance of elevation changes at the resort and one of the more challenging stretches. Conditioning was above average with nice bunker design but this course was not nearly as difficult as Burnt Pine. Water does come into play on 12 holes. GOLD

https://photos.app.goo.gl/HwtGKPmNbayaN3QG9 Please copy and paste.

#902 Burnt Pine GC

Burnt Tree GC at Sandestin was designed in 1994 by Rees Jones and is located in Miramar Beach, Fl. Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort is an upscale destination that includes four golf courses and access to the beautiful shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Burnt Tree is the top course, well conditioned and very challenging. As most Rees Jones courses are you will find a lot of eye candy in the bunkering, so along with an abundance of water it makes the flat terrain much more esthetic. One of the few disadvantages of living in Paradise is that most of the courses are pretty flat so it is rare to play one with any elevation. BLUE

https://photos.app.goo.gl/SjL2G9dLpDxFraDQ6 Please copy and paste to view.

#901 Capital City CC

Capital City CC founded in 1908, with the 18 hole course later designed by A.W. Tillinghast in 1935, Chris Gray update in 2015. The greens are firm, fast and pure, along with the rolling terrain and variety of holes makes this a must play. My favorite holes are 1,2,5,6,7,9,19,11,15,16,17, what a nice group of 3's and 5's. Even better are the friendly staff led by Eric Neihaus, and a value priced fee of $50. My top choice of courses played on my Spring Panhandle trip. BLUE

https://photos.app.goo.gl/yXRYbQMR22w2Usgw8 Please copy and paste to view.

Spring Break 2023 Trip

Heading up to Destin on the panhandle of Florida this week for my first of hopefully many golf trips this year. First stop will be at the Capital City Country Club in Tallahasse. It was designed by A. W.Tillinghast back in 1935. Next is the Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort where I will sample two of their four top tracks, Burnt Pine GC a 1994 Rees Jones design and Baytowne GC a 1986 Tom Jackson design.

"It is Health that is real Wealth and not pieces of gold and silver."- Gandhi

"If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done."- Thomas Jefferson

"It does not require many words to speak the truth."- Chief Joseph

"I have no energy for hate. I either love you, wish you well, or hope you heal."

#900 Mickylee Pitch and Putt

Normally, I would try and reserve the century numbers for something special but its going to be a few months until I get to some really exceptionally designed courses. The Villages opened their third 18 hole pitch and putt yesterday so I went out today to sample it. I have now played all 747 holes available here and this latest P & P is middle of the road. The site is totally devoid of any trees so they have planted lots of young palm trees to hopefully provide some shade in the sweltering summer heat. This walking only course has no concrete cart paths, like the first one which makes for a more natural stroll. There really are no challenging holes here (60-112yds) as there are at Richmond. I did like the isolated feeling of the triangle of holes from #14-16. The overall conditioning is excellent with the greens contoured nicely. There are only a couple of holes you could drown your ball on but they have bunkers on 2/3 of the holes. Compared to Richmond P & P this is another pretty basic design from the Clifton Group, but worth the 2+ hrs if you can drop a few balls at each tee box to practice your short game. WHITE

"I ain't never seen a hearse with a luggage rack."- George Strait

What is on my 2023 Bucketlist?

Hopefully, 2023 is going to allow me to see a few more of golf's great destinations:

I have an 11 round trip to Nova Scotia and PEI scheduled for August which will put me over a 100 True Links played and add 3 more Top 100 courses.

Hawaii is the only state I have yet to play in. I am looking at late Spring to visit Maui.

Pinehurst is on my radar to play #4, the newly renovated Southern Pines and return to Tobacco Road.

Return to Sand Valley to play the Doak Lido and Sandtrap along with a couple other Wisconsin tracks.

Sandestin for a 3 day stay to play some golf

RTJ Golf Trail in Alabama

Plus a few other courses I encounter along my journey that will get me closer to 1000. Always look forward to playing with locals so let me know if I'm in your area.

#899 Green Valley CC

Green Valley CC in Clermont, Florida started out in 1966 as a 9 hole course, in 1989 Lloyd Clifton expanded it to 18. Living in The Villages, I have played more Clifton Group courses than any other architect. Of the almost 750 holes in The Villages, they have designed all but 45 holes. I once lived on a very playable Clifton course for 11 years prior to The Villages. Bunker design to me is the fingerprint of every architect. I would characterize their style as middle of the road resort. I have yet to play an exceptional Clifton course, even Tom Bendelow produced a few notable courses.

I was told that at one time Green Valley was the club to belong to in this region. As many courses often do they bring in a management company to operate the club and unfortunately some suck the blood right out of them. The story here was that about a year and a half ago, after the annual dues had been collected they skipped town. The members were left with a very poorly conditioned course and no chemicals on hand to revive it. Fortunately, members united and today the grass is growing again and filling in the bare spots. This site has something that most other Florida courses don't have- elevation change. The majority of holes here are interesting, I especially liked #7, #9, and the risk/reward short par 4 #10 that is all carry over the lake. Even though I birdied the 10th, the next time I'm driving directly at the green. GOLD

"Kids are hard--they drive you crazy and break your heart--whereas grandchildren make you feel great about life, and yourself, and your ability to love someone unconditionally"- Anne Lamott

#898 Richmond Pitch and Putt

Richmond Pitch and Putt is the latest addition of golf to The Villages, Florida portfolio. These 18 holes brings the total now to 729 holes. This is the second pitch and putt and more enjoyable with the challenging, contoured, firm greens. Holes range from 60-110 yds with only two bunkers and water in play on 8 of them. It is a nice venue to sharpen your short game, especially if you have time to drop a couple of balls on each hole. The holes from 7 thru 9 are the most challenging stretch with all involving water and over 100 yds. Pat your self on the back if you play these at even par. It takes about two hours to play and is walking only. I enjoy it very much. GOLD

#897 The Links at Hunters Ridge GC

The Links at Hunters Ridge GC is a 1995 Jerry Matthews design in Howell, Michigan. It is well conditioned, playing over a rolling terrain with wetlands to give you a very picturesque setting. It has a nice variety and several interesting holes F9= 2,4,5,6,8,9 B9=10,11,16,17,18. The finishing three holes provide you with a stiff challenge. This a great value and well worth the drive. GOLD

"A true friend is the best possession."- Ben Franklin

#896 Donegal GC, Ireland

Photos of Donegal GC, Magee's Tweed, and Harvey's Point Resort in County Donegal, Ireland. This is the last of the photos from the 2022 Ireland Trip and hopefully all pictures in the near future will be on the new website platform.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jcdH5qNaqz6PKTGYA Copy and Paste to view.

"Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace."- Dalai Lama

#895 Bundoran GC, Ireland

https://photos.app.goo.gl/cwNvM34sEj6RcZBt7 Copy and Paste to view photos.

Narin and Portnoo Links, Ireland

Narin and Portnoo Links was redesigned in 2018 by Gil Hanse. I retook these photo's below in September of 2022. If you go to slideshows you can view and compare the 2011 photo's of the old version of N & P.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/8YW78mAqQjQ4HxDNA Copy and paste to view photos.

"Do what you will while you're able, find what it is that you seek."- Xavier Rudd

#894 Coastguard Nine, Ireland

https://photos.app.goo.gl/eaHtnaF31brM8bTz8 Copy and Paste to view Photos

#893 Old Tom Morris Links, Ireland

https://photos.app.goo.gl/f1NTocKht3QJHywi8 Copy and paste to view photo's.

"When the archer(golfer) misses the center of the target, he turns round and seeks for the cause of his failure in himself."- Confucius(the golfer)