Golf at Amelia Island, and a Putting Contest

The “Get Away Gurls” of the Tee Club had one last chance to play golf at Amelia Island Plantation. Monday was our travel day and the morning was free for packing, shopping, or in the case of myself and seven others, a chance to take another crack at the Ocean Links course.

We were lucky to get the first 2 tee times Monday morning. The weather was unusually cold for Jacksonville, Florida and we were bundled up in warm jackets by the time we met the course ranger at the first tee. He suggested he might take our picture and instantly four cameras were handed over. Everyone wanted to mark the moment.

To make it a little more interesting, I suggested a putting contest (gross putts – no handicap involved), for the front and the back and then perhaps a winner overall – handicaps taken into consideration for the overall score. We all agreed and put our dollars on the line. (Trust me, this is penny ante stuff… $3.00 total!!)

The greens were fast, the rough, tall and difficult to get out of, and the air and wind, cooler than we would have liked. By the time our group of four made it to holes 4, 5 and 6 along the ocean’s edge, the sun was beginning to warm the air. Our condo was just off the west side of the course and one of our number waved down to us from her balcony. We had her take our picture. We looked like a bunch of 12 year olds, but it was fun.

My big break came on the  par 3, 15th hole. Facing the ocean, it’s fairway runs straight up to an elevated green, with the wind coming off the ocean and the sand dunes just at the back of the green. It’s a tricky shot to get up and stay up. I usually don’t listen to my companions when they are talking about club choice… I was thinking of using my 9 iron… the hole is only 108 yards long, but plays a lot longer. At the last minute I chose my 7 wood, a club I seldom use. In fact, I keep my Red MacCaw head cover on it just for fun. But the club choice was right and I hit a great shot right onto the green and birdied the hole. I was impressed with myself. This is the kind of hole I usually max out on and hitting into the dunes or losing the ball to the ocean was more of my expected results.

We had to rush the last few holes in order to make it to the airport on time. But playing that last day was well worth it. I even won the back nine putting contest! Yahooeeee. Eight bucks in my pocket.

  2 comments for “Golf at Amelia Island, and a Putting Contest

  1. golfgurl says:

    Lei, send me information about your blog and golf packages. Always interested in new info, especially travel to warm climes now that fall and winter are coming to us here in the Northeast.

  2. Lei says:

    I’m enjoying your site and blog. Our log has info about golf packages and resorts in Myrtle Beach. Hope you’ll check it out and come see up sometime!

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