There’s always the possibility that you won’t complete a goal. Not trying to be pessimistic; just realistic. Goals help me to stay focused and do things that I may otherwise not do. This quest is vast – 103 courses spread out all over the country. There’s a chance I won’t make it all the way to the end. Any number of reasons could derail my quest. That’s why it’s so important to savor both small and large accomplishments along the way. With that in mind, I’m happy to report that after a wonderful round at the Pittsburgh Field Club, I have now played all 10 major courses in the Keystone state!
The list is impressive – Aronimink GC, Shawnee CC, Philadelphia Cricket Club, Oakmont CC, Hershey CC, Llanerch CC, Laurel Valley CC, Merion GC, Philadelphia CC and finally Pittsburgh Field Club. What an awesome lineup of courses!
Reminiscing about some of these challenging rounds:
Aronimink Golf Club – I played a charity event at the Aronimink Golf Club in Newton Square in 2003. It was the 10th course on the quest and my first in PA. My play that day in August was anything but memorable; however, my playing partner whose name I’ve long since forgotten scored a hole in one, the first and still only time I’ve witnessed such a feat while playing. I think everyone on the course heard my spontaneous shout of amazement when it fell into the cup!
Oakmont Country Club – My round at Oakmont Country Club was in May before they hosted the 2007 US Open. Three friends and I signed up for a charity event on a Monday. We warmed up by playing a round at Latrobe CC (Arnold Palmer’s club) the day before – what a treat!
Three things that stand out to me about Oakmont – (1) taking a free drop from the framing for the grandstand on the long par 3 7th hole; (2) my buddy Doug’s second to the par 5 9th that landed so close to the cup for an eagle attempt, and (3) how dang tough that course is!
Laurel Valley Golf Club – One of the most beautiful settings for a golf course was spoiled by torrential rains the day before and morning of the charity event I participated in. One of these days I’d like to revisit this course and play it again in the sunshine.
Speaking of charity events, I have found that access is the most challenging aspects of this goal. I’m constantly searching for charity events that these courses support. In fact, half of my rounds on these PA courses have been in support of various non-profits. Two others (Hershey CC and Shawnee GC) are public.
Merion Golf Club – I played Merion with my brother and neighbor on perhaps the hottest day ever in September as a guest of a long-time member and former Club Champion. The course was still somewhat set up as it had been during the 2013 US Open. We were dripping wet before we even made it to the first tee (which is quite intimidating since you’re essentially teeing off from the outdoor patio).
Merion has some of the most unique holes I’ve ever played. What an amazing course! For the record, my brother Scott beat me 4 & 2 in our brotherly match. (I think I still owe him for that!)
Pittsburgh Field Club – This was a worthy book end course to my Pennsylvania journey. The clubhouse is situated WAY UP a hill, giving first timers like me a birds-eye view of the track below. And what a great track it is! I really enjoyed the layout, and the conditions were outstanding. But what made the round stand out to me was joining up with a member who served as an impromptu course guide and club historian. Not only was Mike a blast to play golf with, he gave me insights into the club that brought the course to life.
One of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced on a golf course was the elevator ride from the 17th green to the 18th tee. According to Mike, Pittsburgh Field Club is one of only two courses in the world that have such a setup. The free-standing elevator was built decades ago after several members had heart attacks climbing back to the clubhouse level. As I recall, I parred the 18th to boot!
What an amazing way to wrap up that day of camaraderie and golf … and the state of Pennsylvania!
MajorBucketList.com 