Bend's 2022-2024 Golf Log

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I also was able to play a nice public, Donald Ross golf course; Pinecrest Golf Club in Avon Park, Florida. Only $48 with cart, which for a nice course in Florida, in December, is a total steal. The star of this course were the green complexes. Most of the course was fairly flat. Many holes played between the orange groves. I bought my time on Golfnow, but the weather was crazy the day before. The course took care of me after the cancellation window by getting me out the very next morning. Pace of play was awesome here,  maybe 3 hours max! And, we were not rushed! Worth a play if nearby. 

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Since my wife was not expecting me home until after 3pm I had some time to burn! I found a "12" hole course that was on the way back and decided to wing it and try to get out. Paradise GC is just South of Arcadia, FL. The course used to be 18 regulation holes, but hurricane damage forced the owner to sell off part of the course for housing. It's a 12 hole regulation course with 1 par 5. $48 all you can play and it was very busy. I was able to get out as a single and play through three groups before joining 3 older gentlemen for the last 7 holes. Course was fun, greens were on the slower side. Was about 85 when I got finished. 

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Last course played in 2024, Myakka Pines GC. This 27 hole complex does not have any housing. I played the White/Blue combo. Very fun golf course. Saw the resident, 16 foot long gator swimming near one of the holes. Bermuda greens suck, I hate them. Pace of play here was great, right at 4 hours. Myakka is semi-private and packed. Worth a play if you are nearby Northport, FL. Myakka Pines was my 54th new course played this year and my 640th overall. Might not be playing again until February. Maybe I'll head down to Alabama and play a few RTJ courses and Farm Links as well. Looks like I'll be living vicariously through Arg!

Edited January 2 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I called Pinehurst as I would like to play No. 2, 4 and 10. Mandatory 2 night stay (includes breakfast and dinner) with 3 rounds (2, 4, 10), does not include a caddy either; $2600!!! No thanks!

 

I'll use less than that amount and play in Northern Ireland Ireland for 5-6 days and catch a short flight over to Scotland. Those courses are good, but no way worth $2600. Anything I play in Ireland and Northern Ireland will be better anyway!

 

Hopefully as a single I can get out on Royal County Down. These are the others that I am looking at playing:

 

RCD - both courses

Ardglass

Co Louth

The Island

Laytown/Bettystown Links

Rush GC

Corballis Links

Portmaranock

Jameson Links

Royal Dublin 

St Annes GC

Bray GC

Woodbrook GC

Druids Heath GC

Wicklow GC

Blainroe

Potters Point GC

Arklow GC

 

Obviously I would not be able to play all of those in 6 days so I'll do my best to play what I can before heading over to Scotland for 2.5-3 weeks!

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 12 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[NCLancer]

Might I suggest reading "A Course Called Ireland" by Tom Coyne?  Fantastic book, couldn't put it down!

 

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I decided to skip Ireland this summer (I'll go there in the Summer of 2026), and instead I will spend almost a whole month in Scotland golfing. This is my retirement gift to myself! ALL of my tee times have been made. I'll try the Old Course Lottery 5 times while staying in St. Andrews, hopefully I get lucky, but I am honestly not expecting to get selected! I'll consider it icing on the cake if I get picked.

 

These are all the golf courses where I already have tee times:

 

Nairn

Nairn-Dunbar

Spey Valley

Fortrose Links

Forres GC

Hopeman GC

Spey Bay GC

Covsea Links

Cullen Links

Peterhead 

Cruden Bay

Rosehearty Links

Murcar Links

Nigg Bay Links

Montrose Links

Arbroath Links

Monifieth

Leven Links

Aberdour Links

Crail Balcomie

Crail Craighead

Kittocks

Elie

Morton Hall

Braid Hills

Longiddry

Gullane 1, 2, 3

Musselburgh Old

North Berwick

Kilspindie

Dunbar

Goswick

Leadhills

Lanark (maybe Lockerbie as well)

Silloth on the Solway

Warkworth

Dustanburgh Castle

Eyemouth

Seashouses GC

Bamburgh Castle

 

My next round won't be until Mid-March, I am supposed to be playing Bulls Bay in Charleston, SC. I'll find 3-4 more to add to Bulls Bay on the way there and on the way back to Ohio.

 

 

 

[NCLancer]

Almost a month and you have (by my quick count) 44 courses listed with tee-times?  You are going to be a busy and pretty tired fella!

 

[Chanceman]

6 hours ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

I decided to skip Ireland this summer (I'll go there in the Summer of 2026), and instead I will spend almost a whole month in Scotland golfing. This is my retirement gift to myself! ALL of my tee times have been made. I'll try the Old Course Lottery 5 times while staying in St. Andrews, hopefully I get lucky, but I am honestly not expecting to get selected! I'll consider it icing on the cake if I get picked.

 

These are all the golf courses where I already have tee times:

 

Nairn

Nairn-Dunbar

Spey Valley

Fortrose Links

Forres GC

Hopeman GC

Spey Bay GC

Covsea Links

Cullen Links

Peterhead 

Cruden Bay

Rosehearty Links

Murcar Links

Nigg Bay Links

Montrose Links

Arbroath Links

Monifieth

Leven Links

Aberdour Links

Crail Balcomie

Crail Craighead

Kittocks

Elie

Morton Hall

Braid Hills

Longiddry

Gullane 1, 2, 3

Musselburgh Old

North Berwick

Kilspindie

Dunbar

Goswick

Leadhills

Lanark (maybe Lockerbie as well)

Silloth on the Solway

Warkworth

Dustanburgh Castle

Eyemouth

Seashouses GC

Bamburgh Castle

 

My next round won't be until Mid-March, I am supposed to be playing Bulls Bay in Charleston, SC. I'll find 3-4 more to add to Bulls Bay on the way there and on the way back to Ohio.

 

 

 

Why not stop in at Fraserburgh and Moray, two of the best up in that NE part of Scotland?

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

On 2/11/2025 at 6:14 PM, Chanceman said:

Why not stop in at Fraserburgh and Moray, two of the best up in that NE part of Scotland?

No times available at Fraserburgh according to their website. Moray is full for a women's event the day I was going to be there. I might try to show up late around 5:30 pm that day and try my luck. Also, Inverllochy is also full and I am not sure I'll get Panmure and Royal Aberdeen in either. Most likely not.  I figure the weather will kill off a few of these rounds as well. I am ready for the challenge. SOme days I have 36, some I have 27 and some only 18 holes. I use a golf cart at a few of the courses that actually offer them to help a bit. I have lost 40 pounds in the last 9 months, so walking will be OK! 

 

All I need to do is to get started on lodging. 

[hammergolf]

On 2/11/2025 at 10:44 AM, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

I decided to skip Ireland this summer (I'll go there in the Summer of 2026), and instead I will spend almost a whole month in Scotland golfing. This is my retirement gift to myself! ALL of my tee times have been made. I'll try the Old Course Lottery 5 times while staying in St. Andrews, hopefully I get lucky, but I am honestly not expecting to get selected! I'll consider it icing on the cake if I get picked.

 

These are all the golf courses where I already have tee times:

 

Nairn

Nairn-Dunbar

Spey Valley

Fortrose Links

Forres GC

Hopeman GC

Spey Bay GC

Covsea Links

Cullen Links

Peterhead 

Cruden Bay

Rosehearty Links

Murcar Links

Nigg Bay Links

Montrose Links

Arbroath Links

Monifieth

Leven Links

Aberdour Links

Crail Balcomie

Crail Craighead

Kittocks

Elie

Morton Hall

Braid Hills

Longiddry

Gullane 1, 2, 3

Musselburgh Old

North Berwick

Kilspindie

Dunbar

Goswick

Leadhills

Lanark (maybe Lockerbie as well)

Silloth on the Solway

Warkworth

Dustanburgh Castle

Eyemouth

Seashouses GC

Bamburgh Castle

 

My next round won't be until Mid-March, I am supposed to be playing Bulls Bay in Charleston, SC. I'll find 3-4 more to add to Bulls Bay on the way there and on the way back to Ohio.

 

 

 

Make sure to look at Ballot buddy too. It’s an app that pairs up singles to be able to enter the 48hr ballot for TOC. Looking forward to reading about your Scotland trip.

[hammergolf]

39 minutes ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

No times available at Fraserburgh according to their website. Moray is full for a women's event the day I was going to be there. I might try to show up late around 5:30 pm that day and try my luck. Also, Inverllochy is also full and I am not sure I'll get Panmure and Royal Aberdeen in either. Most likely not.  I figure the weather will kill off a few of these rounds as well. I am ready for the challenge. SOme days I have 36, some I have 27 and some only 18 holes. I use a golf cart at a few of the courses that actually offer them to help a bit. I have lost 40 pounds in the last 9 months, so walking will be OK! 

 

All I need to do is to get started on lodging. 

Send Fraserburgh an email. VERY friendly membership there so it wouldn’t surprise me if they find a spot for you with some members. “The Broch” is really good and doesn’t get the hype it should.

Edited February 13 by hammergolf

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Fraserbugh got back with me. I'm all set. The only courses that I was wanting to see and cannot are Royal Aberdeen and Iverllochy. So many awesome courses in Scotland. I was also able to move a few rounds around and have Moray Old added in as well.

[hammergolf]

2 hours ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

Fraserbugh got back with me. I'm all set. The only courses that I was wanting to see and cannot are Royal Aberdeen and Iverllochy. So many awesome courses in Scotland. I was also able to move a few rounds around and have Moray Old added in as well.

Awesome! You’ll enjoy it. I don’t want to overstep, but @scott_Donald may be able to give you some advice for Royal Aberdeen.

[scott_Donald]

6 hours ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

Fraserbugh got back with me. I'm all set. The only courses that I was wanting to see and cannot are Royal Aberdeen and Iverllochy. So many awesome courses in Scotland. I was also able to move a few rounds around and have Moray Old added in as well.

 

what's happened with RAGC?

 

3 hours ago, hammergolf said:

Awesome! You’ll enjoy it. I don’t want to overstep, but @scott_Donald may be able to give you some advice for Royal Aberdeen.

 

feeling popular these last two days.....

[hammergolf]

3 hours ago, scott_Donald said:

 

what's happened with RAGC?

 

 

feeling popular these last two days.....

That’s because you are popular….. lol

[Chanceman]

12 hours ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

Fraserbugh got back with me. I'm all set. The only courses that I was wanting to see and cannot are Royal Aberdeen and Iverllochy. So many awesome courses in Scotland. I was also able to move a few rounds around and have Moray Old added in as well.

Well done. Persistence pays. 

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

The day that I am available to play (Sep 1, 2025) there are no times for a single golfer at Royal Aberdeen. 

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Making some progress with my trip planning, ALL my tee times are set up. I'll have 6 chances on The Old Course lottery, hoping to score 1 round. 

 

All lodging is reserved except for 2 nights. Looking at staying in Carnoustie those two nights, although I am not planning on playing Carnoustie this trip. Just need to book my flight, reserve a rental car and reserve airport parking, then I am all set!

 

Now I am wondering if it is possible to play golf for 30 days (some days are 18, some 27 and some 36 holes) straight at the age of 58? I'll use a cart/buggy/caddy whenever possible to help out. I am down to 190 pounds from 230 that I weighed last May, so that'll help a ton. I'll probably drop another 10 pounds before my trip.

 

We're gonna find out.

Edited February 22 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[Chanceman]

22 hours ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

Making some progress with my trip planning, ALL my tee times are set up. I'll have 6 chances on The Old Course lottery, hoping to score 1 round. 

 

All lodging is reserved except for 2 nights. Looking at staying in Carnoustie those two nights, although I am not planning on playing Carnoustie this trip. Just need to book my flight, reserve a rental car and reserve airport parking, then I am all set!

 

Now I am wondering if it is possible to play golf for 30 days (some days are 18, some 27 and some 36 holes) straight at the age of 58? I'll use a cart/buggy/caddy whenever possible to help out. I am down to 190 pounds from 230 that I weighed last May, so that'll help a ton. I'll probably drop another 10 pounds before my trip.

 

We're gonna find out.

You are going to need plenty of sleep to play well for that long. And go easy on the doubles.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Well, I wont be in the pubs drinking at night. I actually quit drinking almost 2 years ago. Not sure why either, I love beer. But my weight is down to 190 from ~230 so that will really help. I swim a few days a week so I'll be ready for the challenge. Any course that rents golf carts/buggies I'll certainly take one. I'll be asleep before 10pm and up at 5am. I'll eat whatever I like and I'll probably come home weighing less! I play better over time the more I play, probably because I never practice at the range. It will be a grind, but I am actually looking forward to challenge.

 

I have 2 more PRP injections for my left elbow scheduled for May so NO golf for me all of May, all of June and part of July. We reached our deductible so I want to do this while it's FREE. I also do NOT want my elbow to blow up while in Scotland.

 

Looks like I will be taking a long weekend in 3 weeks to go to SC and play Bulls Bay. I'll sneak in a few others n NC on the way there and the way back as well. Wish I could find a way to play Yeamans Hall and CC of Charleston.

 

I have a Veteran's Golfers Association event at the Greenbrier in WV at the end of March. 

Edited February 24 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[hammergolf]

On 2/22/2025 at 7:10 AM, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

Making some progress with my trip planning, ALL my tee times are set up. I'll have 6 chances on The Old Course lottery, hoping to score 1 round. 

 

All lodging is reserved except for 2 nights. Looking at staying in Carnoustie those two nights, although I am not planning on playing Carnoustie this trip. Just need to book my flight, reserve a rental car and reserve airport parking, then I am all set!

 

Now I am wondering if it is possible to play golf for 30 days (some days are 18, some 27 and some 36 holes) straight at the age of 58? I'll use a cart/buggy/caddy whenever possible to help out. I am down to 190 pounds from 230 that I weighed last May, so that'll help a ton. I'll probably drop another 10 pounds before my trip.

 

We're gonna find out.

No doubt you can do it if you prepare your body. I’m only a couple years younger than you and weigh more. Are you doing any walking? Best prep I find is walking 5 miles every day for 30-45 days before your trip to build up strength and endurance in your legs. What courses are you playing the two nights you’re looking to stay in Carnoustie? 

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I know the weather might keep me from playing some of these courses, but this is what I have booked so far. Some walking, lifting, but mostly swimming is what I'll do to be in my best shape. I also plan on having my weight closer to 180 (at 190 now) by the time August rolls around. Any course that has cart (not too many do) I will help myself out and ride. All of these tee times have been booked and paid for. All lodging has been booked. All I need to do is reserve a rental car, purchase my plane ticket and purchase advance long term parking in Toronto, Canada. If I don't get on The Old Course in the daily lottery, I'll probably add in the New Course and the Eden courses as well. Or, maybe I just enjoy my mornings hanging out around St. Andrews relaxing.

 

Scotland 2025

Date	AM Course	Tee Time ?	PM Course	Tee Time?
H 8/21			Golspie	1540	18
F 8/22	Brora	0730	Nairn	15:10	36
S 8/23	Fortrose Links	0630	Spey Valley		36
S 8/24	Forres	0830	Nairn Dunbar	1532	36
M 8/25	Covesea/ Hopeman	Walk up 0830	Covesea/ Moray Old Links	Walk up 1530	36/45
T 8/26	Covesea/ Spey Bay	0600  Walk up/ 0800	Cullen Links	1400	36/45
W 8/27	Peterhead	0800	Cruden Bay	1430	36
H 8/28	Rosehearty	0730	Murcar Links	1400	27
F 8/29			Fraserburgh	1400	18
S 8/30	Montrose Links	1054	Arbroath Links	1702	27
S 8/31			Monifieth	1430	18
M 9/1	Leven Links	0935	Lundin Links	1530	36
T 9/2	TOC Lottery		Crail Balcomie	1440	18
W 9/3	TOC Lottery		Kittocks	1700	18
H 9/4	TOC Lottery (Eden)		Crail Craighead	1010	18
F 9/5	TOC Lottery (New)		Elie	1430	18
S 9/6	TOC Lottery		Kinghorn	1400	18
S 9/7			Longiddry	Yes	18
M 9/8	Gullane 2	Yes	Musselburgh Old	Yes	27
T 9/9	Gullane 2	Yes	Gullane 3	Yes	36
W 9/10	Gullane 1	1010	Kilspindie	1600	36
H 9/11	N. Berwick	1110			18
F 9/12			Dunbar GC	1327	18
S 9/13			Goswick GC	1330	18
S 9/14			Lanark GC	1430	18
M 9/15	Silloth Solway	0930	Alnmouth Village	Walk Up	27
9/16	Dustanburgh Castle	0815	Eyemouth	1430	36
9/17	Seahouses	0700	Bamburgh Castle	1230	36

Edited March 5 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[Chanceman]

I dips me lid. That is a serious lot of golf. 

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

7 hours ago, Chanceman said:

I dips me lid. That is a serious lot of golf. 

And, it's NOT enough!!!!!!!

[tlknight]

[hammergolf]

On 3/5/2025 at 10:54 AM, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

I know the weather might keep me from playing some of these courses, but this is what I have booked so far. Some walking, lifting, but mostly swimming is what I'll do to be in my best shape. I also plan on having my weight closer to 180 (at 190 now) by the time August rolls around. Any course that has cart (not too many do) I will help myself out and ride. All of these tee times have been booked and paid for. All lodging has been booked. All I need to do is reserve a rental car, purchase my plane ticket and purchase advance long term parking in Toronto, Canada. If I don't get on The Old Course in the daily lottery, I'll probably add in the New Course and the Eden courses as well. Or, maybe I just enjoy my mornings hanging out around St. Andrews relaxing.

 

Scotland 2025

Date	AM Course	Tee Time ?	PM Course	Tee Time?
H 8/21			Golspie	1540	18
F 8/22	Brora	0730	Nairn	15:10	36
S 8/23	Fortrose Links	0630	Spey Valley		36
S 8/24	Forres	0830	Nairn Dunbar	1532	36
M 8/25	Covesea/ Hopeman	Walk up 0830	Covesea/ Moray Old Links	Walk up 1530	36/45
T 8/26	Covesea/ Spey Bay	0600  Walk up/ 0800	Cullen Links	1400	36/45
W 8/27	Peterhead	0800	Cruden Bay	1430	36
H 8/28	Rosehearty	0730	Murcar Links	1400	27
F 8/29			Fraserburgh	1400	18
S 8/30	Montrose Links	1054	Arbroath Links	1702	27
S 8/31			Monifieth	1430	18
M 9/1	Leven Links	0935	Lundin Links	1530	36
T 9/2	TOC Lottery		Crail Balcomie	1440	18
W 9/3	TOC Lottery		Kittocks	1700	18
H 9/4	TOC Lottery (Eden)		Crail Craighead	1010	18
F 9/5	TOC Lottery (New)		Elie	1430	18
S 9/6	TOC Lottery		Kinghorn	1400	18
S 9/7			Longiddry	Yes	18
M 9/8	Gullane 2	Yes	Musselburgh Old	Yes	27
T 9/9	Gullane 2	Yes	Gullane 3	Yes	36
W 9/10	Gullane 1	1010	Kilspindie	1600	36
H 9/11	N. Berwick	1110			18
F 9/12			Dunbar GC	1327	18
S 9/13			Goswick GC	1330	18
S 9/14			Lanark GC	1430	18
M 9/15	Silloth Solway	0930	Alnmouth Village	Walk Up	27
9/16	Dustanburgh Castle	0815	Eyemouth	1430	36
9/17	Seahouses	0700	Bamburgh Castle	1230	36

My back and feet hurt just reading the itinerary… lol Can’t wait to read about it!

[tboh]

On 3/6/2025 at 4:58 AM, Chanceman said:

I dips me lid. That is a serious lot of golf. 

Amen ... holy sh*t

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I sighed up for ballot buddy to increase my chances of getting on the Old Course. You are allowed to put in 5 dates for USD $13. I already have a partner from Oregon for two of the dates. I'll also show up as single and try my luck that way for 5 days as well.

 

I'll be getting in my first two rounds of 2025 tomorrow and Friday morning; Park Mammoth GC (KY) and Dale Hollow State Park GC (KY). My last day at work is 3/21/25, but I saved my 3 personal days so I have a 5 day weekend starting tomorrow! Let's go!

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Finally kicked off my 2025 golf season! I retire this Friday, and I still had 3 personal days to use so I took a quick trip down into the hollers of Kentucky and crossed off 3 courses that i have wanted to play in Kentucky for a while now. First up is Park Mammoth GC, which has almost no trees, but the fescue wasn't up to height yet. The zoysia grass was still dormant. It was almost 80 degrees today! Was paired up with a younger guy from Somerset KY and two nice gentleman from Nashville. The course is pretty open and super fun. Not long from tips, maybe 6300 yards. Just a real enjoyable golf course, the back nine holes were outstanding. Brand new club house, very friendly staff. $72 with cart and range balls. Park Mammoth GC is located about 25 miles North of Bowling Green, KY. You could also visit the Corvette Museum and do the Corvette Factory Tour as well. Course number 641.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Spent the night in Bowling Green and got up early and took a drive through the hollers and towns like "Marrow Bone". Nothing around here, maybe a Dollar General store if you are lucky. Arrived at Dale Hollow State Park GC at 8am and played a quick round. This is a VERY FUN golf course, it's not tight but there is a premium on straight-ish drives here. They were finishing up a Winter bunker restoration, and they certainly used the BEST sand that they could find. It was perfect and super easy to hit out of. No easy way to get to this golf course, but it's definitely worth the effort. I decided to only play the front nine as I also wanted to play General Burnside GC on my way back to Cincinnati as I told the wife I would be home by 5pm. Every single one of the Kentucky State Park Golf courses that I have played are great. It looks like they have all switched over to drought tolerant zoysia grass, and in the summer if you can find the fairway, you'll have a PERFECT lie. Love this grass. Play as many of them as you can. $32 with cart. Course number 642.