L.I. Rich

Another good thing about walking is that it's really the only way not to freeze when playing in cold weather. Get in a cart when it's 38 degrees F with a nippy breeze, and riding in a cart is just not gonna work.

I'm a walker, but as all of you have said, some venues just don't allow it. I think that riding is encouraged because it has to be a money maker for the courses. I know that some layouts and extreme heat make riding nearly true requirement, but carts must pay for themselves several times over in the course of a season.

tournament THERE on Sunday. Geez.

I'm supposed to play the Red Saturday so I'll see one of the courses first hand; a friend played a tournament their on Sunday and said the greens were back in pretty good shape, but with some rough patches.

Well, if you (or anyone) is around, apparently all the greens at Bethpage are rehabbed as of 6/1... I just went through a no-golf weekend, and am facing the prospect of another one coming up, so I am going crazy!!!

And you don't even have to pay for a cart! :-)

I should amend my statement - the greens were in great shape, period. I can only imagine how fast they will be now that the weather is getting warmer, but they were smooth and true, just not particularly fast.

I played Ferry Point the first week it opened, and it is a terrific course. As you can likely ascertain, I'm not a city resident, so it is a steep fee, but the practice facilities and layout are terrific. The greens were in fantastic condition considering the winter we had. I've heard, though I've not witnessed, that the Black has on the order of seven temporary greens, and the Red something like four.

Falcon's Fire in Kissimmee. Awesome course. Before dawn outside the clubhouse, and a picture of the turkey patrolling the 7th fairway.

Here in NYC I used to work very close to Keen's steakhouse. They have an incredible variety of scotch, and from time to time, my feet would just march me into their bar on my way to Penn Station. An after work flight would really put the work day behind you, and help you miss several trains if you weren't careful. ;-) If any of you are in NYC, I recommend you check it out. The food is great too!

Lagavulin will put hair on your chest. Smoke and peat - I love it. A few years ago, the local discount liquor place had it for $46 when usually it's north of $60 or even $70. My wife can't stand to smell it, so I usually stick to Johnny Black or Maker's. Famous Grouse is nice too.