LIve Thread-MGS Spies Meet in Maryland for Stay & Play Weekend of Fun Times

[tommc23]

9 minutes ago, cksurfdude said:

^^ great set of pics!

In addition to Bambi, also spotted were lots of hawks .. even a bald eagle .. and when I was driving out Sunday there were three turkeys hanging out just off the road (..no not fat enough yet for roasters ).

There were osprey and turkeys to be seen as well lots of wildlife. It was a nice course and a nice weekend 

[Berg Ryman]

Ok, now that I've got the time to sit down in front of a computer (at work, but still, an actual computer) and allowed myself to decompress and think about the trip, I think it's time for the tea to be spilled for everyone really wanting to know what went down.

First, the journey. Look, I think Philadelphia is a good city, even a fun place to visit, but man does traffic on a Friday on I-95 slow right down in and around the area when you're travelling on the PA Turnpike. Plus side, the bridges of Delaware, especially The William Roth Jr. Bridge are spectacular for a complete nerd like me. Another plus, Maryland Gas Prices! From the land of 4.50 a gallon to see gas sub 4 bucks was awesome for me, so big ups.

Next, a personal aside, and one I know @EasyPutter, @bens197, @MattWillGolf and any New Yorker of a certain location will agree with, Wegman's > Food Lion. I know it's a corporate champion of the ACC, I know people swear by it... it's a Price Chopper/Tops/IGA equivalent, that's all. Sorry, not sorry about it.

Next up, Queenstown Harbor the location. Man what an awesome property. The cottages, as you've seen were incredible and being located right on the 2nd hole of The Lakes gave awesome backdrops for photos and good vibes. To be honest, I thought the coolest evening of the two we spent were the Friday. Sure, the storm winds were picking up and some rain was spitting, but that sunset and that fresh breeze coming off the water... wouldn't trade it for the world.

The cottage itself was a cool experience, big open spaces, big rooms, scary wooden mermaid. You know, the usual. Don't let @Golfspy_CG2 know this, but even though @MDGolfHacker and I were afforded the ability to take rooms to ourselves, I did stay upstairs in the "Crow's Nest" on the twin beds. My only complaint about upstairs was the weird flipping of light switches that drove me wild as @tommc23 will attest when I came upstairs on Saturday night and threw the lights on via accident before the alarm situation.

The food situation, well you've seen the pictures, and that's just what we've decided to show. The advantage of not making plans on who's bringing what is that you get everyone bringing all sorts of everything and boy did we have just about everything. Everyone was cool about making sure everyone got enough to eat. Special shout out again to @tommc23 and @Jwc5149 for the Saturday grub. I'm also sure breakfast was excellent, but as the "sleeping beauty" of the group, I never grabbed any of it.

Now, let's talk the Lakes and the River. The River was an absolute beauty of a course. Difficult but fair and the new fairways were rolling nice and had a great spring to them. I'd go as far to say it may have been the best track I've ever had the fortune of playing. I would never recommend the tips unless you were playing in tournament conditions though, that thing will eat your lunch if you have an off day, like my 8 lost balls and 96 will attest to. The Lakes was the more friendly of the two, but was by no means easy. There were some spots where the manicuring and care weren't as tip top as the River, but nothing that would make you say that it bad. Plus, maybe I was feeling more ambivalent about it after shooting 84 with a super hot back 9 40.

The carts for both days were great with virtual GPS' locked in and touch screen capabilities, along with electronic scorecards that would email you results at round's end if you wished for them. Carts were quick but also geofenced in so no real "Jackass" moments as we called them. Also, as we learned on Sunday, the cupholder does a heck of a job holding a UE Wonderboom 2.

Lastly, I gotta talk about the guys. I was concerned about coming on this trip, because I've never been on a golf trip before. Admittedly, I don't have much in the way of regular golf friends or if I do, they're all retirees who never really invite me to stuff. That, and I've always been a bit of a quiet and strange duck, so group dynamics don't come easily to me personally. But, being thrust into a leadership role and getting out of my comfort zone made it an enjoyable weekend and single out everyone.

@Jmikecpa: Best of luck to your son this season, remember lateral drops, inside trips and greco attacks for big points! Also, you know you've got the game, just go out there and attack everything with the passion you have, and if you could get me some Del LAgo comps now that you guys own the place, wink wink.

@Jwc5149: Our resident jokester and class clown, but with a game to be envious of, even in flip flops. Loved spending time with you and thanks for keeping the vibes loose and the bellies full of laughs and taco meat!

@McGolf: I said it in the live chat yesterday on your video, but listening to you hold court was an absolute delight of my weekend and I'm so happy I got to ride with you on Saturday. Can't wait for our paths to cross again, hopefully with a wider soled wedge in the bag when it happens!

@cnosil: Getting just to chat with you while we were waiting for your fitting really let me into the mind of a good golfer who knows what he wants to do and how he hopes to achieve it. The rhythm of the swing is envious, as were those calves everyone keeps talking about.

@Getoffmylawn: The hardest working man on the range... even if it didn't benefit you for the wedge fitting. Sorry we didn't get to talk more fantasy this weekend, but there's always next time and hopefully w even get to play some golf together too.

@tommc23: The big man who saved us from a crazy alarm running all night. I hope you find what you're looking for either with the swing tips or new irons, because the game had flashes this weekend and improvement is just around the corner, I can feel it for you.

@EasyPutter: My fellow Upstater, sorry you weren't able to stay on Sunday because I was looking forward to potentially getting a round with you. Here's hoping that discussed NY meetup happens soon because I'd love for that to be a regular thing, also thank you for the excellent Wegman's cookies.

@Shapotomous: Watching you talk through your why as to your wedges on Saturday was very enlightening and gave me ideas as how to better build out my part of the bag. I hope that new Vokey does you well but based on what I was hearing about your game, I'd be scared if you had more levels to get better!

@barryschwartz56: Barry, I'm sorry our only real interaction was at the pub on Sunday. I blame my sleeping in until the ungodly hour of 7 am since I'm not a range rat like the rest of the boys. Hopefully we can change that next time and you can whip my behind too!

@cksurfdude: I honestly don't believe there was a nicer guy, who was more supportive of everyone else and just having a blast with the experience than you. I know you probably wanted to play some better golf, but like I said, blind squirrels and acorns brother. Get that weight moving forward and the results will come, I promise you that.

@MDGolfHacker: Last but certainly not least. A pleasure to share this weekend with you, even though you were really more the de facto head honcho. I couldn't have asked for a better person to really keep this trip on the rails and be the point man when I was the silent planner. I hope your daughter makes the golf team and I hope you do frame that dollar, because I don't give them away that often... or that willingly.

Hope this inspires you all to come to the 2023 version, where ever it may be or help plan your own local one. I'm hoping I get some pictures up sooner rather than later before this all fades from the conscious.

[cksurfdude]

^ You, Sir, are one cool dude and I look forward to another meetup!!!

[Golfspy_CG2]

Awesome write up Berg!  Glad you enjoyed the course.  
 

oh I agree with you completely about Wegman > Food Lion.  My favorite grocery store in this area is Harris Teeter—can you say Banana Cream Ice Cream?    But alas I guess the Easten Shore hasn’t discovered it’s greatness.

These recaps have me looking forward to whatever happens in way of 2023 outings. 

 

[tommc23]

54 minutes ago, Berg Ryman said:

Ok, now that I've got the time to sit down in front of a computer (at work, but still, an actual computer) and allowed myself to decompress and think about the trip, I think it's time for the tea to be spilled for everyone really wanting to know what went down.

First, the journey. Look, I think Philadelphia is a good city, even a fun place to visit, but man does traffic on a Friday on I-95 slow right down in and around the area when you're travelling on the PA Turnpike. Plus side, the bridges of Delaware, especially The William Roth Jr. Bridge are spectacular for a complete nerd like me. Another plus, Maryland Gas Prices! From the land of 4.50 a gallon to see gas sub 4 bucks was awesome for me, so big ups.

Next, a personal aside, and one I know @EasyPutter, @bens197, @MattWillGolf and any New Yorker of a certain location will agree with, Wegman's > Food Lion. I know it's a corporate champion of the ACC, I know people swear by it... it's a Price Chopper/Tops/IGA equivalent, that's all. Sorry, not sorry about it.

Next up, Queenstown Harbor the location. Man what an awesome property. The cottages, as you've seen were incredible and being located right on the 2nd hole of The Lakes gave awesome backdrops for photos and good vibes. To be honest, I thought the coolest evening of the two we spent were the Friday. Sure, the storm winds were picking up and some rain was spitting, but that sunset and that fresh breeze coming off the water... wouldn't trade it for the world.

The cottage itself was a cool experience, big open spaces, big rooms, scary wooden mermaid. You know, the usual. Don't let @Golfspy_CG2 know this, but even though @MDGolfHacker and I were afforded the ability to take rooms to ourselves, I did stay upstairs in the "Crow's Nest" on the twin beds. My only complaint about upstairs was the weird flipping of light switches that drove me wild as @tommc23 will attest when I came upstairs on Saturday night and threw the lights on via accident before the alarm situation.

The food situation, well you've seen the pictures, and that's just what we've decided to show. The advantage of not making plans on who's bringing what is that you get everyone bringing all sorts of everything and boy did we have just about everything. Everyone was cool about making sure everyone got enough to eat. Special shout out again to @tommc23 and @Jwc5149 for the Saturday grub. I'm also sure breakfast was excellent, but as the "sleeping beauty" of the group, I never grabbed any of it.

Now, let's talk the Lakes and the River. The River was an absolute beauty of a course. Difficult but fair and the new fairways were rolling nice and had a great spring to them. I'd go as far to say it may have been the best track I've ever had the fortune of playing. I would never recommend the tips unless you were playing in tournament conditions though, that thing will eat your lunch if you have an off day, like my 8 lost balls and 96 will attest to. The Lakes was the more friendly of the two, but was by no means easy. There were some spots where the manicuring and care weren't as tip top as the River, but nothing that would make you say that it bad. Plus, maybe I was feeling more ambivalent about it after shooting 84 with a super hot back 9 40.

The carts for both days were great with virtual GPS' locked in and touch screen capabilities, along with electronic scorecards that would email you results at round's end if you wished for them. Carts were quick but also geofenced in so no real "Jackass" moments as we called them. Also, as we learned on Sunday, the cupholder does a heck of a job holding a UE Wonderboom 2.

Lastly, I gotta talk about the guys. I was concerned about coming on this trip, because I've never been on a golf trip before. Admittedly, I don't have much in the way of regular golf friends or if I do, they're all retirees who never really invite me to stuff. That, and I've always been a bit of a quiet and strange duck, so group dynamics don't come easily to me personally. But, being thrust into a leadership role and getting out of my comfort zone made it an enjoyable weekend and single out everyone.

@Jmikecpa: Best of luck to your son this season, remember lateral drops, inside trips and greco attacks for big points! Also, you know you've got the game, just go out there and attack everything with the passion you have, and if you could get me some Del LAgo comps now that you guys own the place, wink wink.

@Jwc5149: Our resident jokester and class clown, but with a game to be envious of, even in flip flops. Loved spending time with you and thanks for keeping the vibes loose and the bellies full of laughs and taco meat!

@McGolf: I said it in the live chat yesterday on your video, but listening to you hold court was an absolute delight of my weekend and I'm so happy I got to ride with you on Saturday. Can't wait for our paths to cross again, hopefully with a wider soled wedge in the bag when it happens!

@cnosil: Getting just to chat with you while we were waiting for your fitting really let me into the mind of a good golfer who knows what he wants to do and how he hopes to achieve it. The rhythm of the swing is envious, as were those calves everyone keeps talking about.

@Getoffmylawn: The hardest working man on the range... even if it didn't benefit you for the wedge fitting. Sorry we didn't get to talk more fantasy this weekend, but there's always next time and hopefully w even get to play some golf together too.

@tommc23: The big man who saved us from a crazy alarm running all night. I hope you find what you're looking for either with the swing tips or new irons, because the game had flashes this weekend and improvement is just around the corner, I can feel it for you.

@EasyPutter: My fellow Upstater, sorry you weren't able to stay on Sunday because I was looking forward to potentially getting a round with you. Here's hoping that discussed NY meetup happens soon because I'd love for that to be a regular thing, also thank you for the excellent Wegman's cookies.

@Shapotomous: Watching you talk through your why as to your wedges on Saturday was very enlightening and gave me ideas as how to better build out my part of the bag. I hope that new Vokey does you well but based on what I was hearing about your game, I'd be scared if you had more levels to get better!

@barryschwartz56: Barry, I'm sorry our only real interaction was at the pub on Sunday. I blame my sleeping in until the ungodly hour of 7 am since I'm not a range rat like the rest of the boys. Hopefully we can change that next time and you can whip my behind too!

@cksurfdude: I honestly don't believe there was a nicer guy, who was more supportive of everyone else and just having a blast with the experience than you. I know you probably wanted to play some better golf, but like I said, blind squirrels and acorns brother. Get that weight moving forward and the results will come, I promise you that.

@MDGolfHacker: Last but certainly not least. A pleasure to share this weekend with you, even though you were really more the de facto head honcho. I couldn't have asked for a better person to really keep this trip on the rails and be the point man when I was the silent planner. I hope your daughter makes the golf team and I hope you do frame that dollar, because I don't give them away that often... or that willingly.

Hope this inspires you all to come to the 2023 version, where ever it may be or help plan your own local one. I'm hoping I get some pictures up sooner rather than later before this all fades from the conscious.

Thanks Ryan it was nice playing with you guys Sunday. Swing thoughts definitely had me bogged down but when I emptied my head I heard you guys say some nice things about my shots. Watching you and Jose play was a pleasure and it was a great 4 some having Chuck there to always encourage us.

[cksurfdude]

1 minute ago, tommc23 said:

Watching you and Jose play was a pleasure and it was a great 4 some having Chuck there to always encourage us.

Second that, brah!! And looking forward to losing more golf balls with you in the future!!

[cksurfdude]

Just an FYI for those following along who were not a part of the outing; here are the scorecards and layouts of each course ...

..and...

Both are great courses .. a variety of holes and challenges. Personally, imo, I felt the River had a little better layout / flow.

Lakes was great, but .. with the caveat that you need to fit the holes & routing into the real estate you have available, they did a nice job but it seemed a little chopped up / sectioned off to me; eg. you'd play three or four holes then drive a few minutes with to the next section, and so on...

But again both are definitely worth playing for anyone in the area, or thinking of traveling to there.

And if you find a sad, homeless yellow ball in the weeds or the reeds, please pick him up and give him some TLC..

[tommc23]

27 minutes ago, cksurfdude said:

Just an FYI for those following along who were not a part of the outing; here are the scorecards and layouts of each course ...

..and...

Both are great courses .. a variety of holes and challenges. Personally, imo, I felt the River had a little better layout / flow.

Lakes was great, but .. with the caveat that you need to fit the holes & routing into the real estate you have available, they did a nice job but it seemed a little chopped up / sectioned off to me; eg. you'd play three or four holes then drive a few minutes with to the next section, and so on...

But again both are definitely worth playing for anyone in the area, or thinking of traveling to there.

And if you find a sad, homeless yellow ball in the weeds or the reeds, please pick him up and give him some TLC..

or a dozen yellow balls

[cnosil]

4 hours ago, Berg Ryman said:

Next, a personal aside, and one I know @EasyPutter, @bens197, @MattWillGolf and any New Yorker of a certain location will agree with, Wegman's > Food Lion. I know it's a corporate champion of the ACC, I know people swear by it... it's a Price Chopper/Tops/IGA equivalent, that's all. Sorry, not sorry about it.

@cnosil: Getting just to chat with you while we were waiting for your fitting really let me into the mind of a good golfer who knows what he wants to do and how he hopes to achieve it. The rhythm of the swing is envious, as were those calves everyone keeps talking about.

 

It was great meeting you and enjoyed sitting and chatting for a while on Saturday.   While hanging out with everyone is enjoyable,  getting to talk to people one on one or as part of the foresome allowed us to be able to get to know each person a little bit better.  Looking forward to the next outing

And I also agree that Wegman's is > Food Lion as are many other grocery stores.   

[barryschwartz56]

49 minutes ago, cnosil said:

It was great meeting you and enjoyed sitting and chatting for a while on Saturday.   While hanging out with everyone is enjoyable,  getting to talk to people one on one or as part of the foresome allowed us to be able to get to know each person a little bit better.  Looking forward to the next outing

And I also agree that Wegman's is > Food Lion as are many other grocery stores.   

There aren't many grocery stores that aren't better than Food Lion.  It's pretty far down on the food chain, pardon the pun.

[bens197]

11 hours ago, cnosil said:

It was great meeting you and enjoyed sitting and chatting for a while on Saturday.   While hanging out with everyone is enjoyable,  getting to talk to people one on one or as part of the foresome allowed us to be able to get to know each person a little bit better.  Looking forward to the next outing

And I also agree that Wegman's is > Food Lion as are many other grocery stores.   

@Berg Ryman Throwing my hometown Wegmans into this group thread is certainly the content I come here to read 

 

I hope to participate in this next year

[bens197]

On 8/10/2022 at 9:59 AM, EasyPutter said:

I was just thinking of Wegmans history with roots in your hometown Rochester started in 1916 as a family owned produce market.  It took years to grow as far west as Buffalo because of direct competition with Buffalo HQd TOPS Markets pushing out in all directions.   My experience Wegmans always had feeling of going to a friends place to shop where getting there was where I wanted to be and they had what I wanted at home.   Big contrast with every other market with their heavy commercial 'buy it because "Hey Mikey, He Likes It" or whatever the slogan was' like a culture trying to convince that is what "everyone" wants.  Wegmans is still 100% family with generations invested in the venture and they put their reputation in their products and service because it is their family name and pride.  Their employees lead the American workforce in satisfaction and the company initiatives for employee education and growth generate loyalty.  Customers see this and what American would not support an Entrepreneurs making communities better?  Their branded products are chosen (by Wegmans family) as best value and if anything fails to meet expectations, the customer is refunded, no questions asked.  I will be first to state I have no knowledge of the corporate history of Food Lion, Krogers, or the others but until I move out of the Wegmans footprint I am not buying from anyone else, but a stop at Aldi is due as their similar family roots in Essen have a similar atmosphere in every one of the stores I've visited in countless states and 6 countries.  

GOLF!  Hope everyone had a chance to try the Wegmans Breakfast blend and Colombian coffees, blueberry scones, and chocolate chip cookies I brought, besides @Berg Ryman of course and thanks for the compliment!  Looking to get our Western and Central NYrs talking about the day-trip opportunities within a couple hours drive for anyone, possibly less.  Might even be something to put a team together to take on the Mid-Atlantic crowd for match play.

This was Saturday morning before half of Chester Cottage was up for the day.  I would do this trip again for another experience at Queenstown Harbor and a chance to see more of the area.  Next time I am definitely making a mini-vacation out of it as I have never been in that part of the east coast before 

Another full size panorama 120* this time.

I worked at Oak Hill CC when Mr. Wegman (the old man) was a member and would play occasionally.  He was no BS one of the most grounded and humble wealthy men in the Club. On one occasion there was a MG event where they ran out of the favorable roofed-electric carts.  He called ahead to reserve one and upon learning none were left, another member whose name will be withheld threw a massive tantrum in the golf service center area.  I am talking jumping up and down screaming because he did not want a gasoline cart without a roof.  Mr. Wegman saw this and said go ahead, give it to that guy.  I will never forget that…assuaging that cheap crybaby offered a wonderful laugh to the OHCC Golf Staff and 24 years later, is still memorable.

 

[Rickp]

15 minutes ago, bens197 said:

I worked at Oak Hill CC when Mr. Wegman (the old man) was a member and would play occasionally.  He was no BS one of the most grounded and humble wealthy men in the Club. On one occasion there was a MG event where they ran out of the favorable roofed-electric carts.  He called ahead to reserve one and upon learning none were left, another member whose name will be withheld threw a massive tantrum in the golf service center area.  I am talking jumping up and down screaming because he did not want a gasoline cart without a roof.  Mr. Wegman saw this and said go ahead, give it to that guy.  I will never forget that…assuaging that cheap crybaby offered a wonderful laugh to the OHCC Golf Staff and 24 years later, is still memorable.

His son in contrast is not his father.  When Mr. Wegman was alive, he scolded Danny for bringing his Ferrari to the flagship Pittsford store…something along the lines of get that GD car the F out of here.

 

Love it, great story! 

[MDGolfHacker]

@Yellow Ball, do you have family visiting from Japan here in Maryland??

[Getoffmylawn]

Just saw this in my camera roll.  What a great spot and great weekend.

[cnosil]

42 minutes ago, Getoffmylawn said:

Just saw this in my camera roll.  What a great spot and great weekend.

Was thinking earlier this afternoon that I miss looking out the back windows and seeing this view and having some great conversations with fellow spies.  

[cksurfdude]

14 hours ago, cnosil said:

Was thinking earlier this afternoon that I miss looking out the back windows and seeing this view and having some great conversations with fellow spies.  

Yeah two days and two nights almost seemed too short! Didn't get to interact as much, with as many different people, as would have liked. And besides - Day 3 of golf just might've been the "3rd time's a charm" for my game...

[cksurfdude]

Forgot to mention a big plus about the course facilities...

This place has one of the nicer, if not the nicest, short game practice area that I've seen so far!

One very large chipping green with extra room outside of it on all sides; another smaller chipping green that's a little flatter; one of the largest putting greens I've seen with plenty of different slopes around it and lots of little flags all over; and a generously sized hitting range (mats) with plenty of large, full buckets of range balls sitting out.

Nice!

 

[cnosil]

1 hour ago, cksurfdude said:

and a generously sized hitting range (mats) with plenty of large, full buckets of range balls sitting out.

 

This can be a bad thing though; not mentioning any names…. @Getoffmylawn…..but you might hit too many, get tired, and start shanking shots during your fitting    On the positive side, it might help you hit the ball better during your next round.   

[Yellow Ball]

22 hours ago, MDGolfHacker said:

@Yellow Ball, do you have family visiting from Japan here in Maryland??

Poor little guy looks a little green in the gills from his trip over.