TROPICAL GOLF GROUP-FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, EASTERN STAR – St
Warberg wins on a Count-back!
On our last visit to eastern star at the end of June we found the Club house undergoing a complete remodeling with only the existing lady’s locker room available plus a portion of the bar/restaurant open. The course however was in reasonable condition so we decided it was time for a re-visit to this traditionally tough layout to check out the progress of the clubhouse project and enjoy a day on the links. With the remodeled Pro Shop, ladies locker room and a portion of the restaurant now open it is clear to see that the project when finished will be very nice. You would not want to take a group much larger than 20 there currently, but for small groups the facilities are adequate. With the existing reasonable green fee, Eastern star is well worth a visit.
Our group, being small, fit right in and was soon started off the 10th tee under clear skies and for once, no “Ball-in-Hand”. The course was found in good condition as long as one did not stray too far off the fairways. From the ‘White’ tees it is a long and challenging layout. The fairways and bunkers were in very good condition, the greens recovering from recent maintenance but playable, and the rough, well, not suppose to be there anyway. All was well until the turn going from the 18th to the 1st when the heavens opened up quickly and with ferocity. With one group seeking shelter in the clubhouse and the other at the drink stand near the 18th tee, our 9th, it was a 45 minute rest stop until the squall passed through and the course drained enough to continue. With the groups able to communicate at the 3rd, it was decided to play “Ball-in-Hand” from the 4th through the 9th hole, our 18th! So with the mixed bag of weather and course conditions, just how would the group perform this day?
Back at our group headquarters at “The BJ Holiday Lodge” the cards were sorted and the results announced. Winning on a count-back with 33 points was Dick Warberg (c/h 23) over Walter Baechli (21) followed by Don Carmody (27) with 32 points. Well played considering the changing conditions! And so the bell was rung and we settled down to watch the opening Ryder Cup matches.