What kind of problem is there?

Last night at a dinner party I started a golf discussion with a gentleman - he was wearing a Troon North sweater - how could I not. His home course is Sharpstown, a muni in Houston. He plays in a regular foursome. The designated early birds get there at 5:00am so they can get an early tee time on the weekends because it is so busy.

I don't know the business model for the city - I do like Memorial Park quite a bit - but if people show up at your door before you open and you are too busy -- if you aren't successful it isn't the product it is the delivery.

There is a huge problem with the big 3 automakers - but I'll be damned if I don't see a ton of cars on the road. Lots of people driving. Lots of people golfing. Business not so good.

Mabye businesses should focus on why the business has a problem, not the golf.

It is a business problem, not a golf problem.

Pictured above is the first green.

The other side of the bunker

Just on the other side of this bunker is the first green. Please note the lack of containment mounding. Until the construction clubhouse is complete the tee will be playing a little forward - which is fine by me as I've birdied this one twice so far. With the tee back 20 yards I will certainly need to change my tee ball strategy.

I got a very nice message saying that Wolf Point looked more like it was along the Firth of Forth (in Scotland) than along the Gulf of Mexico.

Bunker on the first

This bunker has a bit of a different look as compared with some from earlier. The first tee shot of the day will usually contend with this bunker. If you carry it the flag is not far beyond.

From behind 1 green

Time to start talking about the golf course – the above photo is taken from behind 1 green. The short par 4 opener plays into a quartering wind and has a significant ridge that dictates the strategy from the tee. If you play down the left side of the fairway you can have a fun putt from 50 yards out. The large green is a big target - note lighter colored sand, and it is filled with subtle breaks. There are no mounds anywhere near the putting surface. If you are too aggressive you may find your ball over the back – it is hard to judge from the photo, but trust me it is a tough spot to recover from. The green size was inspired by the large opening green at Jasper Park by the great Stanley Thompson. It gives the recreational player a little extra putting practice.