Kyle Hepp

January 25, 2012

I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a regular golf player by any means.  However, over the course of my life I have had the opportunity to enjoy an occasional outing or two.  Each has left a lasting impression.  I can count my total golf experiences on less than two hands and would you believe it if I said that some of the memories I associate with golf don’t even involve me actually playing the game?

Occasionally on a hot dull Michigan evening I’ve been known to accept an invitation to hit a few balls at a driving range just across from the sub-division that I live in.  Upon arrival to the range, I’m fascinated by the golf ball scooper uppers, by the intensity of the “serious” players, and by the fashionable golf attire.  It could be a little intimidating if I let it.  Because I’m not an avid golfer I could let the driving range become a source of frustration to me.  But instead I choose to laugh as I swing the unwieldy club, make huge divots in the manicured turf, lob the ball to the far left or right (and always far short) of the target or miss the ball completely.  If ever I do decide to become a serious golf student I would love to be able to take lessons from a pro like Rory Mcilroy. If you’re wondering what Rory Mcilroy has in the bag, check out his page at “The Golf Channel”.

Rounding out my golf experience, I make it a point to attend the annual work sponsored golf outing once a summer.  This is definitely just as much of an excuse to socialize and drink beer as it is to enjoy the summer sunshine and play golf.  Good thing we play a scramble or I’d probably still be on the course.

While golf courses in Tucson, Arizona or in other temperate climates have the advantage of attracting golfers year round, in Michigan the country clubs and golf resorts have to be more creative in how to maximize their facilities and bring revenue in during the off season.  As mentioned before, one of my favorite memories relating to golf had nothing what-so-ever to do with the game and everything to do with a fine evening out.

A few years ago, in the middle of an especially harsh winter, a friend of mine who is a member of the Egypt Valley Country Club invited a group of us to the club.  There we had the unique experience of an elegant five course meal prepared and served to us right in the country club’s kitchen.  We were seated at a special table that had been set up in the kitchen and from there we witnessed the chefs whipping up the delectable dishes which were naturally delivered to us piping hot and paired with just the right wines.  As the evening wore on I forgot about the blizzard conditions outside and for the first time that winter coziness started to seep in.  The feeling could have been from the heat of the ovens or from the infusion of the wine but I mostly attribute it to the wonderful, playful camaraderie that developed between the hosts and the guests in such an intimate setting on a cold winter night.

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