A Round In October At Washtenaw

A Round In October At Washtenaw

I had the opportunity to get out for a round at Washtenaw Golf Club after work yesterday — my first in a while, and the first in October. (Course link)

For the record, this marks my 104th consecutive month of golf in Michigan. That’s eight and a half years with at least one round played every month — rain or shine; warm or snow.

Fortunately, there was no snow in sight on October second. Indeed, the temperature was in the low 80s. That’s not the warmest on record; in 1971, the air temperature nearly reached 90°F on October second.

I paired up around 4:30 on the back nine with Charlie, a golfing friend of mine; the front was the scene of a high school girls golf tournament.

As a high school teacher — and former high school golf coach — seeing all the young people out on the course was heartwarming. The course hosted a juniors tournament over the weekend and on Monday the club was once again blocking off tee times so local high schools could compete. That can’t be the best for Washtenaw’s financial bottom line, but it is definitely good for the future of golf in general.

Washtenaw also is the home course of the local Concordia College. On my Monday round, Charlie and I played behind two foursomes of Concordia golfers. Thus, the course had both high school and college golfers in action.

Washtenaw has a long history of supporting high school and college golf. I have found an article from as long ago as 1931 describing a high school tournament played at Washtenaw. Among those playing were Johnny Malloy and future Michigan golf Hall of Famer Chuck Kocsis.

In an exchange of notes I had with Shirley Spork, one of the legendary founders of the LPGA, she remembered that the club allowed her to play for free during her days at Michigan Normal (Now Eastern Michigan University).’

The club also annually hosts the Golf Association of Michigan’s Junior Kickoff.

Kudos to owners Dave Kendall, Nick Ma and Steve Davis as well as pros Zach Szawara and Matt Okopny for supporting juniors and collegiate golfers. They get it.

To be clear, though: Washtenaw isn’t alone. A lot of courses in Michigan set aside time for juniors. When I coached, Fellows Creek in Canton set aside for practice and tournaments.

The back nine went pretty quickly. The Concordia players were good and efficient — and fun to watch from afar.

I played pretty well, getting pars on four holes. I am still trying to incorporate some tips I got on my golf lesson at the end of August; it can be hit and miss. I think it will be a while before the swing thoughts become habit.

It helped to play with Charlie, who is relentlessly cheerful. He can make one feel good about a worm burner. I had a bad shot that somehow bounded onto the green; his cheer made me feel as though i had planned it that way.

Charlie finished his round at the turn; I headed out alone to finish my last nine. It was delightful. With no one in front, and no one behind, I moved along at my own pace, playing a second ball for practice.

I finished with five minutes left until sunset with a par on the ninth.

It was a perfect afternoon.