The Streak At 118: A December Round At Washtenaw Golf Club

The Streak At 118: A December Round At Washtenaw Golf Club

On the eighteenth tee, one of my playing partners said “this has been a great day. It feels like we stole one.”

Indeed.

Sunday’s round at Washtenaw Golf Club marks the 118th consecutive month in which I have played at least one round in Michigan.

Long range weather predictions called for a sunny day with temperatures in the mid forties on Sunday, so I made a tee time the previous Wednesday.

A late week snowstorm, however, made me doubt whether the round would go off as scheduled. Fortunately, temperatures in the forties during the day on Saturday and in the mid thirties overnight melted away much of the snow cover.

Much, but not all.

I should not have have been surprised to see dozens of cars in the lot when I arrrived. Michigan golfers are dedicated. The tee sheet was full.

Even with everyone walking and less than optimal conditions, we finished in three hours, forty minutes. A fivesome of ladies ahead of us moved quickly, belying the notion that women and walkers play slowly.

I was paired with a father and son who were playing Washtenaw for the first time. It is always a pleasure to play with Washtenaw newbies. They don’t know what to expect — and looking at the scorecard and its deceptively short yardages often expect it to be easy. I find that players new to Washtenaw invariably finish saying how much they enjoyed the round and that Washtenaw is a great course. Its classic design entices.

While there were patches of snow throughout the course — and especially in bunkers where the sides created protective shade — only once was I stymied. There was a patch of snow and ice lingering on the twelfth green. I managed a two putt, despite the hazard.

In all, it was a great day. Looking ahead, I think there will be other opportunities in the coming week. Early next week, the temperatures should again be in the mid forties.

If we avoid snow, I’ll be there.