Virtually There

Virtual (vir-tu-al) Adjective - almost or nearly, but not completely

The sun continues to shine, and the snow banks are shrinking almost as you watch, and yet we are still a couple of weeks away from opening day. At the course outside activity has begun. Paths have been cleared so water goes where its supposed to and equipment be run out just as soon as nature and common sense allow.  Still, local golfers itching to get their clubs out have few options beyond a southern vacation or watching the Masters on tv.

For those looking to stay closer to home and still be active there's snow golf or virtual play at either  a commercial venture or in the rec room via the nearest gaming console. I'll confess to having tried the simulated version recently. I shot a rather uninspiring score and found almost as much water on the big screen as is running off the course. While it was nice to spend some time with the other members of our weekend foursome, and there was certainly nothing simulated about the good-natured heckling we all gave and received, there was something not quite real about the whole experience. Even though there was no walking involved, the round took every bit as long as a real game. The computerized version lacked a certain feel, and, while I'm sure the replay and video analysis features are useful to many, I prefer the perfect swing of my imagination to the stark reality of replayed shank. And I'm really not sure about the whole putting thing. At least in the real world I have a little bit of control over green speed and playing conditions from on top of my mower!

Its trade show weekend. The inside staff are looking forward to seeing many of our members at the Links booth as you sign up for the coming season. Some of us outside folks might be there too! One thing's for sure. We're all eager to get this season underway. Until then, we'll just have to be satisfied with it being virtually there!