COMMUNITY

My life dream (like Scott Harris') was to play St. Andrews and I was able to do that back in 2001. Went as a walk-on single showing up at 4am. There was a frost delay and anyone that had a reserved tee time was directed to the other courses since they do not back up tee times. As luck would have it the frost delay was lifted around 9am and I was paired up with a threesome in the first group off for the day. Teeing off #1 and walking up the 18th fairway was awe inspiring and images I will never forget. Never thought I'd cry on the golf course but I did coming up 18. Also got to play Royal Lytham St. Anne's on the same trip when we visited friends. They knew a member there named Don Johnson, no not THAT Don Johnson.

Now if I could just see the Eagles win a Superbowl in my lifetime...

Goal 1. Breaking par on any course while playing with my sons only to have one of them beat me by a stroke by making birdy or eagle on the last hole.

Eagles winning the Super Bowl?? That's like thinking the Fins might make the playoffs.

I said Bucket List, not an item that requires a Genie & a Lamp!

Pebble Beach was a big one for me. Also, I went to the Ryder Cup in '99 at The Country Club and always wanted to play it. My uncle helped make that happen in 2002.

When I stepped on the hallowed grounds of Augusta for the first time in 2009, I was blown away. My buddy James and I followed Phil and Westy in 2010 and stood about 30 feet behind him when he hit the shot on 13. His eagle, eagle, birdie (almost a chip in for 3rd eagle) on Sat at 13, 14 & 15 were the loudest roars I've ever heard in my life!

I've always had a hard time deciding if I only got to play 1 of the following 3, which do I pick? Augusta, The Old Course, or Cypress Point? In a perfect world, I play each of them and will feel fulfilled as a golfer. I'd absolutely love to see the Broncos win a Super Bowl in person, but on a neutral field, that's without a full atmosphere. Seeing the Avs win a Stanley Cup at Pepsi Center would be the top of the mountain for me as a sports fan (in person).

2) Bearing witness to an Ace during a NGT round.

Then you better plan to play all your NGT rounds with me. I'm due...dammit!

I'm willing to shoot in the 80s if it has a 1 written on the card. It's been a while and I'd like to have to buy drinks!

Most of the dreams on the sports list are golf related, and St. Andrews was definitely one of them ! But besides playing the course, the whole trip went way beyond anything even I could have dreamed up . . . . staying on site, the beautiful views, meeting great people, spending time with my Dad, playing 4 fantastic golf courses, and the sightseeing . . . . everything came together for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Something I will never forget.

Although it was not on the radar, playing a private club that has hosted PGA events, walking it with a caddie, and beating the member who hosted was quite the accomplishment this year as well .... I hadn't realized it was a dream until I did it !

And I too dream of playing Pebble Beach, visiting Augusta, breaking par, and finally getting that elusive hole-in-one ....

But rounding out the list is attending a Steelers playoff game at Heinz field. I have yet to find anyone who wants to buy me tickets, though ....

It has been many years but have seen the Eagles win a championship, seen the Phillies win two World Championships, ditto with the Flyers, and still have fond memories of the Sixers with the Doctor, Moses and the rest of them riding drunkenly down Broad St. Seen the Beatles and Stones in concert. Have the privilege of playing some very nice courses and meeting some terrific people (NGT). Would love to play St. Andrews and a couple other Scottish courses. But my one and only goal now will be to walk my daughter down the aisle on her wedding day. After that, as Tiger said, is gravy.

EJ, haven't seen much from you lately. Hope all is good. Have a Merry Christmas!!

I have played Pebble and St Andrews and they were great. Not sure if I have a bucket list anymore.

Cypress Point would be right there...

But what might be better is the following:

Easiest bucket list-> Play the courses that hosted Bobby Jones' Grand Slam. I have already played St Andrews and Interlachen (which hosted the US Open) need to add Merion and I believe the 1930 Open was played at St Anne's in England.

Play the First Five US Open Courses (1895-1899) and play them with gutty era equipment.

The greatest road trip -> Golf the West Coast
Start with San Diego at Torrey Pines (played before), play PGA West (played before), Pebble Beach (played before), Cypress Point, Pasietempo (sp), the courses of Bandon Dunes (played most of them), Portland CC and end in Washington playing last year's US Open venue.

All in one long trip.

My uncle used to be a member of Worchester CC in Boston, which hosted the first Ryder Cup and the famous US Open that Jones cited a penalty stroke on himself (I know you know the story). The plaque that they have on that very spot says "The Birth of Golf Ethics". I actually had the hair stand up on my arms when I read it.

FYI... Since I know you are a huge Haig fan. The Par 3 on #4, he hit his 1st hole in one ever during the 1925 US Open practice round and Bobby Jones was his witness. There's a nice plaque there too.

Wow! I've got one on ya! I've played 3 of the 4. Guess Interlachen needs to go on my bucket list.