Golf

[Atokal]

I have been invited to play in a very upscale tournament BMW at a place called sea island.

http://www.seaisland.com

While I have played in or at several very nice golf courses and at some excellent charity events I have never been to such a apparently classy establishment before. It starts with a charter flight on BMW's corporate jet and if you visit the site you will see how the day will proceed. My question here for the golfers are as follows:

1. Has anyone attended something on a scale such as this?
2. If so what should I expect in terms of side betting etc.
3. Evening clothes, what are the expectations. Casual Business, or ?
4. I am thinking of buying my first Lob Wedge, any recommendations on this?
5. Golf shoes, I have several pairs but am still seeking the comfortable shoe (any suggestions)

Any other suggestions would be helpful as I am likely to be way out of my league in this one (Adam Sandler in the PGA so to speak)

Cheers and Thanks

[Chidoro]

What do you normally hit? Embarassing yourself depends on the competition really. I've rubbed elbows a few times and have played with solid 85 groups as well as people who hit the 120's.

As far as betting goes, don't be surprised by anything, especially if you're an outsider to the trip. In my experience, if it's only men, don't be surprised by any racey behavior and language either. Some of the dirtiest people I've met were older senior management.

As far as attire goes, I would bet business casual is fine for the day but a sports jacket is probably required in the evening. Fine hotel resorts will usually have dress codes just to be in the lounge as well.

My equipment is the pits and I haven't looked to replacing it in ages. Someone else would be better off answering those.

I played on Kapalua on my honeymoon http://www.kapaluamaui.com/index_flash.html when we stayed at the Ritz Carlton right down the road. It was quite spectacular and challenging to boot. The wind really whips around those ledges. I borrowed some of my father-in-law's equipment because my stuff is plain embarassing to look at and wouldn't be caught dead using them at a place like that.

[Atokal]

Holy Cow Chid, went to the website and wow what a great place to play. That is my other concern playing near the ocean and being distracted by the view, wind, crash of the surf etc.

I play mid to high 80's so I likely won't embarrass myself on the track.

Thanks for the incite on the other issues though

[Zamtuk]

1. Has anyone attended something on a scale such as this?

yes, muirfield (i grew up 3 miles away from it)

2. If so what should I expect in terms of side betting etc.

depends on if its pga (or the like) regulated. if it's just for fun (which it doesn't sound like) then betting can go anywhere. just try to keep it simple, like buying drinks at the bar. but expect that to run a few hundred if you lose.

3. Evening clothes, what are the expectations. Casual Business, or ?

jacket and tie.

4. I am thinking of buying my first Lob Wedge, any recommendations on this?

if you think it will help your game then sure.

5. Golf shoes, I have several pairs but am still seeking the comfortable shoe (any suggestions)

tiger woods has a good pair

[Kilmoll the Sexy]

Foot Joys are teh win for comfort when you play in any kind of dockers/dress slacks. I have a pair of Nike golf shoes that are extremely sweet for playing on the normal public courses where I tend to walk.

Lob wedges are much . I actually carry 3 lob wedges. 52', 56', and 60'. The 60 is God's gift to backspin. All 3 are Titlesit Vokey and the "soft" insert really gives some good feel. I know people who love the Cleveland wedge as well....can't go wrong with either.

There is nothing that is better than Pro-V1's coming off a Titelist wedge. I did find that the Solo is a bit longer than the Pro-V1 and is still fairly soft....although they don't seem to bite quite like the Pro-V. $20 cheaper at the pro shops here makes it a better buy unless playing for something with a good payout.

[masteen]

I've always loved Clevand's wedges.

Whatever kind of shoes you pick, make sure they have the soft spikes, because most upscale courses have banned the metal ones.

[cid]

Ping makes a great Lobe wedge. http://www.ping.com/products_wedges_i3plus.html

I belive it is 54. It has helped my short game a lot. Great in-between club.

Foot joy makes comfortable and good looking shoes.

Tie and jacket

This place will blow your mind. I am betting they will come to your car get your bag, clean your shoes and clubs. The put them into your cart. Nothing like being spoiled while playing golf!!

Nice looking course, if the beer girl is as pretty, you will have a great time!

[Voronwë]

it can still be pretty cool in Georgia as late as march. So you may want to have some nice sweaters on hand as well. I mean it can be downright cold (30s) depending on the weather system, even at the beach.

[Kilmoll the Sexy]

Me and Homer and 2 friends went down to play the Robert Trent Jones golf trail this past year in late February. All I can say is you better take some serious cold weather gear anywhere you go this time of year. Ski hats and a metric shit ton of disposable hand warmers will make sure you can actually make it through if it gets as cold as it did on us. Spray on pine tar is another good addition to your bag....in case of rain or the cold making grips slick. Being seriously prepared is never a bad thing if you are playing with the management


BTW....if you ever get the chance, I highly suggest trying out The Judge on the RTJ trail. The first hole and last hole are worth the trip by themselves.

[Homercles]

I can attest to the Judge. It is an amazing and beautiful course! A course which I severly butchered....but enjoyed myself while doing so.

The other course we played werent all that. If it werent for the Judge I wouldve been extremely pissed about the cash I forked over for the trip

and as a testament to Alabamas upscale culture, we found this particular instructive sign positioned just above a toilet on one of the courses: "Please Do Not Drink The Water"