RON'S DELTONA FLORIDA TRIP
Since it looked like late February was just about to frost bite us in the ass, I scurried south to play a couple of warm weather rounds. My plan was nearly foiled by the southward plunging jet stream that brought unusually cold climes to the south. Fortunately, I was able to get in two rounds before the beast reared it's icy head in Deltona Florida. My parents escaped northeastern Ohio many years ago and now reside in Deltona, which is just south of Daytona. This provides me with a place to stay while I enjoy some of the local courses. And after all, I wouldn't be much of a son if I didn't visit dear old Mom and Dad a couple of times per winter.
This trip down I went over to Debary and played Glen Abbey. My brother tagged along for his first out of 2002. He's just about to retire and has decided golf will be a pleasant enough distraction. I was saddled with the task of giving him a few pointers to help out. As we all know, I don't feel comfortable giving tips during a round, so it was off to the range to see what he was made of. Glen Abbey has a nice little range with lights. They use sand traps for targets. This seems like a good idea since sand is a well stocked commodity in Florida. But I'm not sure what affect this has on one's psyche? I found it difficult to hit the targets. Could have been winter rust. I prefer to think it was innate mental fortitude, forbidding me from aiming at what would normally be an undesirable landing zone unless you are of the feline persuasion. Oh yea...my brother couldn't hit them either.
Glen Abbey is a nice enough little course. It plays 6,689 yards from the back tees, but really does not seem that long. In my normal accommodating fashion I played from the white tees. 10 par fours measuring 400 yards or less. Three of them just over 300 yards. All the par fives are under 500 yards from the white tees. You get the picture, it's not too long. We gave $15 to play on a after 3:00 special. With a cart! It's a great deal, well worth it! Phone# 407-668-4209
With my warm up round in the bag, I headed over to my usual hangout, Deltona Hills. I like this place. It's not easy.
I was pitched out of the local skins game because they only except scores from within their weekly game. Grrrr. My GHIN card proved worthless. The guy running the show this Wednesday told me I could play the closest to the pin game, but no skins. No matter, I was just looking for some serious golfers to get my four hour fix with. I was teamed up with Buddy (12) and Todd (+1). Todd is an ex-Canadien tour and ex-Buy.com tour pro. That seemed serious enough.
Conditions were very difficult. Gusting wind and firm, bikini waxed Bermuda greens led to high scoring by everyone. We experienced the dreaded "wind effected putting" on several holes. Todd proved why he has an "ex" prefix in his career discription by shooting 86. In his defense, he gave up on scoring and simply went skin hunting. It was obvious he was capable of much better golf. I think Buddy managed to sneak in just under 90. I didn't have a birdie all day and would have been shut out on the skins game. I did manage a pin shot on my way to a round of 81. So I'd say somebody's sandbagger prevention logic backfired on them.
Deltona Hills has rolling hills, mature trees, sand and water. Bermuda fairways lead to tightly mown, firm Bermuda greens. If you desire a tough layout that's usually in pretty good shape, give Deltona Hills a try. 6,907 yards. 74.1 Rating, Slope 132. Phone# 386-789-4911 www.deltonahillsgolf.com
