Golf in the
"Biggest Little City in the World!"

A couple weekends ago, my co-worker buddies and I hit the road, driving up in our pimped-out Ford Explorer rental to Reno, NV to join JJ's family for an annual golf mini-tournament. Aside from the almost 13 total hours of travel time, we were super psyched for that coveted hobby we have come to love - GOLF!

DAY 1: Lake Ridge Golf Course

Format: 2 teams of 3; best-ball play; no handicaps; winning team receives $20 per individual.

We were fortunate in that the course marshall started us off in what is called "shot-gun" fashion, by letting us start on hole 14, while other teams are started on different holes throughout the course as their first start off hole. (the benefit is that it relieves golfer congestion and maximizes player satisfaction). While it took about 6 holes for me to warm up my Drives, my trusty teammate JJ had his game-on. I did have decent middle shots and putts, but combined we had a balanced team effort.

Check out the absolutely awesome Hole 15. The tee box is elevated about 300 feet above the green level, 190 yards to the green, which is on an island. Yes, on an island!!! On this hole, we were given 3 chances each to hit it on the green. I biffed 3 times.

The competition was close. How close? The margin of victory was 1 stroke, almost down to the wire. JJ and I dug deep for the win. Whew, cuz we were sweatin bullets, but hey, no pressure!And for the record, this course was very good looking course.

Later that night, we enjoyed all-you-can-eat sushi at the Atlantis Hotel & Casino. To cap the night off, I played a little roulette and won me a cool $60. (using the hit-n-run strategy, I made approx. $160 total, from 3 separate sittings). Look-out Vegas, here I come!! ha ha.

Day 2: Wild Creek Golf Course

Format: same 2 teams of 3; best-ball play; no handicaps; winning team receives $40 per individual.

Man, I tell you, even though I warmed up with a 1/2 bucket of balls, I still had a cold start that lasted me through about the first 4 holes. Once again, JJ brought his A-game Drives. I took some time the previous night to assess my putting snafu's, and this day my putts were a lot better. We needed all we could get...thank goodness for teammates!

Talk about pressure, like the previous day, the competition went down to the final hole. JJ & I pulled even within our threesome. We looked to JJ's dad, in the other threesome, to pull us through. On Hole 18, it came down to the last putt. And sure enough, JJ's dad putts the clincher. What a round! What a weekend!

This post is dedicated to my homees, JJ & BI, and to JJ's dad and family for setting up the weekend, and showing us generous hospitality, AND let me not forget, for bringing their A-games!

(More pictures to follow)