The Great Circle of Development - Originally Posted 06/15/2011 

Judge Smails  - Originally Posted 04/28/2011 

Most if not all golfers are familiar with "Caddyshack" and the character, Judge Spaulding Smails.  The Judge was introduced early in the film and many of his lines and actions are now deeply ingrained in American Golf psyche.  The Judge happened to be playing a match which included his faithful foursome of Bishop Pickering, Doctor Beeper and his grandson, Spaulding Smails III and as he queried caddy, Danny Noonan regarding Ty Webb's capabilities, he purposely kicked his ball from under a tree into the fairway while invoking an interpretation know as "winter rules"...("hrummph...don't count that, I was interfered with")...

Was the Judge wrong to do this?...absolutely...as we all know the Rules of Golf are sacred to "The Game" and to violate or break them is more heinous than committing murder...(ask O. J. Simpson)...but there are underlying precedents and circumstances which have tempered The Raptor's interpretation of The Rules of Golf and as such a series of "local rules" have developed which require further discussion and debate.

First...Blue Tees/White Tees.  As I mentioned in prior messages, The Roster now has over 50 players and they have variable ages and playing capabilities.  More than likely a large percentage of these players would "prefer" to play from the white tee boxes. The Raptor is ambivalent on this subject.  Regardless of whether I play from the blues or the whites I play the same game...I suck and I admit it.  During this first month of the season, our skin games have been conducted from The White Tees.  So far this has not produced too much controversy but it has been brought to The Raptor's attention that playing from The Whites is unacceptable to some of The Roster.

So moving forward, here is the plan...for this weekend, the skin game will be conducted from the White tees. In order to obtain your handicap for the net game, do not use the published white tee handicap...instead call up your calculated on screen handicap...this is also known as your local or "L" handicap.  It is probable that your "white tee" handicap may be lower than you "L" handicap.  If you are too dumb to know how to do this, The Raptor feels extremely sorry for you.

If you feel compelled to play from the Blue (or Black) tees...feel free.  If you do not want to participate in the skin game, The Raptor will fully understand. But for those who play from the Blues and would like to play skins, The Raptor will award you two additional handicap stokes for the "net game"  So, when you turn in your score card for the skin game, if you are a 5 handicap on the screen, you will be a 7 handicap in the skin game (if you play from the blue tees) and carrying this extrapolation one step further, if you decide to play from the black tees....and you are a 5 handicap on the screen, you will be a 9 handicap in the skin game. 

Starting on Saturday, May 7th, the skin game will be conducted from the Blue tees. In order to obtain your handicap for the net game if you play from the Blue Tee Boxes, call up your calculated on screen handicap...this is also known as your local or "L" handicap.  

If you feel compelled to play from the White tees...feel free.  If you do not want to participate in the skin game, The Raptor will fully understand. But for those who play from the Whites and would like to play skins, The Raptor will deduct two handicap stokes for the "net game"  So, when you turn in your score card for the skin game, if you are a 15 handicap on the screen, you will be a 13 handicap in the skin game (if you play from the white tees)

Carrying this extrapolation one step further, if you decide to play from the black tees....and you are a 5 handicap on the screen, you will be a 7 handicap in the net skin game. 

Second..."The Breakfast Ball"...this local rule was developed in some other time and in some other place, but it goes something like this...while executing the first shot of a round, it's possible that the shot will be so awful that the ball will either be lost or so far off the fairway as to be in the deep woods or out of bounds....heck of a way to start a round...The Raptor can recall a round a couple of years ago where a "hit till your happy" local rule had been implemented on the first tee since on that particular day a player in the group had managed to hit at least 4 or 5 of his attempts with a majestic slice which saw the shots sail so far right as to be down in the third fairway.  If your at all familiar with Golf In America, than you probably know that famed golfer, Arnold Palmer, owner of the Bay Hill Club has a Breakfast Ball rule in effect there…now isn’t that special!

The Breakfast Ball rule at WWGC was more than likely implemented in those early golf seasons prior to the building of the practice range.  Even though the range has been around for a couple of seasons now, there is still a need for the Breakfast Ball since most players on The Roster don't even know where the driving range is...even though they drive by it every time the come to the club...unfortunately for purposes of conducting the weekend skin games, Breakfast Balls will not be considered...if you are wild off that first tee, figure out a strategy to get in play, even if it means hitting a five iron.  The way I figure it, if The Raptor can keep it in play, so can you.

Third, "Winter/Summer Rules"...playing a game of golf supposedly is built upon some long ago circumstance which introduced luck into the outcome in addition to the skill....yawn...here is The Raptor's take...read the newspapers...especially tomorrow...when you read the paper tomorrow morning you will find out that hundreds of people died last night during violent tornadoes down in Alabammy.  So what does this have to do with Winter Rules?  It's highly unlikely those por SOB's were worried about Winter Rules while they were getting swept into the vortex of a 200mph twister...if you are the kind of player that gets pissed off because we have been playing Winter Rules during the past several weekends at WWGC you are obviously incapable of realizing that it's possible to modify a rule on occasion to make playing the game a tad more enjoyable. 

So, in order to create some sense out of this chaos, here is my plan regarding "Winter Rules"...if the club implements a "cart path rule" and mandates "carts on the path" the game will be played as winter rules in your own fairway.  So, if you find yourself in some standing water, or perhaps you have some mud on the ball...go ahead...rub it off...and if you feel this is a drastic violation of The Rules...read the paper.

Fourth...divot in the fairway...this is the Rule of Golf that most absolutely pisses The Raptor off to no end.  I really hate it when I hit one of my patented high draws off the tee which is right down the middle of the fairway only to find the ball resting in a divot.  So, during 2011, if you find yourself in a divot, in the fairway at WWGC, a local rule has been implemented which will allow you to drop your ball at nearest point of relief.  If you are offended by this violation of The Rules...read the paper.

Fifth...goose crap...if you are in the vicinity of goose crap on the golf course whether it is on the fairway, rough, tee or green and it is affecting your shot. a local rule has been implemented which allows you to move your ball rather than moving the crap, which is a loose impediment.  If you are offended by this violation of The Rules...read the paper.

Sixth...hazard and OB stakes.  Due to the poor weather and staffing issues, the golf course is not marked yet.  Eventually there will be red, yellow and whites stakes up...In the meantime, Use some imagination in your interpretation of the shot you just hit.  If you have just hit a massive hook which has broken a window in a condo to the left of the first fairway, you have obviously gone out-of-bounds.  That's pretty simple.  If you are playing the fourth hole and you chili dip your wedge into the creek…lateral water hazard...if you can't use your imagination, The Raptor feels sorry for you.

Summation….The Humiliation of Knowing The Score…The Raptor knows the score…there are some individuals involved in this dance who have moved in an opposite direction from a unified group and have decided to go their own way, rather than be told who to play with, where to play from and at what time. Perhaps they have become uncomfortable with the thought that they would have to play a game and not play “by the rules”…or maybe due to philosophical differences they have decided to create their own game and in the process lobby members of The Roster away…this is absolutely humiliating to The Raptor.  The accidental creation of the Roster wasn’t my idea…it was a natural progression in an attempt to make a club out of a bunch of individuals.  When I see those contrarians around the club, I know by the look in their eyes and the way they carry themselves that they object to all these local rules…they object to lowering themselves to commonality…they object to having some fun and instead would rather keep to themselves in an effort to avoid revealing how sad and pathetic their lives are.  But, even though I am humiliated by these developments I will continue to attempt to make a meaningful impact for the rest of those individuals who can “hang in there”…

Now What Do We Do? - Originally Posted 03/31/2011 

Good Day Friends...hope all is well. The Raptor is here to tell you that I am looking out the window of my office and enjoying the pretty scene as a fresh dusting of snow has blanketed the turf and set aside any plans to kick off the golf season this weekend.  Many of Whispering Woods Golf Clubs (WWGC's) finest have checked in with The Raptor in hopeful expectation of some action.

It's been an unusual winter as snow began falling in December and has been a constant irritant since.  The golf club that the Raptor calls home has some nagging issues on the table and it centers on a continuing erosion of a certain group of golf members which The Raptor shall deem as "playahs"...for the are the elite of the game...as we know it.

What does that mean?...in a nutshell golf is a game/sport/activity which gives the participants the capability to settle into ability categories ranging from the scratch playah all the way down the chain to the jovial chop.  In most cases, playahs are incapable of jocularity or good natured joy and instead adhere to a creed of stoicism and calculated grimness...many playahs are also curmudgeons...

Now on to the rest of the story...last season saw the WWGC Club Championship won by Ron Colman...

The compelling story here is obviously the Father-Son tandem displaying the trophy signifying the "Champion Golfer Of The Year" but in order to understand how far WWGC has fallen in four golf seasons consider that the Championship Flight has 12 participants and the first flight had 9.  The second flight has about 10 golfers and the third flight which is posted behind Ron's cap had 6.  These 37 playahs made up roughly half of the member base which golfed regularly at WWGC in 2010.

Now fast forward to 2011.  The Raptor has polled the playahs and has found that several of them are relocating to other clubs in the area.  Lake View County Club now boasts to have a least 4 of the 12 individuals who played in last years Club Championship on their roster for 2011 Including the previously pictured Coleman family.  And Lawrence Park Golf Club has picked up at least three WWGC members who were instrumental in consuming massive quantities of alcoholic beverages while golfing which is bound to put a dent in the expected annual revenue that WWGC was hoping for in it's quest to remain a going concern.

In addition, The Raptor can identify about 5 playahs who golfed regularly at WWGC last season who will play this season...not as members...but as "publics".  This little known loophole is bound to gain traction in years to come and it works something like this.  For 2011 the annual membership at WWGC costs $2,200.00.  A perk available to members...if it can be called that...allows members to bring guests or "publics" which receive a 10% discount on the cost of "greens fees".  For 2011 a weekend greens free will be about $50.00 ($45.00 after discount) and this includes the cart.

Work with me here gang...a saavy public playah could finagle his (or her) way into a group and pay $45.00 per round and come away with a reasonably good time and about $1,000.00 in his pocket if he were to play say...20 times a season.  This is a big problem from the expected revenue standpoint as the previous season's member count generally numbered in the range of 125 to 150 members....each paying about $2,000.00 per season or about $250,000.00 per year in revenue.

For 2011 with membership levels settling in at a lower range of probably 100 to 125 playahs the expected revenue will drop to about $230,000 and the publics will add about $5,0000.00 to $7,500.00 in additional revenue.  This amounts to a potential $15,000.00 revenue drop.  In addition, when it comes time to conduct the Club Championship in August, the scoreboard is going to be extremely thin of playahs.

Sad....so sad....there is a real sense among the better playahs that WWGC's 15 minutes are up. But why?...what are the reasons that this club that had so much potential 3 or 4 years ago is facing a season of discontent...

The Raptor supposes that the primary issue is a clubhouse or lack thereof. You see...playahs demand a home in order to gather subsequent to their rounds and gloat and perhaps pocket some lovin'...even the jovial chop enjoys a comfy room with golf memorabilia.  Unfortunately for them, WWGC's digs are a double wide trailer with a circus tent...

Pictured here is the WWGC Clubhouse (double wide trailer - featuring Mulligan's Bar and Grill)) along with the Cart Barn (circus tent - featuring the Asphalt Bar and Grill)

Another factor which manifested itself in 2010 was golf course conditioning...let's face it...2010 will long be remembered for a number of conditioning issues...these included horrendous sand bunker grooming, pock marked fairways and slow putting surfaces.  No  playah was willing to give the staff at the golf course any slack on these contentious developments.  It was immaterial that the heat and humidity which affected the turf during late June, July and a good part of August had any consequence.  The fact that playahs were inconvenienced was the key and as a result...many of the playahs are "playing" elsewhere in 2011.

Another hot topic which was front and center in 2010 was the inability of the WWGC management to cave into the inordinate amount of pressure put on them by the playahs to cater to every playah whim and fantasy.  Early in the season a rumble ensued when a certain group of playahs which are now referred to by The Raptor as the GOS or "Gang of Six" went toe to toe with management and lost over their desire to play as a sixsome.  Space prohibits The Raptor from expanding on this thread but the complete story can be found in another location on this site so...start digging if necessary.

The management at WWGC is facing a transition in 2011.  When the golf course was under construction several years ago there were a number of hopeful disembodied souls who thought that it would be a perfect venue to grow with.  They joined the club under a pretense that the facility was owned by a dynamic and entrepreneurial individual who had the good fortune to have a "money tree" growing in his back yard.  As a result, playahs from the region figured they could exit their existing clubs where the grass was not too green and settle in a new place devoid of stuffy, superficial types in favor of a malleable new order which could be built from the ground up . 

As one playah stated last season, he felt he had been sold a bill of goods when he joined since there had been constant talk about continued development of quality amenities such as a driving range and clubhouse. That palyah joined in late 2007 and suffered through almost two seasons of anguish waiting for the construction to be completed on "his" driving range.  Then once the range was built he whined and complained and wailed and gnashed his teeth about having to pay $7.00 for a bucket of balls!...you see...that playah felt the range balls should be complimentary with the membership...just like they were at the club he used to belong to.  But, since the owner had a money tree in his back yard...what's the big problem?

In 2011, golf clubs like LVCC, LPGC and LSCC are scrambling to get members to join up and they will do anything to bring em home...consider LVCC the long time home to The Raptor.  During the last season that The Raptor played golf there, the dues were about $250.00 per month and there was an assessment of about $35.00 per month.  The Raptor also paid a clubhouse minimum which was in all likley hood about $600.00 for the season.  So right off the bat the out-of pocket was about $4,200.00.  Now LVCC has instituted a "buddy" program which has generated a positive response among playahs who can "save" a lot of money by joining.  One LVCC member The Raptor spoke to recently chided The Raptor regarding "discretionary" golf club spending since The Raptor had made a case that his eventual club dues for that 2005 season tallied up to about $8,000.00.  Well...WTF...when in Rome...

The base 2011 buddy rate is $1,500.00 and the playah can tack on an optional golf cart package which are purchased in groups of 30 for about $400.00.  So a riding playah can get in the door in season number one for less than $1,900.00 along with a $600.00 clubhouse minimum. If this playah pushes the discretionary spending envelope and plays say...60 rounds, his out of pocket is still less than $3,000.00.  The walking playah can see a serious savings that first season and get away with perhaps a low, low $2.100.00 initial investment.  Wow! It's obvious that these clubs have figured out the tipping point on membership and it's number is not 6-6-6 but about $2,500.00.

As far as season number two goes, the palyah may have to pay a slightly higher club dues but those numbers are indeterminant as savvy clubs will have to resort to probable "side deals" to hold onto certain playahs. This potential side deal will be a sore subject for some players but playahs will greatly appreciate being coddled like a rock star...or they can sulk back to WWGC or go play at freaking Erie Golf Club and settle in for golf hibernation.

So what does WWGC do now...probably nothing...let the chips fall where they may and move on. It will be a great golf season for us chops while the playahs are gloating about how much freaking money they saved while driving 50 miles per round at $4.00 per gallon...

Originally Posted 05/13/2010 

The Raptor has been keenly observing and monitoring the rumblings that are shaking the once quiet reserve know as Whispering Woods Golf Club as it pertains to the newly created rule banning fivesomes

The issue came to boil last Wednesday May 5th in the late afternoon when a group of WWGC members which The Raptor lovingly calls "The Gang Of Six" (GOS) took a liberal view to the fivesome rule and decided to play as a sixsome.

Normally, WWGC is a ghost town on Wednesdays at 5:00PM for a number of reasons...primarily weather related.  However, on this particular evening the weather was decent with temps hovering around 70 degrees.  This has a tendency to bring golfers out of their shanties and hovels since the season here in Erie, PA is both short and not so sweet.  Unfortunately, a thunder storm was brewing in the west and the fireworks that were to explode in our quiet little golf community were not just lighting related.

The GOS teed off a couple of minutes past 4:30PM as a "Gang of Five".  After three holes a new arrival made the GOF a GOS.  As the GOS formed, they were visited by a representative of the WWGC Pro Shop who had apparently received a complaint from a group of players following the GOF.  When the WWGC staffer drove out onto the golf course to establish the severity of the situation, he was told by the leader of the GOS that the GOS had implied immunity of disbandment and that because of their skill level, handsomeness and the set-up of "games" exclusive to sixsomes that they should be allowed to continue with the attempt at pissing off everyone else, regardless of the consequences.

The situation turned ugly if that is a fair assessment when the WWGC staffer contacted the WWGC DOG who promptly drove 15 miles to put an end to the experiment.  There were a few tense moments subsequent to his arrival and after a week of acrimony and recrimination, the GOS has devised new schemes to maintain a level of civility which is unfortunate since The Raptor is always stoked when controversy wakes up the normally sleepy environment which is WWGC.

Fortunately, the brew-ha-ha (SIC) is not over...yet.  It seems that the GOS has produced an eight point manifesto which is similar to Martin Luther's 95 point diatribe posted at Wittenburg in 1517.  The Raptor sensing some juicy reading for this site has decided (against normal channels of decency) to post the manifesto for the GOS and provide running commentary.  So, yoiks away...

"Argument #1 - the pace of play is determined by the slowest group in front of you. In our case, since we were keeping up with the group in front of us while playing 5, the pace of play was being dictated by either the group in front of us or some group in front of them if they, too, were waiting. Since the group behind us was not keeping pace with us, they were a new “slowest” group, determining the pace of play for the group behind them.

I hope this makes as much sense to you as it does to me because this means that a group that is always in step with the group in front of them can never be the problem. Now, I understand pace of play can wax and wane as some holes are played more slowly if balls need to be searched for, etc. but, at the end of the round if a group has held their position, the pace of play can only be sped up by a group in front who is setting the pace.

So, argument #1 is that a group that maintains their position can never contribute to slow play for groups behind them. That being the case, the number of people in the group is irrelevant.

The one thing that makes this more problematic on Wednesday is that it gets dark. So when players and groups do not play with expediency, then those behind them are denied an opportunity to complete their round … or complete it in the light of day."

The Raptor responds...this nebulous attempt at circular logic is impressive!  The Raptor is especially taken with the use of "choice" adjectives such as wax, wane and problematic.  There are a couple of key points here.  The Raptor agrees with this whole theory of "keeping up" with the leading group and this is mission critical.  Unfortunately, if the management of a facility has posited a notice that fivesomes are not allowed...it blows this argument right out of the water.  In addition, it is probable that regardless of the success of the fivesome to keep pace, eventually other groups will ask to play as a fivesome so the pissed-off quotient would increase

Now...here is something for the GOS to consider.  On Saturday, May 8th The Raptor assembled a group of 12 players and there were three (3) foursomes.  The GOS had dwindled to a Gang of Four (GOF) and teed off at 7:50 directly in front of the first group in The Raptor's roster.  The Raptor's group was the second group...teeing off at 8:10.  By the time The Raptor's group #2 arrived at the 16th hole he sensed that there was a slowdown in the pace of play since he could see the Raptor's group #1 lolligagging in the middle of the 17th fairway while the GOF were putting on the 17th green. 

There were no other groups in sight in front of the GOF so that meant that there were no groups for the GOF to keep up with (Argument #1's key point).  Under normal circumstances the GOF...as capable as they claim to be...should have breezed through 18 holes in perhaps 3 and 1/2 hours.  However, their pace appeared to be closer to 4 hours.  The Raptor is wondering...did the GOF play slowly on purpose as a homage to their confrontation on Wednesday?...Was it a "we'll show them" kind of attitude or was there some more logical explanation.

"Argument #2 is, when playing at or around 4:30 – 5:30, 4 hours is not a good pace of play and doing so only robs later groups, players like us who have jobs, an opportunity to complete their round. This may not be a strong argument, but it is a reality."

The Raptor responds...I also am faced with this same circumstance as I am a "working man".  In order to resolve this issue The Raptor has decided to modify my work schedule to get to the club as early as possible to get the round completed.  For starters...I get to work 1 and 1/2 hours early and I take about 2 minutes to cram my lunch down my gullet.  I generally work 8 and 1/2 hours a day - I just do it from 7 to 3:30 - very simple solution...try it.

"Argument #3 is plain and simple, we have proven over and over that our playing with 5 does not hinder our ability to either keep up or play at a fast pace when not held up."

The Raptor responds...ok...this is going to be a difficult argument to counter....hmmmmmm...I've got it...if the WWGC elects to grant the GOS permission to play as a fivesome is there an implied rationale to grant any other gang permission based on a verbal claim of capability?  In the event that the other gang then demonstrates a lack of capability is their permission revoked until they can practice and retest in order to regain permission?

"Argument #4 is that, when you have groups of 5 that exhibit the ability to keep pace, by allowing them to do so, more people can play golf on that day. If a fivesome has to occupy 2 tee times, then on days when the course is full, one tee time is lost. If there are several fivesomes that could have played, 3 or 4 tee times are lost. That is 10-15 players that cannot play, not because the capacity isn’t there, but only because there is a no fivesome rule in effect."

The Raptor responds...again...how many fivesomes could eventually be involved.  The Raptor recalls that a fivesome rule was implemented at LVCC several years ago and eventually just about every group on the course was a fivesome - the accepted pace of play became 4 hours and 15 minutes

"Argument #5. I don’t know if this applies to other groups but it certainly applies to us. We were all country clubbers at one time. We understand the value of having a nice course and understand the cost that doing so entails. Because of this, we are much more aware and much more likely to replace divots that are not our own, to fix several ball marks on each green and rake more than our share of a bunker. I can tell you personally, when I found my ball near and eroded rut in the right bunker on the sixth hole I realized how lucky I was not to have to experience that type of bad break. When we finished the hole I spent several minutes raking the entire corner of the bunker so the next player would not have the opportunity to experience such a bad break. Therefore, in addition to making it possible to get more players on the course, we also help make the course a better place for all who play."

The Raptor responds...does this mean that if your not allowed to play as a fivesome, you will cease policing the facility?

"Argument #6. - Removed from display

The Raptor responds...this argument had some interesting read however, The Raptor could not put it out there.  However it did bring up an interesting issue.  The GOS formerly played at LVCC where fivesomes were allowed.  as a result the accepted pace of play became 4 hours and 15 minutes.  But, a more important piece of the issue was that when the fivesome rule was put in effect, it came with a critical caveat...the players would all have to ride in a golf cart, i.e. no walkers!  This did not deter the GOS as they all walked and as a result their misunderstanding of the rule resulted in less revenue to the club and eventual collapse.

"Argument #7. I think this is true. We played fivesomes last year and, as far as I know, when I paid my money this year that opportunity hadn’t changed. It is a bit unfriendly to have people pay and then change the rules. We have had to deal with this in the past though, and we have shown our loyalty. And I really don’t know who is at fault or if it was beyond anyone’s control, but when I first joined...the range was coming soon and a clubhouse too. Again, we understand many of the complexities that are a part of this business, and we have been patient and understanding."

The Raptor responds...this is the "bill of goods" argument.  In a nutshell, the GOS has become tense over a meaningful attempt at finishing the facility.  The Raptor thinks this goes back to a "wink/wink" implication which has been in effect at WWGC since the facility opened in 2007.  Realistically, there has always been a rule in place against fivesomes.  However, the management gave implied permission for certain groups to play in fives in order to placate them from wholesale flight to another facility.  After all golf courses are a dime a dozen here in Erie and they are all struggling to find players.  In 2010, after an initial decision to allow fivesomes, the management decided not to - it's a plain jane decision which affected two or three groups of players.

As far as the driving range goes...can WWGC defend themselves on this issue...the club opened in 2007 and it was stated that a range was "coming soon".  Unfortunately, soon turned into two years.  Now it is open and it's lovely.  The Raptor was able to work around this situation and it's surprising that someone would hold this against the club.  The GOS joined late in 2007.  There was no range in 2008 but it was "work in progress"...in 2009 the range was completed and opened by the late summer.

Clubhouse?...get ready for bottomless diet pops and delicious tossed salads.  Total revenue...zero...

"Argument #8. - removed from display

The Raptor responds...this argument stated in paraphrase that it was ironic that WWGC DOG could drive out from his home to alleviate the GOS situation but at the same time he couldn't perform normal actions on a day to day basis to alleviate problems such as slow play or somehow keeping rain from falling on the course.  As a result the GOS has leveled a rejoinder to take their ball and bat and go home rather than face another season of disappointment playing in threesomes.  That's what happens when your primary motivation is play with your best friends while engaging in a meaningful competition.  The Raptor suggests compromise here.  Wade out into the void...smile and get more friends...it's a beautiful and horrifying world...forget about the competition

Originally Posted 07/01/09                 

Sad News Golf Fans - The Raptor is reporting heavy damage to he bridge infrastructure at Whispering Woods Golf Club - Check out these compelling pics...

In addition to the damage at the 13th, the bridge over the Raptor's Ravine at the 10th hole suffered a hit as well.

The golf course took the beating rather well with no apparent damage to the tees, fairways and greens...however the sand bunkers were filled with water and the sand had washed away from the edges of most of the bunkers.

The golf club had been in decent shape as of late.  The heavy rain which occurred on June 20th, didn't seem to affect the conditions very much and it is hoped that yesterdays 7 inch deluge will be a temporary setback.

According to Assistant Pro, Kim Kupiniewski, the front nine should be playable today, July 1st, but it could be several days before the bridge repair is accomplished allowing for the reopening of the back nine. Fortunately, there are no scheduled events this week...however, the tee sheet is heavily booked for Friday, July 3rd and the weekend book was filling up as well.   

Saturday September 22, 2007

As The Raptor watches a hard nosed gridiron contest between Penn State and Michigan he has time to add some new developments for your convenience

For starters, the previously mentioned Club Championship was an event that has had extreme consequences for The Raptor  As summer has ended with the advent of Labor Day and the first day of fall, The Raptor has been wrapping up a golf season that has been the best of times and the worst of times.

The season started unexpectedly on May 9th of this year when The Raptor scored a hole-in-one at the 4th hole at Lakeview Country Club.  On May 25th, the Whispering Woods Club opened to tremendous fanfare.  On that day The Raptor was joined by 11 of his close friends playing golf at the new facility.  During the course of the summer,  The Raptor has played over 50 rounds at The Woods.  Many familiar faces have been along for the ride as well as some new ones.

Unfortunately, the season turned south during our club championship weekend held on August 25th and 26th.  For most of the weekend, The Raptor was having the time of his life.  Playing exceptional golf, The Raptor had risen to the lead in his flight after day 1.  Then, playing almost rarified golf, The Raptor scored an impressive 37 during the first nine holes of the second day.

The events that occurred from that point are a subject of controversy.  On one hand, it could be stated that The Raptor had run out of gas and it was the pressure that kicked in.  The Raptor is not prepared to accept this version of the finish.  It should be noted that starting on the 10th hole The Raptor hit a poor drive that ended up in a hazard.

From there The Raptor stumbled to a three putt, quadruple bogey 8.  Now at 5 over par for the day, The Raptor would ultimately have to had played the remaining 8 holes in no more than 5 over par to win the flight outright.

Under normal circumstances this may have been possible.  However, one of The Raptor's opponents initiated a series of frustrating and distracting acts starting on the 11th tee and continuing through the 12th green which led to a three hole meltdown.  After the 14th hole, The Raptor was now 10 over par for the day.

The final 4 holes were anticlimactic and after shooting a 50 on the final nine, The Raptor finished 4th in the tournament.  The Raptor had never been that down about a golf tournament.

Fortunately, its behind us now and we shall move on.

The real news of the day involves the continued developments going on over at Whispering Woods.  For starters The Raptor has recently played with several new members including Ken Appletree and John Torok. In addition, The Raptor has continued to play a little better and has seen his handicap drop to 10 which is how the season started.  

Recently, while playing with longtime golf pals, Lou, Dave and Rick, The Raptor started off in blazing fashion and was 2 under par after seven holes.  Unfortunately several bad swings later, The Raptor limped home with a 10 over par 82.  Such is Whispering Woods.

Rumors still are swirling regarding the driving range and all indications are that it will settle in not as planned near the Skeet Club, but instead in some vacant land behind the Grace Baptist Church.  This is considered by many to be the penultimate development which will alter the dynamic at The Woods and possibly result in some additional member interest which now tallies at about 140.

It should be noted that The Raptor is undergoing elbow surgery on October 8th which will put a lid on golf for 2007.  As the fall and winter progress, The Raptor will attempt to add additional content regarding the changing golf scence in Erie.

Sunday August 19th, 2007

It's been over one month since the fresh thoughts page has been updated.  Today was an unusual rain day at WWGC.  While it wasn't a steady downpour, there were some troubling times on the back nine.  The Raptor donned a rain suit to avoid the constant fussing with the umbrella.  Unfortunately, My scoring capabilities were affected by poor drives on 10, 17 and 18. which led to a ho-hum 88.  

Next week is the WWGC Club Championship.  I am presently a 12 handicap which will put me in the 3rd division.  Interestingly enough, Rick Carlotti has joined the club and plans to compete in the event.

In addition to Rick, the following new members have joined who are present and soon to be ex LVCC members.  Dave Hewett, Lou Natalie, Harry Brown, Dave Yaple, Bill Wisniewski and Dennis Geib. I wouldn't be surprised if others join due to the issues that are in play at other clubs.

Sunday, July 8th, 2007

Today's WW match was especially exciting since The Raptor scored a 82 from the Blue tees which was a pretty low score and was solid all around.  My subject tonight is centered along the continuing series of talking points that are discussed up at the course.

Issue	Comments
The Driving Range	It is apparent that in order for this facility to grow, a range will have to be built.  Unfortunately, it appears that the available land options are limited.  Early on, before the course opened, there was some negotiations being conducted for some land directly next to the area that we now use for parking etc.  However, the son of the present owner of the land is hesitant to sell the land.  Too bad, too because it would have been perfect. After the first option fell apart, the WW brain trust began negotiations with the leaders of the new church being built on Grubb Road.  There is some land available behind the church.  Again, this option seems to be heading nowhere.  Especially after rumors surfaced that the Church is asking a high price for the land in question. Option 3, some smaller version of a driving range may take shape next to the present 10th fairway.  I have tried to gauge how this would shape up as I drive into the facility, but it is very difficult due to all of the dense tree cover.
The Clubhouse	Certainly another important part of the facility.  From what I have heard, the clubhouse will see daylight this fall.  The present clubhouse is actually a tent which the Raptor lovingly calls the "Circus Tent, Cartbarn, Snackatorium, Verandah, Flower Court and Disco Ballroom
Water On Golf Course	It would be nice to have a couple of the traditional water cans on the course, however I have it on good information that cans will not be put out due to health department regulations.
Lack Of Rain	The storage reservoirs are nearly empty and rain is desperately needed.  WW will have to begin using city water to irrigate.  The cost could be heavy as the nightly watering requirement is in excess of 100,000 gallons.
Membership Waiting List	There are now over 65 individuals who have placed their names on a waiting list to become members of WW.  There are two trains of thought here.  Unfortunately, neither of them are helpful. If the owners leave the member roster at 100, it will be great for the current members and give plenty of opportunity for golfers from the public sector to get a desirable tee time. On the other hand, if the owners open up the member roster to include the golfers on the list, what happens if another 50 potential members show up after phase II is implemented.  It would be a travesty if the place turned into another private club, with the affiliated assessments and political bickering.
Fairway seeding program	The holes 10 through 15 are a little behind the curve in terms of conditioning.  The 10th hole is especially rough.  These holes need some TLC in order to get them shaped up.  In addition, the putting greens on 10, 12, 13 and 15 are a little rough.
How Much Is Too Much?	Everybody wants to know how much a membership will cost in future years.  The common theme is that the course will mature and be more desirable so therefore the fees will go up.  Well....duh! If I was betting, I would lay money on the membership raising to about $!,300.00 to $1,500.00 per year which is not too bad, especially since I forked over $1,800.00 sight unseen in March.

Monday June 25th, 2007

This past weekend was an show stopper for the Raptor.  For starters, I played Friday afternoon and got 12 holes in before it became too cold and dark to continue.  My front nine score was a 42 from the Blue tees which is not to bad.  I played with some old pals: Rich, Scott and Ron and we are hoping to start the match over this week.  

Saturday, the weather was outstanding - only a tad chilly in the morning but comfortable.  The Saturday match also included some old golf buddies: Tom, Don and Rick and the group had a blast as we toiled from the Black tees.  Again, I played decent and scored an 87.

Sunday, The Raptor teed it up with WW Members: Scott, Denny and Brian.  Everybody played reasonable well, even though no one scored in the 70's.  I scored an 88 and this brings me to a couple of thoughts about WW in general.

It's important to note that every hole at WW is fraught with peril.  If you are playing the Black Tees, the peril is magnified.  There are no breather holes. Consider:

Hole	Peril	Comment
1	Yawning ditch with carry of over 190 yards marked as lateral water hazard, out of bounds left, large drainage pond left in the driving area, heavy woods right with no stakes, large bunker short right and massive drop behind green	This hole is an ass kicking 445 yards from the Black Tee.  The Raptor clobbered a drive on both Saturday and Sunday and barely cleared the ditch.  The Raptor uses a 3 wood for his approach,  If your tee ball is slightly right of center, the ball will hit and kick dead right and more than likely end up LIW (Lost In Woods)
2	Sharp edge left.  If tee ball is left of green, it may go in large, deep sand bunker, but will more than likely end up LIW (Lost In Woods)	This a relatively easy par 3 and is one of the few easy pars on front nine.  On the initial Member Appreciation Day, The Raptor absolutely almost made and Ace!
3	Big drainage pond left of tee.  Must carry of 160 to 175 yard.  OB and dense woods right.  Dense woods below sharp edge on left.  Left is dead.  Green is flat and hard.	The Raptor would have liked to see a "Tillinghast Green here with some cant from back to front.
4	Dense woods right with out of bounds, swamp creek left with red stakes, rocky face short of green with deep creek bed.  Heavy fescue grass behind green.  Green is about 10 yards wide and is very firm.	Par is rare here
5	Out of bounds right, dense woods left, bunker behind green	The Raptor repeatedly hits his tee ball left here - it is very frustrating.
6	Out of Bounds right, bunkering surround green, sharp edge left.  Ball hit left will hit hard, bounce straight left and be LIW	The Raptor made birdie here on Saturday.  The tee ball was hit slightly right of  the bunker and caromed of a sharp hill.  This allowed the ball to bound over the bunker, on to the putting surface, where it ended up 25 feet from the flagstick - putt reached hole - did 360 around cup a dropped in for the bird.  Because the course managers have established the hole handicap as 10 - it was a net one.
7	Out of Bounds right.  Dense woods left.  Tee ball hit left can easily be LIW.  There is a hazard on the left side about 150 yards from the green.  It is not visible from the area where approach shots are played from.  Sand bunkers surround green.  There is a fairway bunker that can be reached from the tee, even though it is 350 yards from the tee	The Raptor has had pretty good success here - surprisingly
8	Sparse tree cover right - large pond right, out of bounds right, out of bounds left, dense woods left, sand bunker at 125 yards from green, large swampy area short right of green, creek bed behind green	The Raptor can not seem to make a par here!  Let alone a birdie!
9	Yawning ditch with carry of over 130 yards marked as lateral water hazard, red stakes left with sharp edge, ob right with dense woods, row of houses right with large amounts of breakable glass, fairway bunkers right, firm undulating green	No room for error here.  Made par on Sunday with driver - 3 iron approach.  Hole has 14 handicap rating.  This is probably wrong
10	Heavy woods right with potential for ball LIW, swampy area left of tee area with carry of 180 yards, dense woods left, humpy humps in fairway, bunkers surround green.  ball hit left encounters sharp edge.  deep woods behind green.	Hole is 482 yards from the black tees.  The Raptor can not reach it in two shots even with a well hit driver and a well hit 3 wood.
11	Swamp ravine just past gold tee box, deep grass left on exaggerated hill, deep woods right with lateral water hazard	Generally hitting long iron here.  Sunday, hit #2 rescue to deep flag - nearly made birdie
12	Hole resembles a bowling alley.  Deep woods right and left.  Water hazard left and right in driving zone.  Swamp ravine that requires carry of 165 to 175 yards from tee ball driving area.  fairway bunkers, green side bunkers, deep woods left and right of green.	The pro, Rick Rocky has tentatively agreed to name the swamp ravine in the second shot area as the "Raptor's Ravine"
13	Deep woods right, swamp ravine just past tee boxes, swamp ravine about 115 yards from putting surface, woods left in driving area, fairway bunkers, greenside bunkers, green sits on rise, poorly hit approach rolls back down fairway	This holes is a Raptor Fav
14	Par 3 - Swamp ravine just past tee boxes, woods right, greenside bunkers	A relatively easy hole
15	Deep woods right, deep woods left, severe slope right and left.  Right slope causes tee ball to angle to invisible swamp ravine.  Another yawning swamp ravine that is about 30 feet deep requires carry from driving area of about 175 yards. Fairway bunkers near green.  Green is firm.	The Raptor has been over the ravine in two shots - once in about 15 attempts
16	Ravine left and right in driving area.  Fairway is narrow.  Tee ball hit right can end up on exaggerated hill,  Tee ball hit left ends up in hazard invisible from tee	The Raptor is starting to finally make pars here - did it both Friday and Saturday
17	Swamp ravine just past tee boxes, deep woods left and right, red stakes right, fairway bunker left, tree in way on left, creek runs through fairway about 30 yards from green.  red stakes over green.  red stakes right of green	The Raptor finally hit green in reg on Sunday and made two putt par WOW!
18	Yawning ditch with carry of over 190 yards marked as lateral water hazard, heavy woods right with no stakes, heavy woods left with red stakes, large fairway bunkers right, creek bed runs through fairway about 120 yards from green,  two huge deep bunkers guard putting surface, out of bounds right of green	The Raptor hit Driver, 6 iron, 8 iron on to putting surface Sunday and just missed dropping 20 foot par putt.  The Driver was hit well with high powerful draw...it did not reach the fairway.  This hole is 427 on card but plays like 475 yards...it is one of the most difficult par 4's The Raptor has ever played

Sunday June 17th, 2007

It has been an interesting day.  The Raptor hooked up with three other members for a 8:50 tee off time.  Since this was Father's Day, the tee sheet was jammed from 7:00AM till 12:00 noon.  The round went very slow and took 5 hours to complete.  This was frustrating on many fronts.  For starters, it was hot and a tad sticky.  Second, the golfers in The Raptor's group were new to the club, so they did not know the course and it's nuance so there was some time spent looking for balls etc.

Next week, some of my LVCC buddies are coming to soak up the glory and splendor that is WWGC

Saturday June 9th, 2007

Wow! what a day...the Woods decided to push the envelope on memberships and in doing so, the facility now has reached its goal of 100 members.  The buzz started on Tuesday when rumors started to circulate that the rates were going to be lowered to encourage more members to join and more green fees from the public.

By Wednesday night the roster went from 55 to 75 members.  By Thursday night it had increased to 87 members and by Friday night, the tally reached 98 members.  Today two additional new members joined and one potential member dropped out.  However, it still adds up to 100.  

The Raptor recognized several of the new members including, Rich Layden, Thad Z, Jimmy D, Mike Rahner and Jim Pekansky.  In addition, Rick Seus, Doug Villella, Frank Fatica and Tom Gaadt joined too.

Anyhow, the course was busy today and the weather was great.  I scored a legit bird on hole 15 but it got squashed.  My biggest beef moving forward would be a decision by the owners to relax the 100 member cap and all of a sudden, let 25 more members in.  Then take it one step further by letting another 25 members in.  This cycle will continue until enough members are rostered to make it a private club.

I can see myself playing every day this coming week...I wonder what that would be like?

I spoke with a buddy who had considered joining but after several days of analysis, decide against joining.  It was obviously a very tough decision and I could sense a level of disappointment as we talked.  The primary bona contention was how to leave one facility in mid season when there is a support group and morph into a facility where so many unknowns exist... tough stuff

Sunday June 3rd, 2007  

The Raptor has now played three 18 hole rounds and a pair of nine hole rounds since the course opened on May 25th.  I have a number of thoughts spinning around in my pea brain that I must absolutely bring to the browsers.  For starters my scores have been high.  The first round, played Friday Mat 25th was played from the back (black) tees.  The Raptor had few memorable moments, but one that comes to mind was the well struck 4 iron at the 2nd hole which grazed the cup and settled 1 foot 7 inches from the hole!  This gem garnered The Raptor a coveted closest to the pin award and a $50.00 credit in Rich Rocky's pro shop.

Since then, The Raptor has scored 89, 92 and 90 from the blue tees.  I will tell you now that these scores are indicative of the peril that waits the golfer who can't step up.  As an example, on Saturday June 2nd, I hit numerous quality tee shots (11 out of 14 on par 4 and par 5's) but still limped home 20 over par!  I pared 1, 3, 11, and 13.  That's it.  The rest of my approach shots were struck into bunkers, ravines and thick rough that surrounded the putting surfaces.   I tried to make good swings but the doubt crept into my thinking and it left me high and dry.

Again and again The Raptor has heard a familiar cry as I have played at The Woods.  For years now, the top golfers in Erie have been wailing for a harder golf course since the existing clubs have become "pitch and putt dog tracks"...woof, woof.  Whispering Woods is a hard golf course.  However, already everyone is grousing about lack of bail out areas, too many sharp edges and trees that block shots.  

My main beef is that my golf games is so lame that I can't compete against this course.  How else could I shot 80 or 82 at LVCC week in and week out and come to WW and immediately start shooting 90?  

What are The Raptor's favorite holes?  It's a tough call.. My preliminary favorites on the front nine include: 1, 4, 7, 8 and 9 with 8 getting the top nod.  On the back nine Raptor fav's include: 10, 11, 13, 15 and 18.  The top votes go to 15 and 18.  So far, I have 1 birdie in 4 rounds.  That's funny.  

The staff has gone overboard with excellent service.  The grounds crew has been super and is keeping the course in great shape.  The greens were a little crusty last week but were considerably easier to hold this week.  I am still blown away over how close the facility is to my home.  

The Pro Shop is attempting to organize a skin game for Tuesday nights. The Raptor plans to go there and donate.  

The owners spent a considerable amount of money on an access road to the facility.  It is coated with "tar & chip" but it is very smooth and gives the arriving golfers some fantastic views of the back nine, especially the finishing hole.