Quails, Birdies and Other Fouls

Quail Lodge in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel, California
Part 2

by Anthony Scaggs
Golf Clubs, Golf Resorts, Golf Courses

As I twist in the sand to set my feet for a firm shot, I think of the Greek myth in which Jason had to sail past the Sirens. Their singing would seduce the sailors into the rocky shores and to their death. Perhaps this is a little dramatic for a wedge shot out of the bunker but effective for explaining why we listen to that little voice in our head. Every time, that I listen to that voice, I get in trouble. Do you? Why do we listen? Golfers must be prone to seduction.

Thank goodness that I am blessed with a golf memory. I only remember the good shots.

The 18 holes at Quail Lodge are beautiful, but I should have paid more attention to the challenges. I do not mind being sidetracked when the surrounding is as beautiful as those at Quail Lodge.

I approached Hole number six. Standing on the tee, it seemed that I was on an island. The Old Man and The Sea came to mind, “Water, water everywhere…” One had to use their imagination to look beyond the water to the fairway and then to the green. The pin was on the back right of the green.

I decided to lay up short and pitch onto the green. Between the fairway and the green is a creek with a high bank, hiding a watery grave for the careless or a least a two-stroke penalty. If one does not study the scorecard carefully, one can turn an attempt for an eagle or a birdie into a turkey. In the adjacent picture’s lower right corner, one can see three fowl fouls that turned into turkeys when an adventurous golfer tried to cut the corner and found the stream.

The beauty of Quail Lodge’s Golf Club is evident at every turn. Holes 14 to 18 utilize the water hazards not only to enhance the challenge of the game but the allurement. The architect and the groundkeepers have created a visual setting that would be the envy of many botanical gardens.

I was fortunate. The course was not crowded and I could prepare for my next shot while looking at the paradise all around me.

While you are on the tee box waiting your turn, look around. You might be surprised.

For further information contact: 
Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club, http://www.peninsula.com/, 800 538-9516

Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Business Association, 831-624-2522
http://www.carmelcalifornia.org/, e-mail carmel@mbay.net

Southwest Airlines http://www.southwest.com/ flies into San Jose and San Francisco from many locations. Golf clubs are counted as one piece of baggage. 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792)

Images:  copyright 1999 Anthony Scaggs