Champagne & Golf - Starting the New Year Right
Now I’ve said it before, but golf in China is extra special. The courses are great. The weather is usually good. The caddies make it easy and fun. But it’s the company that really separates it. Our group of guys that plays regularly really enjoys each others company. And we have a great day of golf every time out! New Years Day set a new high mark. Where else do you start a round of golf on New Years Day with sunny skies and champagne! Yes, champagne.
You see one of the pleasures of our outings is in not only the good company of our partners, but in who our partners are. And one of our playing partners is chef at a nearby hotel. So, on New Years Day…….. He brought champagne!
Of course, the golf club was only able to provide us with paper cups for the occasion, but it was the thought, and it was good champagne!
Golf was great too, even though the team led by the evil Brits won again. Oh well, we had a great time just the same.
More photos of the golf available by clicking here, or checking the link in the right column.
Labels: China golf, Dongguan, Golf, Life in China
Me, Steve, Lucas, and Leon (in front) on the first tee Christmas Day at the Hillview Country Club in Dongguan City, P.R.C.
For more golf photos,
click here.Labels: Christmas, Dongguan, Golf, Life in China
Christmas In China
Well, Christmas Day was certainly enjoyable! In our own little version of Ryder Cup, the Rebels halved the match. (Just can’t call Steve & I “Yankees” – being both from Western North Carolina!) We came from down 2 in the last three holes to split. In fact, I had the chance to secure the fictional “cup” from the evil Brits on the last hole on a fast curving, down hiller, that got away and nipped the cup. But what a great match. And great fun on a beautiful day!
Then it was on to One for the Road for all the Christmas fixings. Had a great meal just in time too. A burning electrical wire closed the restaurant early on this day. So we had to move the party to the reliable Thirsty Dog. At least I had already had dinner by then!
Just hope that doesn’t happen again at the New Year’s Party!
For more photos, click here.Labels: Christmas, Dongguan, Golf, Life in China
Sunset over Harbour Plaza Golf Club at end of long day with the One for the Road Golf Society.
Labels: Dongguan, Golf, Life in China
A Winning Day of Golf
Nothing like a good round of golf, especially when you win. Even if it takes six hours.
That was the case last Friday. It was the monthly One for the Road Golf Society outing. And this one was at a new venue, the Harbour Plaza Golf Club in Houjie. It was a great time, as usually is the case with these little mini-tournaments. But the Harbour Plaza folks were even more gracious in making it a very hospitable and most enjoyable day.
The week had been incredibly stormy, so it was really a surprise we were able to play at all. But arriving at the course by chartered bus for the 30 minute ride, we found beautiful fairways under only partly cloudy skies. We did have to stop several times due to lightning, but it really didn’t dampen the mood. That just gave us a little more time to converse and share the beer from the Pub.
But by evening, our last group, me included, had to finish in the dark. We stumbled in with a bogey on the 18th when we couldn’t find but one ball hit to the green in our “scramble” format. Maybe one was in the cup and we never knew it. Oh well, we still won the tournament by several strokes.
These outings bring together an interesting mix of ex-pats from the Dongguan area. Fifteen teed up on this day. We had hoped for 25, but threatening weather and business commitments reduced the attendance at the last minute. It still didn’t dampen the mood for those of us that attended. It is always good to get together in such a jovial and enjoyable atmosphere to play golf. And as the day winds down, we all seem to make our way back to the Pub to share in more golf tales.
All in all, a very nice day.
Jimmy & Roger watch Carl sink putt for winning team (included me - I was behind camera).
Labels: Dongguan, Golf, Life in China
Now I’ve said it before, but golf in 
Of course, the golf club was only able to provide us with paper cups for the occasion, but it was the thought, and it was good champagne! 
