J! Looking down the first fairway from the clubhouse was an awesome sight, the course looked in perfect condition and of course it was. Charlie had warned me about the shape and speed of the greens, he was wrong of course, the greens were even more difficult than he’d told me. Many thanks to Kent Takeda, Dave & Ron Plough for that day’s golf, I had a great time playing with them. The golf was superb and the fun we had on those greens when we managed to hit them was exciting. To "Pathfinder" Ron, keep that putting stroke as silky as it was on the day. Ron was given the job of finding the lines for our team, he never let us down. He was also the course historian, I think he is writing a book about Pasatiempo sometime, with his local knowledge, he should.August 19, 2004
Fellow CBI ‘ites!
It seemed like forever but I’ve finally made it and became a member of that hallowed band of golfers. Was the wait and effort worth it? The only answer to that is a resounding YES. It was a daunting prospect to fly over the pond and into the lions den, a bit like when the original band of golfers set foot in Scotland and went on to meet total strangers at a wee golf course called Niddry Castle, nestled in the shadow of the red bing and overlooking the ruins of Niddry Castle itself. They must have wondered what the heck they had got into. One thing is certain though, the setting may have changed for Penny and myself but the welcome and hospitality was second to none. On behalf of Penny and myself I’d like to thank everyone who attended this years CBI for making us feel welcome. Most of all to Charlie, Mary and their family for opening up their house and giving us the opportunity to join them for the short time we were over.
Charlie and Greg had been trying for years to get me over to play and I was really excited about coming to play the courses and more importantly to meet up with old friends and to meet new friends. I can honestly say that I managed both. To all the CBI golfers who attended I would like to thank you all for the great time I had both on the course and at the 19th hole. To the golf itself, Charlie did an excellent job in setting the pairings. On the Friday I was matched against Jim Retzlaff and playing with fellow Blue Joe Cantu against Bruce Flint. To my fellow players on that day, thank you for such a great time. Bruce creamed every drive off the tee’s and Joe’s short game is superb, it was a pleasure being there to watch those two battle it out. Jim Retzlaff, what can I say about him………………he’s a nutter! I mean that in the nicest way, I’ve never laughed so much on a golf course, his one liners are superb. Aptos Seascape was a beautiful course and I think both Jim and myself saw every inch of it during our game, I came out on top that day but the score does not truly reflect the game, Jim played a tenacious game but luck deserted him at times when it favored myself. Seascape itself is such a nice course, beautifully set amidst the trees and houses, the greens were in superb condition and a pleasure to putt on. My new putter was worth every cent that day.
Moving onto Pasatiempo, what can I say about that course except, it was obvious a Scot had designed it
To the guys in room 117, thanks for the introduction to Bacardi n Coke, as a teetotaler from Scotland it was an eye opener. Ed, I hope your back is getting better after having to sleep on the floor, sorry for tramping all over your bed that night. To Greg, Mike, Jeff, Ed, Donny and all the rest of the gang, hope to meet you all again.
Once again, for all the players who attended and whose names I’ve not mentioned here, thank you for the friendship and the hospitality shown to Penny and myself. Charlie has mentioned about the possibility of the 20th CBI coming on tour to Scotland, if it does I can promise you all a great time both on and off the course, the weather……………………..that’s in the hands of God. If he plays golf I’m sure he’ll be good to us that week.
All the very best gentlemen.
Alex Webster
Production Manager
Fife Fabrications Ltd
Tel: 01592-776729
Email: alex@fifab.co.uk
Charlie and Alex at Niddry Castle, September, 2000