Rain? Only an 80% Chance . . .

It seems that every Wednesday (my golf league night), we've had a rainy forecast. 80% chance has been seen multiple times in the last month or so. We go out with our rain gear and start play, get drizzled upon, then the clouds part, the sun comes out and we play in wonderful conditions.

Last week I went to Oscoda, to Lakewood Shores Resort, and we had the same forecast for Tuesday - our 'all day' golfing day. Our luck held out again. A little drizzle on and off for an hour or so, then a beautiful day. What luck.

I golfed 18 with a group from my league on Sunday. We're meeting for breakfast and golf, switching courses and restaurants every week. Hawk Meadows was the venue for that week.

Then I left for Oscoda Monday morning, played 29 holes (till dark), 36 more on Tuesday, and golfed the league Wednesday night. I pre-played 5 bonus holes before the league, too, for a total of 97 holes in 4 days. I think that's the most I've ever golfed in four days and I have to admit I was a bit sore afterwards. A restful Thursday and a good morning workout at the gym on Friday seemed the right thing to fix me up.

Lakewood Shores Resort was a lot of fun. The Gailes course was very tough (Scottish links style course), Blackshire was challenging with a lot of hazard all the way across numerous fairways, and the Serradella was my favorite. We had a great package deal for an overnight stay Monday evening and 36 holes on Tuesday for $139/person. Our 'extra' 18 during the day Monday was $25/person. They have a lot of great weekday and weekend packages and the four of us are talking about making this an annual trek.

Friendly staff, good food, and there was a chip and putt set of holes behind the lodging where you could practice, too. They let you take coolers out there and we saw numerous groups taking advantage of that feature. We didn't get a chance to use that particular facility, but it looked like a better way to spend your time than watching television.

If you go up to Oscoda, find the Wiltse's Brew Pub. Very good food and an interesting mix of beers. Stay away from the 'Crippler' - 10.5% ABV - or have a DD ready to step in. The Au Sable Inn is very good, too.