Priceless memories from a rainy day on the links
Kamille Caufield had a question, not for me but about me.
“Why is that reporter still here, following us around in the rain,” Caulfield inquired.
Caufield, a Hamilton Farm GC member with a smooth swing that could mesmerize a metronome, had offered her question to Alicia Kapheim, one of two opponents, including Donna Young, in the NJSWGA Better Ball championship match.
Rain had threatened the semifinals throughout the morning before finally arriving about an hour before those contests finished.
A steady rain fell as players considered an option of playing the championship match under better weather conditions on another day.
Caufield and partner, Cherry Valley’s Donna Cortina, had earned medalist honors on Monday then performed well through a quarterfinal and semifinal.
They wanted to play. So, off they went onto a soggy Cherry Valley CC course. Not without me, either. Cherry Valley CC, a Rees Jones-designed beauty, lured with a promise of another great golf memory.
Caufield and Corrina claimed a 3&2 victory but wins fell into my column as two walking rounds allowed friendships to grow with Young, Kapheim and Susan Sardi, another Cherry Valley CC member. Sardi teamed with Roxiticus’ Barbara Hulke, losing a 2-up decision to Cortina and Caufield.
A personal push to lose weight received help after a nine-hour, 34-hole walk that computed to about nine miles.
Shoes and socks were soaked but a large Shedrain umbrella had kept clothing dry.
It’s great when rain gear or any product exceeds expectations.
A bowl of soup preceded one seriously hot shower and sleep arrived as soon as head touched pillow.
Covering golf on every level has been a passion. Not much has changed regarding a desire to walk golf courses during amateur and professional tournaments.
Media rooms were never an attraction despite the fact that tournament organizers provide every accessory necessary for writers to stay inside.
Plus, rain adds special memories. Ask any golfer about a round played in the rain, especially during a tournament.
“They couldn’t pay me enough to do your job,” Cortina offered during play.
Staying had been more necessity than a requirement.
The Cherry Valley moment connected to a August 1985 Walker Cup championship played at Pine Valley CC.
The Walker Cup is an amateur competition played by U.S. and Great Britain every two years.
Memories remain from that day although recollection of British amateur players would be a challenge.
Colin Montgomerie? Yes. The U.S. contingent included notables Davis Love III, super-amateur, Jay Sigel, Sam Randolph, Duffy Waldorf, Jay Haas and Scott Verplank.
It’s 1985 and Pine Valley grass implants under my feet.
When golf became a love affair, Pine Valley registered as a paramour, especially since the course breathed in Clementon, not far from Clementon Lake Amusement Park, a boyhood haunt just 15 minutes from my hometown of Winslow.
Three decades have passed since that rainy day at Pine Valley.
Sunny days and golf represent mundane reality unless played on some fantastic golf course.
Walking in the rain with a good umbrella?
Priceless.