The keys to mastering any sport or activity are practice, preparation and proper equipment. We had none of these. Richard and I play only randomly and our best stab at preparation was wearing clothes. We didn't even know where we were going to play. At first I lead us out to a course Chris and I had played a few months back. This was located slightly out of town, perhaps a 10 minute drive. There was a 2 hour wait for the next tee time and It was crowded anyway.

We asked some locals and they directed us to another course. This was naturally located right outside of the campground we just left. Observation is not one of my better points. "Yeah, it's a nice mountain course." And by that he meant, "I hope you like hiking to find your ball." Ugh.

We finally make it up the hill to where the course is. We get out of the car and zoom, some boy is bringing us a golf cart. Nice. We thank him and put our stuff in. And here's where we find out about proper equipment.

As it turns out, Richard drove up with Ron and they were packed full with other stuff. As such, Richard left his clubs at home. Well, I drove up with Kristine and our stuff was full up, so I was not able to bring my bag. I did however manage to bring clubs and gear. And by that, I mean some clubs and some gear.

Specifically, we had between the two of us, 5 clubs, 1 glove, 1 tee and 1 ball marker. The clubs themselves were a 3-wood, 8-iron, 5-iron, pitching wedge and putter. The comical part about sharing these clubs is that they were mine. First, they're not great clubs. Second, I'm 5'6" - Richard is 6'3".

We get into the clubhouse - such that it was, it was really more of a shack - and pay to play. Wow, almost twice as much as I would expect/prefer. But we'd come this far, we figured what the hell. Off we got, clubs in the basket and the sun shining on us.

Of course, we forgot a club and had to return for it, but no big deal. Throughout the day we were on pace with the group in front of us, so no worries. We had put on sunscreen and bug spray before leaving the campground, so we were good to go. Hell, we even had 9 golf balls. This would be key.

Eventually we had to go and ruin the whole goodness of the scene and day, by actually teeing off. One shank to the left and one to the right, and the round of futility began.