Another February is in the books and the 11th rendition of the annual Myrtle Beach experience proved one of the most successful to date. Those reviewed gave all facets of the trip excellent marks (nobody had the nuts to criticize Mother Nature for that Saturday round). Somehow amid the controlled chaos of planning the trip, Jeff managed to post four consecutive counters and win the overall event by a wide 22 stroke margin over 2nd place Richard.

The painless flight and early arrival of the Flyboys permitted a relaxed Two Club Tournament (split by the Scotts) and a feast at Bennejamins. After a comfortable (for most) stuffing, we headed back to Ocean Isle to enjoy the warm sunset from our deck high above the marsh. The Driveboys arrived around 10:00 after their practice round at Cheraw, dinner and beverage procurement. Fat Far Side types occupied the hot tub and it would have to wait until night #2.

The Roommates event was to be our only late morning round and it allowed a leisurely morning to experience the Trade Winds' breakfast, prepare mentally for the day, and hit a few balls on the range. The drive to The Gauntlet proved to be more difficult than driving on the course as Mapquest lost all respect (not that Bald Head Island, NC isn't a nice community). The team of Jeff and Vince took the Roommates' Tournament for the second consecutive year posting a best ball round of -7. The Ping Team also took the 1st round of the Manufacturer's Title by 13 strokes over the Titleist Team.

Back at the condo for the evening Tom performed the Everyone Is A Diamond ritual and the victory was celebrated with a cigar in the hot tub. The thermometer stayed in the mid 40s for day two as rain and drizzle kept muscles tight. The hot tub felt good again that night, especially for winners Jeff and Tom.

Sunday dawned cold and windy and our 9:30 tee time seemed especially early. Thankfully clear skies prevailed and despite the wind, the day was deemed "nice." Jeff continued his streak of the Best Balls with partner John as they cruised to a 5 stroke win over Vince and Rob. By now the post round cash out was becoming mundane (unless you drew Jeff).

Sunday was number 3 for the Ping Team causing the Titleist Team to conceed defeat. A stop at Havana Ray's and the usual evening recipe followed the round. Tom's lap in the ice cold outdoor pool earned him respect, but soaked the audience staying warm in the hot tub.

Departure day arrived with the tournament all but decided, and Angel's Trace would not present the type of challenge that could change the tide, although it did interrupt Jeff's sweep of the Best Balls. The team of Richard and Brian P. Cheech and Chonged appropriately for a one stroke win over John Y. and Tom. The one hour frost delay gave Mother Nature time to warm the North Carolina air into a perfect golf day. The sky was blue, the grass was green, the breeze was calm and all was well (okay, the golf was suspect for some). Myrtle Beach 2002 ended on a high note. The drivers and flyers all made it home with enthusiasm at an all time high. Bring on MB03!