I saw this "memoir" of a Florida golfer who grew up in Michigan. It is tough to be a golfer in the Michigan winter! Happy Thanksgiving to all of our golfers; whether there is sunshine or snow where you live.

Lousy football, not golf, common thread to northern, southern Thanksgiving

On tour in Southwest Florida

Doug Oselett • November 25, 2009

From the Ft. Myers News-Press

Happy Thanksgiving a day early to all you dedicated golfers. Thanksgiving in Florida sets up for what Thanksgiving should be. A day with family, good food, giving thanks and watching lousy football (Lions vs. Green Bay and Dallas vs. Oakland - I rest my case).

But when I grew up Thanksgiving meant a lot more. I grew up in Michigan. Thanksgiving meant the end of the golf season.

I still had family, good food, gave thanks and watched lousy football, but the writing was on the wall. Or, actually on the thermometer. It was getting cold outside.

Not impossible to still play nine holes when the sun was out and the wind was not howling. Had to play the "leaf rule" to make it fair, as the tall oaks had shed their bounty and unless you hit it in the middle of the fairway, you could look for an hour and not find your ball.

But you knew it was just a matter of time before that white stuff started coming out of the sky and the temperature dropped below freezing and you were out of luck.

Christmas just made it worse. Especially when somebody got you a golf gift. Like a sleeve of brand new Titleist golf balls, or god forbid, a new putter, wedge, driver or golf bag. That was real punishment. That stuff always stayed in plain view in your house - you would never put that stuff in the garage or the basement. You would set it where you would look at it every day, squeeze the grips, take little pretend swings. Hit a few putts on the carpet. And then you would look outside the window at 3 feet of snow with wind chill of minus 14.

But not in Florida. On Thanksgiving you just need to find a course that is open in the morning. Get out there early and get in 9 or maybe 18. Plenty of time to head to the house and cook the bird, say the prayers, and watch the lousy football. God, I love it here!! Happy Thanksgiving, All!!

Hey, don't forget. There are a great couple of weekends coming up for tournament players. This weekend (Nov 28 & 29) Pelican Preserve CC in Ft Myers is hosting the 4th annual Turkey Classic. The course is in great condition and there are still a few spots left in all flights. Call 239-458-0754 for details.

December 5 & 6 has The Verandah Club in Ft Myers hosting a 36 hole stroke play event on both of their beautiful courses. Call 239-458-0754

See you on the tee

Doug