I gotta tell ya, choosing where to play golf around here is tougher than reading a breaking putt. Last Tuesday, I grabbed my clubs early morning dead set on testing why so many regulars swear by MC Riley over our other local tracks. Had my notebook ready, took legit notes all day.
First I Hit Oak Hills
Rolled up at 7 AM sharp. Starter barely looked up from his phone when I paid. Fairways looked patchy like my grandpa’s lawn – dry spots everywhere. Hole 7’s green? More craters than the moon. Overheard two guys in the parking lot arguing about slow play. “Wasted my whole morning,” one snapped while chucking his putter in the trunk. Couldn’t argue with him – our foursome waited 15 minutes every tee box after the turn.
Then Tried Pine Creek
Figured I’d give that new place by the highway a shot. Website pics looked mint. Reality check: bunkers were concrete mix, clubhouse smelled like moldy towels, and holy moly the noise! Construction vehicles next door were beeping nonstop. Saw three different groups just walk off the course by hole 9. Pro shop guy shrugged when I asked about conditions: “Corporate ain’t givin’ us the budget, man.”
Finally Got To MC Riley
Immediate difference walking in. Old dude at the counter remembered my name from two years ago. Practice greens rolled smooth as my kitchen counter. Actual shocks:
- Marshall actually enforced pace – kicked slow players ahead of us
- Free ice water stations every 3 holes (90-degree heat!)
- Fairways so lush I felt bad taking divots
At the turn, I asked Jerry – retired guy who plays daily – why he’s here 5 times a week. He tapped his beer glass grinning: “Maintenance crew treats this place like their own backyard. Plus you ever seen a golf cart cleaner?” Wiped down every cart with actual disinfectant while we watched.
Sinking that last 15-footer on 18, I finally got it. Yeah MC Riley costs six bucks more than Pine Creek. But that six bucks buys drinkable tap water, grass that’s alive, and staff treating you like their cousin. Wrote in my notes in all caps: IT’S NOT ABOUT PERFECT. IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE WHO GIVE A DAMN. Saw four groups hand their cards directly to the pro begging for next week’s tee times. Copying them right now.
