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I'm ready to explore secret corners of area golf courses

Paul Dehner Jr.

With this being my first summer in South Georgia, I am quickly learning about a couple of basic principles:

• The gnats that nest in every orifice of my face will continue to do so no matter how many times I smack myself.
• I will sweat. There will be no relief.

These lessons, I am learning. But one thing I already know is that no matter where you go in America, the summertime is for golfing.

And Albany is no different.

The sport has become a personal obsession for so many and an excuse to drink before noon for so many others.

Finding the perfect place to partake can be a challenge.

South Georgia, however, offers an abundance of options.

The city of Albany has six 18-hole courses alone. And just a 45-minute drive in any direction more than doubles the possibilities.

So, the question becomes, if you are an avid golfer, or even just a weekend warrior, where should you play?

I am about to be your caddy.

Over the next 10 weeks I am going take you inside every sand trap, blade of grass, tee box, driving range, pro shop and cash register at courses across the area.

Knowing myself, you will get a concerningly accurate glimpse at the woods and hot dog containers, as well.

Once a week through the end of August, I will do a profile of an area golf course and rate it on five different criteria: Conditions, pro lesson, difficulty, value and overall experience.

There also are as many types of golfers as there are golf courses.

For every Tiger Woods-wannabe looking to play the most perfectly-manicured, challenging course, there is another John Daly-wannabe who just wants to know if the round is cheap and the beer is cold.

It is for all makes and models of golfer that I intend to supply information.

The purpose of these reviews is not to tell you what course is the best in the area. That’s not my decision.

It will illustrate what course best fits your game and your golfing experience.

Some duffers swear by the public course they toil in every Saturday, not realizing the value they could receive in a switch to a private country club.

For that reason, the profiles are of not only the public courses, but the two Albany local private clubs, Doublegate and Stonebridge.

The only stipulation is that the courses be at least 18 holes and a par 70.

Not that there is anything wrong with the par 3 courses, but driving the ball long is about the only thing I do well and using only my short game could prove detrimental to my mental health.

I paid $400 for my Nike Ignite driver and you better know I’m going to use it.

The rest of the profiles will range from Albany to Americus to Cordele and all steps in-between.

By the end of the 10 weeks, look for reviews of River Pointe (Albany), Grand Island (Albany), Southwestern Golf Links (Americus), Flint River (Albany), Golf Club of South Georgia-Sunsweet Hills (Tifton), Wolf Creek Golf Club (Americus), Ironwood (Cordele), Georgia Veterans Course (Cordele).

Your course left out? Send an e-mail to paul.dehner@albanyherald.com.

Golf is a game of beauty, respect, tradition and self-determination.

Spoiling those elements with an inadequate experience is a travesty. Not to mention a waste of your hard-earned money.

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