From Rough To Green

…. or golfing with the wolves. Golf up here on the Last Frontier can be an adventure. I have been concentrating on my putt at Moose Run Golf Course when a black bear decides to show up and walk through the fairway.
I have been hitting balls at the driving range and seen a black bear napping at 250 yd marker. Yep, I was hesitant to hit with my driver – I might have had a great day that could have ended to having a pissed off bear disagreeing with me.

Last week I headed out to Moose Run playing the Creek course, more challenging out of two courses the club has. And the course that has truly become my favorite this summer. I worked with a Pro at Grayhawk, AZ, on my swing, and one of the biggest changes we made was my grip from rather neutral toward stronger. Oh boy, how much difference it has made: not only increasing the distance but also increasing the consistency and most importantly confidence. And the slice problem is practically gone.

But back to my round on the Creek course. The 9th hole of the course is a Par-5 that has two hazards to cross: one huge ditch – or that is used to look like to me, and a river both with tight, narrow landing areas. I had never played this hole to the par until last week. I was standing at the tee, looking towards the flag, and getting ready. I started with my 3-wood, and landed perfectly on the edge of the first hazard. Next shot with a 7-iron to the fairway on the river bank. And then with an 8-iron to the green. That was my perfect plan, which worked perfectly. The shots over the hazards were perfect golf, the heartwarming “click” sound when you have the club’s sweet spot sending the ball out to its way. And if only my putt had been perfect, it would have been a birdie but from bogeys to par, I can’t complain. Next I will be after the birdie.

When I was picking up my ball from the whole, I saw a gray, furry four-legged friend jogging around. First thinking it was a big dog. But wait – dogs on the golf course?!? Not very likely. Yes, it was a wolf on his morning run. Seeing a wolf and playing a perfect hole-  how cool is that!? Despite short playing season and sometimes very hungry mosquitoes, golf can be quite an experience in Alaska.

Moose Run: Creek Course