The last few summers I’ve taken a summer membership at the Meadowood Golf and Tennis Clu in Fort Pierce, Florida. I could not be happier…not only with the course, but with the people who work there.

First, there are the cart-men

• Jim
• Bernie
• John
• and Bill

All who make the transition from the parking lot to the golf course a breeze. In the pro shop there’s Travis – the head golf Pro PGA professional, Terry – Golf Professional PGA life member (and my golf instructor), Jeremy – also a golf professional and Branden – yes, another pro. These pro’s are extremely knowledgable and handle all of your equipment, lesson and tee time needs.

Speaking of tee-times, a summer membership means that I deal with less traffic and easier to get tee-times as well.

Meadowood offers a championship course (this was Sam Snead’s home turf. From the Costco sized practice area, the large driving range, sand and fairway bunkers, coupled with a huge chipping and putting area, this club has EVERYTHING the golfer needs.

I have found the course to be a challenging yet fair test for golfers of every level. Low handicappers play the long tee’s and hacker’s like me play upfront and have a challenge and great fun.

My summer membership includes

• Unlimited Range Balls
• 7-day Advance Tee Times
• Pool
• Tennis Courts
• a Fitness Center
• Full-Service Bar and Dining
• 10% Discount in the Pro Shop
• 9 holes $13
• 18 holes $20

The cost for all of this? $250 for 6 months (May 1st – October 31st).  They also offer a $1200 summer membership with no cart fees as well.

It may be the beginning of August, but there is still plenty of time to get your money’s worth at a great club.

• For more info on this or other memberships, visit Meadowood Golf and Tennis online
• Or call the pro shop at 772-464-4466

Maybe, Just Maybe 

Last week Callaway Golf announced its family of Epic Forged Irons,  Epic Flash Hybrids and a full Epic Star Family of Products. Arriving in a little over a week (August 2, 20a9)…just in time for my BIRTHDAY (August 1st). I might just bite the bullet and BUY.

Callaway Epic Forged Irons Photo courtesy of Callaway Golf

Developed with premium materials these irons are beautiful. Honestly, my game needs something and anything incorporating this kind of beauty is a plus.

“This is an extremely premium club with best in class precision engineering” – Dr. Alan Hockwell R+D Callaway Golf Company.

It sounds too good to be true

Epic Flash Drivers Photo courtesy of Callaway Golf

This new series of clubs are made with the company’s longest distance-enhancing technology. The new Epic forged line is crafted particularly for slower swing players who want to hit the fall farther. WHO DOESNT WANT THAT?

August 2nd

Feeling patriotic with these Callaway CHROME SOFT TRUVIS Stars & Stripes Photo courtesy of Callaway Golf

The question is, will my wife get me this miracle set of clubs that will totally reform my game? NO, she’ll probably get me a $50 gift certificate and a dozen Callaway balls from Moon golf like she did last time….but, I can dream.

• Epic Forged Irons
• Epic Flash Hybrids
• Epic Forged Star Irons
• Epic Flash Star Driver

Available at pro shops, golf stores and online at CallawayGolf.com

The smallest piece of golf equipment is likely one of the most important. I’m talking about those spikes on the bottom of your golf shoes. Years ago they were metal, but that’s just a memory for us old-timers now. Today, most clubs allow soft-spikes only on the course.

a bag of spikes

Beyond simply cleaning your spikes

Its recommended that you change spikes every twenty to twenty-five rounds of play. I’m going to assume that that is a number put out there by spike/shoe manufacturers. Then again, for most people, that works out to changing your spikes every 1-2 seasons of play.

You’ll need a spike wrench and new soft spikes.

Don’t slip because of worn-out spikes

It’s easy to change them. Head to your pro-shop or your favorite golf store. You’ll need a spike wrench and a package of soft spikes – approximate cost $5 – $15. Be sure to check that the spikes use the same system for your particular shoe. It turns out (after buying the wrong ones) that there are eight different cleat systems. Luckily your pro or store should know which brands of golf shoes align with each of the cleat systems.

Changing your golf soft spikes

Changing your spikes is easy to do and takes about 10 minutes to do.

Removing old cleats

OLD spike

1. Take your golf shoe and turn it over.
2. Using the wrench & place it in the appropriate holes on the cleat
3. Turn counter-clockwise. The spike should come out easily.

Shoe with old spike removed

To put in a new one

1. Marry the wrench and the new spike.
2. Place the spike system onto the bottom of the shoe.
3. Turn clockwise.

That’s IT! You’ll now have a slipless and grounded golf shoe. I hope that it improves your swing and don’t forget to take a golf lesson to help your swing as well.

It’s Thursday evening and I’m in a cold sweat. My stomach is in knots, and my bowels are turning liquid. It can mean only one thing –

GOLF LESSON FRIDAY!!!

I have a membership at Meadowood Golf and Tennis Club, a great place. This was Sam Sneads home course and it’s just around the corner from me. Everyone who works there is as nice as nice can be, from the pros to the gentlemen that handle the golf bags and maintain the course (shout out to John, Jim, Bill, and Mr. B).

My coach Terry meets me on the practice range…at high noon…its a showdown

“Take it back slowly and turn, watch the club hit the ball”

DIVOT

“Take it back slowly”

BIG DIVOT

“Turn”

HUGE DIVOT!! I start feeling very sad for Terry.

I can feel the groundskeepers looking at me. Then it happens….a swing…a click…and a high arcing golf ball framed against a deep blue sky. It’s like being in church, the cathedral of golf. But, that’s golf for me, 99% tragedy and 1% miracle.

On to the chipping range. It should be easier but it isn’t. The ball either goes nowhere or takes off at supersonic speed. Last seen headed toward the parking lot, I need a backstop like the Green Monster at Fenway. But, as bad as it gets there’s always one shot that brings you back.

See you next Friday Terry, for that 1% miracle.

Want to learn more about where I play golf? Visit:

Meadowood Golf & Tennis Club

9425 Meadowood Dr. – Fort  Pierce, FL  34951 – (772)466-4000