Caledonia Golf and Fish Club

I had been told about the drive into Caledonia and how it resembles something out of "Gone With The Wind". I can't comment on that, since I haven't seen the movie, but I will say that the drive in is truly beautiful. The main road into the course is lined with stately old Live Oak trees filled with Spanish Moss. They provide a canopy affect that reminds me of drive through a southern plantation.

When I dropped off my golf bag, I was greeted by an affable chap named Mark who gave me some valuable information about the course. He pointed out the 18^th hole in particular, and told me that it can be especially daunting to people who haven't played the course before. He mentioned that some of the golfers will assemble after their rounds (and after a beverage or two) on the back porch of the clubhouse and watch as people hit their approach shots to the green, frequently breaking into raucous applause. This made me a bit nervous, as I don't usually do well with an audience.

Once inside the clubhouse, I met a very friendly and knowledgeable young man named Daniel. He provided me with some additional insight about the course and wished me well. He also gave me a scorecard and suggested that I pay close attention to the depth of the greens, as it can be as much as a two club difference from front to back. He was right on target with this advice. 

I proceeded very slowly to the first tee, to take in as much of the plantation-like ambiance as possible. As I was getting ready to play, two of the members drove up and offered to show me around the course. I was grateful for the company, as I usually don't play alone. I was also happy about the prospect of playing with people who knew the course and could offer some insight. Corky and Steve seemed to be in the middle of a hotly contested match, and it was fun to watch the golf, and the verbal jousting.

I found Caledonia to be in exquisite shape. The par fours range in length from 319 yards to 423 yards from the white tees and have plenty to offer in terms of variety and challenge. I really enjoyed the 323 yard seventh hole. A mammoth oak tree guards the green from the middle to the right side, leaving two options for the approach shot: play to the left part of the green or loft a very high wedge over the tree. I chose the latter, hitting a splendid pitching wedge to 20 feet, much to the surprise of Corky and Steve. I'd like to say that I sunk the putt for birdie, but it was not to be.

The par fives also have plenty to offer in terms of variety and challenge. Ranging in length from 477 yards to 518 yards, they offer the perfect risk/reward ratio. My favorite was the 477 yard eighth hole. After a decent drive and an easy six iron, I had about 80 yards over a pond to the pin. I hit a lazy little wedge that landed five feet short of the pin, clanked off of it, and settled four feet away. I'd like to say that I sunk the putt for birdie , but we've been down this road before.

I played the back nine by myself, as Corky and Steve had already played it, and I really got to take my time and enjoy the beauty of the course. When it came time to tee off on the 364 yard, par 4 18^th, I really wanted to make a good showing for the people who were out on the back porch of the clubhouse. I was relieved when I hit a good drive ( by my modest standards ) and left myself  roughly 120 yards to the pin. I hit a towering wedge to about 5 feet and waited for the applause. The crowd , however, was strangely silent. When I got to the green I understood why. No one was out there watching. As I lined up the birdie putt , all I could think was, great...I'll birdie the hole and no one will see me do it. Of course I sunk the putt.