27 for the Front Nine

The Palm Lakes Par-3 golf course is a wonderful thing.  Not because you can work on your short game, or because it's cheaper than a full round, but because of the atmosphere that it creates.  It's not pretentious or stressful, and creates a great opportunity for new golfers or rusty players who want to take an hour or so to play some golf.  Nobody is going to make fun of you, or tell you to hurry up; after all, it's a 3-Par.  If you want to play a serious round of golf, go play at Vellano or Los Serranos.

Chip shot

The sunny California Christmas weather was perfect for playing a round of golf - mid 70s, sunny, and crystal clear skies.  Only one problem: the Porter Family is terrible at golf.  Karen tried to marry into some ability, but Thomas has yet to impart his skill to his wife.  The perfect solution was to head to Palm Lakes!  We split into two groups - Thomas, Karen, Stephen, and Kylee teed off first, followed by Chris, Doree, and Lisa.

Follow through

Luckily, most members knew enough about golf, and had swung a golf club before, that there were very few whiffs and strikeouts.  However, we certainly enjoyed watching everyone's golf balls go everywhere but towards the hole!  There's a certain level of anticipation as the amateur golfer addresses the ball, swings it back, and brings the club down - will it be a worm-burner? A shank? A hook? Perhaps the stars will align, and the ball will go sailing down the fairway with a satisfying THWACK!

Thomas was the best, of course - the only one of the group to actually end up on the green in one shot. Kylee had some of the highest arc shots I've seen.  Although they wouldn't go much further than 60-70 yards, she was very consistent.  Stephen and Karen would be all over the place - sometimes making good shots, but more often walking off with a pitching or sand wedge in hand.

Overall, a great way to spend an afternoon.  Relaxing but competitive, and lots of laughs.

The Family that golfs together stays together