Fairways to Heaven
Sometimes, your dream job can turn into reality.
"The idea for this unique golf pilgrimage began on a snowy winter night in Colorado ... just two friends from kindergarten sharing a beer ... thinking of those warm summer days when you try to rush in 18 holes after work ... which ultimately turned into a calling from the Golf Gods ... Go out and play the best public-access courses in the US ... and report back to fellow hackers ... with a special book ... unlike any ever published."
And so, Trent Ricker and Michael Stevens did just that.
The result - an exciting new 320-page full color paperback entitled Fairways to Heaven, "The Journeyman's Guide to the Best of American Golf."
"Most people we met thought we were crazy and that we'd never finish," said Stevens. Well, after travelling 26,256 miles by car through 41 states in 123 days, their mission was accomplished. Along the way, the duo managed to play 91 of the top public access courses and selected their top 56 to describe in-depth as a reference guide for fellow golfers.
"Our typical day usually started with an early morning tee time. After 18 holes, we'd spend some
time checking the place out and interviewing the pro before hitting the road again, sometimes
driving hundreds of miles. Our budget was $50 a day for food, and $75 a night for lodging.
Taco Bell wins the award for the most-visited restaurant," Ricker said.
Fairways to Heaven is not just another golf travel book.
"Really good in-depth information on courses is pretty hard to find. So we just decided to do it ourselves and write the definitive reference guide and golf adventure," said Ricker.
"There is nothing along the magnitude of what we have accomplished. We actually played each course for ourselves," added Stevens.
"We don't pretend to be golf writers. We are actually just like you, a couple of guys who love the
game, and what it means to each of us." "Our differing golf skill levels allow for some interesting
insight as to the playability of each course - both from a low (Ricker) and a high (Stevens)
handicapper," said Stevens.
The book contains five pages devoted to each course, arranged in alphabetical order. Each section features color pictures, a scorecard, diagrams of key holes, the course logo, and an information-filled "Facts Plaque." Besides the basics such as green fees, slope and course data, type of fairways and greens, course architect, etc., many of the Facts Plaques contain "notable flora & fauna."
Ricker and Stevens also use a unique golf ball sleeve ranking system (SRS) for each course. The SRS is similar to the green, blue, black diamond ski slope rankings, and is a guide for the golfer to select the correct tee boxes to play. Going one step further than the normal slope and course ratings, the SRS factors in layout intimidation and shotmaking requirements.
The authors provide a fun, descriptive review of each course, as well as the surrounding
environment. At the end of each course section, the two creatively provide tips for both
ACES (0-15 handicap) and NOVICES (over 15 handicap).
Along the way, the duo share their "Reflections and Stories from the Road." The highlight was playing with the legendary Sam Snead at Greenbrier's Old White Course, "the six most memorable holes in our lives." Prior to playing, Snead told stories about his 35 holes-in-one, which included at least one made with every club in his bag, except the putter.
A legend of another kind, Thad Daber, holder of the Guinness Book of World Record's for lowest round with one club (70 with a 6 Iron), joined the pair at Reynolds Plantation and Arrowhead.
Mr. Stevens also shares his "Pinehurst Experience." "The ground zero of American golf. You can't help but feel overwhelmed by history and nostalgia. This place IS golf," wrote Stevens.
The writers like to mix in humorous anecdotes. We learn how they talk their way out of a speeding ticket on Highway 50, the loneliest road in America, after learning the patrolman was a golfer. Later, in Georgia, we find out why it's wise to keep that old sand wedge in your trunk.
Ricker and Stevens definitely accomplished their goal, an outstanding work for two first-time
golf writers. Fairways to Heaven is an enjoyable read and highly recommended,
both for you and your golfing friends. It's a great way to enjoy a spring afternoon when
your game is interrupted by one of those Texas thunderstorms.
To view a sample of one of the course sections, visit this Barton Creek
Resort & Country Club example.
Don Dowell, Editor/Publisher, Golf in the SouthWest
(Feb. 19, 1997)©