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According to Right Brain

Fore Letter Words

Omaha's Best Kept Golf Secret
Pines Country Club
Published on May 10, 2010 : 14 comments

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I was going to start this article about how I fell into the frustrating game of golf (#!@%!##***!). What is more important and of value to you, is that through my steps of becoming a “golfer” (I own a beginner set with 7 clubs—that makes me a golfer, right?!) my husband and I found the Pines Country Club in Valley, Nebraska. We had never heard of it! It is a wonderful golf course at an amazing price.

I started golfing when a friend begged me to sub for her team. All they needed was a warm body. I qualified and caved in. I subbed a few more times, and the rest is history, as they say.

My husband was EXCITED about my new interest in golf and wanted to join a golf club. We found the Pines though a friend’s recommendation.

Just like when my husband taught me to drive a stick shift car, learning to golf together proved to be a true test of marriage! When we golfed together, I wanted to talk WAY too much. He wanted to teach me how to string 4-letter words together. We were not having fun. It took us quite awhile to work the kinks out, but a year or more later, we found a “compromise”. He does not string 4-letter words together any more, and I STILL talk way too much!

Great compromise don’t you think?

Large undulating greens, often cut short and quick

From my perspective what I appreciate about the Pines Country Club is how welcoming the ladies are. When I started golfing at the Pines, I would toss up a 9 hole score of 74 — ouch! Who knows how many times I picked up my ball just to keep moving! In those days, if I made contact with the ball AND it went straight, THAT was time for the ‘golf happy dance’. It is an easy course to walk since it is on fairly level terrain and wide open (which comes in handy when you can’t hit straight). The members take pride in the course. The large, challenging greens are always well cared for along with the rest of the 18 hole course.  

Who doesn’t like food?!

  • The Pines’ clubhouse has a dining room, dance floor, bar and full service kitchen. There is a snack bar and grill on the lower level. See their menu online! Call them for your next event (402) 359-4311
  • There are lockers, showers and a pro shop located in the clubhouse. Sign up for a golf lesson! I got my Sky Caddie from the pro shop (yes I have golf toys…).
  • You can rent golf carts, clubs and pull carts. Click here to see their rate sheet.
  • Golf leagues! Kids 1-hole league for beginners to adult leagues. 
  • A few of the popular outings/events: The Divorce Open, Breakfast Scramble, Couples Fun Nights, and the Sand Valley Classic to name a few.
  • Putting green, chipping green, practice bunker, driving range to help hone your skills.
  • ONLY $50 a year to hit all the balls you want on the driving range! This is a steal!
  • Dues (as I write this): $130 for a single membership, $165 for a family membership.
  • Wonderful members and staff.

With one step at a time, I found myself a member at the Pines Country Club in Valley, Nebraska. You don’t have to be a member to play a round, but you do need to join for the leagues and outings. One last amusing note, I PAY the dues, my husband is the “spouse”. I CARRY my clubs when we play 9 holes (remember, I only have 7 clubs). He uses a fancy shmansy pull cart!

Share with me your favorite Omaha golf course! Tell me your golf stories!

AnnDbugzAnn Troe (@AnnieDoodlebugz) is graphic designer and illustrator. http://AnnGraphics.com http://AnniesDoodlebugz.com

Comments

Dad (not verified) says:

May 10, 2010 : 13 years 44 weeks ago

Dad's picture

I see I need to caution you again about swearing this time cartoon style. Or should I be talking to Spouse? The compormise was great in my view at least you wouldn’t learn any new “words”. Or do the ladies you also play with #$@%!???

Nice article. Can I go to an archive somewhere on the site and find all your articles?

Dad

AnnDbugz says:

May 10, 2010 : 13 years 44 weeks ago

AnnDbugz's picture

Hi Dad,
First,
Your “little girl” doesn’t swear OUT LOUD ;-) Thrilled you are still looking out for me!

YEP! you can find all my other articles under the Local Writing tab at the top of the page.
I am the first columnist “According to Right Brain”.

Thank you for your support!
Love
 Ann

Marilyn (not verified) says:

May 10, 2010 : 13 years 44 weeks ago

Marilyn's picture

Ann,

I love your writing…and I don’t golf. I’m with your Dad on those IV letter words as well!! I’ll share your wonderful Club with good friends!
Thanks for keeping me in the loup.
Missed seeing you Fri. AM at UA.

Marilyn

AnnDbugz says:

May 10, 2010 : 13 years 44 weeks ago

AnnDbugz's picture

Marilyn,
NO FAIR taking sides with Dad! ;-) Thanks so much for your comment.

punctuation (not verified) says:

May 18, 2010 : 13 years 43 weeks ago

punctuation's picture

Oh I stay WELL away from Golf - far too many of my friends and relatives made the mistake of “playing just one little game, just for a laugh”; a few months later they’re hooked worse than a five year-old on sugar and candy. Dangerous stuff. :-)

AnnDbugz says:

May 18, 2010 : 13 years 43 weeks ago

AnnDbugz's picture

OK! I am rolling on the floor! HOW did you know that is what happened to me?!! I used to say I hated golf and would NEVER play! Thanks so much for making my day with your comment.

punctuation (not verified) says:

May 18, 2010 : 13 years 43 weeks ago

punctuation's picture

Just remember, if you see someone tee..tering along at the first tee, clumsily selecting a club, taking an overly long time and trying to make it look like it’s really not their first time just shout in a loud voice to them:

Nooooo, don’t do it. Step away from the light. It’s too late for me but you can still save yourself, run, run now”.

They’ll thank you for it. Honest. ;-)

AnnDbugz says:

May 18, 2010 : 13 years 43 weeks ago

AnnDbugz's picture

Again, Thanks so much for your hilarious comments - you have absolutely made my day ;-D

Jo Lynch (not verified) says:

May 18, 2010 : 13 years 43 weeks ago

Jo Lynch's picture

Annie, Annie, Annie… What can I say. First of all, Everyone knows you can’t learn to play golf or learn to drive with a spouse… It’s like cardinal rule #1! :) You’re so young… :) I of course tried both things myself, and to this day my hubby tells people the story of me driving away in the golf cart, leaving him standing on the golf course by himself… It took us about 10 more years before we attempted it again, and then I just went and found me a pro to learn from.. Much, easier, no yelling, no 4 letter words, and peace reins… unless you try to tell them something you learned… Then it starts all over again. LOL.. You are indeed a brave soul.. But I already knew that.

Love your writing and your articles…keep them coming…

Jo :)

AnnDbugz says:

May 18, 2010 : 13 years 43 weeks ago

AnnDbugz's picture

Jo, Jo, Jo….. Where were you when I SO needed all this advice! AND I am not that young by the way ;-)

Thanks so much for your friendship.

Phil (not verified) says:

May 23, 2010 : 13 years 43 weeks ago

Phil's picture

Hi Ann: This was a fun blog to read. Reminded me of when I started learning how to golf. Ummmmmm, can’t remember that far back. And, the frustrations that came with it. I think I will stick to hiking. Have a great day!!!

Phil

AnnDbugz says:

May 23, 2010 : 13 years 42 weeks ago

AnnDbugz's picture

Hi Phil!
Thanks so much for reading! Golf is an “interesting” sport ;-)

Phil (not verified) says:

May 23, 2010 : 13 years 42 weeks ago

Phil's picture

Thanks for the recommendation Ann! Been looking for a new course out West — sounds like a winner!

And stringing together 4 letter words is my specialty…

Phil H

AnnDbugz says:

May 23, 2010 : 13 years 42 weeks ago

AnnDbugz's picture

Hey Phil - Thanks for the comment! I am excited about your “Project Open Book! http://www.marblespark.com - check it out everyone!