Grande Dunes

It wasn't even close. The vote that is. This event at Grande Dunes was quickly voted as the event with the worse conditions ever played in at a Slammer event. This OC is actually worried about completing this write up and being able to adequately describe just how much of a feat it was that so many even stepped out on the first tee. We arrived at Grande Dunes just before 7am and were informed that the superintendent was evaluating the course to see if they would open at all on this super chilly rainy day. All the clubs were unloaded and we gathered in the pub for some hot coffee and breakfast. Around 9am we got the word ... we were going to be allowed to set out on the first tee. Pretty sure all were thinking that was somewhat of a bad idea. In the end, three Slammers decided at the hotel they would not attempt the day .... we lost three more before the first group went out and four more only completed 9 holes and called it a day. But the rest of us trudged on. Twenty Slammers continued and finished all 18 holes under the following conditions: Below zero temps and rain that would not cease all day and accumulated on the carts, clubs, grips, hats, greens, flags and flagsticks. The ice accumulation was severe and all the windshields of our carts required scraping with hotel access cards and the back of irons. When visiting SC in February, ice scrapers are required apparently. Before every shot the face of irons had to be scrapped and if you left your grips exposed for even a minute they were coated in ice as well. Flags and flagsticks were fully coated in ice and when you pulled the pin and dropped it to the ground you had to make sure it wasn't close to anyone's line as the ice would shatter off and leave a trail of thick ice chunks. And there were icicles, everywhere, including the awning to the entrance of the clubhouse that was clipped by Duke on our way out. That's another story but photos of the entire day can be seen on the Slammer Facebook page. There were survivor photos taken and probably t-shirts will be printed. Yes, we are Slammers...but today pushed the limits of what we can take and most said they wouldn't do it again. Ah, who are we kidding. Of course we will !!