One beautiful Sunday afternoon in Sutter Creek where I work at the historic Hotel Sutter, a guest by the name of Cheryal Bailey came in with a friend and enjoyed a couple of beverages and great conversation. So great in fact, that I joined in on those conversations and my work day quickly became a great day. I found out Cheryal worked at Rancho Murrieta Golf Course and Country Club, which is a mere 20 minutes from Sutter Creek. I’ve been meaning to swing some sticks over there, just hadn’t made the time. But Cheryal and I made an agreement…I’ll visit the course if she brings me back some wine from her wine tour in Napa the following week. That never panned out since I was kidding with her about the wine. But I wasn’t kidding about visiting the course. I called a couple of weeks later, spoke to staff and Brian Little in the Pro Shop and set the tee time for four of us.

      Come Golf day, since my business partner Paul De La Torre of Capitol Business Connection loves to carpool, I ended up meeting him at Sam’s Club that morning and we swiftly headed on over. We got there 10 minutes before tee time. Upon checking in, the staff gave us a modest discount and was very welcoming. I guess it helps to become friends with staff. So I headed into the restaurant for a bite to eat after 9 holes since running late to the course didn’t allow me to eat prior, the bartender gave me a number of options to order that would come out quickly so that we can get back onto the course quickly. I ordered a blackened spicy chicken sandwich and I’d order it again. Yummy! And the fries were on point with the seasoning.

     We had a great round. I played the best. Shot decently, though I left some strokes out there. The course wasn’t extremely difficult, but it had a number of challenges and character that a high handicap golfer would struggle with. I am that high handicap golfer! Upon returning the cart, I found out I used to work with a member of the staff, Hank Vereschzagin. He was a golf coach while I was a club fitter over at Haggin Oaks Golf Course. It was nice to see him and catch up. Then I finally met Brian Little, the Head Pro at the course and he genuinely seemed excited we were there. Despite stopping for a few minutes from setting up for an event to chat with us. All in all, a great experience and will go back again. Thank you Rancho Murrieta staff, Cheryal, and Brian for making this experience one to remember!

     

Daron Whitley
Best Version Media