The term, “experience of a lifetime” may be overused when describing a trip, or event you don’t forget. You know … just a great time. This week I had a just a great time! An experience that will resonate with me … for one long time.

Two great friends, Gary and Patrick. Gary one of my very best buddies and Patrick, our young Pro at my Club here in Atlanta. The occasion? A trek to experience the wonders of the #1 golf course in the world, Pine Valley in Clemendon, NJ. I’d been to PV a number of times previously. Prior to leaving this time I told my friends our scores would be down the list of memories they would take away from this adventure. A truer thing I’ve never said. Here I go… bear with me. This will take awhile. I have to chronicle this … all I can recall.
First, our hosts. Hugh Kenworthy. My special friend for over 50 years. A more gracious guy you will not find. John Davison. A dear friend (a character) and old fraternity brother who joined us the second of our two days at PV. Our two hosts were wonderful. The staff there? Todd, Matt, Al, Bill, Sly, George, on and on. The incredible team there who anticipated, met our every need. Guests have never been so cared for.

Hugh has allowed me to invite myself to PV for years. I always take two from Atlanta who haven’t had the privilege of visiting this magical place. As we arrived at the the clubhouse, a well dressed young man, Matt greeted me with this. “Mr. Brickley… how have you enjoyed that purple quarter zip you bought last year?” Last year!? I’d been there last year. Matt remembered my purchase?! No way. No heads up, no notes. Just his greeting for me. Got it? The people at PV? Unusual. I’d say the average tenure of team members? Maybe 20 years. One, Sly the bartender, 45. None we met under 15. A culture and precision of excellence that’s not to be duplicated. All invested, to make our stay special. And they did. Here are some of the highlights:

Pine Valley is “affectionately” known as “A beast never tamed.”

We played 36 holes over two days. I lost one ball. Average lost at home per 18? Four or five. The Course is tight … at the same time generous … mostly forest lined. Water on many holes. If my caddie had snorkel gear, I’m sure he would have retrieved the one ball I lost in the lake on #14. I’ve been playing off and on for years. Our caddies Jim, Chris, John … here I go again… “incredible.” Just three more PV team members dedicated to deliver this experience. Our scores. Gary and I are maybe 15-18 handicaps. No need to go further re us. Gary played great the second day. I had some great moments. Self promo? I parred the 602 yard 15th hole… twice. Had an absolute ball. Patrick our young pro?
Let me share this …

I have a line of friends in Atlanta who cry, “Take me, please take me to Pine Valley” No … I invited Patrick, our young pro this time. He played the second day from the the back tees. A greater challenge in the game you’ll not find. Talent, courage, and character must reside in those who play from back there. Or don’t bother. Patrick shot 76, the second time he’d seen the place. I knew my choosing him was right on. He confirmed this over and over. By his play, his graciousness. Back to our host, Hugh. A handsome, authentic guy. I’ve always marveled at his story telling. But he’s a very private person. Two martinis at dinner one night however? Truth serum.

Get to PV and he might tell you one of his stories. Like being chosen to witness an emotional, tearing, Arnold Palmer one evening as he was informed by the Club’s President that he was being invited to become a member of Pine Valley. Yes … another “incredible.” piece to savor. Maybe nothing more tells you what PV offers golfers. They come from all over the world

There was the food. The precision of the service. The attendants on the course all dressed in white overalls at 6am as they prepared, manicured the track for the day’s rounds. Hole #5 Par 3, the signature. 230 yards to a postage stamp green. (That’s me pictured above on the tee). It would take a separate piece to describe the minutes the golfer spends on this monster. All depending on where you hit your tee shot. There was the simplicity of the clubhouse. The tiny sign on #1. “No mulligans!” All so understated, classy … so classy.

The other members we met enhanced the experience. John, a wildly expressive broker from Greenwich, CT with his entourage. So many others. This guy too. A bit of a blowhard. I asked him, “Where are you from?”… “Boston, Cape Cod and Florida.” My reply a bit sarcastic, “Is that all you got, Bill?” But this kind of self promotion from someone was rare. The class and substance of the guests was palpable.

But here’s the bottom line. The primary reward I most took from the our two days. Patrick sent me this text the night we got home.

“Mr. Brickley, thank you for such a wonderful experience that I will never forget and will cherish forever. For introducing me to such wonderful people. The stories Hugh shared with us are were absolutely amazing! Lost for words. This was simply life altering.”

What can I say? Just can’t wait to take my next two.