Rolling down the River

Rarely do I rent a cart for a round of golf but when one faces the hills of
River Valley Golf and Country Club, well, believe me you won't hesitate to throw the sticks on the back of the cart and save your calves the burn.
In the winter, families flock to the 'valley for tube sliding, but when the sun shines and golfers tee it up, they face some pretty imposing hills at the course about 25 minutes from Stratford.
Plus, its about $28 bucks each to drive around and play 18, as I did this week with my friends Tim and Mike. Steep inclines, including a hole that has to be at least 60 degrees straight up, offer some challenges.
If your short game needs work, the valley offers, if memory serves, nine par 3's, including a straight descent from the tee that is harder than it looks. The course wraps up with a par-five and, again, you won't see the flag stick until you clear a nice sized hill off your drive.
There is scenery everywhere. It's a nice-to-look-at course and in good shape. Take it easy on the gas pedal on the cart paths.
There are some big drops and sudden turns.
All adds to the fun.
I finally got to play with my new Tommy Armour driver and my gigantic tees, which Tim didn't hesitate to poke fun at. We lost a few balls in the woods and Mike found a bunch, and I played five holes with a "fuzzball" some golfer left in a pile of weeds. Mike had a bunch of pars sandwiched between some sevens and a pair of nines (ouch, sorry for mentioning that Mike). Tim had a few pars as well and hit a nice 25 footer for an up and down.
I played mostly bogey golf, a few double bogeys and at least one memorable up and down. As usual, a good shot was followed by a terrible one but the swings felt good for the most part. Before a sandwich and a beer at the turn, I chipped in from atop a hill from about 30 feet away. To be honest with you that came after I duffed the previous attempt. "No one saw the first one," Tim said. Isn't that just golf? The clubhouse features retro pictures of former NHLer Walt Tkaczuk, who was the first German-born player to strap up the skates in the NHL. He played 14 seasons with the New York Rangers. Walt dedicates his time these days to River Valley.
So the driver was a challenge I have to say. I am just not used to teeing a ball up that high. I compensated with the tees of course, but just couldn't seem to hit the ball straight. I had plenty of power - more distance than any driver I have ever hit - but the ball sliced pretty badly. I think a few days on the driving range will alleviate that. My second shots are worthy of mention. I always seem to calm down and put a nice, smooth swing together after a tee shot. Putting was tough. The greens at RV are deceptively difficult.
The three of us were in agreement about that fact.
Some of my putts looked destined for the bottom of the hole, only to sway wildly left or right a few inches away. It was as if a stiff breeze whisked the ball off course. Again, that's golf. Familiarity with the course would help, as would three blokes with better skills.
She's a short course so you have plenty of time for a few pints after.
Good time at the 'valley. Will play it again soon.