My return to the game of golf.

Several years ago I played the game of golf as much as I could, but not frequent enough to become a great player.  I continued because I enjoyed the game and love being outdoors.  Other commitments pulled me away from the courses and I lost what little I had.  I may have played 2 or 3 times during the past 5 years and still had a good time even though my game was terrible. I had given my clubs away a long time ago and the few times I've played since were on borrowed clubs.  I was recently volunteered to play during a fundraiser tournament at Myrtlewood Golf Club in Myrtle Beach SC.  I was honestly glad to have the chance to get back into the game.  This was a fundraiser and I didnt feel any pressure to be great.  I borrowed a set of clubs from a co-worker (The guy who volunteered me to play) and spent a few evenings prior to the trip practicing.  During the night before the tournament I practiced in my backyard with plastic golf balls and felt pretty good about things.

Upon arriving to the golf course we had a good BBQ meal and then set out with three other guys to take a swing at the game.  I learned that one other player has been playing for a very short amount of time and I wasnt worried about being the only person take an occasional miss at the ball.  I had some good hits but still not as consistent as I'd like to be.   By then end of the day, I felt that I had played a decent game considering that I had not played in a long time.  We had a great time and the course was beautiful.  We had wonderful weather and I didn't sacrifice too many golf balls to the many water hazards throughout the course.    Somehow a cart died on the final hole and we had to push it back to the clubhouse. This was a huge laugh to top off the day.  The night before was the 1:00 am Daytona 500 Nascar race and we decided that bump drafting the cart around the course was appropriate. I was happy that our team finished with a score of 79. 

I am determined to keep the game of golf scheduled and add a new set of clubs to my list of toys this year.  Until then, my friend is letting me keep his old clubs so I can get some frequent practice.

Pinball Wizard?

During my trip to Charlotte this week I decided to stop and have lunch at Pinky’s Westside Grill at W Morehead St.  When I entered the building the first thing that I saw was a KISS pinball machine.  I had not seen one of these in a long time.  I have been a KISS fan since the late '70's. I've played their music and seen them in concert.  I considered playing a game, but my stomach forced me to continue with lunch as planned.   After my meal, I took a look around the restaurant and heading to my car.  As I reached for the door, I realized that the pinball machine was still there and I should play one game.  Two quarters later I was flipping the flippers and bumping the machine as the balls bounced off of the bumpers.  It was a very brief game considering my pinball skills are not as good as they were many years ago.

This machine is in great condition.  Upon research I found out some history and just about any part needed for a machine refurb can be foun on Ebay.  The original price of the machine in 1978 was $199.00.  Most recently the machines have sold for almost $4000.00

Kiss April 25, 1978
4 Players
Manufacturer: Bally Manufacturing Corporation
Date Of Manufacture: June, 1979
Model Number: 1152-E
MPU: Bally MPU AS-2518-35
Type: Solid State Electronic (SS)
Production: 17,000 units (confirmed)
Theme: Celebrities - Licensed
Specialty: Conversion Kit
Notable Features: Flippers (2), Pop bumpers(4), 4-bank drop targets (1), Rollunder spinners (2).
Used a different power supply than the other 3rd generation tables.
Design by: Jim Patla
Art by: Kevin O'Connor
Notes: A 'Kiss' prototype was built which used speech.