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QUAILS, BIRDIES AND OTHER FOULSQuail Lodge in Carmel-By-The-Seaby Anthony ScaggsLike a lob shot gently landing on the green and rolling towards the pin, the Southwest Airlines’ plane sliced through the air on our approach to the San Jose, California airport, gently kissed the runway and rolled to the gate.
As I drove past the golf course and headed for the lodge, I noticed the large “The Golf Club” above the “At Quail Lodge” sign. I relaxed knowing that I had the desired weapons for my birdie quest.
Walking along the flower-lined lane, I looked to the right and saw the first tee. It reminded me of sitting on a blanket in a pasture enjoying a delicious repast with my lady. I basked in the warm sun enjoying all that life had to offer. (The course is 3.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean’s fog belt.)
As I twist in the sand to set my feet for a firm shot, I think of the Greek myth in which Jason had to sail past the Sirens. Their singing would seduce the sailors into the rocky shores and to their death. Perhaps this is a little dramatic for a wedge shot out of the bunker but effective for explaining why we listen to that little voice in our head. Every time, that I listen to that voice, I get in trouble. Do you? Why do we listen? Golfers must be prone to seduction. Thank goodness that I am blessed with a golf memory. I only remember the good shots. The 18 holes at Quail Lodge are beautiful, but I should have paid more attention to the challenges. I do not mind being sidetracked when the surrounding is as beautiful as those at Quail Lodge.
I decided to lay up short and pitch onto the green. Between the fairway and the green is a creek with a high bank, hiding a watery grave for the careless or a least a two-stroke penalty. If one does not study the scorecard carefully, one can turn an attempt for an eagle or a birdie into a turkey. In the adjacent picture’s lower right corner, one can see three fowl fouls that turned into turkeys when an adventurous golfer tried to cut the corner and found the stream. The beauty of Quail Lodge’s Golf Club is evident at every turn. Holes 14 to 18 utilize the water hazards not only to enhance the challenge of the game but the allurement. The architect and the groundkeepers have created a visual setting that would be the envy of many botanical gardens. I was fortunate. The course was not crowded and I could prepare for my next shot while looking at the paradise all around me. While you are on the tee box waiting your turn, look around. You might be surprised. For further information contact: Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Business Association, 831-624-2522
Southwest Airlines www.southwest.com flies into San Jose and San Francisco from many locations. Golf clubs are counted as one piece of baggage. 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) Images: copyright 1999 Anthony Scaggs |
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Quail Lodge—I am here to play golf not hunt. The thought
crossed my mind more than once. I wondered if someone misunderstood my
statement about shooting birdies. Did they think that I was a hunter?
What a bonus to arrive at the Quail Lodge when they were
hosting a Carmel Garden show. The Gardener’s creativity and imagination enticed
ones thoughts as to what a home or garden could be. The beautiful plethora of
colors staged by the designers was enhanced by the gardens of Quail Lodge. 
The tee was just beyond the oak, pine and cottonwood trees
and the wild and domestic flowers in the paradise managed by Denis Kerr’s crew.
One can see the left edge of the bunker lying in wait for a miscalculation or
the wrong club or that little voice that whispers in your mind’s ear “you can
cut the corner.” Many of us, who have listened to that voice, find ourselves
reaching for the sand wedge. 
I approached Hole number six. Standing on the tee, it seemed
that I was on an island. The Old Man and The Sea came to mind, “Water,
water everywhere…” One had to use their imagination to look beyond the water to
the fairway and then to the green. The pin was on the back right of the green.