Today I played golf. Not on a simulator, not in the sandbox in the backyard, but real golf. In Mali. After over 4 months in the country, I finally got the chance to visit Bamako Golf Club, located at a Hotel in town. It’s not surprising that I haven’t played yet since it is 640 kilometers from our house, but that’s beside the point.
I played a quick practice round while my caddy showed me where the holes were and such (9 holes) then played my first 18 since leaving for Mali last summer. And boy did it feel good. It took a few holes to get things going, but in 80 degree (27C) temperatures with the sun shining and literally no one else on the course, I settled in quite well.
Those who don’t care about golf can stop reading here =)
My highlights were birdie’s on the 133 yard (122 meter) 6th and 15th (same hole). The first time we watched as my ball came down in the hole and popped out, rolling to about 15 inches. The second time around I rolled 4 feet passed the hole and made the putt. The other highlight was the 185 yard par 3 18th where I hit a 5-iron to 12 feet and made the putt. In the end I broke 70, shooting a 68. It would sound even better if the course wasn’t par 58….
Another great day here in Bamako. Considering my family and friends are snowed in and it is January I couldn’t be happier!
The first picture is how you get an “island green” in Mali: you surround the green with a cement trench and then fill it half the way up with water. That one is the 8th/17th. The second photo is where I got a free drop for fear of giant turtle. It was GUR anyway….
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