I woke up way too early this morning. Excited about my trip, to say the least. I left the house and started the drive north to Wisconsin – where Green Bay Country Club was waiting for me.

As I began planning my trip around Lake Michigan, I always knew I wanted to it start at GBCC. Before you ask, I am playing Whistling Straits in September, so I decided not to include it on this trip, even though it must be in the conversation of golf courses on Lake Michigan.

I’ve been excited to play GBCC since I went to the Packers game last September. I wasn’t able to get out that day since it was also Ryder Cup week, so they told me to check back another time.

I really didn’t know what to expect from the course, but I’d read about it and knew it was going to be a test and a treat all at once. I was paired up with two members, Mark & Jeremy, who drew the unfortunate duty of guiding me around the course.

As expected, the course was a true test. And I failed. The swing took a few holes to loosen up from my 3-hour drive…about 10 holes to be exact! I really chopped it around on the front, but seemed to figure it out as we made the turn. The front nine was demanding – tough driving holes where position off the tee was critical.

The back nine seemed more playable to me, and finished up with my two favorite holes. 17 was a tricky, 3 shot par 5. Possibly the first hole I’ve ever played where I didn’t hit a bad shot and still took a bogey. I picked the wrong club twice, but every shot was very well executed. Still a +1 on the scorecard.

Eighteen was a great risk-reward hole with a creek across the fairway. Do you lay back or try and carry it? Since it was downwind I decided to try and carry the creek. I hit my best shot of the day and pounded a drive around 330 down the middle. I was able to scratch out a par, and lost the last 2 holes to Mark by 3 shots – he finished birdie-birdie. Great job!

I didn’t see Aaron Rodgers, even though he was out there today. I did hit into Matt LaFleur’s fairway. Luckily I hit a great second shot, which he complimented as I drove past him. I’d say the most ironic fact of the day was that neither of my playing partners were lifelong Packers fans. I definitely never thought that would be the case.

It’s been a long day, but it was a very good start to my trip. I’ve been struggling to score well this year, and that continued today. But I feel better about the swing. The scores will come. Hopefully this week!

Timberstone & Greywalls tomorrow. Thanks for following along!