Golf:

To use a golf analogy, the last four-and-a-half years of my life have been like trying to hit the ball through a thicket of pine trees closer to the hole and onto the short grass. Well, let’s say that hole is done and I’m standing on the next tee.

This marks my first column on the second round as golf writer for the Daily Pilot and I’m honored.

It’s been more than four years since I last wrote about golf in these pages. Between September 2005 (when I left the Pilot) and this month, I went to professional chef school, worked for two catering companies, wrote freelance articles and spent six months in Massachusetts as an intern for America’s Test Kitchen (company produces Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country magazines).

My dad mentioned graduate school last October. Until that time, I hadn’t considered more education. But his mention of graduate school (for journalism) got me thinking. I returned home with mom, dad and brother in Mission Viejo last November and since applied to USC, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Indiana University (Bloomington). We’ll see what happens. I don’t have a full-time job and am still trying to find my way.

In the meantime, I have become the Daily Pilot golf columnist.

Writing is something that comes naturally and I felt it’s where I feel gifted. I considered restaurant work while in Massachusetts, but nothing panned out.

It’s going to take time to settle in, which is where you, the readers, can help.

My hope for the column is to tell stories of golfers in this area. I want to know what is happening with you all on the links. Did you hit a hole-in-one? Have you shared a round with Phil Mickelson or Jim Furyk? Are you helping to raise money for a tournament to benefit a charity to help the homeless? And what about the 7-year-old landing range balls within 15 feet of the flagstick? It could be a story.

Feel free to send your ideas, results, upcoming events, anything as it pertains to golf in Newport-Mesa. The column will run each Wednesday, but that is the only commitment.

The content is as open as the widest fairway – stories could be features, special events, or, for the next month and beyond, bits about the upcoming Toshiba Classic, the annual Champions Tour stop at Newport Beach Country Club held March 5-7 this year.

Pardon me as I become nostalgic. But I remember the roar of the crowd on the 18th green as Mark Johnson holed out from 91 yards and claimed the 2005 Toshiba. Then there were the Jones Cups, probably the events that stand out the most. There was, maybe, not quite as grand a lead-up as Toshiba, but sufficient attention preceded the big day at one of the area country clubs.

I walked and retraced steps along the fairways at Mesa Verde Country Club, trying to see as many shots as possible.

This is, of course, a column primarily dedicated to you and the courses you play. It’s my job to communicate those stories. I look forward to working with you.

BRYCE ALDERTON’S golf column appears Wednesdays. He may be reached by e-mail at [email protected].