Who Plays This Game Called Golf? Part 2

     Golf is a game for old rich white men--oh really? Come with me to the course where I play and it may change your mind.
     I play at a local course owned by the City of Fresno and operated by a golf course operations firm. There is nothing upscale here other than some great golf. It is an old "park style" course that was designed by William Bell, the same man who designed Torrey Pine in the San Diego area.  If fact, I have played Torrey Pines and it had the same kind of feel as does Riverside which is my home course.
     Riverside is an old course which opened in 1939 and is situated on the bluffs above the San Joaquin River outside of Fresno, California. The greens are very small and well bunkered with the fairways lined by tall mature trees. To play the course you will need every shot in your bag as the fairways are mogeled.  There is a huge lake that comes into play on the par four fourth hole and the par three fifth hole. Course maintenance keeps the course in very good condition for it being a municipal course and the amount of play it gets. Its a working man's course with green fees under $40 with cart but a good layout, fun to play and challenging to all players at any level.
     Who plays here?  It is a diverse bunch of men and women, boys and girls.  There is a huge group of Hispanic men--and women--who play Riverside. In fact, I have been asked many times to join the local chapter of MAGA--The Mexican American Golf Association--but haven't because of my health.  A good number of the players here are Black.  I have played in a couple of the money games that the Phillipino group plays, but I just can't afford the losses. That is a group that will make you laugh throughout the round as they quietly go about taking your cash. Many seniors play here as well, and the ladies group is alive and flourishing and just don't get into a money game with these fine ladies. Seniors, Juniors Ladies, Boys and Girls are welcomed enthusiastically.  
     Right now, it is the season for Girl's Golf in this area of California.  Many of the teams have their matches here and practice here as do the Boys during their season. Of course Riverside has a junior green fee as well as a senior rate and is the headquarters for the First Tee Program of Central California.

     So, do you really think that golf is a sport for old rich white men?  Come to Riverside and your perceptions and ideas may just be changed, and in a very big way.  Keep in mind that this is what golf really is all over the country.  Golf is for everyone!

The tenth at Riverside. As far as the back nine is concerned, let the fun begin!