Day 38: A Tale of Two Legends at Chateau Elan & The Vintage!

How about playing golf with a Legend in the morning—Australia's tennis legend John Newcombe and listening to a Legend in the evening—American singer-songwriter and actor John Legend performing literally next door 'on the green' at the Bimbagen Winery. I must admit I was a little intimidated, wanting to play well, partnering up with Newk in his regular Saturday morning competition on the Greg Norman designed course at The Vintage. After all, I knew he is the winner of seven Grand Slam singles title also holds the all-time record with 17 doubles victories. Early in the round I asked him what made him such a good doubles player and his response was 'pick the right partner.' Which of course brought into question his current ability in picking me! We didn't have the best day but our opponents Glen and Laurie did. Laurie's long snake for a natural birdie on No.13 and Glen's driver off the deck to nearly reach the par-5 14th pretty much was the story of the day. Newk's awesome up and down on No. 1  to tie Glen's natural birdie set the stage for a non-victorious, though exhilarating, round around Norman's masterpiece. I could feel the sense of what I thought must have made Newk a formidable partner in tennis—he was always looking out for me helping with yardages and looking for my balls and making positive comments about my game (when he could given my play)! What a thrill to play golf with a legend! In between golf and concert-going I enjoyed the luxury and sense of feeling at home being a guest at Chateau Elan. After golf I ordered a delicious pizza from room service and took a nap! Just like at home I need a little down time once in a while to recharge. John Legend is brilliant musician and stage performer. it seemed like he was taking me on a personal journey with him to a special spiritual place by the end of the evening— a place where one feels free with no worries as they  say down here. No worries because through Legend's music and lyrics one lets go of self and fears and resentments and seems to be floating in the honesty of being alive in our beautiful world. His telling of his story is the telling of everyone's story of patience, persistence and determination to become the best we can be. "Everything is everything, she looks just like you, we are doing it again, don't be afraid of a little pain, love is on the other side, we just don't care, who do we think we are, and his encore of even when I lose I am winning seemed to connect with me. There was a brief five minute rain shower but by the end of the show a bright moon emerged from the dark threatening clouds that had now lightened up. After enjoying the moment a bit more and watching the people dissipate into the night I decided to walk back to my room. My mile or so walk solitary walk down a surprisingly desolate country road back home seemed to put me in touch with everyone and everything in my life. A visit to The Vintage and a stay at Chateau Elan was just what I needed as I start the final leg of the 'Golf Journey to Australia.' I am heading north to the Gold Coast and the PGA Championship fully recharged with a memorable day with a tale of two legends! An amazing Saturday in Australia... two legends that you know for sure... heading north to the Australian PGA Championship where I hope to see Adan Scott light up the Golf Coast too!   (Facebook Link, Andy Reistetter, 12/6/14)