Thanks to the hospitality of a most generous host, I was lucky enough to visit the Betmore Basement last week, and I stayed for five days.
It was just my second time in the Betmore basement, and once again, the emotions ran deep even before I hit my first ball. Gazing at the great pictures of pool players past and present, so many of whom I know or knew, really put me in the mood to shoot.
As for the pool itself, it felt like a reintroduction to the game. I probably played as much pool in the Betmore Basement last week as I played in the rest of 2008 combined, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like a serious player. My play, though consistently unspectacular, got better and better as the week progressed, and that's all I can ask for.
Very pleased to report that Willie is hitting them pretty sporty, and he's a much better player than he realizes. He also has the dedication to the game that ensures his continuous advance. He is obsessed with his stroke mechanics, which isn't such a bad thing.
One afternoon, by arrangement, I was also lucky enough to shoot some with fellow AZB poster Elvicash and we had a grand old time. He's a nice guy who loves the game the way I do.
Willie had a cookout one evening and a star-studded cast of invitees from the world of pool was in attendance. The ones I've known for years included Jeanette Lee (and her lovely daughter Cheyenne), Monica Webb, Helena Thornfeldt, Nesli O'Hare, and Jeff Beckley. Also, there was one of pool's most valuable assets, Mark Griffin, who was there with his lady, who was delightful. Mark is as impressive in person as I had always imagined he would be, and like me, he's been around pool for a long time, so we had much to talk about and got along famously. Superb planning and cooking by the lovely, personable, and generally exceptional Mrs. Betmore resulted in a hearty, and yes filling, feast. A few of us, myself included, also indulged ourselves with a cocktail (or two) known as a chocolate martini (a wicked concoction of dark liqueurs), which was superb but, to be honest, got me a little bit drunk. When the gastronomics were complete, most of us sweated a Betmore Basement special between Monica Webb and Jeff Beckley, and we caught some great pool and some serious trash talking between two good-hearted but intense competitors. I think Monica won a few more racks than Jeff, and hope Jeff won't think poorly of me for mentioning it!
Now I'm back home here in NYC and I'm already having withdrawal symptoms. Sure hope I get to do it again one of these days. If you're lucky enough to be invited to the Betmore basement, don't miss the opportunity to avail yourself of a great expereince and a great host.
Thanks for a great time, Willie.
It was just my second time in the Betmore basement, and once again, the emotions ran deep even before I hit my first ball. Gazing at the great pictures of pool players past and present, so many of whom I know or knew, really put me in the mood to shoot.
As for the pool itself, it felt like a reintroduction to the game. I probably played as much pool in the Betmore Basement last week as I played in the rest of 2008 combined, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like a serious player. My play, though consistently unspectacular, got better and better as the week progressed, and that's all I can ask for.
Very pleased to report that Willie is hitting them pretty sporty, and he's a much better player than he realizes. He also has the dedication to the game that ensures his continuous advance. He is obsessed with his stroke mechanics, which isn't such a bad thing.
One afternoon, by arrangement, I was also lucky enough to shoot some with fellow AZB poster Elvicash and we had a grand old time. He's a nice guy who loves the game the way I do.
Willie had a cookout one evening and a star-studded cast of invitees from the world of pool was in attendance. The ones I've known for years included Jeanette Lee (and her lovely daughter Cheyenne), Monica Webb, Helena Thornfeldt, Nesli O'Hare, and Jeff Beckley. Also, there was one of pool's most valuable assets, Mark Griffin, who was there with his lady, who was delightful. Mark is as impressive in person as I had always imagined he would be, and like me, he's been around pool for a long time, so we had much to talk about and got along famously. Superb planning and cooking by the lovely, personable, and generally exceptional Mrs. Betmore resulted in a hearty, and yes filling, feast. A few of us, myself included, also indulged ourselves with a cocktail (or two) known as a chocolate martini (a wicked concoction of dark liqueurs), which was superb but, to be honest, got me a little bit drunk. When the gastronomics were complete, most of us sweated a Betmore Basement special between Monica Webb and Jeff Beckley, and we caught some great pool and some serious trash talking between two good-hearted but intense competitors. I think Monica won a few more racks than Jeff, and hope Jeff won't think poorly of me for mentioning it!
Now I'm back home here in NYC and I'm already having withdrawal symptoms. Sure hope I get to do it again one of these days. If you're lucky enough to be invited to the Betmore basement, don't miss the opportunity to avail yourself of a great expereince and a great host.
Thanks for a great time, Willie.
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