Morton's Blog

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-17T05:48:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays and best wishes for the new year from all your friends at Green Acres Golf Course.

Snow flurries are blowing across the course during the holiday season, the pond has frozen for skating, and watch for the snow drift when approaching the 12th green.

Enjoy the holiday season at Green Acres Golf Course.

Green Acres Golf Course

2011-11-18T04:02:00.000-08:00

Recent visitors will notice we've moved a few familiar things around a bit and removed the instructional signs that were here and there around the region.

This is all part our transition to new projects. The golf course will be available for a week or so into the new year. It has been a fun two years designing and maintaining the course.

There are many wonderful things to discover and enjoy throughout the many realms of SL regions. We are happy to have contributed to this world of discovery and that many people enjoyed our two-year project.

Play Games Like A "Poe" Today!

2011-10-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

Take our wicked Halloween Haunted "Poe House" quiz about the works of famous poet Edgar Allan Poe.

There's no mystery to it (wait maybe there is).

Just look to the east from the Romantic Times region landing point for the off-kilter house on the hill. Touch the "Poe House" for the 13 question quiz notecard. There's no pit, but don't touch the pendulum.

You can always play golf for free too. Enjoy!

Crimson clouds dance...

2011-09-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

Crimson clouds dance ever wary, over the "Poe House" fun and scary.

Halloween 2011 installation in Romantic Times region of Second Life™. Touch the house for "Poe Puzzle Challenge" and test yourself against the questions "posed" about the works of Poe.

It's fun and harmless, but watch out for the murderous monkey (hint).

Butterfly Girl

2011-09-18T04:31:00.001-07:00

Kae pauses to observe a butterfly gently flutter near the first green. The WindLight sky settings available in Second Life™ give residents new realizations on their favorite places and activities.

This photo received a Golden Trophy Award on Flickr.

Learn more about how Golf Aruba and Green Acres Golf Course are leading the world in social dynamics virtual golf.

Go golfing with this direct teleport link to Green Acres Golf Course!

Here's the link to our Facebook page.

See you in Second Life™ everyone.

Charlotte's Misty Morning

2011-09-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

Morning mist highlights the structure of Charlotte's web. The WindLight sky settings available in Second Life™ give residents new realizations on their favorite places and activities.

Learn more about how Golf Aruba and Green Acres Golf Course are leading the world in social dynamics virtual golf.

Go golfing with this direct teleport link to Green Acres Golf Course!

Here's the link to our Facebook page.

See you in Second Life™ everyone.

Butterflies Are Free

2011-09-01T03:34:00.000-07:00

Butterflies have been released at a number of locations on Green Acres Golf Course and Golf Aruba. They are a bit challenging to photograph, clearly each has a mind of its own.

Learn more about how Golf Aruba and Green Acres Golf Course are leading the world in social dynamics virtual golf.

Go golfing with this direct teleport link to Green Acres Golf Course!

Here's the link to our Facebook page.

See you in Second Life™ everyone.

Otter's Tale

2011-08-28T21:37:00.001-07:00

The Romantic Times region in Second Life™ provides a "virtually" endless source of viewpoints and detailed situations for WindLight photography. Here one otter appears to offer thoughts to the other as the day begins.

Learn more about how Golf Aruba and Green Acres Golf Course are leading the world in social dynamics virtual golf.

Go golfing with this direct teleport link to Green Acres Golf Course!

Here's the link to our Facebook page.

See you in Second Life™ everyone.

Collaboration and Creativity

2011-08-20T02:22:00.001-07:00

One of the many wonderful things about Second Life™ is the collaboration and creativity this new medium encourages.

Today Alisha Matova stopped by with a new sculpted windmill she is just now completing. She had noticed our fondness for wind power and thought we might like a copy.

Alisha's surprise gift is the perfect feature to complete the setting of the ruins of the historic gold mine on Golf Aruba. The setting needed a final touch, and who knows what it might have been had Alisha not thought of us. Thank you Alisha. Your windmill is wonderful.

Learn more about how Golf Aruba and Green Acres Golf Course are leading the world in social dynamics virtual golf.

Here's the link to our Facebook page.

See you in Second Life™ everyone.

Quoth the raven, "Look there's ore!"

2011-08-19T14:47:00.001-07:00

On the shovel, strong and sturdy, perched the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, looking at the ore of yore.

Posted with a tip of the hat to Edgar Allen Poe. This photo was taken at the site of the historic gold mine ruins on Golf Aruba in Second Life™.

Learn more about how Golf Aruba and Green Acres Golf Course are leading the world in social dynamics virtual golf.

Here's the link to our Facebook page.

See you in Second Life™ everyone.

Golfing in the WindLight

2011-08-17T22:20:00.000-07:00

The magic of Second Life™ brings golf to a new level of realization with WindLight sky settings. Using the viewer menu for World > Environment Settings > Sky Settings allows residents to select sky conditions from among many presets or to create their own settings.

In the photo above two Green Acres golfers experience foggy sky conditions using one of the WindLight sky presets. The 14th green also features falling rain and a small rainbow that reaches toward the flag.

Golfers can select their own sky conditions to set the mood and even go so far as to introduce new dimensions of enjoyment and challenge to the game of golf.

You can view a portfolio of WindLight photographs at Green Acres Golf Course on Flickr.

Learn more about how Green Acres Golf Course is leading the world in social dynamics virtual golf.

Here's the link to our Facebook page.

See you in Second Life™ everyone.

All In For August!

2011-07-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

We are "All In For August" after "Jumping Into July" at Green Acres Golf Course in the Romantic Times [PG] region of Second Life™.

Golfer smiles as her putt reaches cup on 12th green.

Learn more about how Green Acres Golf Course is leading the world in social dynamics virtual golf.

Here's the link to our Facebook page.

See you in Second Life™ everyone.

Stone Bunkers "Looming Large"

2011-07-17T04:10:00.000-07:00

Inspired by scenes from the 2011 British Open, the course designer has reworked several of the stone bunkers at Green Acres Golf Course.

Golfers won't miss seeing this bunker from the tee box as they start the back nine. Look for several others that are "looming large." Enjoy!

Charming Video Of Golf In Second Life™

2011-07-10T06:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a charming video of Second Life™ residents having fun at golf.

As you will see, Bloodsong Termagant made this video for his mom. Bloodsong's mother is a RL golfer, and as all viewers will recognize, the magic of Second Life™ is that it can take the things you enjoy in RL to wonderful new levels of realization.

It is always fun to see people have fun at Green Acres Golf Course.

Come see what Second Life™ can be.

Delight In WindLight

2011-07-09T05:10:00.000-07:00

WindLight brings new levels of realization to Second Life™. Here's a WindLight photo taken on Golf Aruba, our second region just to the north of Green Acres Golf Course.

This WindLight sky setting is called Sailor's Delight.

For more WindLight sky photos from our golf courses just click on the Flickr link on the right-hand side of this page. See you on the "links" and in Second Life™ everyone.

Green Acres Golf Course "Links" to Facebook

2011-07-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

Golfers were talking about "links" long before the digital era.

So here's the link to our new Facebook page. Look us up and keep in touch anytime. See you on the links!

Happy July 4th Everyone

2011-07-04T05:40:00.000-07:00

Romsey Homewood set off her own fireworks today with a hole-in-one on the 13th green.

Thanks for sending in the great photo Romsey, and congratulations on a great low-scoring round on Green Acres Golf Course today.

Here's to a great 4th of July weekend for everyone!

Jumping July Two-Course Golf Tourney

2011-07-01T11:39:00.001-07:00

Just in time for summer fun, it's our first-ever two-course summertime golf tourney.

Play Green Acres Golf Course for your best score in the first two weeks of July, then for the last two weeks jump over to Golf Aruba for your best score there.

There's ample prize money. The top three places for combined scores over 36 holes will divide up $5,000 Linden dollars. And, since the golf gods always smile randomly, the golf ball will be dropped 10 more times to give random $250L prizes throughout the entire remaining field of entrants. Everyone has a chance to be a winner in this tourney. And, of course, golfing is always free here so there are no entry fees.

Turn in your best Green Acres Golf Course score anytime between today and midnight SLT on July 16. Play as often as you like, and turn in your best complete round. Take a screen shot of your scorecard or write out a notecard with results on each hole and total score. Send to Morton Decosta by midnight on the 16th.

Turn in your best Golf Aruba score anytime between July 17th and midnight on July 31st. Again, play as often as you like and send screen shot of best scorecard or complete notecard to Morton Decosta.

The rules of golf are the rules of golf. You know them and love them. But, if you have questions ask any member of our Magical Management Team.

Learn more about Second Life™ and virtual golf games. Visit our website at Green-Acres-Golf-Course.com to learn all about our golf course and the magic of Second Life™.

A Midsummer Day's Magic

2011-06-26T23:38:00.000-07:00

William Shakespeare came along about 100 years after King James II banned golf as a distraction from learning archery. "All's well that end's well" however and golf went on to become one of the world's most popular sports and Shakespeare devoted himself to great writing.

And now, the capabilities of Second Life™ and Green Acres Golf Course bring golf to a new level of realization. You can play golf "night or day" with friends from all over the world in a total immersion golf course environment that brings striking visualization to the game.

It's magic!

Here, three golfers enjoy summertime fun at Green Acres Golf Course. One golfer lines up her putt on the 11th green while friends look on.

Nearby the 9th green you will find a club house overlooking the 18-hole course. Below two golfers pause for a dance.

Green Acres Golf Course is truly a magical place to be.

Learn more about Second Life™ and virtual golf games. Visit our website at Green-Acres-Golf-Course.com to learn all about our golf course and the magic of Second Life™.

Lisa Takes A Swing

2011-06-26T01:51:00.000-07:00

Three members of the Simpson family played a round of golf today.

Visit our website at Green-Acres-Golf-Course.com to learn all about our golf course and the magic of Second Life™.

You'll also find the link to the Second Life™ website where you can join for free. Sign up for your free avatar, teleport to Green Acres Golf Course, and enjoy great golf games in total immersion virtual reality.

Fore!

2011-06-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

The greens are groomed and ready to go!

Visit our website at Green-Acres-Golf-Course.com to learn all about our golf course and the magic of Second Life™.

The Magical Place To Be!

2011-06-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

Come see the Green Acres Golf Course exhibit at SL8B. The week-long celebration of Second Life's™ 8th birthday starts tomorrow!

Visit our new website at Green-Acres-Golf-Course.com to learn all about our exhibit and the magic of Second Life™.

Look For Lawna Mower At Green Acres Golf Course

2011-05-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

Lawna Mower visited Green Acres Golf Course today. She noticed we hadn't mowed yet this spring and set right to work.

Lawna stopped to visit with Kae and me near near the groundskeeper's quonset hut on the fourth fairway. Look for Lawna here from time-to-time wearing her new Green Acres Mower tag. Thanks Lawna!

Golf Aruba Goes Dutch With New Windmill

2011-05-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

The island nation of Aruba one of four countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. There is plenty of wind on Aruba, so why not an authentic Dutch windmill?

Look for our new windmill just up the hill from the 10th green on Golf Aruba. The windmill is really hard to miss as you play a complete 18-hole round of golf here.

What's next? Chocolates and gouda cheese? Possibly.

Stop by for golf anytime.

Green Acres Golf Featured in AVENUE Magazine

2011-04-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

Read all about Green Acres Golf Course and appreciate all the wonderful photos in the April 2011 issue of Avenue Magazine.

Then, let's all go golfing at Green Acres Golf Course!

How to Play Great Golf in SL

2011-04-03T06:05:00.000-07:00

Green Acres Golf Course has rapidly become one of the "really gotta go to" destinations in Second Life.™ You will find it in the Romantic Times region which is G-rated for all to enjoy.

Green Acres is designed on one low-lag region featuring highly scenic landscaping and vistas worthy of the best golf courses. In fact, many golfers say it is the best virtual golf course you can find anywhere, including MS Championship Golf, PS and xBox.

Here's action on the 11th green. One golfer completes her putt, while the other two members of the group offer encouragement. There is no sport quite like golf, and it really fits with the conversation and friendship benefits of the Second Life™ experience.

Expert designers gave this 18-hole course the natural feel of playing classic Pebble Beach in CA and St Andrews in Scotland. The course includes authentic St Andrews Bunkers, Pat Dye retaining walls, and the wind-swept seaside atmosphere of California's Carmel Coast as well as the St Andrews region of Scotland. The 18 holes are unique, some with long fairways, some over water, with rolling hills adding interest.

The landing point brings you in on the sunset coast of the Romantic Times region of Second Life.™ You walk just a few steps to the first tee box to pick up your free golf clubs and the HUD to control them. The instructions are easy, and the HUD will even give you step-by-step instruction if you wish. Helpful golfers are always around to answer questions, too.

Green Acres Golf Course will always be free to play for those who join the Green Acres Golf Group. The course is always open for people who want to play golf. Tournaments are held from time to time, but they are never allowed to interfere with those who would just like to play golf with friends.

And now we also have Golf Aruba Championship Course for you to enjoy. Play 18 great holes of golf at Green Acres and then fly right over to our new Golf Aruba region for 18 more.

Our newly created Golf Aruba course offers you the best championship golf you can find anywhere. Golf Aruba gives you the real feel of playing Tierra del Sol the championship course located on the wonderful island nation of Aruba.

Golf Aruba features unique fairways and greens situated on arrid land swept by strong prevailing winds. This is a challenging classic desert course with long fairways and wicked greens. The first tee for Golf Aruba is in southwest corner graced by palms and you move up the west coast toward the California Lighthouse, a famous Aruban landmark. The island unfolds before your eyes. This is where you really do find the greatest golf. Please enjoy!

Everyone is always welcome at Green Acres Golf Course and Golf Aruba. These are your places for great golf in Second Life™ every day.

Winners - First-Ever SL Two-Course Golf Tourney

2011-04-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

It was the ultimate golfer challenge in SL: The first-ever 36-hole golf tourney where golfers played two championship courses.

The results are in, and they really show that when it comes to golf practice makes perfect.

Hearty congratulations go to these great golfers.

Now, its on to the next tourney!

Play both courses all this week and turn in scorecards by midnight Sunday, April 10. Prizes given for low scores on each course, and low scores overall.

Green Acres Classic Golf Course and Golf Aruba Championship Course have rapidly become two of the "really gotta go to" destinations in Second Life.™ Start your great golf games at Green Acres and then fly over to Golf Aruba for more. You will find Green Acres Golf Course in the Romantic Times region which is G-rated for all to enjoy.

Golf and WindLight

2011-03-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

We've been seeing more photographers at Green Acres and Golf Aruba.

Here's an elevated look from Green Acres across to Golf Aruba. You can see California Lighthouse on the northwest point of the island.

Golf Aruba Tests Golfers In First Week

2011-03-12T12:49:00.000-08:00

It has been a lot of fun this week watching golfers discover there is a whole new region to the north of Green Acres Golf Course.

Golf Aruba - The Championship Course - is easily seen across a small area of water. Aruba is an island nation after all. On Aruba, one of the nation's most well known landmarks is located near the famous Tierra del Sol golf course on the northwest tip of the island.

That's just where you will find the lighthouse on Golf Aruba. It adds a striking atmosphere to views from throughout the golf course. You even see it from Green Acres Golf Course, depending on where you set your draw distance of course.

So, if you've not played Golf Aruba, plan on doing so soon.

Be prepared for 18 holes of unique championship golf here. Aruba's Tierra del Sol challenges golfers with prevailing winds, and so does Golf Aruba. The greens will test you too.

See you on the links!

Golf Aruba Championship Course is Open!

2011-03-04T14:26:00.000-08:00

Only two days after coming on the grid Golf Aruba Championship Course is ready for golf! This new course is inspired by the famous Tierra del Sol Championship Course on the island nation of Aruba.

Cloe and Rafe Holder played the first complete round. Kae Sura and Morton Decosta followed soon after and then paused on 18th green for this photo opportunity.

Golfers are welcome to play anytime. We will be adding finishing touches during the coming weeks, including a super-magnificent scorecard HUD that Cloe and Rafe are perfecting now.

Now you can play 18 holes of championship golf on two great courses - Green Acres Golf course in the neighboring Romantic Times region and Golf Aruba Championship Course. Wow, 36 unique holes of great golf!

Welcome golfers! Here's to great fun and friendship in Second Life.

Golf Aruba Coming Soon!

2011-03-02T16:18:00.000-08:00

Aruba is a Caribbean island nation known for its white sand beaches surrounded by turquoise seas. The beaches are to the southwest, while the northeast coast features a rocky coast with rough seas.

The climate is moderate with consistently fair skies. Few hurricanes ever venture near. It's an ideal place to find sun and relaxation. Of course, this would include a fine championship golf course near the northwest coast - Tierra del Sol.

Golf Aruba - is a new region just north of Green Acres Golf Course in the Romantic Times region.

Here's the view across the water looking to Golf Aruba in the distance. Look for a championship golf course there soon.

Green Acres Golf Course Milestone - One Year and One Thousand Members

2011-02-27T10:43:00.000-08:00

Green Acres Golf Course could be said to officially be one year old today. One year ago, on February 27, Kae and I placed the flag on the 18th green. We also set up the first sign near the first tee box inviting people to join the Green Acres Golf Group.

But...talk about symmetry...today the 1000th person joined Green Acres Golf Course.

Congratulations and thanks to all Green Acres Golfers for helping make this such a special place for people to enjoy golf and friendship.

A very special thanks also to Cloe and Rafe Holder for all they have done to make this such a great place for people to enjoy every day.

Couples Golf Tourney Set for February

2011-02-01T06:07:00.000-08:00

February is Couples Golf Tourney Month at Green Acres Golf Course in Second Life.

Cloe and Rafe Holder have planned the perfect February tourney for Green Acres Golf Course. They call it the "Four Hearts Tourney" with couples teaming up to play rounds of golf as foursomes.

Please see Cloe's group notice for all the details. This tourney will run from February 13th to the 20th, so plenty of time to practice.

See you on the links!

Great Golf is Free at Green Acres

2011-01-19T13:40:00.000-08:00

New Green Acres Golf Scorecard HUD

2011-01-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

There's an up-dated version (3.0) of the Green Acres Golf Course scorecard HUD. You will find it for free at the little sign just to the right of the second tee box.

As always, just touch the numbers to record your scores as you play each hole. The HUD resets itself each time you wear it.

There have been many new plantings of trees and brush here and there around the course. Come anytime for a great round of golf.

Green Acres Golf Course Featured on SL Showcase

2011-01-07T14:07:00.000-08:00

Green Acres Golf Course is now featured on Second Life™ Showcase.

Green Acres Golf Course in the Romantic Times region is a place where everyone can discover the beauty, creativity and enjoyment offered by the Second Life™ experience.

Welcome to Green Acres. It is your place for golf every day!

Sustainable Grid Energy Comes to Green Acres

2010-12-17T12:49:00.000-08:00

Green Acres golfers have already noticed the wind-powered generator just off-shore on the ninth fairway. It has been an important source of power for the Romantic Times region club house and other buildings.

This week we rigged up a second generator with a belt and pulley system connected to the old water wheel you see crossing the bridge on the third fairway. Power lines run to the new light pole by the bridge.

Here's to sustainable electricity sources everywhere! See you at Green Acres Golf Course in the Romantic Times region

Unlucky Thirteen?

2010-12-04T04:02:00.001-08:00

The 13th has been a favorite of golfers seeking that hole-in-one thrill, not to mention the recognition that goes with the "Ace" tag at Green Acres Golf.

Previously, golfers drove over the water and lurking beavers. But, they could count on a somewhat forgiving mountain-side behind the green.

No more. Notice the little ice-cold, mountain-side spring pond that's appeared behind the 13th green. Enjoy!

Cross-Trainer Ice Skates: What a Concept

2010-11-20T04:29:00.000-08:00

Avatars are a hearty crew. So when it comes to ice skates, who needs those old lace up styles?

So the folks at Green Acres Golf Course worked up these "Cross-Trainer" ice skates for the winter season.

The pond and little river at Green Acres were "flash frozen" for the holidays. Stop by and pick up your free skates.

Enjoy skating, and then play a round of golf. Golfing is always free here, of course.

The course has been tuned yet again. Watch for new "slants" on the greens. It is "interesting" to watch putts curve and sometimes roll back. The texture rolls on the greens are a bit harder to read now, too.

Happy winter holidays everyone.

New Challenge on 5th Fairway

2010-10-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

Golfers are now faced with a new challenge when playing their second shots on the fifth fairway. There is a new lower green to the left-hand side of that irksome tree and rock that have always been looming on the other side of the water.

Previously, this fairway played to the right with a long second drive to cross the water just near the little bridge.

But with the new lower green on the left-hand side of the tree, you can dial back your drive a bit and land right in the middle of things, well positioned for your third club.

Which side will you take? Have fun thinking about your options here. Either way, this hole plays a bit tougher. Enjoy!

New Greenery @ Green Acres Golf

2010-09-06T04:29:00.000-07:00

Many thanks go to Teri Cave for improving the view on the 18th tee. Teri sent the wonderful sculpted moving tree with moving shadows seen in this photo. The tree adds just the right atmosphere for golfers preparing for that last redeeming drive as they complete an 18-hole round.

One of the delights of Green Acres Golf Course is the opportunity to meet wonderful people. Golf does that in RL and SL.

Many thanks to Teri Cave and her golfing friend Pownall Coronet, for their golf fellowship and support for Green Acres Golf.

Club House Opens at Green Acres

2010-08-21T05:32:00.000-07:00

Club houses are an important part of the golf course scene. They are places where golfers meet, trade stories of golfing moments from the tragic (mostly) to the sublime, and discuss the interests of the day.

Several Green Acres golfers have been commenting about a club house for the group. Most recently, Yordie Sands wrote in her blog about golfing at Green Acres and the desirability of a club house.

So...your intrepid course designer went to work.

The new club house is located by the ninth green. The old cottage ruins were spiffed up with a new roof, larger floor area, a porch overlooking the course, new couples dances, and additional seating. Please let me know if you have other suggestions for improvements.

The walls are on the minimal side to keep the views open to the golf course. Enjoy visiting in the comfy Adirondak chairs, and the four couples dances. It's a good place to relax, watch the passing golfing scene, and visit. And, of course, the streaming music sign is still there so you know the songs and musicians.

Enjoy, and see you on the links!

Dog Days of August

2010-08-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

Well, the "Dog Days" of August have "seriously" arrived at Green Acres Golf Course in the Romantic Times region.

I don't see many clouds on the horizon these days, so you'll see me out on the course moving the sprinklers around. I'll do my best to keep the course in good shape during the SL dry season.

If you encounter a sprinkler on the course, just play through.

Green Acres Number One Golfer!

2010-08-10T05:29:00.000-07:00

There are natural limits to what golfers can generally accomplish.

Day-to-day, the course and the "golf spirits" will allow the most accomplished golfers to turn in good scorecards.

But then... sometimes... for those most who are most skillful, patient, and practiced, the course and the golf spirits will allow a truly great performance on the course.

Today, at Green Acres Golf Course, Cloe Neiro scored a 46! With two holes-in-one, and several risky long-shots on the back nine Cloe achieved the seemingly impossible.

Amazing! But not accidental. Cloe is one great golfer.

You'll see her on the course often with her partner Rafe Holder. Look for her Green Acres Number One Golfer tag and congratulate her!

Cloe Neiro Wins Swing into August Tourney

2010-08-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Green Acres Golf Course in the Romantic Times region was "tuned to be tough" for the Swing into August Tourney. So were the golfers!

Cloe Neiro won the tourney with an outstanding 51 scorecard total. Nancy Carpool was close behind with a 52. It takes a lot of practice and skill to move to that level, especially with the "tuned to be tough" approach the course designer has been following lately.

Congrats go to Cloe and, indeed, to all the entrants. The tourney was a lot of fun for everyone.

Cloe wins the 250 Linden prize along with a personalized tourney champion golf bag. Nancy won 100 Linden for second place.

Thanks to all the participants, and see you on the links everyone!

Swing into August at Green Acres Golf

2010-08-03T06:34:00.000-07:00

Swing into August at Green Acres Golf Course!

The Swing into August tourney starts today at Green Acres Golf Course in the Romantic Times region of Second Life™.

The golf course is all tuned and ready for August fun. Enjoy lots of golf and send me your lowest 18-hole scorecard by noon SLT on Saturday, August 7. It's that easy.

Winner will receive 250 Lindens and a personalized tourney champion golf bag.

See you on the links!

Make Friends Playing Golf at Green Acres

2010-08-02T05:01:00.000-07:00

Delfina makes her first-ever par!

A strong attraction of golf is that people become friends when playing. There is shared joy and 'agony' experiencing the whims of the golf course. Coming oh-so-close to a hole-in-one, sinking a challenging putt, or living with disaster.

Newcomers like Delfina discover this phenomenon every day at Green Acres Golf Course in the Romantic Times region of Second Life™.

You can have fun anytime at Green Acres. The course is maintained by golf experts. Real golfers enjoy the challenge and we are always happy to help newcomers discover golf.

People from around the world meet to play golf and make good friends at Green Acres. Come join us.

It's always free!

What a Day at Green Acres! Two Holes-In-One

2010-08-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

Sofiya takes a bow after her drive drops in on thirteen.

The thirteenth green is reached with a sweeping over-the-water drive that drops swiftly. Too little strength and the beavers grab your ball and hustle away. Too much, and the mountain side behind the green teaches you a lesson.

Sofiya and Quinton are all smiles. Congratulations Sofiya!

Challenging 11th Finally Yields Hole-In-One

2010-08-01T03:23:00.000-07:00

Larissa and Edd pause on the eleventh green to celebrate Larissa's hole-in-one.

The eleventh green is nested in a little valley. It is challenging to gauge just the right touch for an arching drive from the tee box. Avoid over-driving into the St. Andrews Bunker and you can put yourself into position to match Larissa's achievement.

This was Larissa's first hole-in-one at Green Acres Golf Course and the first one reported on the eleventh. Congratulations Larissa!

Pete Dye Retaining Wall at Green Acres Golf Course

2010-07-28T02:05:00.000-07:00

Pete "Pink" Dye is one of the world's foremost golf course designers. One of his classic touches is to use railroad tie retaining walls to construct over water hazards.

Green Acres Golf Course in the Romantic Times region now features one of his classic retaining walls. It holds back the river bank as you approach the fifth green.

Many thanks to golfer Pownall Coronet for the idea!

St Andrews Bunkers at Green Acres Golf

2010-07-27T02:51:00.000-07:00

Look carefully for the St Andrews style stone bunkers placed at strategic locations around Green Acres Golf Course in the Romantic Times region. It's all about maintaining the premier place for golf in Second Life™.

Many thanks to Pownall Coronet for designing the bunkers. Be sure to thank him when you see him on the course.

These individual bunker stones are quite heavy. I had to rest up after installing the first of the classic bunker sand traps near the sixth green.

New Home Landing Place for Golf Group Members

2010-07-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

Hal, Kae and Morton (l-r) try out the new group members landing place at Green Acres Golf Course.

Group members can now conveniently set their home landing places to this stone patio near the Cottage Pro Shop.

In the distance, you can see the main public landing point.

Two Stroke Lead Takes Green Acres Golf Tourney

2010-07-24T15:55:00.000-07:00

Rafe Holder held on to his two-stroke lead today to win the 2010 Summer Shakedown tourney at Green Acres Golf Course in the Romantic Times region.

Rafe is an accomplished golfer who is proof positive that practice makes perfect. Congratulations Rafe!

Cloe Neiro, also an amazing golfer, was within reach of the leading score as the tournament came to a close at noon SLT today.

Many thanks go to all the golfers who participated in this first tourney at Green Acres Golf Course. Stay tuned for news on the next tournament.

2010 Summer Shakedown Golf Tourney

2010-07-23T04:35:00.000-07:00

The 2010 first annual Green Acres Summer Shakedown Golf Tourney is in full swing. Impressive score cards have been turned in already and there is still over a full day to go in the tournament.

Send me your scorecard as a note card or photo by noon SLT, July 24.

The tourney champion is to receive a 250 L prize along with a personalized tournament champion golf bag. Have fun golfing!

St. Andrews Atmosphere at Green Acres Golf

2010-07-16T04:28:00.000-07:00

It has been a rainy start this week to the British Open at the classic St. Andrews golf course in Scotland.

But, conditions are always favorable at Green Acres Golf Course in the Romantic Times region of Second Life™. Play all 18 holes this weekend to experience the St. Andrews atmosphere, without the rain.

See you on the golf course!

Green Acres Golf Course Guide

2010-07-12T05:17:00.000-07:00

Kae did the writing and I took the photos. You see the views standing at each tee box looking to the flag in the distance. There are helpful observations for your drive shot. The rest is up to you.

See sign at second tee box to get Green Acres Golf Course Guide. It works as a HUD so you just touch to change the pages as you golf.

Thanks for golfing at Green Acres everyone!

Get More from SL Golf

2010-07-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

Part of the charm of Green Acres Golf Course is that it satisfies both beginners and experienced golfers.

To assist beginners and entertain experienced golfers, Kae and I have prepared a dictionary of basic golf terms. Just touch the sign near the tee box for the third fairway.

Green Acres Golfers Enjoy Challenge

2010-07-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

It was another busy week for visitors to Green Acres Golf Course in the Romantic Times region of Second Life™.

One golfer reported,"I found your golf course last night and wanted to say its the coolest thing I have seen in 4 years of playing SL."

"Tell you what, I was telling my friend just now in IM... 'it is better than PS or xBox golf' :)."

That is high praise from a long-time resident of Second Life™. His remarks speak directly to our goal. Second Life™ offers a superior environment for natural action, and golfing provides a strong test of human skill interacting with the elements of size, weight, speed, gravity, distance, terrain conditions, and wind conditions.

Golfing also provides for engaging human interaction. Second Life delivers on this dimension as well.™

Enjoy the Romantic Times region today. Any day is a good day to experience what golf and Second Life™ can be!

Na'vi a Natural for Green Acres Golf

2010-07-05T07:52:00.001-07:00

Height works to your advantage in golf. Na'vi swing is also natural, and keen sense of direction makes for great success on the course.

Busy Week at Green Acres Golf

2010-07-02T16:54:00.001-07:00

It was a busy week at Green Acres Golf Course in the Romantic Times region. Numerous couples came to play rounds of golf. Many were old friends, and lot's of new people showed up this week. There was a large group of 12 golfers and several foursomes played. Welcome to all! It is good to see so many people having fun playing golf.

It was a very good week for course improvements, too. Numerous advancements were detailed in a post a few days ago. Since then some new trees have grown near a few of your favorite fairways and greens.

Practicing Golf and English in SL

2010-06-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

Today, Green Acres Golf course was host to a group of 12 people from around the world who met to play golf and practice speaking English.

Second Life™ has much promise as a place for productive international collaboration.

Green Acres Advances

2010-06-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

Green Acres Golf Course saw numerous design advances this week.

The upper green on two is larger and moved farther back.

Three plays longer with the green moved back and to the right. You can still see the flag from the tee box, but the hole is hidden.

Seven now sports a small green fairway area on the point where you should be making your second shot to get on the green.

The tenth green was moved back into the hillside below the lone oak tree. Pitch to the green from the below the boulders. A good short game will get you a four, but par is five.

The green on fourteen is larger and you can easily see the flag and hole. As always, don't over-power your drive or you will need scuba gear for your second shot (or add a penalty stroke and stand on the shore).

Lot's of smaller adjustments were made here and there, including new pin locations.

If it's been a while since you played the course, be sure to respect the trees on seventeen and eighteen. Look carefully for other changes.

Green Acres Golf Score Card HUD

2010-06-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a look at the new Green Acres Golf score card HUD. Touch as you golf to advance the score. Resets manually or each time it's worn.

Just touch the sign at the second tee box. It's free!

Green Acres Golf Course for Pebble Beach Experience in Second Life™

2010-06-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

The US Open continues today at the famed Pebble Beach golf course on California's Monterey peninsula.

Green Acres Golf Course in Second Life™ is designed to capture the wind-blown scenery of California's Carmel coastline and the ocean-side feel of golfing at Pebble Beach. Stop by anytime to enjoy 18-holes of challenging golf. It's free.

Fashion Photo Shoot at Green Acres Golf Course

2010-06-15T05:15:00.000-07:00

Doppleganger Inc has cool new polos and bermuda shorts to keep you looking and feeling great on the golf course. See the ZombiepopcornSL blog for more photos and a link to the store.

Many thanks to Syler Morgwain for choosing Green Acres Golf Course as the setting to show his latest work.

A Sustainable Second Life?

2010-06-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

On June 9, Linden Labs issued a press release announcing a “strategic restructuring” to focus on “the company’s consumer business.” See PR Newswire for the entire news release.

What is the “consumer business” for Linden Labs?

Who can the consumers be?

The answer lies in the nature of the customer experience.

The company’s main product is Second Life™. This is a versatile 3D virtual world in which customers (audience members) immerse themselves by means of avatar characters.

The approach is highly open ended. Upon entering this virtual world, customers can learn how to change the appearance of their avatars, design and build virtual products and places, and explore virtual environments created by others. The experience is what customers make of it, from exploring places created by others, to participating in events, to buying virtual products and places, to participating in role-play games, to making and selling virtual products. Customers can also learn about the technical make-up of virtual worlds.

Fundamentally, Second Life™ is a virtual magic slate for creative people who have an aptitude for utilizing computers. It can be a highly attractive product for such people. This can be a substantial consumer market, especially if viewed on a worldwide basis.

What is the competitive frame (source of business) and scale for such a product?

Second life™ is not a “mass market” computer or networking product. It is not a replacement or even an add on for the well-known, large-scale social networking services. It is not a replacement for other means of conducting business meetings via telecommunications. It is not a replacement for distance learning technologies.

Essentially, Second Life™ does not substitute for things you do in real life as yourself.

Second Life™ is a global place for things creative people cannot do in real life.

Therefore, Second Life™ is not likely to diffuse through a large portion of the consumer marketplace in a traditional diffusion of innovations sense. The classic Rogers marketing textbook diffusion pattern of innovator to early adopter to early majority and so on is likely not the future for Second Life™.

Second Life™ will diffuse within an inherently innovative global market segment defined by creative people who have an aptitude for using computers. The current environment within Second Life reflects the wide range of interests, activities and communities of such consumers.

The “strategic restructuring” announcement on June 9 can potentially bode well for Second Life if it means focusing on the quality of the customer experience for the creative people who are its current customer base. These customers are alert, intelligent, informed and seeking a sustainable product of the kind Second Life™ has shown itself capable of delivering.

Communication today takes place in an accelerated viral environment. The current and future customers for Second Life™ are very much in the midst of this environment. Given the apparent strategic intent to focus on this customer market, the question is whether the company will be able to do so. It will require that a company staffed primarily by information technology specialists more successfully embrace customer listening skills and a customer service philosophy. These are skill sets that have traditionally challenged such companies.

Second Life™ is unlike any other experience. It is a highly creative environment in which to discover, invent and collaborate. The current customer base understands this truth and within their understanding and support is the potential for future of the company.

Green Acres Golf Course

2010-06-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

Visit Green Acres Golf Course for 18-holes of classic golfing. The course covers the entire Romantic Times region. Stop at first tee for free clubs and HUD to work them. Also at first tee is a free golf course guide to the first nine holes. At the second tee you'll find a free scorecard HUD. Enjoy free golf 24-7-365. Never a worry about the weather.

Green Acres Golf Course

2010-05-13T19:12:00.000-07:00

One thing led to another and now we have a serious 18-hole golf course. Golfers will relate to the feel of the place and its design.

Golf course design is easy within Second Life. A week of operating costs are less than playing one round at most real-life courses.

Virtual Golf

2010-01-12T15:53:00.000-08:00

We added golf to our region. See kiosk for free set of clubs. If you see Kae golfing my advice is overstate your handicap. Kae can golf.

Green Acres Photo

2010-01-07T14:41:00.000-08:00

Boreal Latte paused by the old mill and pond to take this wonderful photograph. Thanks Boreal!

Happy 2010 Everyone

2009-12-20T09:36:00.000-08:00

Kae and I took the canoe out today and then stopped to look over our region from the remains of the old cottage just above the mill pond. Feel free to wander our place anytime. It is there for everyone to enjoy.

Cape Cottage

2009-12-04T16:44:00.000-08:00

Kae Sura and I have a new SL home. It's the Romantic Times region...Kae calls it Cape Cottage.

Feel free to visit...relax...and enjoy the views...and how many of the island's inhabitants can you find?

Best Wishes for 2009

2008-12-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays and a Very Merry Christmas to all. Here's to a wonderful 2009 in SL and RL!

Dickens Readers Rehearsal

2008-12-10T10:50:00.000-08:00

Last nite's rehearsal by the Dickens Readers was wonderful. The story is timeless, but particularly appropriate this year.

Dickens Comes to Life in Second Life

2008-12-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

A group of friends known as the Dickens Readers will be presenting Kae Sura's adaptation of Dickens' classic novel "A Christmas Carol" on Saturday, December 13 at 10 a.m. SLT (Second Life Time).

Paddy Wright created a fantastic setting for the readers and the audience. Here's the slurl: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Teal%20Island/43/94/25