We see a great deal of rain and slimy weather during the early weeks of the professional tour seasons. The locale matters little, be it USA east, USA west, South America, Africa, Australasia or Europe, the patience and fortitude of the golfer is tested. The same is relevant for the weekend warriors we all see in the mirror.

In western New York, right around the time the NCAA hoops tournament came to town last week, golfers were out on area tracks, swiping at balls for the first time since December. Temperatures soared, greens melted and divots flew. What we all found was a bit of slop here and there, with occasional fjords requiring additional planning.

Last Fall, I obtained a pair of Nike Bandon golf shoes. The footwear, named for the town of Bandon where the renaissance of public golf began in 1998, is quite a site. The shoe is a 3/4 top cleat that rises above the ankle. It consists of a waterproof shell that is fitted over a golf shoes. The outer is fixed to the inner, creating a bond and eliminating the chance that water or other slime might slip in.

My pressing concern regarding the shoe was the comfort level. Golfers NEVER wear high-top shoes, so how would this pair affect my swing and my journey around the course? I had an opportunity to put the Bandon shoes to the test on Sunday. Of course, I picked a course that is second to none in western New York for hills: Byrncliff Resort.

Most golfers don't walk Byrncliff. The resort has an extensive fleet of buggies to move hackers from 1st tee to 18th green. I and two friends walked (they pushed carts while I carried) and we took on the challenges of the Allegany foothills, south of Buffalo.

Conclusion: The Nike Bandon delivered on its promise. I took them off after 18 hills and valleys with no discomfort, no seepage and no debate as to whether they would handle another 18 (or even 36) that day. In fact, I think they might just earn the right to travel to the home of their namesake, Bandon Dunes resort in Bandon, Oregon, for some real foul weather golf (I'm thinking December!)

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