A funny thing happened while being fitted for a suit for my new job at The Benson Hotel in Portland. As I was putting on the jacket, my blackberry buzzed with an incoming message. The dream was born. The email was from a gentleman named Greg Robeson, informing me that I had been chosen as the winner of the Ultimate Golf Road Trip in Travel Oregon’s “Win an Oregon Adventurcation” contest.

Three buddies and I would be treated to a round of golf at Ghost Creek at Pumpkin Ridge, then three rounds at Bandon Dunes — including a sneak preview of their newest course, Old Macdonald. Then it would be off to Central Oregon, where we would play Tetherow, Brasada Ranch and Pronghorn. Oh, and just to make things even more perfect, while at Bandon we would be housed at the cabin at Chrome Lake, and while in Bend we would be hosted by the folks of Pronghorn in one of their very luxurious four-bedroom residences. I bought the suit, called my wife, and sat in my car laughing.

I took the job and said yes to the trip. It was quite a day!

My foursome was rounded out with my partner on many an adventure, Jason Chambers, and the brothers Chris and Erik Beck. Now it was time to get busy. The dates had been set to coincide with the opening of Old Macdonald, so our first round would be at Ghost Creek on May 30.

Next up… Ghost stories and getting fitted.