Strong winds and gray skies have a tendency to ruin the image of an idyllic golf outing for many, but that didn’t stop several brave souls from hitting the links at North Shore Golf Course.

Matt Wamsley was one of them. The 39-year-old was putting on the practice green before playing nine holes. He said he enjoys playing in the wind because he doesn’t get the chance to play in such conditions often.

"Sometimes you’re playing in a tournament when it’s really windy," he said, "and you have to be prepared for that."

As of 3 p.m., 11 people played a round at North Shore.

Brett Davis didn’t, but the 22-year-old still took time to hit a few balls on the driving range. He admitted the wind was messing with him a bit. Still, he says it was "absolutely, absolutely worth it."

"After all, "he said, "it was better than going to work."

And who can’t agree with that?