August 30 - Round 29

Course - Eisenhower Blue

Playing partner - Lloyd

If I haven't explained this yet, golf is like a schizophrenic wife.
Some days, she treat you so well, you want to continue the day with her.
Other days, you could walk away from her for the rest of your life.

Today was the former.

Lloyd and I decided to play today, on Saturday.  We were able to get a 9:08 tee time on Eisenhower Blue and were partnered up with another couple, Bob and Carol, who it turns out went to Lloyd's high school (one year behind him).

The blue course is in a HORRIBLE state.  The tee boxes are a mixture of grass, bare spots and crab grass.  The greens range from awful (still burned out from the winter), to simply poor (not mowed recently and bumpy as hell), to decent.
The fairways were in good shape.

But - all of the above were loaded with GEESE SHIT!!  Having played the Red course the prior day, I saw the geese patrol truck with the chase dog around the course.  The Red is in SUPERB shape.

But, the geese (I guess) need to go somewhere.  As the Blue course is just SOUTH of the Red course - they migrated south.  There were PILES of it.  Rather than take a photo of the droppings, I took one of the geese.

If you need to find a course to play at the last minute - look elsewhere.

As for today's round - it was a pleasure.  Lloyd is a fun playing partner.  As we are friends away from golf, we have more to talk about than a missed putt or a wayward shot.

The excitement on the front nine was provided by Lloyd.  The 2nd hole (Par 4), Lloyd was in the rough behind the green in 3.  The downhill green looked fast.
Lloyd hit a perfect chip that rolled right into the cup.  It was a great shot!

My front nine was uneventful.  I say that because there was little I did wrong.
6 pars and 3 bogeys for a score of 39.
My driver was being nice to me - and the times it wasn't, I recovered well and saved par.
Lloyd, although playing well, didn't score well and shot a 51 on the front.

The back nine wasn't bad.  Not as good as the front (for me), but not bad.
My highlight was on the number 1 handicap hole (hardest hole, for you novice golfers).  After a poor drive and a recovery shot and pitch, my ball sat at the edge of the green - with a 35 foot putt for par.
For those of you that are golf fans, one of the most beautiful things to see is a putt that you KNOW is headed for the cup the moment you hit it.  This was one of those.
It was awesome! (take my word for it).

My big mistake on the whole round was on the 18th hole.

What was the mistake, your ask?
I added up my scorecard before the 18th hole.

Having broken 80 only once, I wanted to see if I had a shot at it again.
I currently had a score of 75.  With a par 5 in front of me, I needed a birdie to break 80.
This, of course, tensed me up.

The drive wasn't bad.  A bit to the right, and the ball flew the fairway and landed a yard into the rough.
I decided to hit a 6 iron to 100 yards.  But, I wasn't thinking about the SHOT.  I was thinking about the 79.  The ball was above my feet, I didn't choke up on the club - and I chunked it.
My only shot to get to the green in 3 was to hit my 7 wood perfectly - 190 yards.

Well, that didn't happen.

I hit it 190 yards, but off to the right.  What you'd call a "Blocked" shot.  Blocked, because you wrists are so tense, they don't rotate over, and you "block" the shot out to the right.  (notice the word TENSE)
A pitch and two putts later I finished with an 81.

Was I upset?
Nah!!!  It was a freak'n 81!!
It's not like I lost the US Open by a stroke.  It was my lowest score of the season, and finally one where I played up to where I think I should ALWAYS play.

What this tells me is this - make sure I hit the range (or play) mid week.  Keep the swing from getting cobwebs.

Lloyd closed the back 9 with a 49 - 100 overall.  Not bad.
He hit the ball well (mostly), but didn't score.

It's kind of sad to think that the golf season (Summer) is coming to an end.    I've played 30 rounds so far, and always like to get through at least 40 rounds.  It looks like that will be easy this year, as I've missed very few weeks due to injury. Usually I have some back aches, pulled muscles, etc.
This year, I started a new "golf specific" workout regimen at the gym.
Although I didn't see much difference in the distance I hit my clubs, I did see a DECREASE in my injuries and aches.

I'm looking forward to next weekend - a three day weekend.  I already have a Saturday tee time.  Sunday will be a round with the wife (non schizophrenic), and Monday will be another round.

So, until Labor Day Weekend,

Keep it in the Short Hairs

August 29 - Round 28

Course - Eisenhower Red

Playing partner - Vak

After the last two outings, I was a bit anxious to get out today.  I was hoping that those last two rounds were aberrations - but who knows.

The weather today was superb.   It was about 70 degrees at tee time (8:30ish) with a light breeze.  It was just really nice to be out there.

Let me start off by telling you that I shot an 86.

And, I was kind of pissed about it.  I played well.
Let me clarify that.

I played well for 15-16 holes.

Those others?  I could have played better if I was blind.

My putting, once again, was good.  30 putts.
No three putts.

The trend started on the first hole - the par 5.  My drive was off the fairway on the right.  The rough, again, was deep.  Stupidly, I opted to hit my 5 hybrid, figuring that I'd lay up to 60 yards.
Well, I did hit it well, but the rough held my club from closing and the ball went straight - staying in the rough.
And, not as far as I had hoped.
The right thing to do was to hit an 8-iron out to 110 yards.  But, no - I went for the money shot.  (This was one of many mistakes I would make).
My 3rd shot, in deeper rough, was a nine iron that went perhaps 30-40 yards.
However, I was able to get up and down for par.

Not a bad start.

Although I double bogeyed the 3rd hole, the real shit occurred on the par 3 5th hole.
My 8 iron came up short and landed in the bunker guarding the green. The pin was in the back, so I needed to get the ball back there.
Unfortunately, the sand was very wet - and packed.  So, my wedge skidded on the surface and the ball flew the green - landing in front of a tree.
I took a few practice swings with my 60 degree wedge, and tested the clearance on my backswing.  It was good.
But, when I moved in position to hit, I DID NOT DOUBLE CHECK THE BACKSWING!
Just moving 2 inches closer to the ball, my club hit a branch, and the downswing pushed out and the ball landed in the rough.
Now - upset with myself - I hit my chip thin, and wound up with a triple bogey - 6.
I composed myself for the next hole. And, although I hit my drive into the woods, I was able to recover for par.
The real excitement was on the 9th hole - playing 320 yards.
I topped my drive, and sat 140 yards to the pin.
This is where I hit my best shot of the day.  I beautiful 8-iron that drew into the pin.

Pin high, and maybe 5 feet to the right.
I sunk the birdie putt, and finished with a 42 front.
I tried not to think about that triple bogey and what I might have scored!!!

The next mistake was on the par 5 12th hole.  I bombed my drive (the wind was with us) and I was 217 yards from the front of the green (thank you Garmin G6).
That's where I opted to go for it with my 4 wood.  This club is good for 210 yards.  I figured with the wind, I should make 217.
However, my mind must have kept saying "not enough club!"

My swing must have looked like a Bubba Watson swing.  Right out of my shoes.  Except I topped the ball, leaving me 145 to the front.  My 7 iron came up just short and I bogeyed the hole.
I could have slapped myself.  I should have hit a 7 iron to 60 yards, pitched - and hopefully birdie. If not, par.
But, I bogeyed

The next hole is the long par 3.  My 4-wood was nice, but drew left into the deep rough.
Spell that DEEP
I tried to dig it out with my lob wedge, and didn't swing hard enough so I was still in the rough.
Double bogey

The big note on this round was the 18th hole.  I again hit a nice drive, leaving me 210 to the front.  My 4 wood was great, but in the left rough.
This time, I dug down with my gap wedge and chipped out to 6 feet - and nailed the putt for a par!!

86 - and that was with leaving a bunch of shots out on the course.
Vak was not happy with his round. Yet, still only shot a 91.
Going into the 18th hole he realized that if he parred the hole, he'd shoot 89.  (you can do the math to see what he did).

So, learning from this round, here's what I need to do:
1 - stay with my game.  Don't go for shots that you have no business trying for.  I might have lost 2-3 shots on that today. Some call this "course management".  I call it "Game Management".
2 - find some place to work on chipping out of DEEP rough.  The deep rough ate me up today.  With some work, I can knock another 2-3 strokes off the score.

As the summer is winding down, I called Lloyd and set up a game for tomorrow.
Next week I'll try for 3 rounds over the Labor Day weekend.

Until tomorrow,

Keep it in the Short Hairs

August 24 - Round 27

Course - Hempstead Country Club

Playing partner - Seth

When I posted my last blog entry for Saturday's round, some smart ass suggested I take up fishing.  

Well, I would - except I'd be afraid that my attempts to "cast" into the water might hook a bear or squirrel!  

On Monday I played in an outing held by a client.  The format was a "scramble".  I've discussed the formats in a previous entry.  This is where every person in the foursome tees off.  Then the four players hit their next shot from the location of the best drive.  This is done until the ball is in the cup.  

If you have four good players, you can wind up with a nice score - 6 or 7 under par.  Really good foursomes come close to 12 under par.

We shot 2 over par.  

I've actually never heard of this course - and it's 10 minutes from my house!  It's a hidden country club in Hempstead.  A pretty course, and not too difficult.  The fairways were fairly open, and not that long.  

If I was playing well, we could have shot a nice low number.

Thus, we shot 2 over par.

The highlights?

On the longest drive hole, I held the top spot for a bit.

The hole was all uphill for about 240 yards, and then crested down.  With the wind in our face, I hit a low driving shot that landed around 230 yards.  About 10 yards from the top.

I KNEW that I had little shot at holding  this.  When we passed back, I saw that there were 4 names on the card.  And, the card was 30 yards past the spot I had hit to.

Seth had some really nice shots.  He won 2 of the three "closest to the pin" contests.  He hit the shit out of his 5-wood, and had some nice drives.  We'll be playing a few more outings this season, and I hope we can do better.

I had a few decent shots.  Mostly drives.  

But, I was pulling my irons left all day.  (that fishing suggested sounded good around the 9th hole!)

However - playing in a scramble is not the best for keeping my concentration on the game.  It's not like you can get into a rhythm.  You drive out and inspect the shots, and make some type of logical determination on which ball to play.  

So, I can't even critique my round. Only that I was again inconsistent.  Some drives were great. Others were quite bad.  

My woods were great.  Mid irons were OK,

SHORT IRONS SUCKED!!!

On the bright side, they expect nice weather on Thursday - when I expect to get to the range!!!

So, until Saturday 

Keep it in the Short Hairs

August 22 - Round 26

Course - Eisenhower Red

Playing partners - Vak, Richie, Evan

The weather today was spectacular.  When we got to the range, it had to be just perfect. High 60's and a light breeze.  Nothing could ruin a day like this.

Except a round of golf.....

What can I say.  The weather was spectacular, but my golf was not.  It was not a complete failure of my game.  Just enough to make it a less than memorable round.

Let's start with the first hole.  My tee shot, a nice high and long drive bounced in the first cut and then into the rough.  Recalling the prior week, I simply layed up with a 7 iron that left me with 110 to the pin.  Slightly into he wind, I opted for my 9 iron -
                                                                                 which I pulled left.

My attempt to chip was awful and I started with a bogey.

 
After the first 4 holes of Bogey Golf, I realized it would be one of "THOSE" days.  Not horrible, but not good.
That 4th hole where I have (for the past 2 weeks), hit into the base of the tree at the end of the dogleg?  Well, I did it again.

However, this time I was able to bogey it.  I chipped out from under the tree, almost to the fairway - leaving me 170 to the middle of the green.  One problem - I'd have to hit a hard draw around a tree.  Hitting what would be my best shot of the day - I hit my 5 hybrid and ended up in the middle of the green, and two putted for bogey.
I limped my way through the front nine, with only one par  - shooting a 44.
I even bogeyed the 9th hole - one of the easiest holes on the course.

At the "Turn", I took a nice long breath, and decided to start anew.

That's when the nightmare started.  My drive was WAY right, in the woods.
I then hit a sand wedge over a pine tree to leave me 190 out.  Already figuring on another bogey, I took my 7 wood and lined up my shot.  A nice slow backswing, and at the top as I started my downswing, when a fly the size of an alligator took a chunk out of my left knee.
The ball sailed at a 45 degree angle into the trees (again).
Hitting a low shot out, I was in the left rough at 60 yards - laying 4.  My favorite shot.
Except for today.

Let's just say I laid up to 60/70 yards 4-5 times today, and each time I chunked it.  This was the most upsetting part of my round.  A shot that I practice over and over again, turned into a fiasco.
10th hole- triple bogey!

After parring the 11th and 12th, I figured I was on track again.
And then the wheels fell off the cart.  I double bogeyed the 14th, again blowing a 60 yard pitch.
(By this time I was muttering under my breath)

The 15th hole seemed promising.  I really played it well.  My drive left me 180 to the middle of the green.  This is normally a layup hole, but the light breeze was behind us and my drive carried quite a bit.
My 4 hybrid was perfect - too perfect.  The elevated green normally would mean that my shot would hit the uphill gully before the green, and my ball would stop mid green.
Well, my ball bounced in the middle of the green and landed a yard over.  In the thickest rough I've seen all day.  My first chip bounced the ball 2 feet.  Ugh.
I settled for a bogey, and some more muttering.

The rest of the round was equally frustrating.
I ended the round with a 91.  The frustrating part of the day was missing shots that are normally my strongest.  Short pitches and chips.

The score could easily have been 4-5 strokes higher, had it not been for my putting - which was the one part of my game that was still holding up.

So, what happened?    I'll tell you.
I didn't hit a golf ball all week.  You can not expect to play well (and consistent) if you don't at MINIMUM, swing a club every few days.

So, this week I WILL get to the range. I'm playing in an outing on Monday, and I will make sure I get to the range on Wednesday or Thursday.

As for my playing partners?
Vak also opened with a 44, but played better on the back 9.

Evan played well, and shot an 89.

Richie?  Richie stopped playing after 7 holes.  His back was locking up.
Rich and Evan didn't get to the course until 8 (for an 8:28) tee time, and so they could not warm up.  As Richie's last 3 round have ended similarly, that was probably a mistake.

Also of note was the course.  The rain from Thursday night left it's mark.  The bunkers were like lakes.

We did see teams of workers making their way though the course, grooming the bunkers - adding sand and smoothing it out.  It was nice to see the county putting $$ into the course.

So, until Monday,

Keep it in the Short Hairs

August 15 - Round 25

Course - Eisenhower Red

Playing Partner - Vak

It was going to be a hot one today.  Luckily, I was able to get us a slightly earlier tee time, at 8:12am.  A good thing.
We were grouped up with two 'singles'.  Pete, and Ken.  Both nice enough guys, which made for a pleasant round.

Today I had a new pair of golf shoes.  I had received an email from Golf Galaxy for FootJoy Ultra Lights.  These are spikeless, and VERY LIGHT!
The email was a FLASH sale, and the shoes were $59!
The shoes were very comfortable.  They did get a bit damp (they are not waterproof, as they are mesh) on the first hole (rough was wet) - but were very light and comfortable.
I'm quite happy with them.

My last blog entry referred to the handicapping system used at outings.  I'll take this opportunity to quickly review golf handicaps, and what they are good for.

A golfer's handicap is a calculated number that means how far off a course's par he should be able to play to - given that golfer plays one of his/her best rounds.  So, if my handicap is 10, and the course par is 72 - I feasibly should be able to score an 82 on a good day.
It's basically a way so that golfers of different levels can compete against each other.  For instance, if I had a handicap of 12 on a course, and another golfer has a handicap of 15 - I would give that golfer 3 strokes to make things "even".

I won't get into the actual calculation of how it's done, but it is an algorithm that uses your best 10 scores from your last 20 rounds.

The USGA uses GHIN (Golf Handicap Information Network) to help golfers maintain their handicaps.  However, unless you belong to a club, it will run you $60 a year to "join" an virtual club to maintain it.

Or, like me - buy an APP on your iphone that does the same thing. (I used Golf Handicap Tracker)

The reason I keep my handicap is to gauge how well I am playing.  I usually play better towards the end of the year, so I end up with a low handicap.  Then it creeps up during the year, and then goes down again.
This year I started at a 13, and am now above 14.  This is because all of my 2014 scores have "fallen off" of my list of my last 20 scores, so are no longer used by the calculation.

The last few scores, even though were pretty good, put my handicap over 14 for the first time this year.  It doesn't make me crazy, as it does to some others.  It's just a way of telling me how I'm doing.

So, for today's round.

My drive on the first hole ended up in the rough on the right side.  Maybe a yard off the fairway.
But (BIG BUT) - the rough was long, gnarly, and wet.  I opted to just hit a 7 iron and lay up to 100 yards.
The grass had other ideas.
The clubhead got held up in the grass and my ball went about 100 yards, and I again sat in the rough - 140 yards out.
Let's just say that it was a bit ugly, and I opened with a bogey.
Vak played the hole great, and birdied!!

The rough on the rest of the course was not nearly as bad, except for the 18th hole (I'll get to that later).

Here of my holes of note:
4th hole - long par 4, dogleg left.  My drive was long and (once again) drew into the tree at the end of the fairway on the left.  I had no shot out, so I did the "backhanded wedge".
For those unfamiliar with this, it's a way if playing a ball by:
Holding a wedge backwards in your right hand (for righties) so the head of the club faces your foot.
You swing the club like a pendulum, hitting the ball "Backwards".  I was able to get the ball out to an open area, where I could then lay up to 100 yards.
Double bogey.

11th hole - par 4 - playing a short 350 yards.  I had a great drive, leaving me 120 yards to the pin. With a slight wind behind, I hit a pitching wedge to 3 feet and nailed the putt for a birdie!!!

The par 3 13th - 200 yards.  I felt very uncomfortable at the tee, but opted not to walk away and "reset".  Topped the ball into the water.
Double Bogey.

18th hole.  This was ugly.
My drive was solid, leaving me 215 yards out. But, as I was on an uphill slope, I opted to "play it smart" and lay up to 60 yards, and then pitch it in.
But, my 7 iron pulled left and wound up in the rough.  Still at 60 yards.
Just as I got to my ball, the sprinklers went off. I probably had a minute until the water would hit me.  But, I opted to wait, and let the cold water rain over me and cool me off.
It felt great, but in hindsight, it was a stupid move.
Not only was I wet, but so was my ball, and the deep grass I was in.
My pitch shot went 40 yards.
My next lob wedge shot landed just short of the green.
By this time, I'm talking to myself (pretty much cursing myself).
So, laying 4, I chip on and hit the 4 foot putt for my third double bogey of the round.

I ended the day with an 86.  31 total putts, and no three putts.
I shot a 41 on the front, and a 45 on the back.

The holes I wish I had to play over were the 13th and 18th.  What would I have done differently?

• On the 13th, I would have stepped away from the ball, and restarted my setup.  

• On the 18th, I would NOT have waited for the sprinkler to hit me and the ball.  I would have taken that pitch right then and there.

Vak had a super front 9 - shooting 39.  Awesome.
However, the back 9 got away from him, and he shot a 49.
Now, 88 is not a bad score - but like my score when I shot the 37 on the front - very discouraging.

I have no outing or mid-week plans for playing this week. Which, doesn't mean I won't take half a day to play somewhere.   Barring that, there's always next Saturday.

Until then,

Keep it in the Short Hairs

August 10 - Round 24

The Course - Muttontown Country Club

Playing partners:  Lloyd, Cooper, Brian

On Monday I played in the annual Big Brothers/Big Sisters Golf Outing.  This event was cancelled from a rained out date in early June.  A good friend (Dan) is on the board of directors of the organization and sponsors his "Merrick Madmen" by not only sponsoring a hole (this time the putting green), but also a foursome.  So a big shout out to Dan, and the entire BB/BS organization.  Especially since he was unable to play today.  "You Da Man!"

For those that have not had the opportunity to play at an outing, it's an experience.  There are usually giveaways, food, drinks, and raffles.  Some include breakfast, lunch, or dinner. 

This one was all three!

For those unfamiliar there are usually three types of scoring at an outing:

1. Scramble. In this format each player in the foursome tees off.  The foursome then chooses the best shot from the four, and all hit the second shot from that location. This continues until the team holes out.  This format is popular for large groups as it keeps play moving by eliminating the worst shots.
2. Best Ball.  In this format, each player plays his own ball until all hole out. The best score of the foursome is used.
3. Stroke Play. This format also allows each player to play his own ball.  The total sum of the team is used, allowing for handicaps.  Since many players do not keep a handicap, there are several "one-day" handicap systems that can be employed.
   Two of the ones I know about are the Callaway and Peoria systems.
   I have no clue how this work!

Today's format was Stroke Play.  

Tournaments employ a shotgun start.  This means that each foursome tees off at the same time, on different holes.  Out first hole was the ninth.  

Lloyd and I arrived at 10:15 and checked in. We received a sleeve of golf balls, a ball mark, and a hand rolled cigar.  

As we had brought a change of clothes we went to the locker room to drop our bags and went up to breakfast.  

It was an excellent buffet. I ordered an egg white omelet and then went and got two cheese blintzes.  And, just so that I wasn't "too Jewish", a few strips of bacon.  

We sat next to a guy hawking Murphys Bloody Mary mix, and got two (for me AND Lloyd!!!).  

It was going to be a fine day.  

After a brief warmup, we were off.  Brian was kind enough to give each of us a gift box of two golf balls and a free ride from his limousine service, Serenity Limousine.
I've used them before and highly recommend them. 

Brian is a big hitter.  Not straight, but BIG.  

Coop loves being out on the course, but barely sets up before he swings.  I think if four guys in a foursome played like him, they could complete 18 holes in an hour!
Lloyd? Well, I've discussed his game before -and it needs work.

My drive was off to the left, so I opted to lay up to my 60 yard "prime" layup.  I dropped my pitch 6 feet under the hole and hit the putt for par.  WHAT A GREAT START.

The unfortunate thing about starting on the 9th hole is that you make "the turn" immediately, and are not hungry enough yet for the bbq lunch of hot dogs and burgers.  So, we proceeded to the 10th hole, and played at a nice pace.  Our caddy, Fernando, was excellent, and helped with the putts tremendously.  The day prior was the club championship, so the pin positions were brutal, and the greens were extremely fast.

For most of the day, I was recovering from a poor drive and hoping to one-putt.  My best hole of the day was the 16th, par 3.  150 yards playing 170, as it was into the wind and uphill.  I hit a sweet 5 hybrid that faded toward the hole and landed 14 feet to the left - pin high.

I checked out the "closed to the pin" card, and the closest was 18 feet!  I had a shot!!!  So I scribbled my name down.

I knew that 14 feet could probably never hold up as some of these players were GOOD, and were possibly using a wedge or 9 iron from that distance.
But, it was exciting none-the-less.

I ended the round with an 87 - very respectable, even though I didn't play too well.

The winning foursome "NET" (meaning with handicaps) shot PAR.  The winning foursome "Gross" shot somewhere at 10 over par.
My group was more towards the other end of the spectrum, as I was the low score in our foursome!
I was impressed that the low gross golfer shot 69 - 3 under par!!!  Freaking good.

Also of note is that I kept my streak alive at not winning any raffle prize.  I've gone to plenty of outings, buying thousands of dollars (across the years) in raffle tickets.  The money goes to a good cause, and I don't complain.

BUT, every guy in my foursome has won time and time again.  Drivers, signed photos, TVs, etc.
ME? I get to go home with a pocket full of bakery tickets.

And, the knowledge that my donation helped some kid on Long Island get a better life.
So, I guess I did win (and so do the current 400 "little" kids paired to "Bigs" on Long Island.

Oh - by the way - I didn't win the closest to the pin award.   The winner was under 8 feet.
Such is life....

I'm trying not to overthink my game at this point.  Trying not to analyze too much good/bad.  I know that I screwed up some chips, and some drives - but there was nothing that stood out too much.

I'll hit the range on Thursday, and play Saturday with the Vak.  Hopefully, it will be a good round.

Until then,

Keep it in the Short Hairs

 

August 8 - Round 23

Course - Eisenhower Blue

Playing Partners - Vak, Richie, Evan

The weather today was PERFECT.  We had an 8:28 tee time and got to the range around 7:45 am.  There was a hint of a light breeze, the temps felt in the high 60's, and there was very low humidity.  Optimal golf weather.

My range warmup was perfect.  Couple of wedges, couple of hybrid hits, and then a few hits with my driver.  Then I pitched a few shots to 50, 60 and 70 yards and I was done.
I hit all my shots pure, and felt nice and loose.

Vak, on the other hand, was hooking and shanking all over the place.

We had different expectations for our rounds.

We arrived at the tee at 8 and teed of early (8:15).
My drive off the first tee was sweet, just like at the range.  Vak also had a great drive (unlike his range work).

As I was 270 out, I opted to hit a 4-wood to get to my 60-70 yard pitching range.  This is where your "Go to" shot comes in.  Everyone should have their optimum lay up spot.  As I practice my 60-80 yard pitches A LOT, those are mine.

Unfortunately, my 4-wood shot was a topper and I sat at 140 to the pin.  No problem, as with the wind in our face, and an elevated tee - I opted to hit a 7 iron (150 yards).
However, I did not opt to shank my shot.

My ball nestled nicely right of the green under a tree.  Of course, my low pitch caught the deep grass near the green and I wound up with a double bogey.
So, my perfect range warmup had not translated well to my first hole.

Vak, on the other hand, easily parred the hole.  His shitty range warmup also did not translate to his play!

From this point on, I was playing bogey golf.  And, I was not happy.  Missing easy shots, mostly with my mid irons.
If you recall, I did not warm up any of my mid-irons at the range - so they were obviously cold and hitting poorly.  :-)

Vak on the other hand, was shooting par golf.  At the 9th hole, he sat one over par - and his goal was to birdie the hole and beat my 37 front nine from last week.
He settle for the par, and a 37.

By this time, I was hitting the ball somewhat decently (not great mind you, just decent).

The back 9 was fairly uneventful, except for the 11th hole, par 5.  Like my round on July 25, I blasted the ball, cutting the dogleg left corner.  This time, I did NOT try to carry the mid-fairway bunker (I recalled that double bogey).  I laid up short of the bunker - at 130 yards.  As the pin was in back, I hit an 8 iron - and pulled it just off the green to the left.  My chip left me 3 feet above the pin.
Thinking I had saved my par, I took my time on the putt. And, nailed the putt.  WAIT - I meant SAILED the putt!! - 4 feet past the cup!!!
As the return putt lipped out, I thought to myself "What the F#*@!!!"  Thee feet out and I three putt!!!  I double bogey'd this hole again!!
It took me another 2 holes to start breathing again...

I finished the round at 89.  Not horrible, but not great.
Vak had an opportunity to shoot 79, but bogey'd 18 and ended with a more-than-happy 80.

So, what went right/wrong today.
First, my mind was half on golf, and half on the afternoon plans.  As I was hosting a BBQ for my family, I had several places to go after the round to pick up food, propane, etc.

But, no excuses.  I said it before, and I'll say it again.  Golf is 90% mental (and the other 50% is physical).  Keeping your head in the game is the key to keeping your game in check.

My drives today were pretty much flawless.  I probably hit 11 or 12 fairways, and the ones I missed didn't miss by much.  My wedges were great, and my high irons and woods (except for that first one) worked well.
And, except for that one hole (WHERE I THREE PUTTED FROM THREE FEET!!!!), I putted well.

My mid irons (6-8) were my Achilles heel.  I can normally hit these solid, with a light draw.
Today, it was like the clubhead was the size of a quarter.  Pushing and pulling the shots all over the place!!

But, not to worry - my next round is on Monday at Muttontown, in an outing.  I usually have a good showing there, and hopefully this will hold true to form again.

Until then,

Keep it in the Short Hairs

August 2 - Round 22

Course - Eisenhower Blue

Playing partner - Linda

For those of you that have not had the pleasure of playing a round of golf with your wife, husband, girlfriend, boyfriend, etc - read on. As this is what today's round was for me. (I'll try my best not to get mushy)

The "feel" of a spousal round is quite different than a "buddy" round.  Definitely, there is no competitive feel.  No banter, cursing someones shot, etc.
We were basically on a "golf" date.  Chit chatting about every day stuff, and chatting with the other couple.  A very non-pressured round.
My play is very different, too.  I don't take as long to line up my putts.  I don't take 3 to 4 practice swings on my pitches/chips to gauge the distance.  And, I don't light up a cigar.

This is NOT saying that it's not a pleasurable round.  It is.  It is just different.  It's a relaxing 2 1/2 hours spent with my wife, playing the sport that I love (and that she likes).
I highly recommend this type of round.

Now, on to our round.  First a little background.
About 2 years ago, Linda and I started to play golf on Sunday afternoons - for a 9 hole round.  (A quickie, so to speak)

Linda is a novice golfer.  Until about 3 years ago, she would play 2-3 times a year.  A few times on vacation in Florida, and a few times up north in New York.
But, we expanded on that so that she could learn to play the game - better.

Until last year, Linda would always preface our round by "warning" our playing partners that she was a beginner.  The problem with this, is that she's one of those people who are naturally coordinated - and never really played like a true beginner.  As such, I told her she can NOT tell others she's a beginner.

But, back to today's round.  This was Linda's first outing of the year, so we spent some time at the range.  As opposed to my normal warmup, (making sure I followed my regular routine) today was mostly about my wife, correcting a few things here and there.

After a bit, we went over to the course.  Today, we walked the course.  Linda used my 3-wheeled push cart, while I rented the course's old 2-wheeled "dragger".
After today, I decided that I'll head to the PGA superstore and buy another push cart.  Lugging that 2 wheeled thing around was horrible.

At the first tee, we are matched up with another couple - Gary and Jodi.  As Linda warned them that this was her first round of the season, Jodi assured Linda that she was probably just as bad.

We teed off at 3:45 pm.  By this time, the top heat of the day had passed.
My drive sails way right.  Linda, off the ladies tee, drives the ball 125 yards up the fairway.  Here comes the problems with my not hitting the ball on the fairway.

I am Linda's caddie.  Linda hasn't yet figured out what club to use, or even how to correct her aim.  So, as her coach, I make little corrections in her swing, stance, etc. - while standing next to her.
(This woman must love me, because anyone else would smack me upside the head with a 9-iron!!!)

Anyway, I hit my 2nd shot up the 9th fairway, as I can't easily make my way back to the 1st fairway.  I kept walking back to coach my little woman from across the fairway.
I wound up parring the hole, while Linda scored a 7.

Luckily, my shots straightened out, so we proceeded to walk together, while chatting golf, and stuff.
The 4th hole is a par 3 - with the men's tees at 175 yards, while the ladies "red' tees are at 135 yards.  I pushed my 5 hybrid into the right greenside bunker, while Linda's drive, straight as an arrow, stopped just short of the green.
Her putt from off the green stopped less than a foot from the hole.
PAR!!
The rest of us bogey'd the hole.

Alas - this novice showed us up.

The round took 2 hours and 20 minutes.  No a bad late day round with my honey.

I wound up shooting a 42.  Pars and bogeys across the whole round.  My most memorable shot was on the 5th hole - 375 yard par 4.  My drive was great, leaving me 160 to the pin.  However, I hit my 6-iron fat and landed just short of the bunker guarding the front of the green.  The pin was sitting about 10 yards past the bunker - so I needed to hit a flop shot just over the bunker, and let it trickle to the hole.
Low and behold - that's exactly what happened and I was left with a 6 incher for par.

So, once again - a weekend with 3 rounds of golf (well, two and a half).

What more can a guy ask for.
One round on one of the region's premier courses
One round shooting a 37 front nine
One round with my little lady.

I'd call that a perfect golf weekend.

And - what do I take away from this round?
Linda needs work on her putting and chipping.  I told her we would meet at the putting green after work one day for a lesson.
And, sorry to all my other playing partners - she's my favorite golf partner!

So, until next weekend.

Keep it in the Short Hairs

August 1 - Round 21

Course - Eisenhower Red

Playing partners - Vak, Richie, Alex
Weather today - HOT!!

The theme of today's round is:
     The Golf Gods Giveth, and the Golf Gods Taketh away!

After playing yesterday, I finally was feeling that my game was in good form.  My tempo is pretty much down pat, my clubs are dialed into the right distances, and my concentration was where it should be.

So, I felt damn good coming into today's round.  The warmup routine was normal.
Started off with some deep knee bends, leg crosses, light turns - just enough to let the body know it will be asked to perform soon.

The swings showed nothing out of the ordinary.  A few wedges, mid irons, hybrid, driver, and ending with a few wedges.

The first hole, the nice par 5 seemed like easy prey.  My drive was straight down the right side, in the rough.  I laid up to 70 yards, and pitched and two putted for a par.

The 2nd hole played as a par 3 today - 150 yards up hill.  I nailed my 6 iron and was 5 feet to the right of the pin.

I sunk the birdie putt, and thought to myself "this would be a good round today".  I was feeling a good tempo.
The 3rd hole was a bit tougher.  I pulled my drive, and then hit my hybrid up the right side into the rough.  After coming up short on the 3rd shot, I wound up bogeying.

Still - even after 3 holes!!!

On the next 6 holes, I bogey'd 2, parred 3 and birdied one (the Par 3 5th).
At around the 7th hole, Alex (a novice golfer) asked if I wanted to know my score.  I said there was reason pitchers with a great game going don't want to hear from his players.
AS IF I WASN'T AWARE I WAS PLAYING FUCKING WELL!!!

During the 8th and 9th hole, All I kept saying was "Shoot for Par" "Shoot for Par".  "Don't get crazy"

When I walked off the 9th green with a Par, my front 9 score was a 37.

ONE OVER PAR!!!

This was the best 9 hole score I've ever posted!!!!  I was ecstatic.  As we walked off, Richie said the ranger asked us to "Pick it up".
Seriously???  We were perhaps one stroke behind the group in front!!!

Of course, at the turn, he was sitting in his cart watching us.

So, here was my current thought process:

1. You have a shot at breaking 80 (I only did that once).
2. I have a chance at shooting PAR
3. Hurry up and hit, because the ranger is giving us the evil eye.

I hope you notice that not one thought was "Shoot for Par".

As I wrote earlier, "The Golf Gods Had Giveth", and now were about to "Taketh Away"

I lined up my drive, took my time, and BAM!  Blocked drive way right into the trees.

If I haven't mentioned it before, I'll discuss the problems with "Tension" now.

Tension is a game killer.  If you hit the ball right, your wrists are loose, so that your hands "turn over" as you complete your swing.  It's how the clubface gets square at impact, and how the right spin is put on the ball.
If your hands and writs are tight, you "Block" the shot leaving the clubhead open - and the ball slices.
I would double bogey this hole.
The 11th hole I overcompensated, and pulled the drive into the woods on the left - double bogey.

After parring the Par 5 12th, I felt I was back on track.

HA!!!

The long Par 3 approached.

I got up to the 200 yard shot with my 4 wood.  I have been hitting the woods well, so I aimed at the left corner of the bunker that protected the right side of the green - and the pin (today) - figuring I'd draw the ball in.

Best laid plans.

I cracked the ball PURE!  Except it didn't draw.  Even so, It appears the ball had enough on it to carry the bunker.

NOPE!!

The ball hit into the upslope of the bunker.   #&$!#@

Now, I'm pretty good out of the bunkers - except when on an upslope.  Somehow, I can never gauge how hard to hit it, and my clubhead digs in and the ball tends to pop up, and not OUT!!
That's exactly what happened.
After my 2nd sand shot popped out, I was on in 3 - and proceeded to 3 put.

TRIPLE BOGEY!!!

My game limped the rest of the way in.  A few bogeys, one par, and a stupid double on the Par 5 17th.  A simple miscalculation on my distance had my 2nd shot land in the woods.

As I finished the 18th hole with a bogey, my score ended up at 85.

Now, I'm not being greedy.  85 is a damn good score.
But, when you shot 37 on the front nine, you really had to stink up the back nine to end up 13 over par.

Now, I need to examine my game and figure out what went wrong.
This really was a tale of two rounds.

In the front nine, I can find almost nothing that I did wrong.  It was an incredible feeling.

As for the back nine?
To be honest, I can't be too hard on myself - as I shot an 85 total.

My feeling is that I stopped thinking one shot/one hole at a time.  I started to look at the 18 hole score.
I tensed up
I started to over think (and over compensate).

In other words, my head got in the way of a damn good score.

So, what's one to do with that?

Learn from these mistakes.

I think instead of worrying about my score, and not wanting to hear about it - I'll embrace it.  
Talk about it, and even joke about it.  Let ME control my mind!

What a concept!!!!

I HOPE to get out tomorrow, and play 9 with the little woman.  At worst, I'll try to get out for a mid-week round next week, and then play again on Saturday.

All in all, I can't be upset with the way my game is shaping up.  My new workout regimen seems to be reaping rewards.  I'm able to control my shots better, not feel I need to "swing out of my shoes" to get my distances.

So, until the next round....

Keep it in the Short Hairs