2016 - Memorial Day Weekend (Rounds 9 and 10)

Courses - Merrick Road park and Eisenhower Park (red)

The week has been jam packed with golf, work, family, and more golf.  For this reason, I'll start combining some rounds into a single blog entry - both for my sake, and for yours.

After the Thursday debacle at Centennial , I wanted to get out on the course and ensure that I hadn't completely lost my game (and my mind).

As my office closes early on holiday weekends, I had set up a round with some fellow GolfMathers (GM'ers) for 9 holes at Eisenhower Park.
However, when I got there I was told there was a 90 minute wait!

Seriously?  I texted the two GM'ers that we were out of luck, and started to drive over to the range.  At least I could hit balls.  I then called Merrick Road Park Golf course - where there is normally a long wait (and that's on good days!).

The guy told me there was no wait, so I zoomed over, and ran out to sign up.

The starter said I should go right out with these to gentlemen who just teed off.  John and Ray.  10 years ago I would have called them elderly.  Now that I'm coming close to that 60 mark in my life, I'll just call them seasoned!!

I jogged up to them, introduced myself, and rushed to tee off, as I didn't want them waiting on me.  I didn't have time put a glove on, nor take a practice swing.  Just took a half swing, and put the ball in the fairway.
I think I should do that more often, as I birdied the hole!!!

I was quite happy with my game.  My drives were quite OK, and my play was good.  One of my only "Glitches" was on the 8th hole, part 3.  My tee shot landed in the greenside bunker - nestled against the right edge almost under the edge of grass.  I had almost no shot.  I figured it would take two to get out.
Little did I know that it would take 3!!!
I opened my stance and opened the clubfase wide open - and swung under the ball.  It popped up magnificently, and dropped right back into the sand divot that I had just dug out.
Worse lie than before!!

Now attempting to keep the clubface closed, I swung again - this time the ball did what I expected.  It popped up and rolled into the main part of the bunker.  Finally able to get out, I wound up with a 6 (Triple bogey).
But, all in all, I shot a 44.  Not great for this course - but it did get my head on straight.
I was no longer worried that I'd make an ass of myself when playing 18 on Sunday.


On Memorial weekend/Sunday, I met up with Vak to play Eisenhower park, yet again.
The weather was great.  We were grouped with two other walkers, and set out for the Memorial Day weekend of golf.
The front nine was less than spectacular, as I shot a 47.
My big fuck up was the VERY EASY 9th hole.  My drive was a "Thurman Munson" - aka a dead yank into the woods on the left.

With the ball resting at the base of a tree, it took me two to pitch out.  Now hitting 4, I finally put it on the green - and three putted!!!
Seriously - the easiest hole on the course, and I carded a triple bogey.  Ugh!!

I started to play OK, parring 3 of the next four holes.  My problems came on the 14th.  I had taken my phone out to take a shot of the long par 3 - 13th hole.

After my decent drive on 14, while walking down the fairway, I noticed the zipper pocket on my golf bag was open - and my phone was gone!!  I told my playing partners to play on, as I backtracked my steps.  I got all the way back to the tee box of the par 3 with no luck.
But, one of the golfers at the tee offered to drive me up and down, calling my phone - and seeing if we can find it.

I LOVE GOLFERS!!!

We got all the way back to the tee box at 14, where he was going to drop me - and we made one more attempt to call it.
AND FOUND IT!

It was sitting 3-4 fee off the cart path.

I proceeded to walk to the 15th hole to meet up my playing partners.

My score for the day didn't matter.  (93).
I had found a needle in a haystack - and made progress in my game.

I also realized that my game was not in shambles - but was merely in hiding - needing some practice to come out.

So, until next time -

Keep it in the Short Hairs

2016 - Round 8 - Centennial Golf Club

May 26, 2017

Course - Centennial (Carmel NY)

Playing partners - Vak, Tyler, Patrick (All Golfmatch members)

Weather conditions - HOT!

This day of golf was an Outing organized within the GolfMatch app.  I've mentioned the app here before.  The app has been all over the news lately.  Wall Street Journal, Golf Magazine, and other media.  As of last week, there were 30,000 members across the country.  Outings, such as this one, are happening just about every week somewhere in the U.S.A.
Here are some of the latest articles from the Wall Street Journal, Golf Channel, and Golf.com

Today's outing was organized by GMer (Short for Golf Matcher) Joe Mercurio.  Joe put together the outing at Centennial Golf Course, a stunningly beautiful venue of 3 nine hole courses.

Today I was finally going to meet many of my virtual golf friends IRL (in real life) for the first time.  All are golf addicts, like me.  I also got to Meet Peter Kratsios, the founder of the App.  All in all, there were 20 GMers at the event.

Getting back to the golf...
Carmel NY, is about an hour and 10 minute drive from Merrick, on Long Island - according to Google Maps.

That must be at 3 in the morning when everyone in the area is asleep.

I left my house at 7am, and picked up Vak around 7:20.  After a quick stop for a bagel and coffee, we were off. Although it didn't appear that we hit too much traffic, we didn't get to the course until 9:30.
If you do the math, this means I've been in my car (except for the DD stop) for 2 1/2 hours.  For those of you reading this that are a big younger than me, you might not understand the issues this causes.

a - my bladder was full from that LARGE iced coffee (bad move Howie!).
b - my back was a stiff as a board.

A quick stop at the loo, and we checked in and paid our meager greens fee.  Centennial cut us a great deal, charging the players only $65, including cart and range balls.

At the range, I met Joe (for the first time) and a few others in the group.  Vak and I wanted to see the short game area, since we don't have that on many courses on L.I.
This was a HUGE mistake for me.  I broke my routine of warming up at the range - a bad move, with a stiff back.
I stepped into a large bunker to work a bit on my sand game.  The last thing you want to do with a stiff back is swing through the sand.  After one swing (yes, the ball popped out very nicely, thank you) I realized my mistake, and went back to the range.  As it turns out, my back didn't loosen up until 7-8 holes into the round.
At the range, I did my normal warmup (Squats, leg raises, etc), and hit a few balls.  However, the starter was a bit backed up so we sat in the carts for a bit.
This gave us a chance to chat with the others in our foursome.  Well, at least one.
Tyler informed us that his friend Patrick was running late, but should be at the course by tee time.(He missed the first hole!).
Tyler, as expected, was a great guy (kid, to me) with a great game.  He hits cannons off the tee.

So, we teed off on the first hole of the Lakes course.  Both Vak and I hit the drive nicely, if a bit faded to the right.   Because this was an outing with a match, we played from the Blues.  For mid-handicappers, this is big.  (Note, Patrick and Tyler played from the TIPS!!!).
The first hole was a par 5, playing 533.  My approach landed a few yards short of the green.  So, I was on in 4.
This is where the fun began.  The greens were UNDULATING!!!  Note the capital letters.
And, FAST (note again).
After a 3-putt, I walked away with a double bogey.

The second hole was a nightmare (the first of many).  A par 4, I was on in four.  Although my drive was in the fairway, the ball was still about 6 inches below my feet.  On Long Island, we don't really have undulating fairways.  I'ts pretty flat.  We may have an uphill or downhill slope, but not too many sidehills.
Try bending down to hit a ball with a stiff back!!!  HA!!!  I finally got the green in 4.  And then, FOUR PUTT!!!  (gotta love this game).

I won't get into the ugliness of the front 9.  But, 2 pars and 3 QUADRUPLE BOGEYS - finished me with a 54.

The back 9 was a bit better.  Not much, as I shot a 49.

So, by the numbers.  103 score.  5 balls lost.  1 ego shot!

I must say this - the course was a difficult as it was beautiful.

So, after the round we all met up in the clubhouse for some vittles and brews.  The first group had already finished their meals, as they finished a half hour before us.

The prizes were given out (no - they didn't give anything out for worst round).  I was able to chat a bit with some other GMers.  We chatted about Game of Thrones, our jobs, but mostly about golf.  Spent some time with Nick A about setting up a Long Island Golf league.  A 9-hole weekly event - scheduled after work.

After a burger and a brew, Vak and I piled into the car and made the 2 hour ride home.  (My back was kinda pissed by now).

So, today was a great day.  Bad Golf, but great day.  I made some new friends, played an incredible venue, and wasn't at work.

What today told me about my game was this:

Warm up A LOT after a long drive.
Try to practice hitting off side-hill lies.  I'm not sure where I can do this on Long Island, but I'll make a mental note.

There will be a lot of golf this weekend.  I'm hoping for a Friday afternoon 9 holes, and rounds on Sunday and Monday.

Until then,
Keep it in the Short Hairs

2016 - Round 7 - Eisenhower Park (White)

Course - Eisenhower Park (White)

Playing Partners - Vak, Dan, Richie

Weather conditions - SPECTACULAR!!

All is right with the world, yet again.  It looks like I've righted the ship, and the game is back on track.  

We had a 9am tee time at Eisenhower Park (White).  As I've posted before, the White course is a pretty boring course (to me) as, for the most part, the holes just go straight out, and straight back.  All greens are somewhat the same, elevated protected by bunkers, and it's hard to differentiate the holes.

Well, I'm starting to change that opinion.  Nassau county is plugging a ton of bucks into this course.  I'm not saying that it will be a Bethpage Black (or even Eisenhower Red), but they are making some major renovations that improve the course.  I'll give the course updates at the end of the blog.

After the last few weeks of BAD golf (Capital letters!), I needed to work on my game.  As the weather was finally cooperating, I was able to get to practice a bit.  So, last Thursday I went out to the course at lunch, and putted and chipped.  Work Work Work.  I needed to get my putting back on track.  

After work, I went to the range and worked on my turn and tempo (T&T).  

So, we teed off on time - I was in shorts and a short pullover, which quickly came off (the pullover, not the shorts), as the weather was great.  

The first 5 holes were played well, but always had a bit of trouble that kept me from par.  Either drives that landed in fairway bunkers, or some other minor issue.  But, once I got to the green, I was always able to two putt.  

By the 8th hole, I was feeling the tempo and had my putting stroke down.  Hit the green on the Par 3 to about 15 feet and sunk the putt.  

BIRDIE!!

  

I finished the front nine with a respectable 43, with 16 putts.  

The back nine was pretty much the same thing.  I could have had a really nice score, if not for the 15th hole.  

My drive was off to the right, into a fairway bunker.  I was 190 yards out.  Although I could have attempted a fairway wood out of the bunker, I know my limitations (interpret that as "I suck at fairway bunkers).  So, I opted to hit a 9-iron to 100 yards.   As the wind picked up, my layup landed in the fairway at 117 yards out. 

Here was my dilemma.  My Pitching wedge is 110 yards, and my 9-iron is 130.  So, I either try to power the PW, or hit a short 9-iron.  

I opted for the latter, and choked down an inch.  However, the shot was poor and landed in the right greenside bunker.  

The lie was awful.  At the outer edge of the bunker, on a down-slope, within a foot of the back edge.  My swing caught the top of the grass, and I skulled the ball over the green!!!  FML

A lob wedge and two putts later, I was in for a triple bogey.

However, I can't complain.  I shot an 87 for the day.  I wasn't even pissy about the triple bogey.  I was more upset with missing my 4 foot putt on 18 for birdie.  

My playing partners, didn't fare as well.

Vak - normally my equal on the course - is still in a golf-funk.  I stopped scoring for him after his triple bogey on the 14th - which is about the time he started to play well.  The Golf Gods threw him a birdie on 18, so as totally not to discourage him.

Dan played a nice game.  He's not a long hitter, but his drives were always consistent.  Dan's problem today is the "yips"  Dan plays with a long putter, but still yips every now and then.  

Richie was really good off the tee all day. No banana slices, as he sometimes does.  It's still early in the year for Rich, so the rest of his game is still a "work in progress).

As for me - I'm now happy again with the status of my game, I need to look at critiquing my work, and improve.

My drives were pretty damn good.  If I missed fairways, it wasn't by much.  I just need to work a bit more to hit more fairways.

My woods were good - no complaints.  Then again, I only had to hit 2 woods all day.

My hybrids and Irons were solid.  I was making great contact.  I really need to dial in my yardages, though.  I missed some greens because my distances were off.  That comes with more play.  

Chipping was good, but not GREAT.  I would like to get to the point where I can one-putt after a chip.

Putting was great.  No 3-putts, and I made most of my putts in the 3-6 foot range (Except for that birdie on 18).

As this is my birthday week, I'll try to get out to play mid-week.  I'll also make sure to work my game.  Chipping practice (again).  Some range time to keep my tempo on track.

Unfortunately, I don't use the range to dial in my distances, because range balls (no matter how new they are) are not the same quality as the balls I play with.

For those of you not interested in the course improvements, you can skip to the end to look at my selfie  :-) 

Now, for the course upgrades:

The Starters area will soon boast a putting green.  Something that was missing.

The third hole is having the green side bunkers completely redone.  Previously there were several wide bunkers protecting the green.  They are building into 3 deep pot bunkers that any short shots will find their way to (Practice you sand shots!!)

The 14th hole, a par 3, is having the three protecting bunkers changed to two pot bunkers, an a collection are to the right.  Here are the before/after pictures (The parallel hole is still the old way)

The 17th hole (Par 3) is being completely rebuilt.  Pot bunkers, greens, sand traps.  Cant wait to see what it looks like

Today will be a memorable day for me.  The day (this season) where I turned the corner, and got my game back.  

So, until the next round

Keep it in the Short Hairs

2016 - Round 6 - Eisenhower Park

Date: May 7, 2016

Course - Eisenhower Red

Playing Partners - Larry, Steve

Weather conditions - NASTY  VERY NASTY

The snapshot of The Weather Channel does not do it justice.  It was cool, breezy, and "almost" rainy.  Just a continuation of the week's NY weather.

My regular playing partners had other plans for this Saturday, so I had gotten several playing partners from my GolfMatch app.  Unfortunately, a series of unforeseen issues had each one drop out.

No big deal - the course was empty.   I opted not to warm up at the range due to the poor weather, and figured I'd do some putting/chipping at the putting green by the first hole.

Unfortunately, the starter said I was going right out with a twosome - Steve and Larry.  Two nice enough guys who were also "Saturday Morning Eisenhower" regulars.

So, after the last two weeks fiasco's on the course, my angst was high, not knowing which game would show up.
The weather in NY sucked the whole week, so I did not get a chance to hit the range, or putt or chip.  I did get to the PGA Superstore to hit for a half hour, but as I've said before - it's just not the same thing as hitting outside.

So, I get up to the first tee.  If you've never had the pleasure of playing with me, you don't know that my ball flight is a draw (ball moves right to left in an arc).  If the ball goes left to right (fade), then I've done something wrong.  My ball starts out a bit right and moves to the center.
The first tee was lined up very right.  If my ball would head a bit right, it would hit one of 4-5 trees lining the side of the fairway.
You just gotta love these golf gods.  My game is in bad enough shape, but they have to make it worse with this crap.
So, I get up and hit a wonderful straight ball.
As a matter of fact, the first hole played great.  I was on the green in regulation and 2-putted for par (one of the few times that day, but more on that later).
The 2nd hole was also decent.  I didn't hit the ball far enough on the dog-leg left par-4, so I had to try to hit a hard draw around a tree - and again the ball went straight.  Chip, and 2-putt (again) and I bogeyed.
The third hole was much the same, as I parred the hole.

Not bad - one over after 3 holes - all seemed cool with the world.

That's when I turned into the "Little Engine that Could".  The rest of the day was Putt Putt Putt on each hole (almost).  I was almost like Ernie Els - clueless with the putter!!!

SERIOUSLY - my putter has long been the most consistent part of my game.  Today, I had no touch, no feel, and no view of the correct line.

I three putted holes 4 through 7, 10, 12, and 13.

43 putts for the round.  (Putt Putt Putt Putt Putt).

Before I go into my putting problems, let me review the improvements over the past two weeks.

First note that I was working hard at the gym to strengthen my glutes (ass!), lower back, and wrists.  I hit the treadmill or elliptical machine daily.  And, I stretched EVERY DAY!!

And, it paid off.  My shoulder turn was no longer a point of fear for me - wondering if my back would hold up.

I walked 18 holes without an pain or discomfort.  This with pushing my cart on soft mushy fairways (freshly mowed, I might add).

My drives were mostly good.  I say mostly.  I did wickedly slice one drive, and topped one other (yes, it did make it past the ladies tee, so I didn't need to drop my pants!)
My woods were solid.
My hybrids were much improved, which unfortunately doesn't say much since just making contact would be an improvement over last week.
Irons - were solid.
Even my pitching was solid.

However, my putting was BAD BAD BAD BAD!!

I'd line up my 8 foot putt, and my ball would go sailing by the hole and I'd be left with a 6 foot.  Or, I'd wind up 4 feet short.

And, of course I'd miss the 2nd putt, too.

A blind monkey would have hit more putts than me.

I wound up shooting a 94.  If I simply 2-putted on each hole, I'd have shot an 87.

As I walked off the 18th hole, I knew I needed some putting work.  And, despite the weather still being NASTY, I dropped 4 balls on the practice putting green and putted for about 20 minutes.

So, where does this leave me?
Either I hire a blind monkey to caddie for me,

             or I spend time fixing my issues.  

The weather this week looks pretty good, so I believe I can get out to work on some of my issues.

The weather report also predicts rain all next weekend - so I might even get 2 weeks of practice before my next round.  

Lord knows I need it!!!

And, of course - I'll keep up the gym work.  Stretching, and working the key muscle groups.  

So, until the next round - 

Keep it in the Short Hairs

2016 - Round 5 - Eisenhower Park Red

Course - Eisenhower Park

Playing Partners - Richie, Peter, and Tim

Weather - Chillier that it should be at this time of year!!

After last week's fiasco, I looked at my opening rounds from the past few years.  The first few weeks of the season, no matter how I train in the off-season, SUCK!

I have had a few in the 100 range, many in the 90's and those rare 80's.

I guess this means I shouldn't throw my clubs in the Great South Bay, just yet.


Right now, the biggest issue I have is not being able to practice mid week.  The weather has been so shitty, that you can't head out to the range or putting greens.  This week I had a 30 minute practice session at the PGA Superstore.

It's quite OK to hit in a simulator, but it's not like a range (and especially not like a GRASS range).  The "sim" is really good to see what your numbers are.  Swing Speed, Launch speed, launch angle, spin rate, etc.

However, most of us don't know what the fuck any of that means - so we just hit.

I hit, and then look at the simulated ball flight on the PC monitor.  Almost like playing "Tiger Woods Golf" on XBox.

At least I got to swing a club.

Our tee time was 9:08.  Vak was in Myrtle Beach (THE BASTARD!), so they hooked us up with a single - Tim.

The weather was cold and dreary.

It remained that way until around the 13th hole, when the sun came out.  At that point, we were able to play in short sleeves!!

Tim had one of the oddest swings I've seen - and I've seen plenty.  He had one of the strongest grips you could imagine.  His right palm was basically facing the sky.
AND - his ball position was just inside of his back foot, and he leaned forward.  He had the wild hook you might expect. So bad he'd aim 30 yards right of the fairway and (if it didn't hit a tree) would scoot across the fairway, right to left.
It was painful to watch.

As for me - I was better than last week.  After all, it wasn't hard to beat that 105.

My drives were OK - mostly in play, and some good ones. Especially the last few holes when I realized my problem.

My ball flight was a fade/slice for most of th day.   Very unlike me.  I realized that my turn contained a sway.  My guess is that my back problems are either physically (or mentally) preventing me from my normal turn, so I'm swaying to get my club back.
BAD BAD BAD!!!

So the last few holes I focused on having my left knee bend straight out to the ball, rather than turn back towards my right knee.  This prevented me from swaying.
It seemed to work.

The front 9 was on/off, and I shot a 47.  Acceptable for this time of year.
I was pretty much on track for the same type score on the back 9.  I had a 36 through 16.
My drive on 17 was great, and I lay in the first cut off the fairway on the right side.  I wanted to lay up to 60 yards, so I hit my hybrid.  And, pulled that sucker across the fairway to 100 yards out, and behind a tree.  I had to chip out, which I did miserably, forcing me to attempt a hard draw with m gap wedge.

Well, no draw - and I missed the green to the right. Chip and a 2-putt - Double bogey.

The 18th hole was pretty much the same thing. Great drive, fucked up hybrid, bad chip.
Triple bogey - ending with a 50 - total of 97.

So, what worked this week, and what didn't.

Let's start with the bunker play, since that accounted for much of last week's issues.
This was also one of the more consistent parts of my game today.    Long bunker shots, short shots, spin, roll out.  It was damn nice to see actual sand in the traps.

The driver was OK.  Can't call it good, but not terrible.
Woods?  Probably the best shots of the day were with my woods.
Hybrids?  Poor.  Well, make that VERY POOR.  (It's supposed to be an easy club to hit!!!)
Irons - good,  Made some solid contacts on the irons.
Pitching - very good.  All pitches were on target and roughly the right distance.
Chipping - mostly good.  I was able to chip to within 6-8 feet, usually.
Putting - SHIT SHIT SHIT!!  I missed so many of those 4-8 footers!!!  And, it's not like I was lipping out.  I WAS MISSING BY 2-3 FEET!!!

So, where does this leave me?  As I look at the weather report for this week, it shows rain all week - so no outdoor range.
AND NO PUTTING PRACTICE.

I'll have to book at time at the simulator again.  I'll work on my hybrids, and of course my driver.

Can't wait for the weather to finally get nice so I can take advantage of working across from Eisenhower park!!!

In any event, next week is another day.

Until then,

Keep it in the Short Hairs

2016 - Round 4 - Eisenhower park

Course - Eisenhower Park - Red

Playing Partners - Vak, Richie, Peter

Weather - Rainy, windy, cloudy, sunny

OK - so what's worse than rainy golf?

Windy golf!

And, what's worse than rainy and windy golf?

Rainy, Windy, Chilly golf!

And - What's worse than Rainy, Windy. Chilly golf?

Rainy, Windy, Chilly, BAD Golf!!

It was a bad day at the course, my friends.  UGLY golf!

The weather men predicted the rain would move off around 10am.  As we had a 9:48 tee time, we figured it would be good to play. 

WRONG!!!

Mike and I were at the range around 9am.  What was a light drizzle turned into a hard, steady rain.

Still, we hit a few balls and went to the course.  There was no backup on the tee (6 cancellations so far that day) and we teed off on time.

My problems started on the first hole.  Par 5, I laid up to 75 yards.  Being that the green was elevated, and the air was thick with rain water, I opted for my sand wedge - a solid 90 yard shot.
Well, the ball carried the green, and I ended it with a double bogey.  Ugh!!

The 2nd hole? My tee shot was a bit right, but still solid. However, my 9 iron into the green went way right - Bogey!

It was bad golf until the 4th hole - that's where it got downright horrible. My drive sailed off to the right and wound up nestled in tree roots.

I had to take an unplayable, and took a drop.  Then had to chip out.  Then laid up.
Then hit to the green and two putted.
If you do the math, that's 7!  Triple bogey.

As was pointed out to me by my "friends" - not one aspect of my game worked.

Putting (I 3-putted twice), chipping, sand, drives, woods, irons and hybrids.  It became downright dangerous for my partners, unless they were directly behind me.

Although, I have to say, no one played well.  All four of us were in the triple digits.  

Let's review the worst of the day.

Sand - the sand was soaked, hard, and soaked.  Until the sun came out and dried out the sand, it always took me two to get out.

Drives - I had no clue where these balls were going. Right, left, popped up, line drives.

Hybrids and Irons - Look out. I was foul tipping balls!!!!! FTFFFF

If I was another person, I'd have broken each of my clubs and tossed them!!

So, I ended with a 105 - worst round in at least 10 years.  It's a good thing I don't take this game seriously (HA!).

After a few Xanax, I reflected on my round.
Then I threw up!

So, I'll get to the range this week and make sure I hit some balls.

And I'll make sure there's no one near me at the range - for their own safety.

So - until next week

Keep it in the Short Hairs

2016 - Round 3 - Eisenhower Park

Course - Eisenhower White

Playing Partner - Vak, Rich, Peter

Weather - Windy, mild

Although this was really the third round of 2016, it was really the first round of the season.  First of all, in New York, only scores between April 1 and October 30 can count towards your handicap.

Second - rounds in the winter suck, and you play just to get out and not kill yourself.

So, although the title is ROUND 3, it's really ROUND 1.

We had a 10:20 tee time on the white course.  This is because the prior Saturday night, when the bell tolled 8pm (when I should be calling for a tee time), I was drinking scotch and not thinking about golf.

So - 10:20 was not so bad, especially when I woke up and it was 39 degrees.

This round's objective was to get through the day without getting injured.  I say this because 4 weeks ago I could not walk.  My back had seized up so bad, I could not walk.  Agonizing pain.  Well, if anyone wants a chiropractor, I can recommend one - highly.
So, my back is still slightly tender.  But, I've hit some balls at the PGA Super Store without issue.  But, today I was playing 18 holes, and walking.

The morning was great.  The air was crisp.  Sun was out, and the starter was on time.  

My first drive was pushed to the right, but I recovered nicely to get on in three. I bogeyed the hole.

The second drive wound up in a fairway bunker, and I was again on in three - but this time I one putted for par.  I thought this was going to be a decent round.

I was wrong

I proceeded to play bogey golf, right up until the 8th hole - a par 3 that they are completely rebuilding.  For those unaware, the course's par 3 holes are all twins.  There are two of the same holes side-by-side. This is supposed to speed up play.  Supposed to, anyway.

One of the holes is closed today as they are building new bunkers, rebuilding the green, etc.
My tee shot came up short and landed in the bunker. As I approach it I see that the bunker looks like the beach at Jones Beach. Millions of footprints.
Rather than raking and replacing my ball, I attempt to hit it - and skull the ball to the right.  What occurred next was no worse that Jordan Spieth at the 12th hole of the Masters. I triple bogeyed the hole.  FML

I finished the front 9 with a 46.  Not horrible, but could have been terribly worse.

That happened on the back nine.

1 Triple bogey, 4 doubles, and the rest bogeys.  It was UGLEE!!

Here's what happened.  At the 10th tee, I sat down.  After walking 9 holes I was a bit tired.  

At that point my ass started to cramp up!!  Well, not my ass per-se, but my glutes.  You see, after my October surgery I've been taking it easy at the gym.  Then, after my back issues - I REALLY took it easy.  So, I am in the worst shape I've been in, in quite a while.

So now when I swung, my hips would not come around and open up.  This caused me to pull almost every fucking shot.  This was B-A-D.

I finished the back 9 with a 51.  A 97 overall.

But, the good news is, I didn't get hurt.  I was able to play 18 and not get carried off on a stretcher.

So, what did I take away from today's god-awful round.

a - I need to get myself to the gym and kick my ass (literally, kick my glutes).  And abs.

b - Start getting to the range again.  Your swing doesn't just hang around in the off season.  You need to work it.

c - My back can hold up to 18 holes!!!!

d - It was great to get out again with the regular foursome.  Rich brought some cigars to celebrate the first outing of the year.  And the were great! 

This week I'll share some of my exercise regimens that I follow to keep this old body in some type of golf-shape.
I hope to have some improvement for next Saturday.

Until then,

Keep it in the Short Hairs

2016 - Round 2 - Eisenhower Park

Course - Eisenhower White

Playing Partner - Vak

Weather - cold and windy


Vak and I got to the park around 9am for a 9:56 tee time.  The girl checking us in noted that they expected temperatures near 60.  Wind was supposed to be around 10 mph.
We were thrilled.


However, we turned out to be severely disappointed, as the temps felt in the 30's, and probably didn't get past 50 until almost the end of the round.

After hitting a few balls to warm up, we got to the starter at 9:30.  The starter was a kid that looked to be around 16.  As were were on "double deck", we just started to chat.  That's when there was a bit of an argument at the starters booth.  It seems that a single that was to be in the 9:32 tee time was never called.  The kid/starter forgot to call him, and that group went out as a 3-some.  So, this single, was put with us - and he demanded to go right off - which we did.

So, we teed off with Harry at around 9:50.  My first hole was memorable - in a way that a boil on your ass is memorable.  Painful and sore.
I won't go into too many details, but let's just say it was an ugly triple-bogey.

The first four holes went Triple-Bogey, Double-Bogey, Bogey, Par.

At the fifth hole, Vak and Harry broke rule USGA 25.6.
Though shalt not discuss politics while playing a round with strangers.

I don't need to go into details, but one was left, one was right.
I played Switzerland and kept my mouth shut.  I didn't want politics to ruin my round.

I let the wind and cold temperatures do that!!!

Although I pulled out a par on the 4th hole, the only hole I played really well in that front 8 was the par-3 8th.  The temporary tee box was 140 yards out, into a stiff wind.
I opted to go FOUR CLUBS UP, and hit my 4-hybrid.

The ball was hit perfectly (if I must say so myself), and soared (and soared and soared).  The damn ball just kept rising and rising.  I had no way to know if it was short, in the bunker - or long over the back.  But, it dropped in the middle of the green, after which I two putted for par.

I finished the front 9 with a 49, and was already exhausted.

The political narrative ended after the 9th hole. Not because either party decided to move to the center - but because Harry had to leave.

So, Vak and I took to the back 9 as a twosome.   By this time, the sun had shown itself from behind the clouds, and we warmed up.  We both took off the outer layer (leaving 3 more) and played on.

The back nine (for me) was played as "one club fuck up" - meaning on each hole (except one or two), I had one club that I really fucked up.
The only exception to that was the 12th hole, par 5 - and the 18th, par 5.
The 12th hole I actually played well, and was on the green in 3, and two putted.
As a matter of fact, both Vak and I parred that hole.

The 18th?  Well, despite fucking up 3 shots, I still only got a bogey-6.
My drive was so far right, even Marco Rubio would have laughed me off (keeping up with the political tone of the blog entry).

It was so far right, that the group coming up on the 10th hole picked it up, thinking that there was no way someone could hit a shot that far right.  They gave me the ball, and I recovered beautifully with a 4 wood to 120 yards out.  I then completely miss hit an 8 iron (I overswung thinking I didn't have enough club for the wind).  So now I'm 40 yards out, laying 3.
Ready to play my 60 yard pitch, I fucked another shot up and pushed it right to the upslope of the green.  Luckily, I got up and down for a bogey 6.

I finished with a 94.

This is the type of round I would have expected last week after having been off for 3 months.  But, after the 87 last week, I had high expectations for this round.

Never ever ever have high expectations about a golf round.  You will more often than not be disappointed.

You see, I went to hit balls at the PGA Tour Superstore yesterday, to work on my mid-irons. If you recall from last week, I could not hit my 6 or 7 irons worth a damn.
Well, that progressed through my practice at the PGATSS.  I came home from that pretty depressed.

But, today (amazingly) I hit some solid 6 and 7 irons!  Go figure.

There was no rhyme or reason to today's round (except maybe the wind).  I probably fucked up at least one shot with every club in my bag.  There was no exception.  Driver, woods, hybrids, irons and wedges.  Well, the exception was my putter.  I didn't 3 putt all day!

Well, who gives a shit.  I played two round in February!!!!  I know (for those of you not in the northern parts of the country) you might not get this - but golfers up here usually expect their first round to be sometime at the end of March or early April.

This was awesome.

So, until the next Winter round

Keep it in the Short Hairs

2016 - Round 1 - Eisenhower Park

Course - Eisenhower White

Playing partners - Ken, Glen, Dave
Weather - mid 50's and windy

It's February 20, and I played golf.   What a day.  It was 43 degrees when I woke at 6am.  I got to the course at 9:45 and they gave me a 10:20am tee time.  It's much easier as a SINGLE to get out quick.

Unfortunately, I took my time getting getting my bag and cart ready, and got to the course at 10:10.  They had already given my slot away, so they put me in with the next group.

Turned out to be great luck, because the 3 guys they grouped me with were great.

It was Dave's 60th birthday, and they were out playing golf in celebration.  They had cigars, a bottle of Glenlevet 15, and some other assorted party additions.  I was the recipient of some shots of the scotch, and a nice Honduran cigar.  It was like we were old buddies.

The course was in great shape.  They had temporary tees, but the greens were open.  They did have two holes on each green, so that once you putted, you replaced the pin in the other hole - this helped the greens stay in shape.

Dave had gone out last night and purchased the new TaylorMade M2 driver.  He didn't try it out, or have them adjust it or anything.  Just picked it up, and bought it.

His first drive was a MONSTER.  I'd say 280 yards.
He was in love.
I almost felt like cheating on my R7, and asking him to hit it.  But, it was a stiff shaft, and I knew that would get into my head.
Plus, cheating on my R7, I'd feel dirty the rest of the round.
(However, I do plan to get to the PGA Superstore to try it out)

I started unspectacularly - with a bogey on the Par 4 1st.  My drive was off to the right, and my 4 hybrid came up short. But, my chip landed me 6 inches from the pin.

The second hole was spectacular.  After reaching the green in regulation, I had a 30 foot putt for birdie.

NAILED IT!!

My putting today would be excellent.  I had 2 three putts (one on each side) on holes where the pin position was ridiculous - and wound up with 33 putts.
My chipping saved my ass all day.  I didn't hit too many greens in reg, but my up and downs were great.  On the 13th hole, I hit into the green side bunker - and hit an awful sand shot to the rough - then I chipped in for par.  

I wound up shooting an 87 (43/44) and was THRILLED!!  33 putts.  

My biggest problem was my mid irons.  7/6 and hybrids - they were horrible for most of the day.  But, my wedge play was great, and my driver/woods were pretty damn good.

What was most amazing was the snow on the course.  The driving range had piles of snow.

The course had snow in the bunkers.

I was lucky enough to miss the snow when I hit into the bunkers.

We finished the round in under 4 hours.  We never waited for the guys in front of us, and I don't believe the group behind us waited much either.  

So - what do I take away from this.

First - I plan to get to the golf store to check out the TaylorMade M2 driver. I have $150 of gift certificates calling it's name.  

Second - nothing.  This was a "freebee" golf.  I shot an 87 in February.  Who the fuck cares what I did, or didn't do.  

My worst shot of the day was a skulled sand wedge that that embedded in the bunker.  (Took me 2 to get out.  )

Shit Happens.

With a bit of luck, I'll be out again tomorrow.

Or not.

Either way,

Keep it in the Short Hairs