3rd JC Golf Studs Tradition Outing

I know it's been a few weeks, but it's been hectic in the golf household.  I've been trying to play as much golf as my back allows.

For the past few weeks, I've played perhaps two round per week - weather and back permitting.

This past week, I got to play both Saturday and Sunday.

The weekend outing (noted in the title of the Blog entry) was organized by "GolfStuds", a group that evolved off of one of the groups on GolfMatch.

This was the oddest group (in my opinion) that evolved into one of the best groups/organizations.

For many of you Instagram patrons who are are golfers, you are aware of several Instagram accounts that are composed of female golfers, which attract thousands of followers.  With such followers, they get sponsors to show off clothes, shoes, etc.
There are also a few "Male" versions of these groups, that post less beefcake shots, and more comic/golf posts.

And Honestly, I thought GolfStuds was going to be sort of a combination of both.

WRONG!!

I invite you all to click on their link and read their welcome.  It's a group of golfers (Gender neutral) that love the game of golf.  The intent is to use golf to grow the game - through friendships, youth programs, etc.  And, to support worthy causes.

The gathering this weekend was to support Folds of Honor and The Junior Tour Academy.  Folds of Honor helps out families of our fallen or disabled service-members.  The Junior Tour Academy (as you might guess), aids youngsters entering the game.  The outing raised just under $3,000.  So, not only did we have fun, but we helped some worthy organizations.

23 golfers from across the country gathered at Bethpage State Park.  For most of these golfers, it was a rare treat to play at a facility as majestic as our Bethpage State Park, Home of The Black.

We met in the patio behind the clubhouse at 9:30am.  It was like meeting old friends, for the first time.  We'd all been on GolfMatch and Instagram so long, we knew each others life stories.

The Saturday outing was the official golf day, running 6 foursomes - on Bethpage Red.  I had the opportunity to play with four "locals" (NY Area) whom I've "conversed" with a lot. Reggie, Ovi, and Paul.

Like old friends, we started ragging on each other right off the bat.  It's not easy to be comfortable goofing around with new partners - but we bonded immediately.  Although I didn't play well, it was one of the more memorable rounds of the year.

Afterwards, we all gathered for an awards ceremony, pictures, and to some, a farewell till next time.

Although the group was heading to a dinner in NYC, I opted against it, as I am freaking old - and was damn tired.
They gathered at PrimeOne16, a steakhouse in NYC.  The guest speaker was Major Ed Pulido, U.S. Army (ret).  From what I understand, this guy is amazing.  Wish I could have been there.

Major Ed (center) with Ovi and Paul

Sunday, was the day to play "BLACK".  Unfortunately, New York State frowns upon outings on the Black - unless you can fork over $100,000.
As that wasn't in the budget, we opted to get individual tee times.

As many of you know, getting a tee time on the Black is like hitting Lotto.  So, although I was dialing like a madman the week prior, I didn't get anything (again, like Lotto).  But, calling on Friday (2 days prior) I was able to snag a 9:24am foursome.

I got to play with another  great foursome.
JC - one of the founders of GS, and the organizer of this (and many other) golf events.
Mark C - another friend from the GS/GM community.
Kevin - yet another GS friend.

JC is an ex-LongIslander, and has played the black over 100 times (my back hurts just saying that).  Mark is an excellent golfer, who hits the ball a mile.  Kevin, also an excellent golfer, finished out the foursome.

Although I've played this course dozens of times, its always fun to play with people that have only read about the course.  So, seeing Mark and Kevin tee off on the first hole, was exciting in itself.

We New Yorkers (and Long Islanders, especially) tend to take the availability of one of the PREMIER GOLF COURSES in the country, for granted.  I was able to see the course through "virgin" eyes, once again.

We had a great round.  I tried imparting some course knowledge, like where to hit, not to hit, etc.

By the 17th hole, we were pretty well spent.  It's a tough course, that walks very tough (no carts on the Black).

Mark C - taking a chill on 17

But, wanting to finish strong, I gathered myself for the strong finish.  My drive was dead center, splitting the fairway.  For the first time today, I out-drove one of my partners (Kevin).  I then hit a beautiful 6 iron to the elevated green that landed just over the green in the rough.  A short chip and putt for Up-And-Down, and I finished with a Par - and a 98 for the day.

We had some drinks and lunch afterwards, before we parted.  We hugged (yes, guys hug it out) and shook hands and knew we'd be playing again in the not-so-distant future.

Although many of us play golf a lot, weekends like this are few and far between.  23 golfers from different locations got together to enjoy the game, help some causes, and cement friendships that, previously, had only been virtual.

If you want to check into Golf Studs. hit them up on their website, Instagram account, or on GolfMatch.

More important, if you get a chance for a weekend like this, grab it. They don't come that often.


So, until next time,

Keep it in the Short Hairs

May 24 - Round 8

Bethpage State Park - Blue course

Word of the day - Schizophrenia (or, Jeckyl and Hyde)

As we (me and the wife) had show tickets for a 3pm show, I opted to wake up early and squeeze in 18 holes.
I got to Bethpage State Park at around 6:20.  Got a 7:32 tee time on the Blue.

As I walked to my car in the still cold weather, I found myself parked next to a slender guy smoking an electric cigarette.  But, not one of the ones I normally see.  This one put a permanent cloud around him, that seemed to follow him as he walked.  It reminded me of the Peanut's character Pigpen, with white smoke instead of dust.

I KNEW I WOULD BE PARTNERED UP With HIS GROUP.

So, I show up at the first tee around 6:45 - and proceed to stand in the chill for 45 minutes.  Sure enough, I'm partnered up with three oriental young men - one of whom was Pigpen.
They politely asked me if I would move down to the 8:04 so their friend can play with them.

SERIOUSLY?  Wait a half hour?

I politely said no.

So, they switched with the 3some at 8:04.  A father and his two sons (in their early 30's).  We had a rip-roaring time, as every time of of the boys hit a shot, the other would rag on him mercilessly.
True brothers.

As for my round, I started off tighter than the lid on a new jar of pickles.  Standing around for 45 minutes took it's toll on my muscles.  The first hole was bad.  I was lucky to get away with a triple bogey.  Thank's to the one putt.

My drives on the front nine were something out of a Steven King novel.  It was a horror story.  Thank goodness my irons worked well.  Not so my putter.

I finished with a 50.  Worst hole?  I didnt even use the driver.  170 yard par 3.  A big green, and I pulled the tee shot to the left side of the green.  The pin was on the right.
4 putts later I was in for a 5.
That's right - A FREAK'N FOUR PUTT!!!

At the turn, I took a deep breath and started a new round.  I figured I had a chance of breaking 100.

So, resigned to my worst score in several years, I loosened up.  The Driver started to actually work, and I started to sink putts.
Started Par-Par-Par, and finished with a 42.

It was an amazing change from the front nine.  (Thus, the word of the day).  It was actually a comfortable 9 holes.

The course conditions were pretty good.  All the greens were now open, yet some were recently sodded.  Fairways and bunkers were well maintained.

Looking forward to Monday's round at Eisenhower White.

Until then

Keep it in the Short Hairs