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 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

December 13 - Round 37

Course - Eisenhower Blue
Playing Partner - Vak

When you get a day like this in mid-December, you don't DARE complain about ANYTHING with your game.  The Golf G-ds were kind enough to throw us a bone, and you don't bite the hand that feeds you.

So, this blog entry will try NOT to analyze my game.  It will merely share my enjoyment of the day, and this great game.

Let me start off by saying it's been close to 9 weeks since I've swung a club.  Two surgeries, and some recouping time - and I'm back.  I had assumed that my next round would be during some yet-unplanned winter trip, or in the spring.

But, we all lucked out.
I went to the range yesterday to make sure I didn't lose the game.  I hit well enough to know I'd be ok.

We had a 10:04 tee time, and got to the course early.  I opted for a cart, since I'm thinking my first round back should be "eased" into the game.

Weatherwise - this day was incredible.  I haven't looked at the weather reports yet, but I was playing in short sleeves and should have worn shorts.

Vak and I had an awesome day.  I three-putted twice, 1-putted 7 times.  That's 31 putts.
Which is what saved my ass for the final score of 89.

My drives were WAY off - sometimes in the opposing fairways.
Sometimes just past the lady's tees.

Se la vie

Thank goodness my woods were working well.
I had lots of bogies, quite a few double-bogies, some pars and a birdie.

My short game was spot on - which was amazing since that usually requires practice.
And, as I stated above, my putting was damn good.

So, no complaints from me.  Shot an 89 - and felt like I cheated.  This is like calling in sick to work, and playing golf.  Except I can blog about it on-line.

If you didn't get out to enjoy a round today, or maybe bike ride or some outdoor activity - you missed a wonderful spring day in December.  We don't get many of these.
I would guess that last year I was shoveling.....

I'm including a video of my 4-wood shot from under a pine-tree on straw.  Worked out well.
The lie was a result of a poor drive (of course).

Hope you had a good one.

And, as always

Keep it in the Short Hairs

October 11th - Round 36

Course - Eisenhower Blue

Playing partner - solo round

After the lackluster round on Saturday, I decided to get up and get my ass out and play again - I needed more torture.

I had made an 8:20 tee time on the Blue course the night before, and got to the course at 7:20 to check in, and warm up.  The cashier said she could move me up - to 8:04, and I said that would be great.
In the back of my mind, I actually thought that waiting an extra 21 minutes might let the air warm up a few degrees more.  Then I realized that was such an stupid idea - and I took the 8:04 slot.

I took some extra time warming up.  Taking it VERY slow, as the air was cooler than Saturday's round.

The one thing about today was the lack of wind.  Saturday's weather had a 10-20 mph winds.  Today, it was calm.  After the warm up, I got to the 1st tee at 7:55.
A twosome was teeing off, and I joined them.
NO WAIT!!!

The pair was George and Shane.  Two very nice guys and two very bad golfers.  They hit the ball a mile, but it was at 45 degree angles.
George's swing was bad.  Over rotating, bending his left elbow around his head.
Shane had a backswing that was short - and fast as lightning.

The place was empty. There was no group in front of us, and no one waiting behind us.

I simply walked up, made the introductions - and teed off.  I drew it off the the left, just off the fairway.

As I walked up the fairway, I realized my first mistake.

I wore my Footjoy Ultralights - NOT WATERPROOF!

By the time I got to my ball, my feet were wet and cold.
It was also brutal trying to track the flight of your ball.  The sun was sitting just over the trees, and the glare was a killer.

My ball was sitting in the deep rough, which was wet and gnarly.  I opted for my 4 Hybrid, which I thought I hit well, but the ball sailed across the fairway - to perch directly behind a tree.
For a moment, I actually considered trying to hit my 9 iron AROUND the tree with a hard draw.

Then I came back to my senses, and I simply pitched out and took my medicine.
Bogey 6 on the first hole.
By this time, the temps had risen to a balmy 50 degrees - but the sun was strong - so I peeled off the vest.

By the 2nd hole, my swing hit that point where it became a simple routine.  It was effortless, and the ball was (BASICALLY) doing what I wanted.
I parred the 2nd hole, and proceeded to finish with a front nine of 41.
I had hit 6 of the 7 fairways (only missing on the first hole).
My only disappointment was how I played the par 3's.  I didn't hit either green and bogey'd both.
(this will get worse on the back nine).
I also was putting well.  This despite the fact that the greens were aerated.

The back nine started off great.  I had a great drive (on the fairway again) leaving me 140 to the flag.  My 8 iron made it to the front of the green, leaving me a 15 foot putt.
As I said earlier, I was putting well.

I drained the putt for a birdie.

After a par on 11, I screwed up the 12th - double bogeying.  My drive was off the fairway on the right, and my 7 iron got caught up in the grass.  Amazing how staying on the fairway makes SUCH a difference.

My next hole of not was the 15th hole - par 3 at 160 yards.  As the green was elevated, I pulled my 4 hybrid (170 yard club).  Feeling a bit of wind in my face, I (of course) tried to overswing, and topped the ball - 100 yards up.
I then proceeded to chunk two short wedges and was on the green in 4.
Luckily, I sunk a 20 foot putt to SAVE DOUBLE BOGEY!!!

That, my friends, is like "Whip Cream on SHIT!"  Great shot, but the hole sucked big time. I finished the round out well.
Bogeying the 16th (#1 handicap hole), parring the 17th par 3 and parring the 18th par 5.

The 18th hole was my worst drive of the day.  Trying to give the ball some UMPH, I pushed it right of the dogleg, and was in the rough.
Rather than try to make up my shot, I simply hit a hybrid, and had 150 yards to the pin.  My 7 iron put me on the green, and I was able to 2-putt for par.

I ended the back nine with another 41 - 82 overall.
Considering I double bogey'd two holes, that was a damn good score on the back 9.

Reviewing the round, my only criticism was how I played the par 3's.  I was 4 over par on those 4 holes, with one double bogey.  I think I need to loosen up on those, and not try for the HOLE-IN-ONE each time I was up there.
As I try to analyze why THIS round was so good, I can come up with one major difference.
PACE OF PLAY.
We played the round in under 4 hours.  We never waited on any hole.  I'd say with two other golfers (that shot under 120) we could have finished 15-20 minutes faster.  When you are playing well, and don't need to stop and wait 2-3 minutes (or more) between shots - you're body gets into the groove.
But, that's a problem I'll have to deal with...

This, my friends, was my last round of the 2015 golf season.  Unfortunately, I'm having a medical procedure this week that will sideline me anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks - before I get clearance to play golf or exercise.
And, as the "official" golf season in the Northeast ends on November 1, the season is over.
That's not to say I won't get a round or two in when some warm November/December days roll in.  Last year I got in 4 rounds between late November and December.

I'll post an entry in the next few days, critiquing my overall season, and what my thoughts are on how to improve caliber of game, and how to enjoy this wonderful game - whatever level of golfer you are.

So - for now, remember that in golf, as in life - you should....

Keep it in the Short Hairs

October 10th - Round 35

Course - Eisenhower Red
Playing partners - Pete, Jason, Anne

Weather - chilly

We had an 8:44am tee time this morning.  At that time, it was a cool 51 degrees.
However, the breeze made it feel like 40!  Brrrrrrr.

The trick to keeping warm is layers.  I have my standard layering that I go with.
First, I have an Under Armor long sleeve Cold Gear shirt.
      Really a must of a golfer who plans to play through some chilly weather.
Over that I have a standard golf shirt.
Over that I have my Under Armor flannel vest.
And, over that I have a flannel jacket.

I also wore pants, and my Addidas Golf Shoes (As opposed to my Foot Joy Ultra lights) as they are waterproof.

During warmups at the range, I keep the jacket on until I start to loosen up and I peel it off.
Today, I didn't peeled it off until the 3rd hole - as the wind was a killer.

I also have a pair of Hand Warmers.  These are little bags that you open up and shake - they turn into mini-heaters.  I keep these in my pants pockets, and it gives some warmth.

Jason is a new playing partner that I met on Golf Match App.  He's 23 and works for the U.S. Open.  Hit's the ball a mile.

Our foursome completed when Ann was put into our group. She was a solid golfer,

At tee time, the temperature was soaring to around 53.  I took off the jacket, but was still stiff from standing around at the first tee.  I hit a nice drive, and a good layup to 60 yards. However, my pitch was long and I ended up with a double bogey - the first of two on the front nine (four for the day).

After parring the par 4 second hole, and bogeying the par 5 fifth hole, I realized that the day would be about scrambling.
After finishing the front nine (with a par on the 9th hole), I assumed the score was BAD.  I looked at my scorecard (on the Garmin) and saw 49 - I was not surprised.
My drives were inconsistent, and I was scrambling to recover from them all day.
Ann made a comment that I was pretty much in the bunkers all day.  This was true, and many of the bunkers were lakes, with the heavy rains from the night before

I felt I played better on the back nine.  Even though I double bogey'd the long par 3 - by skipping my ball over the pond to around 60 yards - and then mis-clubbing when I need to lob one from 80 yards - leaving me in the big bunker.
I had thought I pulled my Pitching Wedge, but had inadvertently pulled the Gap Wedge.
This is one of those mental mistakes that are pretty much unforgivable.
I then wanted to get out of the trap and get the ball all the way back to the pin - and I put too much UMPH into it, and went over the green.

By the time I got to the 18th, I was tired.  It's tough when you play poor golf.  A lot more walking then usual!
I hit a nice drive, and layed up to 60 yards. A pitch and two putts and I was in for bogey.

So, I checked my scorecard - and saw 90!!

I looked over the score, and realized that (without my glasses), I had read the front nine wrong and had a 45.
So, I shot a 45/45.

It was still, kind of disappointing as the season is coming to a close, and by this time of year - I am normally in a groove.

I still needed to look at my round and determine what I could do to improve.  Today, was just "off".  And, I need to stay focused mentally - hard to do when you are cold.  But, as it was the first cold round of the year, I'll take it as a just getting accustomed to Fall Golf.

I've already decided to get up early on Sunday and play again.  Maybe Bethpage.

Until then,

Keep it in the Short Hairs

September 26 - Round 34

Course - Eisenhower White

Playing partners - Rich, Pete

Fall golf is wonderful.  The air is crisp, with a light breeze.  And, at this time of year, you don't have to search through/under fallen leaves.
I started off the round wearing a vest over my shirt to keep me warm.  The vest peeled off at the 2nd hole.

The one big event of this round was my new/replaced sunglasses.  If you recall, I lost my Bolle shades on the third round of the year.  I stupidly put them on the top of my hat, and forgot about them for 2 holes - until I realized that some lucky golfer on the Blue course at Bethpage had a nice new pair of sunglasses.

Well, the new shades were "Golf Sunglasses" (Bolle Bolt).  I never really knew what that meant, until I put them on.  They are not as darkly shaded as regular ones.  And, they sort of tint the colors, making the ball seem a bit brighter, and easier to track.

I'm sure (if you're a golf fan), have seen golfers wearing their glasses while hitting. I was never able to do that, as I would find myself topping the ball.

Low and behold, I discovered the trick on wearing sunglasses while playing.  (and I'll share it with you now)

When you wear glasses, and the temple pieces rest on your ears, the lower edge of the lens is within your field of view.  I'm guessing, what I was doing was RAISING my head so that my view of the ball was UNDER the lens, not through it.  And, as we all know, raising your head causes topping the ball. (KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN)

After watching a bit of the Tour Championship on TV, I noticed that many of the golfers wore their glasses with the temple pieces over the edge of their hat - not resting on their ears.
Then it hit me - THIS WAS NOT A FASHION STATEMENT!
What this does is bring the lower edge of the lenses close to your cheeks, so you don't see them.

Once I did that, I was able to wear my sunglasses without any issues!! (other than the normal issues I have).
I did take them off (and wear them backwards on my head) to putt, so that I could read the line better.

So, for those of you that wear shades on the course - try this little trick.  It helped me immensely.

As for my round....

I was striking the ball very well today.  Except for the 16th hole, my drives were usually on the fairways.  It was tough to tell distance because there was usually a two club wind either with us, or against us.

A few times, I overclubbed my approach shots as the golf-gods played the game of killing the wind just as I swung the club.  The single golfer (Sal) that hooked up with us noticed this, and made a comment to me.
Such is life.

My final score was a 92.

I will say that I could easily have shaved 4-5 strokes off my game (maybe more) had the hole's been an extra 1-2 inches in diameter.
If you didn't know - the golf ball is 1.62 inches in diameter, and the hole is a whopping 4.25 inches in diameter.  This means that you can fit TWO balls into that hole!!!

Well, I couldn't fit one today.  My putts cruised within 1/4 inch of the hole all day.  Many times lipping out.  (where were those 15 inch cups when you need them).
It was a bit frustrating, but as the day was incredibly beautiful - I couldn't complain - as I ended with 35 putts.

The round was also relatively quick.  We finished in 4:30 - and that was with letting the group behind us play through so we could grab a bite at the 11th hole.
And, we could have played faster, except for Sal.  I'd guess Sal shot somewhere in the range of 120.  Maybe more.  Sal was in his mid sixties, and had one of those swings you need to look away from.
Stance very open, club even more open.
Backswing slow, and perhaps to waist high, and then a fast downswing that more often than not, had the ball going perhaps 20 yards.
But, Sal was a nice guy - and as you can be paired up with a jerk, you don't complain about the quality of the golfer.

Richie, once again, had to stop playing (at the 15th hole), as his back twinged.  I told him I'd come over and give him some exercises and stretches to do at home, that would help him.
And Peter - Pete hit more wood than a lumberjack.  I finished with 100.

This week, I do hope to get out and practice - at the putting area.  Since I missed so many putts by an inch (or less), I want to work on that piece of the puzzle.  My distance on the putts was great (except for the one hole I triple putted on).

And, perhaps I can squeeze in a round (or maybe 9 holes) before next weekend.

Until then

Keep in in the Short Hairs

September 19 - Round 33

Course - Eisenhower Red

Playing partners - Rich, Pete, Alex

The purpose of this blog was to allow me (and you) to improve my (your) golf game, by learning from my previous mistakes.
Somehow, I forgot about that today.

The round started off great.  My drive was awesome (I actually drove it into the group in front), and I layed up perfectly to 60 yards.  I was hoping for a soft pitch shot with my sand wedge.
But, I hit it thin, and in the ball flight I figured the ball would bounce near the pin, and roll to the back of the green.
Except it HIT the pin, and landed 3 feet from the cup!

BIRDIE!!

What a great way to start the round.
After parring the 2nd hole (par 3) I played the 3rd hole (par 5) similar to the first.  Great drive, and a lay up (to 70 yards).
Of course, I once again hit the pitch thin, and wound up with a bogie.

But, I shook that off and played the rest of the front 9 damn well.  My drives were straight, and long.  My irons were crisp, and my putting was consistent.
Everything you'd want in a game.

So, I come to the 300 yard 9th hole.  It's an easy hole.  Once again, I hit a great drive - and had 60 yards to the pin.
So, what did I do?  I LOOKED AT MY SCORE!!!

Right!  I didn't learn from my previous lesson, and saw that I had a 36 through 8 holes, and if I birdie the 9th, I could have a 39 on the front!!

So, I line up my pitch.  And I say to myself "DONT HIT IT THIN".
I take on practice swing.
And I again say to myself, "DONT HIT IT THIN"

I set up, and what do I do?

If you guessed than I hit it thin, you were WRONG!!!  I HIT IT FAT!!!!!

Seriously !!!!!   The divot I took looked like half my front lawn!!!
And, the ball went 10 yards.

So, now I am pissed, but hit my lob wedge/pitch to 6 feet above the cup.

This is where I start to lose my mind.  I'm thinking "Make the putt, and walk away with a 40".

What I am NOT thinking is "This is a fast downhill putt, and don't leave the ball too far below the hole".
My putt lips the cup, and rolls 8 feet past the cup.
I lipped out the come backer and left with my head hung low, and a double bogey - 42 on the front nine.

But, I gather my wits about me, and start on the 10 hole.
After double bogeying the 10th, I bogeyed the 11th and 12th.

I had lost my mojo.  The golf gods giveth, and the golf gods taketh away.

But, I was confident that I could finish under 90 - always my goal.

The 17th hole is another par 5.  My drive is off to the right, and fairly short - in the rough.
Instead of choosing my hybrid, I stupidly think I can hit my 4-wood out of the rough and get into a nice layup position.

STUPID STUPID STUPID (don't worry, I'm not done with that word)

The ball goes 20 yards, and winds up in deeper rough.

I wind up with a double bogey, and a headache!

I get to the 18th hole, and hit a booming drive.  If you recall my objective here is always to layup to 60 yards, and hope for a pitch and one putt for par.

Of course today, my mind was thinking "190 to the front, and I can do this"
Not "This is an uphill/sidehill lie, so layup".

I pull my 4-wood (STUPID STUPID STUPID)

              and hit it beautifully - on to the tee of the first hole.
Right behind a tree.

With no swing, I don't even think of pitching, and hit the ball 10 yards into the deepest/wettest rough of the day. My pitch with my lob wedge got caught up, and the ball went into the trap.

Yada Yada Yada - triple bogey!!!

Back 9 score of 49, and a score of 91!!

This score is a product of a total a mental failure.  I believe that between the 9th, 17th, and 18th holes, I could have saved 4-5 shots and finished with an 86 or 87.

PLEASE SOMEONE - SLAP ME UPSIDE THE HEAD WITH A 9-IRON!!!

So, what have I learned today?
I learned that my physical game is doing well.
My mental game needs some work.....
  (to say the least).

This week, I will not be able to hit the range, as Wednesday is Yom Kippur.  Maybe after work one day.

So, until the next tee time

Keep it in the Short Hairs

September 7 - Round 32

Course - Eisenhower Res

Playing partner - Vak

The major problem with playing so much golf is finding the time to write the blogs (I'm not complaining!).  So here's my 4-day=late entry.

We teed off later than usual as Vak flew in from the mid-west the prior night.  Our tee time was at 9:32 - but we didn't tee off until almost 10am.  I guess a combination of holiday players and the late time backed everything up.  

Play was S-L-O-W.  Waiting on every shot, and a long wait at the tees.

By the time we finished 3 holes, an hour and a half had passed.  The big delay came at the 3rd hole where there was a 3 group backup.

It was horrible. 

One of the golfers that was out in our foursome picked up his ball on holes 2, 3 and 4 (meaning he gave up because he was HORRIBLE). After the fourth hole - he left - just walked off.  I guess the combination of slow play and his sucky game sent him running. 

This only made the rest of the round seem longer (it lasted just over 5 hours). 

The group two in front of us didn't know what they were doing.  Driving up and back on the fairway, back and forth.  We watched incredulously as they wasted time looking for balls, hitting out of turn, and walking all over the place.

There was no way to get into any sync on that front 9.  We waited on every shot.  

I finished the front 9 with a score of 48.  

The back nine turned out to be faster - and a bit better golf-wise. Despite my drive on the 18th hole, which landed on the fairway of the 1st hole!!!

Yep.  A nice banana slice left me 240 yards from the green - way to the right.  Rather than get stupid, I hit an 8 iron which landed in the rough (of the 18th fairway) at 110 yards out.  A pitching wedge and two putts and I was in for bogey.

I finished with a 91.

For those who plan to play Ike Red in the next few weeks, note that the greens were recently aerated.
Not the big-ass holes leaving what looks like dog-shit size pellets all over.  This is the smaller simple holes all over the green - so putting becomes difficult.
The other guy we played with just came back from the west coast, and played Pebble Beach. He said Ike Red was in MUCH better condition than Pebble.  He kept complaining that he paid $500 for a shit course!

But, if any of you need a playing partner out west, give me a call.  I promise not to complain about the course conditions.

Until the next tee time,

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 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

July 11 - Round 15

Eisenhower Park - Red

Playing partners- Rich, Pete, Evan 

It took me 5 days to get around to writing this, so I'm relying on these slowly-dieing brain cells!

We played with Evan, Rich's son in law.  Evan is a pleasure to play with.  Not many golfers get up to the ball, and just swing. Evan takes no practice swings, and doesn't get upset when he hits a bad shot.   

We teed off later than normal (9:40 tee time), as I completely forgot to reserve the time the prior week.  As Rich and Evan were riding together, my partner was Pete.   As it was expected to be hot and humid, we drove (rather not than walked).  Despite the late tee time, we were able to play in 5 hours - fairly normal. 

The pre-round warmup was stressful, as Nassau County used their brilliance to book three events in the park that day.  So, the Park was mobbed, and the parking in the lot was a bitch.  I drove to the driving range to hit a few balls - and left my car there. I carried my clubs across the road and met Pete at the first hole!

First hole - I hate starting off with a BAD score. HATE HATE HATE.

So the double bogey didn't sit well with me, to say the least.

The second hole, playing the par 3, was much better.  The hole is 160 yards, and the flag was blue - meaning at the back of the green.  My 5 hybrid was perfect and landed at the back of the green.

The problem was, the blue pin was in the middle of the green.   Two putts and I had a par.  

The hole of note was the 4th hole - which had been playing with a temporary green - until today.  The green was in good condition, yet I double bogeyed the hole.  

The front nine was pretty mundane.  I had issues off the tee, but my irons and short game kept saving my ass. Pars and Double Bogyes.  I headed into 10 shooting a 45 on the front.  A bit disappointing, but not horrible.

The back 9 was pretty much like the front.  Frustrating drives, and recovery shots. My best hole was the 13th hole - 200 yard par 3.  Always a bitch.

My 4-wood was sweet, landing me in the center of the green - about 15 feet from the pin.  I missed the birdie, and walked away with a par.  Always satisfying on this hole. 

The 18th hole was typical of the day.

My drive was way right.  My 4 hybrid left me 60 yards out.  I miss hit my wedge and sat 10 yards from the green. 

After almost holing out my chip, I walked away with a bogey 5 - ending with a 44 back 9 - 

Scoring 89 for the round.  

Not bad for a so-so round. 

So, last week my practice session at the range consisted of ONLY my wedges - and (for the most part) it showed. My short game was good.

My driver should have been left at home!

This week, I'll be sure to take the driver to the range and work on that timing!  

We have a 8:28 tee time on Saturday. 

Hopefully, I'll not snap my driver over my knee!

So, stay tuned.

Until next week,

Keep it in the Short Hairs

July 4 - Round 13

Eisenhower Park - Blue Course

Playing partners - Rich and Lloyd

Let me start off by restating the purpose of this blog.  Good score or bad - this is an attempt to pick apart the details of my game in order to improve.  So, if I shoot well, or poor, the basic precept is the same.  What can I do to improve?  

And, hopefully along the way, you can see the same flaws in your game - and aside from commiserating with me (and possibly giggling a bit too), you can improve your game.

With that, I'll state right now that today's game was a good round.   In more ways than score.

I shot an 83 - damn good by my standards.

The weather was great golfing weather.  There was an overcast, and the temps were in the low 70's.  A light breeze that kept you cool but didn't interfere with the ball flight. 

And, the course was relatively empty.

We did not see another golfer until the 9th hole - and didn't have to wait at all, until the 10th hole.

My guess is that all the "golf widows" put their foot down regarding playing on BBQ days.

The key today was TEMPO.  At the range, all I worked on was tempo.  For those that don't read GOLF magazine, or any of the thousand other journals regarding golf - the tempo of a golf swing is supposed to be like 3 clicks on a metronome. 

Click-Click - is the backswing

Click - swing

1, 2 - 3

That was my only swing thought today.

The few times I rushed, got lazy, or just forgot - I screwed up the shot.

The front 9 I shot a 40.  Damn good.  

Tempo was mostly good.  

My problem shots (again, with a score of 40 I'm nitpicking) can be counted easily.  

An approach on the 2nd hole was pushed way right.  No tempo, stiff wrists.  

Double bogey.

The next hole, a par 3 - same club, pushed right (bogey).

However, the next hole - a par 4, I had the same club (5 hybrid) to hit into an elevated green.  

Damned if I didn't birdie it.  I guess I had enough practice with that club!

Of course, the next hole is a par 5 dogleg left.  Figured I'd play it safe and hit a wood to the dogleg. 

Pushed my 4-wood way right.

At this point, the decision to recover by using that 4-wood was not a great idea.

The end result was another double bogey.

But, I finished with three pars for a nice score of 40.

At the 10th, I prepared my setup for my tee shot.

Everyone should have a singular setup routine for their shots.  It focuses your mind, and gets your body ready for the shot.

My driver routine is to face the fairway with the ball in front of me, envision the shot, and take a slow/deliberate practice swing.  Then move to the ball and make my shot.

My practice swing at 10 had a high follow through - meaning the ball would slice.  But, I was antsy to hit, as this was the first hole we waited on - so I didn't take a second practice swing to fix it.

End result - slice.

Double bogey, due to just being too lazy to take a good practice swing.

The next hole is a long bending par 5.  My drive was awesome - left me 230 from the green.  

There is a fairway bunker at around 100 yards out (130 from me).

Normally, I lay up to the bunker and hit a wedge in.

Today, my head thought was "use this drive to birdie the hole". 

DOPE!

I hit my 4 hybrid perfect, figuring it would carry that trap.

Wrong.  It caught the lip.   

Result- Double bogey.

The round after that was uneventful. Pars and bogeys- my regular game.

As we putted on 18, we felt the beginnings of a drizzle. Perfect timing.

So, I ended with a nice score and some thoughts - comparing today's play with the last two rounds.

A - TEMPO.  Keep my tempo and I'll score well.

B - Dont think you can make an exceptional shot when the risk outweighs the reward

C - Follow your routine - it is there for a reason so don't rush through it.

D - work on my woods. 

The great thing about holiday weekends is being able to play a lot of golf.  Two rounds so close together let me work though my shit.

I'm playing again tomorrow, and looking forward to a good round.

Until then - 

Keep it on the Short Hairs