Well, it has been awhile since I have posted. Actually, over a year....I kind of got away from it for awhile, but I realized that I really did like writing about golf, and would love to do it for a living. Seeing the US Open today kind of reaffirms that, even though I have about 15 years left of teaching science before I retire.
A few noteworthy achievements have happened in the past year...
- I carded my first hole in one at Painesville Country Club's fifth hole, 112 yards, with a pitching wedge and a Titleist ProV1X ball. Titleist sent me a nice letter and a cool bagtag to celebrate my achievement. I realize that there was a little luck involved, but I am still happy it went in.
- My high school team is having the best few seasons in school history. Golf at our school is at an all-time high, and I would like to think that students are becoming attracted to our team because of what we can offer, and because we are winning. Winning certainly helps, but we are also competitive.
As far as the US Open is concerned, I think the course at Merion is an interesting choice. A very small course, by Open standards, but it has a lot of character. I am in a fantasy golf league, and I picked Matt Kuchar in the marquee group. I like his game, and his temperament. I like the fact that the winner is usually around par. 2 days of watching the opening rounds are fun, where some of the qualifiers are featured. Also, the baskets rather than traditional flags are a nice touch. The original thought was that the flag showed the players the wind direction, so they were replaced with the baskets. A unique touch that makes our game unique.
I promise the posts will become more frequent as I continue my journey...
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
A gem in Phoenix...
I will be going to Phoenix in a few weeks to see my best friend and to go on vacation with my family. There certainly is no shortage of things to do in the Valley of the Sun, and golf is plentiful there. I have played all of the big names there - TPC Scottsdale(home of the infamous 16th hole), Troon North, and GrayHawk (if you go - go to Phil's Grill-as in Mickelson-he's a member there. I also found a price tag in Tiger Woods' opened and unlocked locker for $300 for jeans).
Also, there are more In-and-Out Burgers there than I can count. Heaven!
After all of those big courses, my favorite to play is a fun little gem called Mountain Shadows Golf Club. This is an executive course, but it is groomed like an actual course, and has some very interesting holes.It is a par 56, 3,081-yard test of everything from a 5 iron to putter.The upkeep is amazing, and every time I have played there, it tests my short game like no other course. I like that most of the holes are from the 80 - 120 yard range, and there are sets of tees that can test your short game if you want. They have a full pro shop, a short driving range, and putting green, and everything else you might need. Try out this place, in the shadow of Camelback Mountain. It's a whole lot of fun. If you played it, let me know what you think of it!
Also, there are more In-and-Out Burgers there than I can count. Heaven!
After all of those big courses, my favorite to play is a fun little gem called Mountain Shadows Golf Club. This is an executive course, but it is groomed like an actual course, and has some very interesting holes.It is a par 56, 3,081-yard test of everything from a 5 iron to putter.The upkeep is amazing, and every time I have played there, it tests my short game like no other course. I like that most of the holes are from the 80 - 120 yard range, and there are sets of tees that can test your short game if you want. They have a full pro shop, a short driving range, and putting green, and everything else you might need. Try out this place, in the shadow of Camelback Mountain. It's a whole lot of fun. If you played it, let me know what you think of it!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
It's been awhile...
Yes, it has been a few months, but I ran into a very busy record breaking season for our HS golf team. We had our best record in 20 years and did very well. I am extremely proud of the student-athletes that I teach and coach.
The 2012 PGA season has started, and I couldn't be happier with Kyle Stanley and Phil Michelson. Some people don't believe in karma, but you have to wonder if it exists with these two. Also, Tiger's putting on Sunday at Pebble tells me he still has a way to go.
I am looking forward to the Golf Show at the IX center. I don't really go there to buy, I go to look and people watch. I find it amazing how some people will gravitate toward the newest, hottest toy thinking it will fix their game. It will definitely help, but not fix all. People watching is always great as well.
Finally, there is a very interesting article about a women (LPGA pro) who was dressed 5 different ways and was treated 5 different ways when she went to play golf at a public course in this month's issue of Golf Digest. Very interesting, and very informative. Makes you think.
Look for weekly updates as I get back in the swing of things. I hope to be golfing in a month with all of you.
The 2012 PGA season has started, and I couldn't be happier with Kyle Stanley and Phil Michelson. Some people don't believe in karma, but you have to wonder if it exists with these two. Also, Tiger's putting on Sunday at Pebble tells me he still has a way to go.
I am looking forward to the Golf Show at the IX center. I don't really go there to buy, I go to look and people watch. I find it amazing how some people will gravitate toward the newest, hottest toy thinking it will fix their game. It will definitely help, but not fix all. People watching is always great as well.
Finally, there is a very interesting article about a women (LPGA pro) who was dressed 5 different ways and was treated 5 different ways when she went to play golf at a public course in this month's issue of Golf Digest. Very interesting, and very informative. Makes you think.
Look for weekly updates as I get back in the swing of things. I hope to be golfing in a month with all of you.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Junior Golf...
Here are a few thoughts about junior golf...
1. They are the next generation of golf. Studies have shown that more people are leaving the game than joining. Please be patient with them.
2. They will play a bit slower as they are learning. The last thing they want is a foursome breathing down their neck in carts wanting them to play faster. This actually makes them play worse - especially if they are not able to play through.
3. Think back to when you learned to play. It was hard, frustrating, and took awhile. Remember how that felt.
4. If you find a ball, think about giving it to a junior. They really appreciate each and every one (although I understand if you keep the ProV1's).
5. Be patient and encouraging. They already know that they are struggling. Give them positive feedback.
6. Be patient!
I write this due to the fact that we had an incident at a golf course today that is close to a local airport that is busy with executive flights. One of my players was accused of stealing a range ball and playing it. The owner accused her of stealing and saying that she gave 2 others to other players in her foursome. The balls were in fact Top-Flites (not range balls), and she was playing a range ball, as her Mom bought her a bunch from a garage sale. The owner said it was a violation of etiquette to lay a range ball, and took her ball, and the others - and threw them to the range as she was playing the hole. Totally unprofessional, and made my player very upset and want to quit when she indeed did nothing wrong. Perhaps the owner should realize that some people cannot afford ProV1's (or any other new balls) and use the balls given to them. Needless to say, I will never return to that course, nor will my team. The incident was so egregious, that the HOME team also made plans during the match to get the rest of their matches moved to another course. The best thing I can do is to tell everyone not to play there-and I will. The starter was also smug and no rangers were present - making for a 3.5 hour round for 9 holes.The group ahead of us teed off 45 minutes late due to the backup that was never addressed.
I do wish to think the threesome behind our #5 and #6's. They saw the whole incident, and gave the player in question a sleeve of new balls. She was afraid to play the rest of her range balls, thanks to the actions of the owner. Please remember that these juniors are the future of golf, and deserve your patience.
1. They are the next generation of golf. Studies have shown that more people are leaving the game than joining. Please be patient with them.
2. They will play a bit slower as they are learning. The last thing they want is a foursome breathing down their neck in carts wanting them to play faster. This actually makes them play worse - especially if they are not able to play through.
3. Think back to when you learned to play. It was hard, frustrating, and took awhile. Remember how that felt.
4. If you find a ball, think about giving it to a junior. They really appreciate each and every one (although I understand if you keep the ProV1's).
5. Be patient and encouraging. They already know that they are struggling. Give them positive feedback.
6. Be patient!
I write this due to the fact that we had an incident at a golf course today that is close to a local airport that is busy with executive flights. One of my players was accused of stealing a range ball and playing it. The owner accused her of stealing and saying that she gave 2 others to other players in her foursome. The balls were in fact Top-Flites (not range balls), and she was playing a range ball, as her Mom bought her a bunch from a garage sale. The owner said it was a violation of etiquette to lay a range ball, and took her ball, and the others - and threw them to the range as she was playing the hole. Totally unprofessional, and made my player very upset and want to quit when she indeed did nothing wrong. Perhaps the owner should realize that some people cannot afford ProV1's (or any other new balls) and use the balls given to them. Needless to say, I will never return to that course, nor will my team. The incident was so egregious, that the HOME team also made plans during the match to get the rest of their matches moved to another course. The best thing I can do is to tell everyone not to play there-and I will. The starter was also smug and no rangers were present - making for a 3.5 hour round for 9 holes.The group ahead of us teed off 45 minutes late due to the backup that was never addressed.
I do wish to think the threesome behind our #5 and #6's. They saw the whole incident, and gave the player in question a sleeve of new balls. She was afraid to play the rest of her range balls, thanks to the actions of the owner. Please remember that these juniors are the future of golf, and deserve your patience.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Little Mountain and Jimmy Hanlin
You might have noticed that there was a small article about the Harvey Golf Team in the News-Herald on July 13. We were the invited guests of Jimmy Hanlin to Little Mountain for a small clinic.
First, a bit about our team. We struggle to be competitive, and actually had a good season last year, finishing 7-9. We are in a tough conference, and we are not thought of as a golf school. Our students typically play usually with hand-me down clubs or garage sale finds. We have an apparel deal with Nike and bag, hat, and ball deal with Titleist, where we are able to get their products at a substantial savings. Our students typically start to play in middle school. We did have a middle school program, but t was recently cut due to the funding issues in our district.
This leads us to yesterday. A friend of mine that I work with was able to put me in contact with Jimmy Hanlin. Jimmy is involved with Stonewater, Little Mountain, and Cumberland Trail. He also owns and operated the Jimmy Hanlin Golf Schools, as well as being on SportsTime Ohio. I was given his number and was told that he would love to work with our team. I called him and found that to be the case.
As we arrived at Little Mountain yesterday, their starters had everything ready. We took our clubs and went down to the range. Jimmy was finishing up the STO yearly golf tournament. After he was finished he came down and spend over an hour with our team, talking about the golf swing. He also talked about where and why golf can take you places, and how it can help you in real life situations. Our student-athletes ate it up, and he was really able to help some of them do some things that I could not do.
All in all, it was a great experience. Jimmy proved to be just the guy you see on TV, and even more. He is genuinely nice, and has a spot in his heart for junior golf. After all, they may be his next customers some day. I was thoroughly impressed with the time he took with our student-athletes and really made them feel at home at a place where none had every played before, and probably will not until they become adults. He also was able to do this after a full day of hosting a golf tournament for over 100 people. I cannot thank him enough for what he did for our team. David Glasier of the News-Herald was there as well, and he also made the event a success. Jimmy did a great job yesterday! It was an opportunity of a lifetime for our student-athletes, and they really appreciated it.
Thanks again Jimmy! And yes, he was wearing the white Disco-Ball pants from LoudMouth Golf! :)
First, a bit about our team. We struggle to be competitive, and actually had a good season last year, finishing 7-9. We are in a tough conference, and we are not thought of as a golf school. Our students typically play usually with hand-me down clubs or garage sale finds. We have an apparel deal with Nike and bag, hat, and ball deal with Titleist, where we are able to get their products at a substantial savings. Our students typically start to play in middle school. We did have a middle school program, but t was recently cut due to the funding issues in our district.
This leads us to yesterday. A friend of mine that I work with was able to put me in contact with Jimmy Hanlin. Jimmy is involved with Stonewater, Little Mountain, and Cumberland Trail. He also owns and operated the Jimmy Hanlin Golf Schools, as well as being on SportsTime Ohio. I was given his number and was told that he would love to work with our team. I called him and found that to be the case.
As we arrived at Little Mountain yesterday, their starters had everything ready. We took our clubs and went down to the range. Jimmy was finishing up the STO yearly golf tournament. After he was finished he came down and spend over an hour with our team, talking about the golf swing. He also talked about where and why golf can take you places, and how it can help you in real life situations. Our student-athletes ate it up, and he was really able to help some of them do some things that I could not do.
All in all, it was a great experience. Jimmy proved to be just the guy you see on TV, and even more. He is genuinely nice, and has a spot in his heart for junior golf. After all, they may be his next customers some day. I was thoroughly impressed with the time he took with our student-athletes and really made them feel at home at a place where none had every played before, and probably will not until they become adults. He also was able to do this after a full day of hosting a golf tournament for over 100 people. I cannot thank him enough for what he did for our team. David Glasier of the News-Herald was there as well, and he also made the event a success. Jimmy did a great job yesterday! It was an opportunity of a lifetime for our student-athletes, and they really appreciated it.
Thanks again Jimmy! And yes, he was wearing the white Disco-Ball pants from LoudMouth Golf! :)
Random Open Championship Thoughts...
1. It's not the "British Open". Americans are the only ones who call it that...
2. Links golf is completely different than the golf that we play here in the majority of America. The closest thing that I have played to links in Northeastern Ohio is Grey Hawk in Lagrange. A great course, with a lot of mounding and waste areas. They have an 2 island greens (1 surrounded by sand, and 1 by water), and a great clubhouse. I also recommend the Cheeseburger!
3. Someone in yesterday's presser called Luke Donald "Lee". Talk about not knowing your stuff! Luke laughed it off however!
4. Ben Curtis won when the Open rota was here last time. I don't see another American winning this year. I like Lee Westwood. He's been so close this year, but has not come through. Some guy named McIlroy is a pretty good pick as well.
5. I'd like to play St. Andrews once before I die. That's all...
6. I hope the weather cooperates. I remember seeing the great "Duel in the Sun" when a wa a little kid. I would love weather like that for this week.
2. Links golf is completely different than the golf that we play here in the majority of America. The closest thing that I have played to links in Northeastern Ohio is Grey Hawk in Lagrange. A great course, with a lot of mounding and waste areas. They have an 2 island greens (1 surrounded by sand, and 1 by water), and a great clubhouse. I also recommend the Cheeseburger!
3. Someone in yesterday's presser called Luke Donald "Lee". Talk about not knowing your stuff! Luke laughed it off however!
4. Ben Curtis won when the Open rota was here last time. I don't see another American winning this year. I like Lee Westwood. He's been so close this year, but has not come through. Some guy named McIlroy is a pretty good pick as well.
5. I'd like to play St. Andrews once before I die. That's all...
6. I hope the weather cooperates. I remember seeing the great "Duel in the Sun" when a wa a little kid. I would love weather like that for this week.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Finally!
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