The latest stop was Little Mountain, where we enjoyed another 6.5 hour round. The bachelor party ahead of us (again), and cart path only made time creep along. Luckily, I enjoyed the time with my playing partners, but was eager to get home.
My mental experiment paid dividends, as I played one side well at 42, but struggled on two holes, and got into a mammoth bunker that was hard to get out of. I drove the ball much better, but suffered a bit from 100 and in. Putting was definitely better, as I had birdie chances. My game is coming around, I just have to play more. It's hard with a son and a wedding to plan - happy events!
Next is a scramble on Saturday for Our Shepard Lutheran School. It will be fun - especially knowing that my shots can be bad at times! We get 4 chances fir every shot! Good fun! Glad to see the warm weather - maybe we will actually get off of the cart path! :)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Boulder Creek
Boulder Creek was the last stop of the Golf Channel Amatuer Tour. We started playing #10 first, as the was a bachelor party on the front nine. SIX AND A HALF HOURS later, I finished my round. Again, it was cart path only, so I expected it to be slow, but not that slow. I teed off at 12 PM and finished at 6:30. Wow!
I tried using my new mental approach, and it worked, except for a few times when I became frustrated at outside instances (most notable the group behind us being off the cart path), which led to a higher back nine. I went out in a respectable 42, and got a birdie on the signature 17th island hole. Other thoughts got the best of me on the back, but I did hit the pin from 133 out and got a bad break. Our last two holes just beat the approaching thunderstorm, and that didn't help my score either. Again, a decent score, but not good enough to win.
The next tournament is Saturday at Little Mountain. I will really try to stay out of the bunkers there - they are enormous! My mental outlook continues to improve! I need to also work on my short putting - 4 feet and in. I feel it's costing my strokes....
I hope we can get out of "cart path only" sometime in June! Email me with questions and comments!
I tried using my new mental approach, and it worked, except for a few times when I became frustrated at outside instances (most notable the group behind us being off the cart path), which led to a higher back nine. I went out in a respectable 42, and got a birdie on the signature 17th island hole. Other thoughts got the best of me on the back, but I did hit the pin from 133 out and got a bad break. Our last two holes just beat the approaching thunderstorm, and that didn't help my score either. Again, a decent score, but not good enough to win.
The next tournament is Saturday at Little Mountain. I will really try to stay out of the bunkers there - they are enormous! My mental outlook continues to improve! I need to also work on my short putting - 4 feet and in. I feel it's costing my strokes....
I hope we can get out of "cart path only" sometime in June! Email me with questions and comments!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
New look at 9...
I had the opportunity to play 9 this week, when the weather was approaching 80 and the carts were crossing at 90 degrees. I tried to use my new mantra - to forget about the score, and it worked to an extent. My problem is, my game is still erratic due to the long wet spring. I have been to the range 3-4 times, and have played 3 rounds total. I feel that my new clubs will come around the more that I use them. I feel comfortable with them.
I also got some advice about bunker play, and used it to make a nice shot. Alas, I missed the putt. As my irons are a bit off, I need to work some more on my bunker play so it is not a hindrance to my game. This week's tournament is at Boulder Creek, and I will be playing with the same people as last time. I hope the results are better! I will have a better frame of mind!
Look for my posts to increase as the school year ends! It is hard to it all and keep a full-time job! :)
As. always, email me with your questions and comments!
I also got some advice about bunker play, and used it to make a nice shot. Alas, I missed the putt. As my irons are a bit off, I need to work some more on my bunker play so it is not a hindrance to my game. This week's tournament is at Boulder Creek, and I will be playing with the same people as last time. I hope the results are better! I will have a better frame of mind!
Look for my posts to increase as the school year ends! It is hard to it all and keep a full-time job! :)
As. always, email me with your questions and comments!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Tournament 2....and the agony of defeat....
Tournament 2 occurred at Sawmill Creek in Huron. I have stayed there before, but never played golf there before. It is a Tom Fazio design, relatively open, and it thought that I might do well. I did in fact do well, but the experience left a bitter taste in my mouth - due to my own play.
I was playing OK throughout the round - except for the par 3's. I really need to work on my bunker play, as it is erratic at best, and kept me from shooting an even better round. I am still adjusting to the new clubs I bought, and when I hit them right, the are pure, but I still am struggling a bit. Putting has improved from the last tournament - up until the last hole...but I digress.
The course was VERY wet, so it was lift, clean, and place throughout the golf course. That helped immensely in the rough. I finished with 5 pars in a row on the back until the dreaded 18th hole. This is where things turned for the worse. I was 99 out and just need to get a respectable score - and ended with a 7!? My approach was 10 yards short of the green on the shaved area, so I thought I would putt. My adrenalin was flowing, and I hit the putt past the hole, over on to the back fringe. I then three putted from there, giving me a 7 when I was 99 yards out in 2.
This put me in a playoff where I had a nice drive down the middle, but pulled the approach into a bunker. I did not hit a great bunker shot, and had about 50 feet for a birdie. Again, 3 putts later, and I finished 1 stroke behind to lose when I was up by 3 going into the last hole.
Here's what I learned - play your own game...I have heard this before, and have not heeded it. Many times in competition, I am too worried about what my competitors are doing, and what score I need to win. Saturday I finally learned my lesson the hard way - worry about trying to get the best score possible on each hole, and treat each hole by itself. If I would have done that, I would have won going away, instead of being in a playoff and losing. I'll work on that for the next Tournament - May 14th at Boulder Creek...We will see how my mental focus improves...It made for a long drive home from Huron!
I was playing OK throughout the round - except for the par 3's. I really need to work on my bunker play, as it is erratic at best, and kept me from shooting an even better round. I am still adjusting to the new clubs I bought, and when I hit them right, the are pure, but I still am struggling a bit. Putting has improved from the last tournament - up until the last hole...but I digress.
The course was VERY wet, so it was lift, clean, and place throughout the golf course. That helped immensely in the rough. I finished with 5 pars in a row on the back until the dreaded 18th hole. This is where things turned for the worse. I was 99 out and just need to get a respectable score - and ended with a 7!? My approach was 10 yards short of the green on the shaved area, so I thought I would putt. My adrenalin was flowing, and I hit the putt past the hole, over on to the back fringe. I then three putted from there, giving me a 7 when I was 99 yards out in 2.
This put me in a playoff where I had a nice drive down the middle, but pulled the approach into a bunker. I did not hit a great bunker shot, and had about 50 feet for a birdie. Again, 3 putts later, and I finished 1 stroke behind to lose when I was up by 3 going into the last hole.
Here's what I learned - play your own game...I have heard this before, and have not heeded it. Many times in competition, I am too worried about what my competitors are doing, and what score I need to win. Saturday I finally learned my lesson the hard way - worry about trying to get the best score possible on each hole, and treat each hole by itself. If I would have done that, I would have won going away, instead of being in a playoff and losing. I'll work on that for the next Tournament - May 14th at Boulder Creek...We will see how my mental focus improves...It made for a long drive home from Huron!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tournament 1 in the books...
Well, I completed my first tournament on Saturday at Olde Stonewall in Mercer, PA. A really great course - lots of elevation changes, and some water here and there, both in the form of both rivers and lakes. My score was OK, but above where a 16 handicapper should be. I finished 3rd in my flight, and left a few shots on the course.
The course conditions were good considering the amount of rain that we have had this spring. I was presently surprised by the fact that the range was open, and able to be in use. I did that, and putted for about 20 minutes on the practice green, then headed for the first tee with no sign of the other 2 parts of my threesome for the day.
The fact that I did not see or hear of them until the first tee should have given me a bit of foreshadowing toward the scope of how my day was going to proceed. My two playing partners did not help my game, and I did my best to ignore them, and do my best and concentrate on having a great time at a nice course. I intend to discuss them (and other pet peeves) in a later post, but lets just say they were not conducive to having the best time possible on the course.
Speaking of the course, I did have 4 birdie putts (none converted), but did have 2 nice long putts over 10 feet that went in. Unfortunately, I also had 2 four putts (OUCH - I hate to even 3 putt), so I was not happy about that. Our tour director did mention to us on the first tee that the staff double cut and double rolled the greens, and they were running about 11-12. Thanks for that. My 2 four putts were on the front, and were a direct result of me being frustrated and not taking my time. I got it together on the back and only had one 3 putt on the back.
Overall, not too bad, although I have noticed I have to slow down now getting through the ball, or it goes left. My P90X workouts have made me stronger, so now I have to slow down. I went to the range Tuesday night, and fixed some things there - most notably the swing thought of keeping the back of my left hand through the target through impact. I also did a lot of putting.
This Saturday - Tournament #2 at Sawmill Creek. Looking to get a lower score, and strike the ball better given the amount of rain in the area. Let me know if you have any questions!
The course conditions were good considering the amount of rain that we have had this spring. I was presently surprised by the fact that the range was open, and able to be in use. I did that, and putted for about 20 minutes on the practice green, then headed for the first tee with no sign of the other 2 parts of my threesome for the day.
The fact that I did not see or hear of them until the first tee should have given me a bit of foreshadowing toward the scope of how my day was going to proceed. My two playing partners did not help my game, and I did my best to ignore them, and do my best and concentrate on having a great time at a nice course. I intend to discuss them (and other pet peeves) in a later post, but lets just say they were not conducive to having the best time possible on the course.
Speaking of the course, I did have 4 birdie putts (none converted), but did have 2 nice long putts over 10 feet that went in. Unfortunately, I also had 2 four putts (OUCH - I hate to even 3 putt), so I was not happy about that. Our tour director did mention to us on the first tee that the staff double cut and double rolled the greens, and they were running about 11-12. Thanks for that. My 2 four putts were on the front, and were a direct result of me being frustrated and not taking my time. I got it together on the back and only had one 3 putt on the back.
Overall, not too bad, although I have noticed I have to slow down now getting through the ball, or it goes left. My P90X workouts have made me stronger, so now I have to slow down. I went to the range Tuesday night, and fixed some things there - most notably the swing thought of keeping the back of my left hand through the target through impact. I also did a lot of putting.
This Saturday - Tournament #2 at Sawmill Creek. Looking to get a lower score, and strike the ball better given the amount of rain in the area. Let me know if you have any questions!
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Exploits of Kevin Na...Ouch
At this point, I am sure you have heard of it - Kevin Na takes a 16 at the PGA Tour event in Texas. I am not going to say that I enjoyed it, but all of us have been there. I have the video from the PGA Tour, and it is like watching a car accident. I am glad he was able to move on, but it shows how this game can humble even the greats. Enjoy...I think....I can definitely empathize with him!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The Golf Channel Amateur Tour...
I belong to the Golf Channel Amateur Tour. This is my 5th year on the tour, and love each and every event. There are a few stipulations to join. First, there is a yearly $199 entry fee (lowers to $179 in subsequent years)...This fee gives a neat players pack, where you get a shirt, hat ball markers, balls, rule book, and other things to help you succeed on tour. There is then a fee for each course you play. This covers trophies and prizes. Skins are extra, and are usually $20.
Once your are signed up, you are placed in your local tour. In the Cleveland tour, you can play as many or as few events as you want. Some of us even play events on other tours around the country, as you are eligible for them all. I play a few on the Pittsburgh tour on some of the courses I enjoy. Some people who travel play on different tours all over the country.
As you compete, you earn points (an Golf Galaxy gift cards) based on how many people are in your flight. All points go back to your home tour which is scored in a FedEx-style point system. I won my flight in 2007 and 2009, and lost by 5 points in 2008, so it can get competitive. There are majors around the country that you can go to for more points. All of the courses tend to be upper end daily fee courses, with an occasional private course thrown in occasionally. An idea of courses we will play in 2011 include StoneWater, Little Mountain, Boulder Creek, Sawmill Creek, Blue Heron, and Avalon Lakes.
It's real tournament golf - no mulligans, no gimmes, stroke and distance apply when you hit a ball OB, as well as announcing a provisional. It really focuses both your mind and your game when you know you have to count every shot. USGA rules apply, and there are officials to assist you if need be. There are 6 flights, and you must have a current handicap to compete.
One the best parts of the tour is the camaraderie. Because of the lack of sandbagging due to the strict adherence of handicaps, the flights are very competitive, and you tend to play with the same people over the course of the summer. I have met great friends over the years that I look forward to seeing every summer. It is a lot of fun. If you have any questions, let me know! I'd love to tell you about it!
By the way, I'll be playing in a Pittsburgh event this Saturday - at Olde Stonewall - A GREAT course designed by the same people that designed Little Mountain. I hope it is not too wet! Got a new Nike rainsuit for my birthday, so that shouldn't be a problem!
Once your are signed up, you are placed in your local tour. In the Cleveland tour, you can play as many or as few events as you want. Some of us even play events on other tours around the country, as you are eligible for them all. I play a few on the Pittsburgh tour on some of the courses I enjoy. Some people who travel play on different tours all over the country.
As you compete, you earn points (an Golf Galaxy gift cards) based on how many people are in your flight. All points go back to your home tour which is scored in a FedEx-style point system. I won my flight in 2007 and 2009, and lost by 5 points in 2008, so it can get competitive. There are majors around the country that you can go to for more points. All of the courses tend to be upper end daily fee courses, with an occasional private course thrown in occasionally. An idea of courses we will play in 2011 include StoneWater, Little Mountain, Boulder Creek, Sawmill Creek, Blue Heron, and Avalon Lakes.
It's real tournament golf - no mulligans, no gimmes, stroke and distance apply when you hit a ball OB, as well as announcing a provisional. It really focuses both your mind and your game when you know you have to count every shot. USGA rules apply, and there are officials to assist you if need be. There are 6 flights, and you must have a current handicap to compete.
One the best parts of the tour is the camaraderie. Because of the lack of sandbagging due to the strict adherence of handicaps, the flights are very competitive, and you tend to play with the same people over the course of the summer. I have met great friends over the years that I look forward to seeing every summer. It is a lot of fun. If you have any questions, let me know! I'd love to tell you about it!
By the way, I'll be playing in a Pittsburgh event this Saturday - at Olde Stonewall - A GREAT course designed by the same people that designed Little Mountain. I hope it is not too wet! Got a new Nike rainsuit for my birthday, so that shouldn't be a problem!
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