Mr. Mushball

Thanks!
I've said "2nd shot jbern could be a PGA tour pro" too many times to not give this a try! As long as the weather stays decent, I should be able to get out later this week to post a score!

Like the VCT itself, this is open to anyone that is willing to play a round and post their score. That is essentially the requirement for joining the VCT, post a round, as frequently or infrequently as you choose. That’s it. 😀

Not sure I'll be close to par, but I'm pretty sure I can get close to 90, which is kinda like shooting par for me.  Let's see how many "what ifs" I can take out of my game with a second chance (or 90).

Not sure I'll be close to par, but I'm pretty sure I can get close to 90, which is kinda like shooting par for me.  Let's see how many "what ifs" I can take out of my game with a second chance (or 90).

Date 03/03/2024 Course Name Glendoveer G&TC West Course Gross Score 113 Course Handicap 38 Gross Strokes over/under par 42 Net Score to Par 4 Net Score 75 Net Birdies or better 9 Longest Drive 202 SIM Round? First round of the season.   42°F and wet.  Soggy from a rainy week.  Only roll was if you nailed it straight to the short stop. 

A few notes about this round.  Am trying to make a few swing changes and also play a bit more mindfully.  As such, I set some limits for myself.  

The longest club allowed from the tee box was my 4-wood. Initially I wasn't going to even allow that, but after a decent review at the range before the round, I figured it could stay in play.  The longest club allowed from the deck was the 7 iron.  Everything else was allowed as needed, with a good club selection routine in place.  As such, I really only put half of my bag in play, but favored the low end in selection malleability. 

The goal was to try and get as close to a 100yd average on tee to green shots.  Second goal was to hit as close to the flag on green shots.  Third was to minimize putting.  I seemed to accomplish some of this, but not completely.  Baby steps.  I still think my strategy worked pretty well, allowing me to shed 5 putts from the last few rounds, and get at least one par.  Four bogeys isn't a bad day for me, and only a couple of big blow ups on a few predictable holes.  I was surprised by both #4 (that I've birdied a few times) and #15.  Not really on the last one as it's usually a tough hole for me with a long climb uphill and then long approach from the top with a downslope green.  However, I think it should be lower on the handicap index comparatively.   
All in all, this will count on my card.

Not sure I'll be close to par, but I'm pretty sure I can get close to 90, which is kinda like shooting par for me.  Let's see how many "what ifs" I can take out of my game with a second chance (or 90).

SOLO SCRAMBLE CHALLENGE
NOW OPEN FOR SCORING!!!
Season 2 has come to a close, and while we await the beginning of the Tournament, this week we are throwing a fun challenge at all of our competitors. Inspiration for this came from the "can a 16 handicap shoot even par with 2 balls" thread. Also, credit to @Tom the Golf Nut for suggesting we should make it an event. Here is how it will work: You will play a scramble round with yourself. On each shot, if needed, take 2 shots. Example, 2 tee shots, 2 approaches, 2 putts. Use the better outcome in each instance. Keep score and post the results. There will be a solo scramble option in the type of round drop down box, if you are participating, be sure to indicate such. The only other stipulation, if you are participating in the solo scramble, then do not use a course handicap. You will put "0" in that box. 
Also, there is a SIM option for the solo scramble, as most SIM systems allow for mulligans. Same as above, indicate the round in solo scramble - SIM in the type of round and put "0" in for your course handicap. Have fun and let's see some low scores. 
The Low gross for actual and SIM rounds of Solo Scramble will earn a special badge for your trophy room. 

photo courtesy of @vandyland
 

In the interest of transparency, I am locking this thread 10 am est today Monday the 4th, so that I can get started on the seedings for the VCT tournament

Date 03/03/2024 Course Name Glendoveer G&TC West Course Gross Score 113 Course Handicap 38 Gross Strokes over/under par 42 Net Score to Par 4 Net Score 75 Net Birdies or better 9 Longest Drive 202 SIM Round? First round of the season.   42°F and wet.  Soggy from a rainy week.  Only roll was if you nailed it straight to the short stop. 

A few notes about this round.  Am trying to make a few swing changes and also play a bit more mindfully.  As such, I set some limits for myself.  

The longest club allowed from the tee box was my 4-wood. Initially I wasn't going to even allow that, but after a decent review at the range before the round, I figured it could stay in play.  The longest club allowed from the deck was the 7 iron.  Everything else was allowed as needed, with a good club selection routine in place.  As such, I really only put half of my bag in play, but favored the low end in selection malleability. 

The goal was to try and get as close to a 100yd average on tee to green shots.  Second goal was to hit as close to the flag on green shots.  Third was to minimize putting.  I seemed to accomplish some of this, but not completely.  Baby steps.  I still think my strategy worked pretty well, allowing me to shed 5 putts from the last few rounds, and get at least one par.  Four bogeys isn't a bad day for me, and only a couple of big blow ups on a few predictable holes.  I was surprised by both #4 (that I've birdied a few times) and #15.  Not really on the last one as it's usually a tough hole for me with a long climb uphill and then long approach from the top with a downslope green.  However, I think it should be lower on the handicap index comparatively.   
All in all, this will count on my card.

Date 03/03/2024 Course Name Glendoveer G&TC West Course Gross Score 113 Course Handicap 38 Gross Strokes over/under par 42 Net Score to Par 4 Net Score 75 Net Birdies or better 9 Longest Drive 202 SIM Round? First round of the season.   42°F and wet.  Soggy from a rainy week.  Only roll was if you nailed it straight to the short stop. 

A few notes about this round.  Am trying to make a few swing changes and also play a bit more mindfully.  As such, I set some limits for myself.  

The longest club allowed from the tee box was my 4-wood. Initially I wasn't going to even allow that, but after a decent review at the range before the round, I figured it could stay in play.  The longest club allowed from the deck was the 7 iron.  Everything else was allowed as needed, with a good club selection routine in place.  As such, I really only put half of my bag in play, but favored the low end in selection malleability. 

The goal was to try and get as close to a 100yd average on tee to green shots.  Second goal was to hit as close to the flag on green shots.  Third was to minimize putting.  I seemed to accomplish some of this, but not completely.  Baby steps.  I still think my strategy worked pretty well, allowing me to shed 5 putts from the last few rounds, and get at least one par.  Four bogeys isn't a bad day for me, and only a couple of big blow ups on a few predictable holes.  I was surprised by both #4 (that I've birdied a few times) and #15.  Not really on the last one as it's usually a tough hole for me with a long climb uphill and then long approach from the top with a downslope green.  However, I think it should be lower on the handicap index comparatively.   
All in all, this will count on my card.

Date 03/03/2024 Course Name Glendoveer G&TC West Course Gross Score 113 Course Handicap 38 Gross Strokes over/under par 42 Net Score to Par 4 Net Score 75 Net Birdies or better 9 Longest Drive 202 SIM Round? First round of the season.   42°F and wet.  Soggy from a rainy week.  Only roll was if you nailed it straight to the short stop. 

A few notes about this round.  Am trying to make a few swing changes and also play a bit more mindfully.  As such, I set some limits for myself.  

The longest club allowed from the tee box was my 4-wood. Initially I wasn't going to even allow that, but after a decent review at the range before the round, I figured it could stay in play.  The longest club allowed from the deck was the 7 iron.  Everything else was allowed as needed, with a good club selection routine in place.  As such, I really only put half of my bag in play, but favored the low end in selection malleability. 

The goal was to try and get as close to a 100yd average on tee to green shots.  Second goal was to hit as close to the flag on green shots.  Third was to minimize putting.  I seemed to accomplish some of this, but not completely.  Baby steps.  I still think my strategy worked pretty well, allowing me to shed 5 putts from the last few rounds, and get at least one par.  Four bogeys isn't a bad day for me, and only a couple of big blow ups on a few predictable holes.  I was surprised by both #4 (that I've birdied a few times) and #15.  Not really on the last one as it's usually a tough hole for me with a long climb uphill and then long approach from the top with a downslope green.  However, I think it should be lower on the handicap index comparatively.   
All in all, this will count on my card.

Date 03/03/2024 Course Name Glendoveer G&TC West Course Gross Score 113 Course Handicap 38 Gross Strokes over/under par 42 Net Score to Par 4 Net Score 75 Net Birdies or better 9 Longest Drive 202 SIM Round? First round of the season.   42°F and wet.  Soggy from a rainy week.  Only roll was if you nailed it straight to the short stop. 

A few notes about this round.  Am trying to make a few swing changes and also play a bit more mindfully.  As such, I set some limits for myself.  

The longest club allowed from the tee box was my 4-wood. Initially I wasn't going to even allow that, but after a decent review at the range before the round, I figured it could stay in play.  The longest club allowed from the deck was the 7 iron.  Everything else was allowed as needed, with a good club selection routine in place.  As such, I really only put half of my bag in play, but favored the low end in selection malleability. 

The goal was to try and get as close to a 100yd average on tee to green shots.  Second goal was to hit as close to the flag on green shots.  Third was to minimize putting.  I seemed to accomplish some of this, but not completely.  Baby steps.  I still think my strategy worked pretty well, allowing me to shed 5 putts from the last few rounds, and get at least one par.  Four bogeys isn't a bad day for me, and only a couple of big blow ups on a few predictable holes.  I was surprised by both #4 (that I've birdied a few times) and #15.  Not really on the last one as it's usually a tough hole for me with a long climb uphill and then long approach from the top with a downslope green.  However, I think it should be lower on the handicap index comparatively.   
All in all, this will count on my card.

Hmm, seems that there's an error in the ordering on the spreadsheet.  Snickerz should be up at #28.

I have become more comfortable each round. I see a really low round coming once I am fully accustomed to it. It is easy to line up and the putts come off the face nice and consistent. Very easy to control speed with this putter. 

Going to have to get my last round in by April 5th.  I leave for Dallas on the 6th to get set up to be in the shadow on the 8th.  Just one more thing going on that day.
 

As @Mr. Mushball so astutely pointed out, the point totals were correct, but somehow @snicerz was listed below were he should have been. 
Here is the corrected 20-40:

@daviddvm, a round posted this week ought to do it.

I'll try to play my way in or be a subtitute!

I'm pulling for my two previous MGS tournament playing partners @daviddvm and @snicerz!  Fingers crossed!  Who knows, we might be paired again when all the dust settles.

Wow I didn't even notice that! I still need to be defensive and smart though to try to make the cut.

That is odd. I didn’t notice it when I was putting it together last night, so I’ll take a look this evening. 

Ok pressure is on - I'm close! I gotta find time to get a round or two in this week. Hopefully, I can keep my rhythm going from my last few rounds. Good luck in the final stretch everyone!

I was certain a month ago, I was going to fall into second place and Javs was going to take it. Physically, I was struggling and thought it was all downhill. Remarkably, I began drinking only water, and it has been a miracle drug. I have steadily improved physically and golf-wise. Sunday was crazy good. I dropped 2 strokes and hope to drop 2 more on Wednesday. I may even go play tomorrow. 
 
Congrats @Javs. Those 2 weeks in December may have done you in.  

With 1 week left to play here is a look at the current top 40:


The race for the top seed is done and dusted. There is no mathematical way for @Javs to catch @RoverRick
The battle for the last few spots is much tighter, but also a little anti-climatic, as we have folks that aren't able to participate so pretty much those that have expressed an interest in playing will likely get a spot. Next Monday evening, the bracket will be released and pairings will be announced!

Date 02/23/2024 Course Name Half Moon Bay Ocean Links Gross Score 139 Course Handicap 46 Gross Strokes over/under par 67 Net Score to Par 21 Net Score 93 Net Birdies or better 1 Longest Drive 186 SIM Round? Great warmup at the range, then couldn't hit a ball to save my life on the course.  Hit pretty much all of the trouble, which was mostly trying to cut back from the other fairway.  Not much sand, which was good, but certainly had trouble in the short game.  

Beautiful course, with plenty of ocean views.  The only bummer is the clouds rolling in right at sunset.

For those who haven't been counting, since the year end MGS Cup tournament was announced right before the Super Bowl, 23 of the current top 32 players have committed to participate and only five have conflicts or weather-related issues preventing them from entering.  For those who have not responded, you have until noon this Sunday to let us know (either way) your status.
 We will be working filling any vacancies as we approach the end of the VCT season, it becomes clearer who's within the top 32 and ultimately how many spots need to fill the MGS Cup bracket.    I have a feeling that there may be some intense jockeying the next few weeks as members compete for the final coveted spots.  As @Cfhandyman indicated, there are several people "on the bubble" and a few hundred points separating those who are in....and those who are out!   
Oh, by the way, it's not a coincidence that VCT season two rounds need to be finished by March 17th so we can set the field.  No, it's not because it's the Ides of March weekend.  Et tu, Brute?  Check your Shakespeare because it likely means there may be some backstabbing that weekend trying to make the final 32!  It is because that date also coincides with the NCAA Basketball Tournament Selection Sunday (who gets into and left out the big dance)!  The MGS Cup tournament lasts three weeks.  What also lasts three weeks?  The NCAA March Madness Tournament.  The MGS Cup tournament ends on April 7th.  NCAA Basketball Finals game is on April 8th when the MSG Cup champion will be crowned!   What else happens on April 8th?  How about the start of Masters week (tournament runs April 11th through 14th) AND the preparation for VCT season three!!  It's great when a plan all comes together!   The next couple of months should be something special!
So, get those on course or SIM rounds posted, check your fellow competitors and let's have fun out there!