Rick Bouchard

Crazy week so far. 73, then a 82, and todays very solid 71. Missed numerous birdie putts by just a hair.
i remember when I started bowling 30 years ago, and then one day “I found it”. How to roll the ball with the nasty little snap that created strike after strike. Suddenly my average was 206, and I flirted with numerous 300’s.
that’s how my golf felt today, with that moment of thinking, “I found it”!
the exact “move” if you will, is merely having the left arm go straight back, as opposed to wrapping behind my back and getting “stuck”. Then, a strong hip turn to drag the swing thru. It was then like throwing darts all day, and with strong distance too. It could have been an even better day if some of those putts had fallen.
as usual, can’t wait for tomorrow…

1. What does MGS Forums mean to you?
It's a great site to check out with all the like minded people with golf on the brain, trying to improve daily, tips, practice habits.
2. What has been your favorite thread of 2023?
I really like the How'd you play thread and the Good Morning thread.
3. What testing opportunities have you followed the most?
I'm a new member, I've been looking at all of the newest testers wanted entries. I have read the testers reviews also.
4. If you were to explain the MGS forum to someone who never heard about it, what would you say?
I just talked to my golf buddies about this. I told them it's about everything golf, equipment reviews, testing, etc... just a great golf community.
5. Of the new "features" what have you enjoyed the most?
Being a fairly new member, I like reading the Virtual Tour but have yet to participate.
6. What brought you to join the MGS Forum?
Well, I've been following MGS on Twitter for a long time. I've entered my name in several testers wanted posts. I kept getting a reply to join the forum to better my chances! So, I did just that, lol.

The Moose Lodge International 3 day tournament was a blast. The event took place in Williamsburg, Virginia. Day 1 was Blue Heron course, day 2 was Black Heath, 3rd day Blue Heron. Got home last night and trying to remember everyone's names that I met and where they're from! Over 110 players!  Anyways, Friday format was 2 person captains choice. Winning score was -3. My partner and I shot -1 good for 4th place. Saturday and Sunday was individual stroke play, which was flighted. I'm in the senior division, B flight. I shot 78 - 82, good for second place. Winning score was 75 - 78 , so not far off. That muscle strain that I've been experiencing for almost a month now, came back and nearly floored me. Hacking out of thick Bermuda rough is not easy!!! Lol. Sharp pain at times takes my breath away. I have to shut it down again, this time for at least 2 weeks! 

1. What does MGS Forums mean to you?
It's a great site to check out with all the like minded people with golf on the brain, trying to improve daily, tips, practice habits.
2. What has been your favorite thread of 2023?
I really like the How'd you play thread and the Good Morning thread.
3. What testing opportunities have you followed the most?
I'm a new member, I've been looking at all of the newest testers wanted entries. I have read the testers reviews also.
4. If you were to explain the MGS forum to someone who never heard about it, what would you say?
I just talked to my golf buddies about this. I told them it's about everything golf, equipment reviews, testing, etc... just a great golf community.
5. Of the new "features" what have you enjoyed the most?
Being a fairly new member, I like reading the Virtual Tour but have yet to participate.
6. What brought you to join the MGS Forum?
Well, I've been following MGS on Twitter for a long time. I've entered my name in several testers wanted posts. I kept getting a reply to join the forum to better my chances! So, I did just that, lol.

The Moose Lodge International 3 day tournament was a blast. The event took place in Williamsburg, Virginia. Day 1 was Blue Heron course, day 2 was Black Heath, 3rd day Blue Heron. Got home last night and trying to remember everyone's names that I met and where they're from! Over 110 players!  Anyways, Friday format was 2 person captains choice. Winning score was -3. My partner and I shot -1 good for 4th place. Saturday and Sunday was individual stroke play, which was flighted. I'm in the senior division, B flight. I shot 78 - 82, good for second place. Winning score was 75 - 78 , so not far off. That muscle strain that I've been experiencing for almost a month now, came back and nearly floored me. Hacking out of thick Bermuda rough is not easy!!! Lol. Sharp pain at times takes my breath away. I have to shut it down again, this time for at least 2 weeks! 

GM all!
Serious debate in my head if I could possibly play leagues tonight. Hurting somewhat less than a couple days ago, knowing I'm going to swing for the fences (beer influenced!) What to do???
Anyways, I hope everyone has a great day!

GM all!
Serious debate in my head if I could possibly play leagues tonight. Hurting somewhat less than a couple days ago, knowing I'm going to swing for the fences (beer influenced!) What to do???
Anyways, I hope everyone has a great day!

GM all!
Serious debate in my head if I could possibly play leagues tonight. Hurting somewhat less than a couple days ago, knowing I'm going to swing for the fences (beer influenced!) What to do???
Anyways, I hope everyone has a great day!

GM all!
Serious debate in my head if I could possibly play leagues tonight. Hurting somewhat less than a couple days ago, knowing I'm going to swing for the fences (beer influenced!) What to do???
Anyways, I hope everyone has a great day!

1. What does MGS Forum mean to you?
it’s great site to interact with like minded golfers. I enjoy the daily banter and getting all kinds of useful and fun advise.  There are a lot of knowledgeable golfers on this site.  It’s nice to be able to pick people’s thoughts on any subject.
2. What has been your favorite thread of 2023?
I did enjoy the meet up thread in NC, really wished I could have gone to that. I enjoy the various testing threads. But I like the classic CHA, how did you play and what are you thinking about threads.
3. What testing opportunities have you followed the most?
Takomo irons definitely , as a tester. 🤣  Did enjoy the Edel, Red Rooster, Paradym, and the Indi wedges & Garmin watch (upcoming)
4. If you were to explain the MGS Forum to someone who never heard about it what would you say?
it’s a site for people with a love of golf who are from various parts of the world and of varying abilities. It allows you to interact with them on a great and fun site.  It also offers neat testing opportunities.
5. Of the new "features" what have you enjoyed the most (ie: MGS Virtual Tour, Community Calls, Live Q&As, Classifieds)
Enjoyed joining the community calls, would like to do that more.  Also would like to try the Virtual Tour.
6. What brought you to join the MGS Forum?
I was looking for information on a new ball to play since I was tired of paying for Pro V1s.  MGS pointed me to their ball testing then I stumbled upon the forum.  It’s been a great place… met some fun people too.
One thing we can’t forget is that the Mods make the Forum run so smoothly and they are the ones working hard to make the testing opportunities available to members and to set up these great contests around the majors.  So a Big thanks you!

1. What does MGS Forum mean to you?
The forum is a place that I originally turned to for information and to talk golf with like minded individuals. Then it turned into so much more. I have an extended family here. We talk golf, talk about cooking, other sports, dieting, family, pets or whatever you want. There is something for everyone.
2. What has been your favorite thread of 2023?
So many to list, The Cobra Challenge, Random thread, How did you play, Virtual Tour, How did you practice, and many more.
3. What testing opportunities have you followed the most?
Maxfli Golf Balls, Edel, Red Rooster, obviously the Cobra Challenge as I was in it. Paradym Irons and Driver. Some of the technology tests.
4. If you were to explain the MGS Forum to someone who never heard about it what would you say?
It is a home away from home for golfers. You get to meet golfers from all over the world. You can learn about equipment, courses, get to test and keep equipment, share stories and not drive your significant other crazy. My wife calls it my Golf Facebook thing. I travel for work frequently and the first thing I do after booking flights and such is look to see what members live in the area. Not just see, but to possibly meet up for a drink, play golf or whatever. 
5. Of the new "features" what have you enjoyed the most (ie: MGS Virtual Tour, Community Calls, Live Q&As, Classifieds)
Virtual Tour, the Community call, and the live Q&A’s. I don’t follow the classifieds 
6. What brought you to join the MGS Forum?
I always followed the testing when shopping for clubs. Then one day someone asked a question about setting up the Optishot2 system which I had a lot of experience with. I started posting tips and tricks and then I was hooked. I got involved in so much more. Here I am a few years in and participated in five testing opportunities to date.

1 &6 are very much the same to me. I joined originally to follow a group of "like" individuals that really appreciate the sport of golf. It allows me a place to seek out answers to questions I have and helps me to learn. I hate asking "dumb" questions so this forum helps me with that. I don't feel embarrassed about seeking info.  I learned that it was really fairly simple to re-grip my clubs.  Was actually able to do just that this spring.
2.  The general question and answers is always a fav. But really there are others, How'd you play? What did you practice? Also really was hoping to see Tom's hard work on his backyard putting green come to fruition. Maybe next year.
3. Push carts is one I'm interested in. I was surprised at the RR gloves they seemed very positive but I also looked and quickly discovered they are at a price point I can't entertain. Same with Sugar balls.
4. You can find almost any information your desire about golf. Lots of opinions and biases for sure, but lots of info. Hard not to like.
5. Have not really delved into it yet.

1. What does MGS Forum mean to you?
To me MGS Forum is a ‘home’ for me; a place I visit daily. I read reviews of things that interest me, I add a comment here and there.  I have even met up with a guy from here and played a round of golf with when he visited my area.  I really enjoyed that.
 
2. What has been your favorite thread of 2023?
Without a doubt, Golf Technology.  I really love that aspect of the Game.  From Range Finders, to GPS devices, to Launch Monitors, to Shot Tracking! Bring it!
 
3. What testing opportunities have you followed the most?
Anything to do with Golf Technology. I also follow testing the covers areas I consider areas I need improvement.
 
4. If you were to explain the MGS Forum to someone who never heard about it what would you say?
I would tell them that MSG is a great place to learn, to share, and to interact with others who share in the love of the Game.  I would also say that they will get more out of it if the contribute.
 
5. Of the new "features" what have you enjoyed the most (ie: MGS Virtual Tour, Community Calls, Live Q&As, Classifieds)
Though I have not yet purchased anything, I think the Classifieds section is a great addition.  I find it easy to navigate and find things that interest me.
 
6. What brought you to join the MGS Forum?
I had been searching the web for a Golf Forum. I first found a couple of others, but really did not feel ‘at home’ in those Forums.  I am sure that they were great for some people, just not for me. When I find MGS, I did feel a connection, but to be honest I ‘lurked’ for a while before I joined.

This is a great thread and I'll probably repeat some things that have been said so far. Here goes!
1. Community. I love having a place filled with like minded people who share our love for the game of golf. I work with a couple of guys that play, but they don't get into the weeds like we do here and I love being able to come here and geek out over the game and equipment. It's a great place to share our highs and lows plus, the encouragement we receive here is second to none.
2. The Good Morning thread gets my day started off right. I also enjoyed the Cobra Anniversary challenge as I took part in it and the interactions there were fun to be part of.
3. The Cobra thread again gets the nod here. It was so fun testing out the equipment and getting to interact the with the members. I have also enjoyed both Paradym threads, the Edel irons, and Red Rooster. I'm looking forward to the upcoming tests of Indi wedges, Caley, Mizuno, and Garmin.
4. The MGS community is a fun, friendly place to talk golf and life. The members here are both welcoming and helpful. 
5. I can't say enough how much I enjoy taking part in the community call. I love getting to talk with the members in a live zoom call. It's something I look forward to every Thursday.
6. I came to the forum for a member review on Callaway Steelhead irons and was lured in by the member testing. I hung around because of the wonderful community. 

Thanks guys!  No golf for me today... should get to play up in Maine this weekend though! 

GM all!
Serious debate in my head if I could possibly play leagues tonight. Hurting somewhat less than a couple days ago, knowing I'm going to swing for the fences (beer influenced!) What to do???
Anyways, I hope everyone has a great day!

GM all!
Serious debate in my head if I could possibly play leagues tonight. Hurting somewhat less than a couple days ago, knowing I'm going to swing for the fences (beer influenced!) What to do???
Anyways, I hope everyone has a great day!

GM all!
Serious debate in my head if I could possibly play leagues tonight. Hurting somewhat less than a couple days ago, knowing I'm going to swing for the fences (beer influenced!) What to do???
Anyways, I hope everyone has a great day!

Theraband wrist roller ... works wonders! Good for grip, forearms and tennis/golfer's elbow, too!

Im in.  Whatever it is. 

Morn all!
Well, not morning here, but you know. Off and on rain. Mostly on. Trying to dry some things before folding them up and storing them away, but alas the rain keeps coming. 😅

Morning everyone. Well, had a day where firing my best round of the year was in sight but my putter got stage fright. Had a handful of looks at birdie from 10-12 feet but only managed to make one. Not going to complain about a 77 but that’s twice this year I’ve had chances to break par but couldn’t do it. It’s encouraging to know I’m close so the grind continues and more range time is coming to iron out a few wrinkles. Until then, just going to sip on my coffee and catch up on the interwebs. 

I am hopefully planning a fall trip to visit family... It wouldn't take much to convince me to carve out an extra day or 3 for some Spy Golf 😉 .  Rest up that wrist Kenny, I want you to be 100% when I come!

I could do another eastern WA trip, keep me posted.

Can't seem to get any traction with the PDX guys.  We are passing through on Sunday Aug 20 after attending a wedding and said we would stop and play. but so far no takers.  
Maybe when @GolfSpy TCB gets here, we can arrange an outing with @Thin2win