[The Good Morning Thread]

Good Morning everyone!!  Rained most of the day yesterday and cool and cloudy today… no golf!  A few errands to run and watch a little Texas Open.

@sirchunksalot  Good news about your sister.  Take care of yourself; you need to be in good shape for golf when the weather improves!!

31 minutes ago, sirchunksalot said:

One of my favorite book series is by Brandon Sanderson and it's called "The Mistborn Series". The opening line is "Ash fell from the sky". My wife and I were leaving the house and I want to say it was spitting snow, so I quoted the line for some humor. As soon as I did, a freaking bird got our windshield. Scared the daylights out of me. 

 

[The Good Morning Thread]

2 hours ago, EasyPutter said:

Forecast for Monday is starting to look questionable for skies clear enough to watch the Total Solar Eclipse going directly overhead, we just don't get our hopes up too high locally for just about everything (Drinking town with a Sports problem) and hope the expected influx of tourists for the "once in a lifetime event" are not disappointed by only seeing streetlights come on under total cloud cover.  

We had a total solar eclipse directly overhead about 50 years ago; pretty cool!!  However, the last time the streetlights came on during the middle of the day was when Mt. St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980.  That was weird because we didn’t know what was happening at the time, except ash was falling from the sky!!

[Where to improve most to lower your handicap?]

On 4/3/2024 at 11:04 AM, ChuckZ said:

At the age of 77 I have to look at my current game and laugh at times.  It was not too long ago that I was a low double digit.  Boy have times changed as have the numbers.  One thing that has hurt has been the renovation of our golf course.  I shot my best score ever on our old course on September 13th, which was three days after my 68th birthday, and that was a 69.  Could have been better as we all would say, double bogied the last hole.  Anyhow they have the renovation about 10+ strokes harder.  Seth Raynor style and very severe breaks and greens fast.  Can never really shoot at the flags.  Reason one.  Have to eliminate those triple bogies.  Seem to have at least two a side.  That is 12 strokes.  Reason two.  With the new greens, never consistent, pins seem to always being placed in awkward positions.  Most of the workers who set them do not play golf of understand. Most likely loose another 4-6 strokes each round.  That is a stroke a hole.  Pretty consistent of the tee, keeping it in the short middle grass.   Am working on the short game figure could off another stroke or two.  That gets up to 20, which is about where is handicap is now.  Now the point is, if I would look in the mirror every morning before I leave and convince myself to eliminate those demons, WOW I might even love this game more.  HOW ABOUT YOU.  What can you do to improve you handicap, by the numbers.  I sure could love to play at a 10 for my age and shoot my age.  At this current rate I had better live a long life.  ha...ha...ha...  Hakuna matata.          

Chuck, we are all facing the challenges that you are facing; we may be at different levels, but we need to work on the same things.  I turn 77 next month.  I’ve also lost distance the past few years, although I didn’t have that much to begin with.    As with others here my scores came down when I worked on my short game and putting… as well as move up a tee box when I turned 75.

Your reason one:  Yes, eliminate those dreaded “others” as well as doubles.  I hate to make doubles!!  What causes those triples and doubles?  Focus on why your scores are high on those holes; are they the same holes?  

Have to eliminate those triple bogies.  Seem to have at least two a side.  That is 12 strokes.  Is it really??  Compared to par, yes; but likely it’s probably 6 shots depending on the difficulty of the holes.

My issues come from approaches to the green from outside 100 yards, so I work on ball striking.  However, I always work on short game and putting because I miss a lot of GIR.  When the short game is on, I can shoot my age by saving pars… I don’t make many birdies.  I find that when I skip my weekly short game and putting practice, my save percentage drops quickly.

Your reason two:  You essentially have a new course to learn.  Maybe the course workers are putting pins in difficult spots, but that job is usually reserved for someone who knows what they are doing.  Actually, there is a procedure for laying out pin positions; talk to your pro to see if they have one.  It’s easier to play well on a familiar course, and it sounds like you just haven’t learned where you can miss and where you can’t.  As you play the new course more, you will figure it out.  I wouldn’t worry about that right now… just play more.  Spend time on those difficult greens getting to know the speed and breaks.  Took me a year to learn the breaks on a couple of our holes when I first moved to this course.  I swore that putts were breaking uphill.  

Good luck!!  

[How'd you play?]

9 hours ago, Vegan_Golfer_PNW said:

Snuck out for 9 before work today. After needing three holes to figure things out (+10) I finished the last 6 playing bogey golf, ending the round with tap in par after 40' birdie putt came up just short, a bogey after my par save died on the lip and a par after a 30' birdie came up short. Lots to grow on from the nine.

Welcome back to the wonderful world of golf Randy!!  When will Portland dry out?

[Happy Birthday thread]

Happy Birthday @Ryan Luke, @benrd5420, and @Nick Agostinelli!!  Best wishes for a great day!!

[The Good Morning Thread]

11 minutes ago, TylorJudd said:

It was 22 and sunny yesterday in the okanagan!

… just across the border in Okanogan, WA it was 78º.   

[The Good Morning Thread]

Good Morning everyone!!  A lot cooler here today 40’s and low 50’s, but my wife showed me her Facebook post from last year when we had snow on the ground!  Not doing much today… a few exercises and a few swings in my hitting bay, maybe a walk later.

Stay safe everyone.

@Fongle Sad news about your uncle. Please accept our prayers for him and your family.

@Dead Solid Bogey  Listen to Her Royal Highness; she knows what’s best for you… and you know you do the same for her!  

 

[What Have You Bought Lately? (CHA - Club Ho's Anonymous)]

1 hour ago, BallsLeon said:

Paging @MattF thought this might be up your alley:
https://260samplesale.com/products/greyson-clothiers-magic-garden-newago-pac-lite-jacket-fiddle?_pos=49&_fid=d7d710644&_ss=c

 

I'm imagining this paired with my new golf bag that just arrived!!

 

[The Good Morning Thread]

New golf bag arrived for my push cart and carrying to the practice area. It’s a Woode!!

 

[MGS Blog - We Tried it: Footwear Series]

On 4/1/2024 at 5:14 AM, GolfSpy_APH said:

https://mygolfspy.com/we-tried-it/did-true-linkswear-make-the-perfect-walking-shoe/

I've had True Linkswear shoes since the original “clown” shoe (still have them BTW).  Then I got away from Trues after a period where their QC wasn’t very good.  I just purchased a pair of their OG Tour from Costco for $139 ($200 on the True website).  Wore them for the first time yesterday and walked 18 holes; legs gave out on the 16th but the shoes felt good.  Might get another pair in a different colorway while they are still available.

 

[The Good Morning Thread]

4 minutes ago, Steve F said:

I've got heavy duty zip ties holding a section of my net together... Wish I could afford to upgrade to the SIM screen @Kenny B!!

I had extra net material from the net supplier (don’t remember which one) and patched a hole like I was repairing a fishing net.  Worked OK and looked decent, but the Spornia target sheet is very durable and worth the price!!

[Happy Birthday thread]

Happy Birthday @JChurch, @jayjay0808, @Jim L, and @WhoaNellie!!  Have a truly great birthday and hope it involves golf.

[The Good Morning Thread]

Good Morning everyone!!  I’m dragging today.  Third day in a row playing golf, and it showed.  It was such a nice day… 80º sunny and just a slight breeze… perfect.  So what was wrong with my golf game?  Every day I played this week has been worse than the day before.  I did walk 18 holes yesterday; nice not having to push a cart, my wife just “caddied” by driving her cart with my clubs on it to wherever my ball was.  Unfortunately, my ball was… “wherever”!!  Legs were wobbly and feet a little tired in a pair of brand new True Linkswear shoes.  Today is a day off as temps dropped overnight; might get to 60º… maybe, and rain on Thursday and Friday.  Next round is Saturday.

Seems like lots of poor weather back east after a mild winter and early spring.  Take care everyone, and hope you can play soon!!

[The Good Morning Thread]

1 hour ago, Alan Scalzi said:

I believe isn't going to sunglass day here since Saturday ( didn't receive my Sundogs till Saturday night) , also has anyone purchased golf items from Thegolferspick ? This company is awesome I purchased a hitting net over a year ago, have gotten holes in them and they send me a new one free of charge every time this will be the 3rd one! Not sure as my net never moves from inside my basement and is always out of the elements (if this is the case). Great company! PS hopefully I was aloud to to recommend them here!

Spin is the enemy of nets; doesn’t take long to make a hole when using a short iron.  An inexpensive remedy is to buy the Spornia white or bullseye target to put over the net for $39.  I attached it to the supports with a small elastic cord from Lowes or Home Depot.  Never had an issue after that for a couple of years… them I upgraded to a SIM screen!!

[The Good Morning Thread]

Good Morning everyone!!  Yesterday was a nice day on the golf course with temp in high 60’s; wish I had played better… 82.  I usually don’t play on Mondays as that makes 3 days in a row; tough for me, but today will be in the 70’s with high of 83º and sunny… just 15-25 mph wind to deal with.  So, today I’m going to attempt to walk all 18 holes.  My wife will be riding so I’ll throw my clubs on the cart and walk.  That way if I get too tired on the back nine the furtherest spot from the clubhouse, I’ll just hop on.

The rest of the week looks nasty; back to 40’s and 50’s and rainy so better get out while I can.  Hope you day is a great one, and for those back east with snow and cold…  it’s going to warm up quickly!!

[The Good Morning Thread]

2 hours ago, Preeway said:

Good morning everyone. Rough night last night as my wife had to let go of her dad after a long battle with Parkinson’s. He went into the ICU a week ago and just never recovered. He led an amazing life and we’re all glad he’s at rest now after these last few months of severe health problems. It’s been a gentle reminder to treat everyday as an opportunity rather than dwell on the negative. Take care everyone and I hope today is amazing for all of you. 

 Very sad.  My condolences on the passing of you father-in-law and prayers for you, your wife and family.  

[Happy Birthday thread]

Happy Birthday @Joe R, @RobbieW, @Abramos, @[email protected], @cwojtowicz, and @Derek Lusk!!  Make your day a great one on the course!!

[Happy Birthday thread]

Happy Birthday @Barry56, @JAXON DE VILLAIN, @Patpott, @Rthompson89, @CWEHKRAE and @Golfizit!! Have a great one!   Whew!!  Lots of birthdays...  Something wonderful must have been happening in July!!!

[I am looking for a 1/4 zip that has side pockets, has anyone found one? Would prefer performance polyester or light fleece, under $60.]

I bought one at our pro shop with our course logo.  Ouray... 52%cotton/48% polyester.  Love the pockets; put the air-activated chemical heaters in them for our chilly mornings.

[Looking for waterproof jackets, pants, shoes. Etc for golf in the rain!]

I’m glad I don’t have to look for these!!  Living in the desert, I just wait an hour or so for a shower to pass. 

[Perfectly UNPERFECT: THE GRIND FOR (NON)Perfection]

51 minutes ago, Samuel09152 said:

Laying down last night, I looked over the course for BSC. I’ve never played this course so I used google maps to come up with a strategy. The course looks tough and should be challenging. We do get 50% of our handicap at the tournament based off the course, which means I will be getting 11. We are playing 6600 yards, slope is 137, and rating is 72.40. My partner and I will be starting in hole 1 and teeing off at 11. I went ahead and  filled out pre-round Journal 18. I will update later with how it all went! 

Good luck today!!  Most of all have fun!!!

[2000 Posts, 9,900 reactions, a couple tests and lots of new friends]

Congratulations on the milestone!!  Nice job and looking forward to many more posts!!

[How'd you play?]

13 hours ago, cksurfdude said:

Played 9 this afternoon with my honey. Nice clear day with mild temps, but a steady wind came in which is into you on a bunch of holes.

The Good:

• driver - 7/7 were good or playable
• ball striking in general
• one 8i approach got knocked down by a strong just, but hey it was a solid shot
• one 9i approach from 110 on a ball below the feet lie hit the green to about 8ft past the flag - made Birdie!! (.. well it is the shortest Par 4...)
• Putting - speed control was mostly pretty good on all the first putts

The Bad:

• Green reading - was consistently over-reading break
• The two short Par 3s - not hitting my irons here solidly and missed both short right...
• Didn't lose a ball

The Ugly:

• Short game wedges. No B's I honestly practice with my wedges way more than full swing, but I just farged (fancy Brit term ) every short near-green approach.....

The Lucky Save:

• My wife claimed this honor after struggling a bit on the last hole .. then landing in a greenside bunker .. from which she hit too hard and the ball ran out and into the rough behind the green .. and from there she just kinda drops the putter onto the ball .. without really lining up it or anything .. ball rolls downhill towards the cup .. slows down .. takes the break .. BAZINGA!! .. into the cup and a "zero" putt hole for her!!

Anyway like I say in the Practice thread ... Work In Progress!

 

Oh PS: had been playing the MaxFli StraightFli "value" ball early in the season but today switched back to the usual MaxFli Tour CG - what a difference!!

I mean even I could tell that I was losing distance with the value ball .. I'm totally guessing here but I'm thinking that to enhance "straight" they modify the aerodynamics and possibly also slow it down in an attempt to control side spin..?

You have made a lot of progress Chuck!!  I remember your early posts where it seemed like a struggle just to get to the green!!  Great job!  Looking forward to Kingsmill next month… yes, we can now say “Next Month”!!!

 

13 hours ago, cksurfdude said:

The Lucky Save:

• My wife claimed this honor after struggling a bit on the last hole .. then landing in a greenside bunker .. from which she hit too hard and the ball ran out and into the rough behind the green .. and from there she just kinda drops the putter onto the ball .. without really lining up it or anything .. ball rolls downhill towards the cup .. slows down .. takes the break .. BAZINGA!! .. into the cup and a "zero" putt hole for her!!

Did you teach Lisa the Monte putter shot??  Martha has been using it; in a round with the Ladies League she had a difficult downhill shot in the rough just off the green.  One of the ladies made a comment how hard that shot was… she dropped the putter onto the ball and the ball trickled down to tap-in range.

[The Good Morning Thread]

Good Morning everyone!!  Hope you have a memorable Monday and watch out for Jokesters!!   Warming up today with temp in the low 70’s and low 80’s tomorrow; don’t blink though because on Wednesday it will be back in the low 50’s!!  Just a teaser.

Today is a special day for my wife and I. It’s the anniversary of the day I proposed to her on the 1st tee of the golf course… well, I had to pick a date that I could remember, right?!!  She said “Yes", but the next day on the 1st tee she asked if I meant it.    On this anniversary we always play golf so we will be teeing off again at 9:28.  We got married a year and 3 weeks later, but that’s another story!!!

 

 

[The Good Morning Thread]

11 minutes ago, cnosil said:

It’s been 2 months since I have swung a golf club and the surgeon said today was the day I could go back to full activity.   Unfortunately, my car is in the shop for annual state inspection and a few other things so no golf today.   Was hoping to go to MGS HQ and hit a few balls before actually hitting the course or driving range but my golf league team is short handed and I may need to play tomorrow.   To be honest, I am a bit apprehensive about swinging again and  wondering if the surgery actually fixed my issue.   

Hope the surgery worked; when will you know?  I’m sure that your swing will be fine, but short game might be a little rusty… my experience from long layoffs.