The Good Morning Thread

[ILMgolfnut]

20 minutes ago, MattWillGolf said:

Was seeing a lot Premier League banter this morning. I have a request. Premier League fans please make a “pitch” on who I should back. The next town over from me is Liverpool. My football team has an ownership stake in Leeds. I once had a beer and a burger in an Arsenal bar in Seattle. I really enjoyed Sunderland Till I Die on Netflix. Welcome to Wrexham on Hulu is a good watch. My wife and I really enjoyed Ted Lasso. Some of the teams mentioned above though aren’t in the Premier League as I understand it.

No, Wrexham isn't in the Prem yet, although they've climbed two rungs of a four-rung ladder in two years. Neither is Sunderland. Or AFC Richmond for that matter. Leeds was there a couple of years ago but got relegated.

The Prem is regarded as a Big Six (Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and that other team in North London) and everyone else. 

ManU is kind of like the Yankees of the Prem. Tons of money, and they'd really have to screw up not to be competitive. For the last few years, that's exactly what they've done, although they somehow managed to win the FA Cup this year. But they have a new controlling owner who actually seems to have a clue, so we'll see if they regain their perch.

Man City is very controversial. Owned by an Arab oil tycoon, endless supply of money. They currently face charges of 115 violations of Financial Fair Play rules, designed to keep clubs from buying championships. This case has dragged out forever but is expected to be settled in 2015; it's even theoretically possible that MCFC could be relegated as punishment, although I consider that highly unlikely. In the meantime, they've won the Prem four straight years, so they have actually bought championships. (Newcastle is also owned by Arab oil money, specifically the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, and are considered by many to be an example of sportswashing, just like that other PIF venture, LIV Golf.)

I became an Arsenal supporter 20+ years ago when I wanted someone other than ManU to win. When the Gunners beat ManU at ManU in 2002 to win the title, I became hooked. Two years later, they became the only top-flight English team in the last 135 years to go through a season without a loss (26 wins, 12 draws). That's very hard to do; Bayer Leverkusen managed it in Germany this season but only played 34 matches. Arsenal had a bad slump for 7-8 years but are now definitely challenging Man City for the top, finishing two points behind this year (the difference of a win vs. a draw in one match). Also, Arsenal has more FA Cup titles than any other club

Liverpool have loads of tradition, Anfield is an awesome atmosphere and You'll Never Walk Alone is a cool stadium tradition.

Chelsea is another team that bought championships with Russian money (and I don't even want to think about where that came from). Since that owner was banished and the club sold to an American group, they can't seem to find their rear end with both hands; still spending a ton of money but spinning their wheels.

There is no good reason whatsoever to support that other team in North London unless you like frustration. Spuds hasn't won anything of note since a League Cup title in 2008. They do have an awesome new stadium, though, which you see frequently on NFL London games.

Edited July 2 by ILMgolfnut

[sirchunksalot]

17 minutes ago, GolfSpy_KFT said:

Good morning fellow spies from what looks to be a very wet and rainy Tuesday. Most likely means no league play tonight with @JJBack, so that is a bummer as we started to gain some momentum last week. Maybe it'll hold off this afternoon/evening and we will be ok yet! 

Other than that, not too much on the docket for today. One thing I did forget to mention yesterday, is that I have officially accepted a freelance writing position with the MGS main site to write the daily deals and e-commerce articles! Jamie had posted that job opening last week and I thought, why not, I'll toss my hat in the ring. 

They are short, sweet and to the point, and I am enjoying it so far. Here's a link to the one that was posted yesterday, and there should essentially be one for each day of the week.

https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/the-mygolfspy-best-ball-of-2023-is-on-sale-now/

I also had an article publish yesterday about the positive impact golf can have on Mental Health, and am really proud of that article. I have more recently, honestly essentially since I got active here on the forum, openly shared that I have struggled with my mental health at different stages and times in my life. It is such an important topic to shed light on, and this community allowed me to feel enough support to open the door to discussing it. I can't thank you guys enough for that.

https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/mental-health-benefits-of-golf/

I hope everyone has a great day today!

Congratulations @GolfSpy_KFT on the freelance writing gig! 

[ILMgolfnut]

19 minutes ago, Preeway said:

I’ve been an Everton fan for a long time and every team has deep traditions. I’ll casually watch/root for English teams with American players like Leeds but the only team I’ll truly support is Everton. Just wish there was an Everton bar in Omaha. 

Plus Paul McCartney grew up an Everton fan, so there's that. But Ringo Starr is a Gunner. George Harrison and John Lennon had no known interest, although John's dad and George's son were/are both LFC supporters,

[Erin B]

Good Tuesday Morning Spies!!! Woke up to WIND, AGAIN... this has been one of the windiest summers I can remember here in Cheyenne. Every day at least a 10MPH wind. Right now it's hovering around 26MPH. I have a 3PM tee time and it's supposed to slow down this afternoon, 17MPH at tee time. Thunderstorms in the forecast. I'm hopeful the weather gets better as the day rolls along. I've been in the office since 6AM and am always the first one in. I like it that way. Coffee at 5AM, spend some time with los poopies, then to work.

 

Now to get golf off my mind and work on my mind. Wait, what??? Like that's gonna happen. Anyway, hope you all have a great day and if you get out, hit em straight and long. Happy birdie hunting spies!!! Windy Wyo out!!!

[Grip]

Golf is canceled in Wisconsin once again ⛈. Book tee time then cancel tee time

 

[ejgaudette]

Good morning all!

Beautiful day yesterday and really enjoyed a run/bike ride with the kids as a great way for all of us to get our exercise in.

On the home improvement front, the wall bookshelf hybrid is going up today! Getting close to being done splitting these rooms. Son is excited to get the paint color he likes and hopes our dog will now sleep with him in the closet, since she always slept in our closet before.

Have a great day everyone!

[CSiders12]

Good morning! The rain has hampered my golfing adventure for today. I was really considering going anyway, however, last time I played in the rain, I got my cart stuck. So, I'm deciding on staying home and doing some things around the house. For the lucky ones who get to play today, hit me well! 

Have a terrific Tuesday!

[Shrek74]

Good morning, and happy second Monday!!

Another lovely morning here. I do love seeing the sun up and shining brightly in the morning. Helps with the attitude for the rest of the day. At least I think it does.

Have a few things going on with work today, but nothing too crazy. I'm hoping to hear from my plumber/electrician/handyman today to replace the water connectors for my washing machine. It sucks when you can't even do laundry at your own house and have to do it at mom and dad's.

Well, everyone have a fantastic day!!

 

Edited July 2 by Shrek74

[Swood1994]

Good morning spies,

Back home and back to reality for at least 2 more days then off for the July 4th holiday.

I have family in town as well as friends so it will be a busy weekend going from house to house seeing everyone. I am hoping to squeeze in 18 at some point but that is still a crap shoot. 

Have a great day all!

[fixyurdivot]

Top of the pot spies .  I just got back yesterday from the fishing trip to Manitoba; where the fishing was great but the travel to/from not so much.  Delayed out of PHX and also from Calgary heading to Winnipeg, our heads did not hit the pillows until 0130... offering a short sleep before the 0800 charter flight to God's Lake.

Then, Friday, arriving back on the charter flight to Winnipeg, we get notification from WestJet that our flight on Saturday has been cancelled due to the mechanics strike... rescheduled for Monday 7/1... WHAAATTT? Having no confidence in the labor dispute getting resolved and their schedules holding up even if it is, we ditched WJ (requesting the offered refund) and found flights on Delta. 

WestJet has lost at least 3 customers.  Their attitude and handling of this was terrible.  The airport check-in folks acting like stone-faced robots and simply telling folks to contact WJ for support.  They made no mention of the labor strike. Naturally, both the phone and chat were so overwhelmed, a simple "we cannot process your request at this time" response was provided.  First time, last time WestJet for me.

But, at least the fishing was good (weather not so much) as was the lodge/accommodations. We caught lots of Northern Pike and a few Walleye on fly rods.  I managed two over 41" which met the Manitoba Master Angler criteria.

So now it's back to golf starting with men's league 2-man best ball tomorrow.  Have a great day everyone!

[Cfhandyman]

A good morning to all.  Beautiful sunny day here.  Enjoying my coffee.  A very good friend of mine is coming to stay with us for a few days, so taking him golfing and he's also coming for driver/woods fitting at TXG (Club Champion Canada) tomorrow.  Should be a fun few days and maybe the odd beer, bottle of wine and good scotch or two.

All dressed up and nowhere to go.  Have a great day everyone.

[RichL85]

Another work day that is going to include around 5 hours of driving to and back from the client plant, but it's all part of the job I guess. Aside from spending half of my working week driving this week, it's not bad with a 4 day weekend coming up. I'll have to use part of that time to make sure I keep up with my class but that's only a minor concern. 

FIL got discharged from the hospital last night and is back home. We didn't go into too many details because my kids still don't know everything and probably don't need to know everything just yet. Did find out it's not the worst case scenario like his oncologist initially thought, so it's not stage 4 small cell. They found a small spot on his brain during an MRI but said radiation and medication should take care of that. He's scheduled to start treatment next week so my wife and I will have to figure out the best way to manage schedules to make sure we can get him to where he needs to be. Have to look at this whole thing as, "it could be a lot worse" right now. 

[PrismFlopper]

Morning to all you beautiful people. Another Tuesday another 16 hr shift started… long day ahead but looking at getting out on the course before work tomorrow morning. Looks like it will be a chillier morning in the high 50s I think it said 59 to be exact but love the crisp mornings when the day looks like it’ll get to the 80s. A little longer of a stretch and warm up and we will be underway. 

[William P]

Good Tuesday morning Spies!

Enjoying more coffee as the day progresses. AC install team has arrived and replacement project is about to get started. Will be nice to have a dependable unit once again. Can't really complain though as old unit has lasted a little over 15 years...

Not much else on the agenda today.

Everyone stay safe and have a great day! 

[William P]

3 hours ago, GolfSpy_KFT said:

Good morning fellow spies from what looks to be a very wet and rainy Tuesday. Most likely means no league play tonight with @JJBack, so that is a bummer as we started to gain some momentum last week. Maybe it'll hold off this afternoon/evening and we will be ok yet! 

Other than that, not too much on the docket for today. One thing I did forget to mention yesterday, is that I have officially accepted a freelance writing position with the MGS main site to write the daily deals and e-commerce articles! Jamie had posted that job opening last week and I thought, why not, I'll toss my hat in the ring. 

They are short, sweet and to the point, and I am enjoying it so far. Here's a link to the one that was posted yesterday, and there should essentially be one for each day of the week.

https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/the-mygolfspy-best-ball-of-2023-is-on-sale-now/

I also had an article publish yesterday about the positive impact golf can have on Mental Health, and am really proud of that article. I have more recently, honestly essentially since I got active here on the forum, openly shared that I have struggled with my mental health at different stages and times in my life. It is such an important topic to shed light on, and this community allowed me to feel enough support to open the door to discussing it. I can't thank you guys enough for that.

https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/mental-health-benefits-of-golf/

I hope everyone has a great day today!

Cong rats on the new gig! Always enjoy your articles so looking forward to more of them!

[MattWillGolf]

3 hours ago, Preeway said:

I’ve been an Everton fan for a long time and every team has deep traditions. I’ll casually watch/root for English teams with American players like Leeds but the only team I’ll truly support is Everton. Just wish there was an Everton bar in Omaha. 

Logging one vote for Everton. I recall they had an American in goal some years back. 

[MattWillGolf]

3 hours ago, GolfSpy_KFT said:

Good morning fellow spies from what looks to be a very wet and rainy Tuesday. Most likely means no league play tonight with @JJBack, so that is a bummer as we started to gain some momentum last week. Maybe it'll hold off this afternoon/evening and we will be ok yet! 

Other than that, not too much on the docket for today. One thing I did forget to mention yesterday, is that I have officially accepted a freelance writing position with the MGS main site to write the daily deals and e-commerce articles! Jamie had posted that job opening last week and I thought, why not, I'll toss my hat in the ring. 

They are short, sweet and to the point, and I am enjoying it so far. Here's a link to the one that was posted yesterday, and there should essentially be one for each day of the week.

https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/the-mygolfspy-best-ball-of-2023-is-on-sale-now/

I also had an article publish yesterday about the positive impact golf can have on Mental Health, and am really proud of that article. I have more recently, honestly essentially since I got active here on the forum, openly shared that I have struggled with my mental health at different stages and times in my life. It is such an important topic to shed light on, and this community allowed me to feel enough support to open the door to discussing it. I can't thank you guys enough for that.

https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/mental-health-benefits-of-golf/

I hope everyone has a great day today!

Congrats on the writing position. Waiting for the Alan Shipnuck collab. 

[tdc1]

Good morning, everyone!

Gotta love a beautiful 60° morning for hanging out on the patio with the doggo and coffee.

Playing a few holes after lunch today.  I’ve been working hard on driver but today will be all about avoiding doubles.  If that means irons or hybrid off the tee, then so be it.

Should probably also commit to a process for choosing what ball (brand, model) to use.  Trying to find best ball around the green and work backwards.  We’ll see how it goes.

Have a great day, y’all!

 

Update:  Played okay but still had one double (pushed a tee shot into a pond on a Par 3 and couldn’t make the up-and-down).   Four out of six fairways, no sand, no three putts.  Thought I had grabbed some Pro Vs to use today but turned out to be Tour Softs instead (feel good off every club but not very spinny at the green).  Planning for 18 holes at a different course tomorrow but will stick to same playing approach of avoiding the doubles.  Also need to check which model ball I’ve got before starting.

Edited July 2 by tdc1
Added info

[MattWillGolf]

1 hour ago, fixyurdivot said:

Top of the pot spies .  I just got back yesterday from the fishing trip to Manitoba; where the fishing was great but the travel to/from not so much.  Delayed out of PHX and also from Calgary heading to Winnipeg, our heads did not hit the pillows until 0130... offering a short sleep before the 0800 charter flight to God's Lake.

Then, Friday, arriving back on the charter flight to Winnipeg, we get notification from WestJet that our flight on Saturday has been cancelled due to the mechanics strike... rescheduled for Monday 7/1... WHAAATTT? Having no confidence in the labor dispute getting resolved and their schedules holding up even if it is, we ditched WJ (requesting the offered refund) and found flights on Delta. 

WestJet has lost at least 3 customers.  Their attitude and handling of this was terrible.  The airport check-in folks acting like stone-faced robots and simply telling folks to contact WJ for support.  They made no mention of the labor strike. Naturally, both the phone and chat were so overwhelmed, a simple "we cannot process your request at this time" response was provided.  First time, last time WestJet for me.

But, at least the fishing was good (weather not so much) as was the lodge/accommodations. We caught lots of Northern Pike and a few Walleye on fly rods.  I managed two over 41" which met the Manitoba Master Angler criteria.

So now it's back to golf starting with men's league 2-man best ball tomorrow.  Have a great day everyone!

"We're gonna need a bigger boat!"  That's the first thing that popped into my mind. 

[Michael.Sandoval33]

Good morning good spies!

It's a lazy morning so far, writing up my discussion for class early since the range does not open until 11 today. Excited to get back out there and continue to work on all things swing related. Working hard on dialing in a repeatable swing that I can confidently take on the course instead of the "sometimes, maybe" swing I am currently rocking.

All in all, I hope everybody has a fantastic Tuesday!

[jbern]

Good morning! Meetings morning so far at work. All I can think about is how nice of a day it looks like outside and I should NOT be sitting inside! I'm not planning any golf for today because of some errands that I need to do after work. I also had a little hiccup with my air installed JumboMax STR8 grips during my last round (I felt the grips twisting in my hands and ended up being able to pull the driver grip off without too much effort . Needless to say, I need to regrip with tape and solvent before my next round!

I'm still thinking about how much fun I had reviewing the LAB DF3 and participating in the test with @MattWillGolf, @Steve F, @CFreddie, @GolfSpy MPR, @Cfhandyman & @GolfSpy SAM!! What a great crew and a great time!

Have a good day everyone!

[Kenny B]

Good Morning everyone!  Sorry for being MIA; lots going on here.  Sunny and temps in the 90’s today, but will have 5 days of 105-108º starting Friday.

Tweaked my back… again!  Wonder if it had anything to do with shoveling wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow of rock??  Rainbow River Rock from a quarry in Montana.

It was only a yard load that came out of that truck; didn’t look like much, and my wife said “Maybe we should have gotten 2 yards.”  If we had, the other yard would still be in the driveway!!  Now I have at least 3 yards of 5/8-chip to put behind that fence in the pic… maybe after I recover next week!!  

Not much golf happening; hope you guys are tearing up the course!!  Good luck!

 

[Northern Monkey]

3 hours ago, MattWillGolf said:

Good morning Spies,

Uppa with a cuppa on a nice sunny CNY Morning. I have a morning tee time in a bit. Nice to see a lot of new faces in the forum tests. The mods have been really killing with all of the testing opportunities.

Was seeing a lot Premier League banter this morning. I have a request. Premier League fans please make a “pitch” on who I should back. The next town over from me is Liverpool. My football team has an ownership stake in Leeds. I once had a beer and a burger in an Arsenal bar in Seattle. I really enjoyed Sunderland Till I Die on Netflix. Welcome to Wrexham on Hulu is a good watch. My wife and I really enjoyed Ted Lasso. Some of the teams mentioned above though aren’t in the Premier League as I understand it.

Wishing all a wonderful day.

I’m a Newcastle supporter, and always have been, so there is absolutely no way that I could recommend you support Sunderland

Most people end up supporting a specific team due to some personal connection, for me Newcastle was my local big team. We are starting to come back from some rather frustrating years under the previous owner and although the new owners are controversial, being Saudis, they have improved the club. Due to the financial fair play rules they haven’t been able to just throw loads of money at the club, as was the case previously with Man City. 
If I was in your position I’d go for the club that I could find something that I could relate to with them. 

[jbern]

@fixyurdivot - That fishing trip looked epic! Sorry to hear about the flight situations though...

@Cfhandyman - Enjoy the time with your friend! Cool of you to take him with you to TXG for your fitting! 

@GolfSpy_KFT - Congrats on the MGS main site job! I enjoy reading your articles and didn't see the mental health one pop up. Thanks for the link!

@Kenny B - Sorry about your back, but the river rock looks awesome! Nice work!

[MattWillGolf]

3 hours ago, ILMgolfnut said:

No, Wrexham isn't in the Prem yet, although they've climbed two rungs of a four-rung ladder in two years. Neither is Sunderland. Or AFC Richmond for that matter. Leeds was there a couple of years ago but got relegated.

The Prem is regarded as a Big Six (Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and that other team in North London) and everyone else. 

ManU is kind of like the Yankees of the Prem. Tons of money, and they'd really have to screw up not to be competitive. For the last few years, that's exactly what they've done, although they somehow managed to win the FA Cup this year. But they have a new controlling owner who actually seems to have a clue, so we'll see if they regain their perch.

Man City is very controversial. Owned by an Arab oil tycoon, endless supply of money. They currently face charges of 115 violations of Financial Fair Play rules, designed to keep clubs from buying championships. This case has dragged out forever but is expected to be settled in 2015; it's even theoretically possible that MCFC could be relegated as punishment, although I consider that highly unlikely. In the meantime, they've won the Prem four straight years, so they have actually bought championships. (Newcastle is also owned by Arab oil money, specifically the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, and are considered by many to be an example of sportswashing, just like that other PIF venture, LIV Golf.)

I became an Arsenal supporter 20+ years ago when I wanted someone other than ManU to win. When the Gunners beat ManU at ManU in 2002 to win the title, I became hooked. Two years later, they became the only top-flight English team in the last 135 years to go through a season without a loss (26 wins, 12 draws). That's very hard to do; Bayer Leverkusen managed it in Germany this season but only played 34 matches. Arsenal had a bad slump for 7-8 years but are now definitely challenging Man City for the top, finishing two points behind this year (the difference of a win vs. a draw in one match). Also, Arsenal has more FA Cup titles than any other club

Liverpool have loads of tradition, Anfield is an awesome atmosphere and You'll Never Walk Alone is a cool stadium tradition.

Chelsea is another team that bought championships with Russian money (and I don't even want to think about where that came from). Since that owner was banished and the club sold to an American group, they can't seem to find their rear end with both hands; still spending a ton of money but spinning their wheels.

There is no good reason whatsoever to support that other team in North London unless you like frustration. Spuds hasn't won anything of note since a League Cup title in 2008. They do have an awesome new stadium, though, which you see frequently on NFL London games.

Thanks! Love this level of detail. I must say I do like the idea of "You'll Never Walk Alone". Can't side with the sportswashing money. Not a LIV fan at all. Greg and Phil are wankers. I think this is correct vernacular for this discussion of the English Premier League. I may be leaning to the lads from Liverpool.

[MattWillGolf]

9 minutes ago, Northern Monkey said:

I’m a Newcastle supporter, and always have been, so there is absolutely no way that I could recommend you support Sunderland

Most people end up supporting a specific team due to some personal connection, for me Newcastle was my local big team. We are starting to come back from some rather frustrating years under the previous owner and although the new owners are controversial, being Saudis, they have improved the club. Due to the financial fair play rules they haven’t been able to just throw loads of money at the club, as was the case previously with Man City. 
If I was in your position I’d go for the club that I could find something that I could relate to with them. 

I fully respect your take on Sunderland. As San Francisco 49ers fan, I feel the same about the Seattle Seahawks. It also didn't help that I lived in Seattle for 17 years. 

[Shankster]

Good morning -

We made it to Oahu on Sunday.  Quite a bit of a welcome change.  It was 85° and sunny. Yesterday was beautiful as well, I think I’m going to like the island life.  In a hotel for probably 1-2 months, but we are excited to be here.

and I even got to get a new coffee maker.

first Oahu picture.

 

[Preeway]

57 minutes ago, MattWillGolf said:

Logging one vote for Everton. I recall they had an American in goal some years back. 

One of the greatest, ever

[Jim Shaw]

day 2 at the beach, managed to get 30 minutes of swing time in the back yard, going to set up alignment sticks later today to get the “feel” of not coming inside.

have a great day everyone 

[William P]

17 minutes ago, Shankster said:

Good morning -

We made it to Oahu on Sunday.  Quite a bit of a welcome change.  It was 85° and sunny. Yesterday was beautiful as well, I think I’m going to like the island life.  In a hotel for probably 1-2 months, but we are excited to be here.

and I even got to get a new coffee maker.

first Oahu picture.

 

Thoroughly enjoyed the majority of my time stationed with the 25th out of Wheeler AFB.  Not sure what the bases are called now with all the consolidation and "joint names assigned. A plethora of golf courses to choose from as well as other activities. That was 50 years ago so I imagine there has been a little change along the way... Hope you and your family enjoy the assignment!