How'd you play?

[russtopherb]

4 minutes ago, tony@CIC said:

Rough day yesterday - with the high winds, but this time was able to play all 18. Ended up with a 90. Oh well. 

Hey - you still got to play all 18. I'm still waiting for my first range session up here, never mind getting out to actually play 

[Rickp]

Monday Exec, 46*, 5 mph wind and a bit cloudy @ 7:38 Tee Time.  Seemed colder than actually was but sun came out strong 5th hole.  
Started Par, Par then went double.  Mixed results rest of the way for a +5.  

[fixyurdivot]

39/43 at Las Barancas yesterday, playing the quartz (6300 yards) tee.  We choose this tee when winds are light and they were 5-7 mph. I managed to hit 5/7 fairways on the front, and both missed were just off a little.  Had I not pulled my tee shot into the water on the par 3, #7 and taken a DB, that would have yielded my best ever score on the front nine.

I had two unplayable lies on the back and followed up a great drive on #14 with a pulled 5w up onto the rock mesa. I had done the exact same thing the week before.  Stepping into the shot I was thinking about NOT repeating that... yes, this game is most definitely played between your ears .

On the plus side, I had another close encounter on #16. One of these days, one of these days .

[Kenny B]

29 minutes ago, fixyurdivot said:

39/43 at Las Barancas yesterday, playing the quartz (6300 yards) tee.  We choose this tee when winds are light and they were 5-7 mph. I managed to hit 5/7 fairways on the front, and both missed were just off a little.  Had I not pulled my tee shot into the water on the par 3, #7 and taken a DB, that would have yielded my best ever score on the front nine.

I had two unplayable lies on the back and followed up a great drive on #14 with a pulled 5w up onto the rock mesa. I had done the exact same thing the week before.  Stepping into the shot I was thinking about NOT repeating that... yes, this game is most definitely played between your ears .

On the plus side, I had another close encounter on #16. One of these days, one of these days .

The brain doesn't understand negatives; hears everything except the "NOT".  Forget the past experiences and think where you WANT the ball to go.

[Kenny B]

I don't normally play on Mondays, but Tuesday looks like crap (more high winds) so my wife and I decided to head out around noon.  It's warmer than an early tee time, but still a little breezy (about 10mph).

Our practice facility...  range is behind the putting green, pitching green and practice bunker behind the tree on the right.  Mats still being used for iron shots until the grass starts growing a little more; OK to tee up driver in grass.

The fairways were plugged last week, and the superintendent took 4-5 core samples on each green.  I wondered what those little holes filled with white sand were.

I started off nice with a par and birdie, then the wheels started to fall off.  Made the turn shooting another 43, just like yesterday.  Bogeyed #10, then ran off 7 straight pars until a DB on my nemesis hole the par 5 #18; not great but decent drive into the wind, but I had to keep the ball low under the large tree at the dogleg.  Hit a great 4i that I pulled a little... hit the pump house ; came back about 10 yards into the bottom of a grass bunker.  No shot to the green 165y all carry over a bunker, so hit a nice 9i down the fairway to 65y.  For my 4th shot I hit my 60º trying to flight the ball down but the ball climbed too high into the wind and fell out of the sky into the bunker... a foot from the high lip... on a steep upslope... fried egg lie.  5th shot on the green (I get a lot of practice out of this bunker by the lip); two putt DB for another 38 (+3)... just like yesterday, just arrived at it differently.  Another 81 which I guess isn't too bad for this time of year.

I feel like I'm hitting the ball fairly well on a lot of holes, but several times during a round and not always on the same holes, I have a mishit or two that really cost me a decent score.  Hopefully, as course conditions and the weather gets a little better, there will be fewer bad holes

[Micah T]

2 over 74 today: still waiting for my new driver , so I went without the big stick today. Didn’t miss it: 6/14 Fir 10/18 Gir 4/7 up & down 29 putts.

[Shankster]

Not well, but for my first round since late summer/early fall of last year I’ll take it.  Hit some really nice drives.  Grass is still dormant so the approach shots suffered significantly.  Broke my 9 iron… decided I need a carry bag.  Going to be a good year.

[ejgaudette]

Just now, Shankster said:

Not well, but for my first round since late summer/early fall of last year I’ll take it.  Hit some really nice drives.  Grass is still dormant so the approach shots suffered significantly.  Broke my 9 iron… decided I need a carry bag.  Going to be a good year.

Great you got back out there, hoping to be contributing with my own first post soon.

[Syks7]

After the way my last tournament ended I sat down and analyzed what went wrong and where it started to go wrong.  The answer: 10,11,12,13.  On all 4 of the holes I attacked the pin trying to shut the door and short sided myself.  I managed to bogie all of them but the built up frustration of not scoring caused me to go into ",I must fix this and get those strokes back in one swing," mode which resulted in the blow ups on 14 & 15 that actually pulled me out of contention. 

So today I went and played a quick 18 hole par three round with the express purpose of only hitting to the open side of the green, not short siding myself, and playing for the two putt regardless of whether I hit the green or not.  I've got to say that as a simple strategy it worked shockingly well for me.  33/38 71 (11 over on a Par 60)  It worked much better for the first 9 holes after which I learned something about myself...  My subconscious mind is a greedy, self sabotaging, pin seeking a-hole.   Which is perhaps and overly self critical way of saying that I put the same pressure on myself to play better when I'm having a good round that I do when I'm having a bad round and that I have a serious and badly ingrained habit of going for the pin even when I'm not consciously trying to.

Consciously today I made the decision to hit a controlled shot to the open side of the green allowing myself to be okay with it being short and leaving me with an easy chip. Subconsciously though, I'm saying to myself, "yeah short is okay, but says  if you give it a little more juice and a baby draw you'll leave a tap in birdie instead."  At least my subconscious is confident.     Cue a pull draw to the short side.  It's probably not exactly like that, but I can feel myself decide to give it a little more juice in the downswing and flick my wrists a bit. 

Interestingly it happened in the same place it happened in the tournament, at the turn.   It took me a couple holes to reign it in via very deliberate setup and shot visualization.  I can tell that it's going to take quite a bit of practice to break a habit that I've clearly had for a long time.  But, at least now I have a pretty clear view of a bad decision making tree that builds up to the point that it becomes a blowup. 

The tournament was a disaster, but it was a hell of a learning opportunity about my on course decision making and how much if it is ingrained bad habits that aren't always conscious.  It's got me actively looking for other patterns in my play that are mental vs. technique because I think these things might be the stumbling blocks that have been tripping me up the most.

Edited March 16, 2022 by Syks7

[MaxEntropy]

It makes me happy that I get to contribute to this thread after a long, cold 4 months without touching clubs....

First night of league today - unofficial, just fun rounds until next month. I ended last season driving the ball really well, for me. I was texting with @DiscipleofPenick before the round that I was hoping I didn't forget everything I figured out last year. Apparently I didn't. I hit 4 of 7 fairways and the misses weren't big and still left me with a decent shot. Only one stupid hole where I ended up with a triple (after a very good drive ).  The other 8 holes were 2 bogies, 4 pars, and 2 birdies with a birdie, par, birdie finish. I also missed a 4 footer for birdie on another hole, but will always gladly take par on that hole - it's a tough par 3. 

The course was pretty sloppy, but playable. Greens a little shaggy, but not unexpected. All-in-all, thrilled to be back on the course. 

Oh yeah, I had finally seen a Dr about the knee I tweaked last year. Did some PT and specific exercises and had a pain-free 9 while walking without a brace.

Now I'm excited to play more, but understand that with my game, disappointment is lurking around the corner.

 

[Shapotomous]

Got out yesterday and it was a typical early season round of 82.  The green speeds were very inconsistent with a couple pin placements that are terrible....putting up a slope about 10' and having the ball roll back down to your feet when missing on one side of the cup, miss on the other side and the grass is shaggy enough to keep it there.    Some clean up on the short game will save a few shots and get me back to the normal scoring range. 

Hit the driver well all day and most iron shots were acceptable, I had a couple iron shots on par 5's that felt like a muscle spasm and both resulted in penalty shots but I saved par on both holes.  One was a miraculous chip in flop shot from 10 yards behind the green over a water filled sand trap with the green running away.  It rolled into the pin so hard i looked for a mark on the ball!!    But somehow it dropped for a par and the playing partners were not impressed asking what I had stepped in before hitting!  

[HeathS16]

First round of 2022 could not have gotten off to a better start. The birth of my daughter and Health issues for my wife have kept me off the course for awhile. But man I came back with a vengeance on a tough course! 
 

[CarlH]

Course was very wet from yesterday's rain and the greens are still trying to recover from being punched and sanded, but I managed to come in with an 82 today.  Couple of duffed in the mud shots from the fairway and more than my fair share of 3 putts.  Did manage to get 2 birdies today, in spite of the course conditions (one on par 3  and one on par 4).

[LeftyMatt89]

Snuck out today and got in 12 holes and was 5 over with a double from 100 on a bad lie in a bunker. Wish I could’ve played the full 18 and had that one hole back. Definitely felt the driver and putting was dialed in today. 

[cnosil]

On 3/15/2022 at 5:22 PM, Syks7 said:

 

So today I went and played a quick 18 hole par three round with the express purpose of only hitting to the open side of the green, not short siding myself, and playing for the two putt regardless of whether I hit the green or not.  I've got to say that as a simple strategy it worked shockingly well for me. 

If you haven’t looked into DECADE you may want to give it a look.  The first month is free and no CC required.   The strategy you talk about is correct but having the mental discipline to do it over 18 holes is very hard.  If you look at player scoring, the think that separates handicap players isn’t the birdies. It the bogey and worse avoidance.  You cannot force birdies.  

[JerryB]

We got the email that River Heights was opening yesterday so my son and I went out before work.  Played 18 in just under 3 hours.  I shot 57/56 for a 113 and put 8 balls in the water.  He shot 98.  No need for birdie juice this time   

Nearly every stroke was followed by a euphoric "Aaagh, we're golfing!!" We were just so excited to be out there again, lol. Weather was in the upper 40s when we started and hit mid 60s by the end.

(Don't let the picture fool you, once spring hits it looks just as bad!)

Trying to follow up on some observations I made when we snuck in last week...

Last year I mostly just walked up and hit.  Now I'm trying to visualize my target from behind the ball and aim at something just in front of me.  When I address the ball that little aiming spot looks way off.  Now I understand why I was offline so often before.

Stuck mostly with my PW rather than use my other wedges and things felt better.  Very few mishits compared to my other wedges.  

Went left hand low while putting again.  Distance was rough but accuracy was good.  Had two putts that looked right on line but were really short and three more that rolled right through the cup.

Need to pay attention to my shot shapes and remember that all my clubs don't shape the same.

Biggest takeaway:. Aaagh, we're golfing!!

[tony@CIC]

League yesterday started out great but ended in a #$%@#&@#* round. Doing well wrapping up 15, had visions of a high 80's round and then 16 - a par 5 with a triple, that really screwed me up because I followed up with a triple on #17 a par 4, then a double on #18 another par 4.  All three I generally either par or worst case bogie, but I've never bogied all 3. I figure best case I gave up 8 strokes on the last 3 to finish with 95. Oh well, woulda, coulda, shoulda,....

In retrospect, I think I ran out of gas - didn't bring anything to snack on and also had a very light breakfast. Lesson learned. 

[russtopherb]

22 minutes ago, tony@CIC said:

In retrospect, I think I ran out of gas - didn't bring anything to snack on and also had a very light breakfast. Lesson learned. 

Oh yeah, I totally know that if I don't have a snack and some fluids with me, I am absolutely going to fall apart on the last 5-6 holes, if not more. You'll get 'em next time.

[Tom the Golf Nut]

29 minutes ago, tony@CIC said:

In retrospect, I think I ran out of gas - didn't bring anything to snack on and also had a very light breakfast. Lesson learned. 

6 minutes ago, russtopherb said:

Oh yeah, I totally know that if I don't have a snack and some fluids with me, I am absolutely going to fall apart on the last 5-6 holes, if not more. You'll get 'em next time.

I'm the odd ball. I get up shower, get dressed, and head to the golf course with only a drink in the bag. It could be an energy drink or a Gatorade.  I play the entire front 9 then take a few sips and play the back 9. Nothing to eat and not much to drink. But it only takes me 2 hours to play 18. Then I usually eat something after. However if I get stuck behind someone then I will tend to drink more to kill time. Mid summer then there could be an Uncrustable PBJ and two drinks.

[russtopherb]

1 hour ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

I'm the odd ball. I get up shower, get dressed, and head to the golf course with only a drink in the bag. It could be an energy drink or a Gatorade.  I play the entire front 9 then take a few sips and play the back 9. Nothing to eat and not much to drink. But it only takes me 2 hours to play 18. Then I usually eat something after. However if I get stuck behind someone then I will tend to drink more to kill time. Mid summer then there could be an Uncrustable PBJ and two drinks.

18 for me is more like 3.5-4 hours, so I definitely need refueling especially when walking.

[CarlH]

Our MGA kicked off the season this afternoon with a "Step Out" Scramble, where whoever hit the last shot doesn't hit the next one.  We had fun, but didn't fare too well.  We weren't DFL, but definitely in the lower quad.

[Kenny B]

I didn't play yesterday, but my wife's usual Wednesday league game was their season opening St. Patrick's Day scramble albeit a day early.  This is her team (she's second from left):

Since my wife is half Irish and all trouble, she started drinking early and often.  Given the quality of her team, I don't blame her!!  Oh btw, they finished DFL.  

[null]

Weather was phenomenal today but course was soggy. 
 

37 on the front and 38 on the back for a +3 75 today. Long game was great but struggled with greenside wedges and bunkers today. 
 

Putter was on fire and saved my ass more than a few times 

 

[Sluggo42]

Was a lovely day, and one of my old playing buddies came up from Florida, so it was lots of fun, and weather was perfect.

i shot a 37/36 and the new swing is starting to sink in. I suppose it’s happening quickly because it’s easier and more compact. The game is so much funner when it seems like you’re actually hitting the ball where you intend to…

[Sluggo42]

On 3/17/2022 at 8:19 AM, Tom the Golf Nut said:

I'm the odd ball. I get up shower, get dressed, and head to the golf course with only a drink in the bag. It could be an energy drink or a Gatorade.  I play the entire front 9 then take a few sips and play the back 9. Nothing to eat and not much to drink. But it only takes me 2 hours to play 18. Then I usually eat something after. However if I get stuck behind someone then I will tend to drink more to kill time. Mid summer then there could be an Uncrustable PBJ and two drinks.

I eat 1/2 banana and have my hot black tea thermos.. I play better on empty stomach too

[CarlH]

Tough day today.   Course is still very wet and sloppy, made even worse by the rain last night.  The greens are still in recovery mode after aerating, but because of the recent rain, most of the sand is gone, leaving bumpy holes along ones chosen line.  Additionally, it was windy and overcast with highs in the upper 40s, but feeling cooler.  So, I blasted the mud around on my way to an 86.  I believe I had 4 doubles.  The lone birdie didn't go very far in overcoming my screw-ups.  Our game today was 3-2-1 where we had to choose either to play 3 balls, 2 balls, or just one ball (net) after each hole.  Had to get 2 of each on each group of 6 holes.  My team won the first and last 6 holes.  Won $21 for my $6 buy-in (2 bucks for each 6 holes).

[fixyurdivot]

27 minutes ago, CarlH said:

Tough day today.   Course is still very wet and sloppy, made even worse by the rain last night.  The greens are still in recovery mode after aerating, but because of the recent rain, most of the sand is gone, leaving bumpy holes along ones chosen line.  Additionally, it was windy and overcast with highs in the upper 40s, but feeling cooler.  So, I blasted the mud around on my way to an 86.  I believe I had 4 doubles.  The lone birdie didn't go very far in overcoming my screw-ups.  Our game today was 3-2-1 where we had to choose either to play 3 balls, 2 balls, or just one ball (net) after each hole.  Had to get 2 of each on each group of 6 holes.  My team won the first and last 6 holes.  Won $21 for my $6 buy-in (2 bucks for each 6 holes).

The 3-2-1 is an interesting format... never done that one before.  So you choose before you tee off or after? 

[CarlH]

1 hour ago, fixyurdivot said:

The 3-2-1 is an interesting format... never done that one before.  So you choose before you tee off or after? 

After you complete the hole, you decide whether to take 1, 2, or all 3 net ball scores.  The caveat is to get 2 of each in each of the six holes you play.  This is for a 3 man team, but I suppose you could do it as a foursome...maybe 4,3,2.  Obviously, how you perform on the hole, as well as the risk of the remaining holes, plays into your decision.  

[Rickp]

Friday Bacon Boyz, Yea!!  
Started off cool 55* but warmed up really fast to 70*+.  I was hitting the ball REALLY WELL.  I think I ended up +2.  Kinda lost my focus as one of my Buds who’s a decent player just lost it, he couldn’t hit a freakin ball, nothin, no how, no way.  I was trying to help him but he continued to get worse as frustration continued.  He must have lost 6-8 balls in this relatively easy course.  Felt bad for him, I’ve been there.  
He had a large order of Blueberry Pancakes to wash away the pain! 
 I had a egg sandwich with ham……with a side of Sweet Potato Fries.  Is that considered Health Food?

 

We played Tuesday morning also.  Tough morning, moderate rain which makes it miserable for me but finished the 9.  I was just happy to not get soaked.  

[sirchunksalot]

43 minutes ago, Rickp said:

Friday Bacon Boyz, Yea!!  
Started off cool 55* but warmed up really fast to 70*+.  I was hitting the ball REALLY WELL.  I think I ended up +2.  Kinda lost my focus as one of my Buds who’s a decent player just lost it, he couldn’t hit a freakin ball, nothin, no how, no way.  I was trying to help him but he continued to get worse as frustration continued.  He must have lost 6-8 balls in this relatively easy course.  Felt bad for him, I’ve been there.  
He had a large order of Blueberry Pancakes to wash away the pain! 
 I had a egg sandwich with ham……with a side of Sweet Potato Fries.  Is that considered Health Food?

 

We played Tuesday morning also.  Tough morning, moderate rain which makes it miserable for me but finished the 9.  I was just happy to not get soaked.  

It sounds like you had a pretty good serving of protein and vegetables. I would consider that to be health food.

Mmmm....blueberry pancakes.