How'd you play?

[Syks7]

Got out for a dawn patrol back 9 this morning.  Continuing my goal of having more fun we played from the forward tees.   It wasn't that different from the blues since I played a lot of different clubs off the tee to practice course management, but I was rewarded on the 270 yard driveable par 4 with a 17.5 ft eagle putt -- which I converted for my second eagle ever.   It was also a nice learning experience to see not stressing about hitting a bomb off the tee to get to an manageable yardage made it way easier to hit bombs.  Who knew the mental side was so important.  . Finished at +3 with one silly double (I tried to hit a bomb off the tee) and zero stress.

[Josh Parker]

7 minutes ago, Syks7 said:

Got out for a dawn patrol back 9 this morning.  Continuing my goal of having more fun we played from the forward tees.   It wasn't that different from the blues since I played a lot of different clubs off the tee to practice course management, but I was rewarded on the 270 yard driveable par 4 with a 17.5 ft eagle putt -- which I converted for my second eagle ever.   It was also a nice learning experience to see not stressing about hitting a bomb off the tee to get to an manageable yardage made it way easier to hit bombs.  Who knew the mental side was so important.  . Finished at +3 with one silly double (I tried to hit a bomb off the tee) and zero stress.

I really enjoy playing from different tees.  I have done irons only from a couple different tee boxes and then I have played normal from all the tee boxes.  Let's you see a different part of the course and utilize other clubs and find trouble spots on the course.  

 

[Syks7]

9 minutes ago, Josh Parker said:

I really enjoy playing from different tees.  I have done irons only from a couple different tee boxes and then I have played normal from all the tee boxes.  Let's you see a different part of the course and utilize other clubs and find trouble spots on the course.  

 

It was a great exercise in course management. -- e.g.  do I need to hit driver here when I could hit a 4 hybrid to 120 yards and have a full swing number for one of my scoring clubs.   Definitely something I'll be doing more of.

[MrBandit]

Well this is Texas Weather for you.
From this over the weekend.

To this the next day.

Edited January 15 by MrBandit

[EnderinAZ]

Had a Ladies tournament at the big course today so they sent us over to the Par 62 executive. Had one of those days where I was off ever so slightly. Had an 160 yard par 3. Flag is down in the lower right and back of the green. The green slopes from left to right and front to back. Front of the green is 144 yards from the box. I hit a perfect 8 iron, except it wasn't. The ball flew at the left side of the green and looks to land on the fringes and take the speed out of the ball as it bounces right and settles onto the green for the long slow roll to the flag. The ball hits the fringes and bounces once straight over a little rise on the high side of the green. Now instead of my planned 3 to 5 foot putt I have a brutal chip from dormant Bermuda that has been mowed down to green height toward a  tight flag on a tough down hill landing zone.  The ball lands pretty softly but with only a little backspin. The hill takes hold and when the ball stops I am 15 feet from the pin in deep thick green grass. 3 more strokes and I walk off with a double.  I hit an overhanging branch no bigger than a pencil (It broke off and I picked it up in disbelief), made a slight direction change, bounced into the false front of the green, rolled up onto the fringes and then just off, and a little more off, then it is 4 feet off and picking up a little speed, and then after a 10 foot wander down the hill a plop into one of the many ponds that snake their way through the course. 

When I worked in Algeria things could get really odd. I put up a sign that said "I used to be disgusted, now I'm just amused".  I pretty much played the day thinking just that. 

[cksurfdude]

14 hours ago, EnderinAZ said:

"I used to be disgusted, now [I try to be] amused"

Elvis Costello from the '70s, right?

[Syks7]

Had a cancellation this morning so I ran over to my little par 3.  Play 22 holes and finished even par for the first time ever.  5 Birdies, 5 Bogeys, and 12 pars.  (even through 18 then played 4 more and had to stop to go to the next meeting).  

[Big moose]

I am not golfing in the snow, sorry. It's 18 degrees with 3 fresh inches of snow. 

[JCgolfer]

We managed to get out this past Sunday 1/14/24 for a round at 7 am.  We southern Californians call this cold weather, mid 50's haha.  Sorry to those that cant go out out and play that are in colder weather and snow.  Well we got to play a course that we have been curious about which is a "country club" open to the public.  The course was good but we all agreed to not pay that price for a round there if possible.  The bunkers had rocks and pebbles in them, how do I know you ask, I spent a few holes in a few.  Overall not bad of a morning, greens were tough fast and the balls did not want to stick on the greens from approach shots.  Decent first round for the start of 2024, bummed I totally forgot to take pictures while out and playing on the course.

[Syks7]

@JCgolfer What course?

[EnderinAZ]

3 hours ago, cksurfdude said:

Elvis Costello from the '70s, right?

Well no. It was a sign on the wall in the instrument department office of the first commissioning job I worked in '86. It really fit the job so I never forgot it. Had to listen to Red Shoes and although the music fits my age group I cannot say I heard it before. 

[EnderinAZ]

Played a 4 man team, count 3 net balls on 1-8 and 10-17 on holes 9 and 18 count 4. The twist was each team had to use 4 holes from each player as part of the score. As and example for player 1 the team had to use his scores from holes 1, 2, 10, and 11. Player 2 was 3, 4, 12, and 13. And, so on.  We finished in second. 

The course on the other hand..well... 

This time of year the greens are fantastic. Short and fast, real fast, real real fast, and real real real fast with ZERO stopping power. I lost 8, yep that is eight strokes on two greens. No 4 putts from 10 feet because I am an air head. Nope, fast greens with pins on a slope and a phenomenon called angular momentum (dl⃗ dt=∑τ⃗  if you feels so inclined) This is where the ball catches the lip of the hole, changes direction and speeds up as it leaves. And boy did it leave. Took a while to find a place to rest. So a chip -it rolled down off the green- and 2 putts later I walk off with an 7 off of a lipped par putt. The other one was not as dramatic. I just could not get the ball to stop up near the hole. It rolled up, slow to an almost stop, then roll right back off the green again. My first putt was for birdie on a par five. My last putt that actually went in the hole, was for a double. I ran the scores so I know there was 1 par and 1 bogie on that hole out of 16 players. All the rest of us shot a 7 or above.  I don't mind tough pin placements where you have to pay attention, but this was on the high side of ridiculous and decidedly unfair.  

[Michael.Sandoval33]

Hit the same course as previous outings (scored a 57 first go, 49 second go). 3rd go results but, new day new problems. I happened to hit it well enough off of the tee onto the fairway except for the 2nd and the 6th. Unfortunately today was a rough go on the approach shots. My putts were fairly consistent but the greens ran very slow today and stopped a couple from reaching their full potential. All in all, more plus's (pluses/ploose?) and more minuses to think about. Actually had the courage to play with 2 others today so, big win there.

[Josh Parker]

Was able to get out and play yesterday morning and the round started off in the cold 34 degree weather.  

The driver was pretty consistent yesterday and I realized that due to the cold, was swinging more smoothly and seeing good results.  I wish I could say the same for my iron play.  I had several shots that I was decelerating on and had to scramble to score.

Overall, I was just glad to get out on the course after a few days of being stuck indoors. 

 

[cksurfdude]

On 1/18/2024 at 4:35 PM, Michael.Sandoval33 said:

Hit the same course as previous outings (scored a 57 first go, 49 second go). 3rd go results but ...

But you ended up 3 strokes better

You were just starting out golfing, or starting again after a long lapse, is that right? - anyway that's great progress so far!

Of course there'll be a few of "those days" here and there but don't let it discourage you .. sounds like you're really enjoying the game!

[EnderinAZ]

Absolutely boomed my drives today! Straight, long, and on target. Fairway shots with my hybrids were fantastic. Inside 100 yards and it felt like I was trying to swing my wedges with my elbows. Combine that with 6 three putts and well, conflicted is a kind word for today's round. But it was a beautiful day in the mid 70s, I had good guys to play with, and the course is in great shape! It was fun!

[Michael.Sandoval33]

20 minutes ago, cksurfdude said:

But you ended up 3 strokes better

You were just starting out golfing, or starting again after a long lapse, is that right? - anyway that's great progress so far!

Of course there'll be a few of "those days" here and there but don't let it discourage you .. sounds like you're really enjoying the game!

I appreciate the encouragement! Yeah it's after a loooong lapse but even before, I wasn't the "golfer's golfer." So every outing is a learning experience (as I have quickly learned is the same for everybody). That is the part of the game keeping it fun for me. Not to get into it because it's very surface deep, but none of my local buddies like golf and I love it lol. The spies definitely help fill in that itch in wanting to talk golf.

[Byrnzee]

Down in Florida visiting the in-laws and was able to play yesterday on their course. It's a fairly easy track with pretty open fairways and limited water trouble. For not playing on an actual course since November, I was pretty content with my performance. 

I ended up shooting 86 (42-44) with a few birdies and too many bogeys+. I lost too many balls to the water, which resulted in some big scores on some holes. 

Luckily I get another shot at the course today, and I'm hoping to improve on yesterday's performance and not lose as many (or any) balls.

[BallsLeon]

@Michael.Sandoval33 I’ve heard this elsewhere, but I think most of us can relate. 

“I wish could play my normal game… just once.” Haha I think most golfers can relate cause we tend to think about that one time we scored well, that one time I nuked that iron, that one time I got my shot through the trees, and etc.

So, the best we can do is have the memory of a goldfish and have some fun out there, sounds like you’re managing the latter.

[Michael.Sandoval33]

1 hour ago, BallsLeon said:

@Michael.Sandoval33 I’ve heard this elsewhere, but I think most of us can relate. 

“I wish could play my normal game… just once.” Haha I think most golfers can relate cause we tend to think about that one time we scored well, that one time I nuked that iron, that one time I got my shot through the trees, and etc.

So, the best we can do is have the memory of a goldfish and have some fun out there, sounds like you’re managing the latter.

Oh yeah most definitely. My last outing I hit a clean tee right over a bunker into the green and 3 putt it. But all I could do was laugh and think "but, I can Putt!" and I still laugh about it (in pain) lol

[gavinski91]

Down in Arizona for a few days, so brought the clubs and played San Tan Highlands yesterday. Was playing the round of my life until the 18th, where I lost three balls to the water and put a 10 on the scorecard. So that one goes down as an 83 (my third lowest round ever) and the hunt to break 80 continues!

Driver was the difference maker on the day - everything was going straight and long, giving me easy approach shots for a record 11 GIRs. 

[Jim Shaw]

37 minutes ago, gavinski91 said:

Down in Arizona for a few days, so brought the clubs and played San Tan Highlands yesterday. Was playing the round of my life until the 18th, where I lost three balls to the water and put a 10 on the scorecard. So that one goes down as an 83 (my third lowest round ever) and the hunt to break 80 continues!

Driver was the difference maker on the day - everything was going straight and long, giving me easy approach shots for a record 11 GIRs. 

great round, you will break 80 soon...

[chisag]

... Been a real run lately with one round even par and 5 rounds under par 69-70-69-71-71. I think I went almost 2 months without shooting under par as my shoulder and knee were causing some issues. At least I hope that sounds like a good excuse.   Started off yesterday as well as I can with a birdie on one after pulling my opening drive into the adjoining fairway then hit a 5 iron to about 8 feet and made the putt. Just missed birdies on 2 and 3 lipping out twice on the high side reading too much break. Then hit into a fairway bunker too close to the lip and had to wedge out resulting in my only bogie but followed that up with an eagle. #8 I blocked a drive that calls for a 225 carry over water , so far right I was on the 18th tee box. Blocked by trees I hit my 58* to what I guessed was 65 yds and was 25 get above the hole, then rolled in the putt for what was a most unlucky birdie. 

... Played with two of my regular snowbird pards. Brahm on my right is from Canada and max's his legal US stay through winter and plays everyday Mon-Fri. I usually join him but sometimes I take a Tues or Thurs off. Paul on my left is a Chicago snowbird and he went through a devastating cancer treatment this summer for an inoperable lump in his throat. Chemo and radiation and it was brutal. But he came out cancer free  and two subsequent check ups have come back negative. Silver lining is he lost 63lbs. Blue collar down to earth guy that would do anything for his friends. Love him to death. 

Edited January 20 by chisag

[Jim Shaw]

2 hours ago, chisag said:

... Been a real run lately with one round even par and 5 rounds under par 69-70-69-71-71. I think I went almost 2 months without shooting under par as my shoulder and knee were causing some issues. At least I hope that sounds like a good excuse.   Started off yesterday as well as I can with a birdie on one after pulling my opening drive into the adjoining fairway then hit a 5 iron to about 8 feet and made the putt. Just missed birdies on 2 and 3 lipping out twice on the high side reading too much break. Then hit into a fairway bunker too close to the lip and had to wedge out resulting in my only bogie but followed that up with an eagle. #8 I blocked a drive that calls for a 225 carry over water , so far right I was on the 18th tee box. Blocked by trees I hit my 58* to what I guessed was 65 yds and was 25 get above the hole, then rolled in the putt for what was a most unlucky birdie. 

... Played with two of my regular snowbird pards. Brahm on my right is from Canada and max's his legal US stay through winter and plays everyday Mon-Fri. I usually join him but sometimes I take a Tues or Thurs off. Paul on my left is a Chicago snowbird and he went through a devastating cancer treatment this summer for an inoperable lump in his throat. Chemo and radiation and it was brutal. But he came out cancer free  and two subsequent check ups have come back negative. Silver lining is he lost 63lbs. Blue collar down to earth guy that would do anything for his friends. Love him to death. 

Wow buddy!! Grest playing and great post!! Does the Canadian get paid in American funds? 40% more lol… what part of Canada is he from? 

[sirchunksalot]

2 hours ago, chisag said:

... Been a real run lately with one round even par and 5 rounds under par 69-70-69-71-71. I think I went almost 2 months without shooting under par as my shoulder and knee were causing some issues. At least I hope that sounds like a good excuse.   Started off yesterday as well as I can with a birdie on one after pulling my opening drive into the adjoining fairway then hit a 5 iron to about 8 feet and made the putt. Just missed birdies on 2 and 3 lipping out twice on the high side reading too much break. Then hit into a fairway bunker too close to the lip and had to wedge out resulting in my only bogie but followed that up with an eagle. #8 I blocked a drive that calls for a 225 carry over water , so far right I was on the 18th tee box. Blocked by trees I hit my 58* to what I guessed was 65 yds and was 25 get above the hole, then rolled in the putt for what was a most unlucky birdie. 

... Played with two of my regular snowbird pards. Brahm on my right is from Canada and max's his legal US stay through winter and plays everyday Mon-Fri. I usually join him but sometimes I take a Tues or Thurs off. Paul on my left is a Chicago snowbird and he went through a devastating cancer treatment this summer for an inoperable lump in his throat. Chemo and radiation and it was brutal. But he came out cancer free  and two subsequent check ups have come back negative. Silver lining is he lost 63lbs. Blue collar down to earth guy that would do anything for his friends. Love him to death. 

Great playing Sam and I'm glad you're getting back to normal after all the shoulder and knee problems. It's great to hear that Paul had such a great recovery from throat cancer, tell him we said congrats. I freaking hate cancer and am glad to hear a story of victory over it. 

[rkj427]

2 hours ago, chisag said:

... Been a real run lately with one round even par and 5 rounds under par 69-70-69-71-71. I think I went almost 2 months without shooting under par as my shoulder and knee were causing some issues. At least I hope that sounds like a good excuse.   Started off yesterday as well as I can with a birdie on one after pulling my opening drive into the adjoining fairway then hit a 5 iron to about 8 feet and made the putt. Just missed birdies on 2 and 3 lipping out twice on the high side reading too much break. Then hit into a fairway bunker too close to the lip and had to wedge out resulting in my only bogie but followed that up with an eagle. #8 I blocked a drive that calls for a 225 carry over water , so far right I was on the 18th tee box. Blocked by trees I hit my 58* to what I guessed was 65 yds and was 25 get above the hole, then rolled in the putt for what was a most unlucky birdie. 

... Played with two of my regular snowbird pards. Brahm on my right is from Canada and max's his legal US stay through winter and plays everyday Mon-Fri. I usually join him but sometimes I take a Tues or Thurs off. Paul on my left is a Chicago snowbird and he went through a devastating cancer treatment this summer for an inoperable lump in his throat. Chemo and radiation and it was brutal. But he came out cancer free  and two subsequent check ups have come back negative. Silver lining is he lost 63lbs. Blue collar down to earth guy that would do anything for his friends. Love him to death. 

Great to see you getting back into better health and scores Sam @chisag!

Awesome post, both with the pictures, and the detailed stories related to your playing partners. 

Seeing your issues subside, should make your upcoming fittings all that much better, and looking forward to hearing your details on them as well. 

Edited January 20 by rkj427

[Preeway]

Got to play in a simulator four-man scramble today. Wasn’t the real thing but still felt great to swing the sticks. Team finished -17 and took first. Great way to kick off the 2024 season. 

[chisag]

46 minutes ago, Jim Shaw said:

Wow buddy!! Grest playing and great post!! Does the Canadian get paid in American funds? 40% more lol… what part of Canada is he from? 

 

... Thanks. He lives in Kelowna the other half of the year. 

[Byrnzee]

Was able to play again at my in-laws course in Bonita Springs, FL. Was helpful getting a warmup round in yesterday on the same course. Today's weather was much better as well, mid 60s and sunny vs. rainy yesterday.

Ended up shooting a disappointing 80 (40-40) after going double bogey-bogey on the last 2 holes. I was 1-over on the back through 16 and hit an absolute perfect drive in the middle of the par 5 17th hole. Second shot I was feeling confident about my swing and decided to hit my 2-iron up towards the green to give myself a short chip shot in... or so I thought. Ball was struck well but face was open and it flew OB. Safe to say I doubled the hole and needed a par on the 18th to break 80. 3 putt on 18 had me finish right at 80 

Bummed about the result but honestly pretty happy about how I played. I was driving the ball better than I did all last season and was making some great long birdie putts and par saves on the green. I hit 57% FIR and 50% GIR. Hoping to tighten those numbers up going into this season. But for an offseason round, that's the best score I've had in years. Hoping to keep it going when the weather turns up north!

[Jim Shaw]

46 minutes ago, chisag said:

 

... Thanks. He lives in Kelowna the other half of the year. 

ask him if he knows my friend Norm Bradley? Norm is a member at Kelowna Golf and Country Club.