Round Report 2009

[NiftyNiblick]

Sub-seventy play is a game with which I'm not familiar, CT.

I was never good enough to be blasé about a sub-eighty round.

Actually, I take that back. Not that long ago, I broke seventy on a par 64 executive course by sinking a 20 footer on 18, and I got a big rush over that. It was on a vacation so I was playing with complete strangers. Just writing 69 at the end of the line is lots of fun, so congrats on the super round.

[connecticutter]

Sub-seventy play is a game with which I'm not familiar, CT.

I was never good enough to be blasé about a sub-eighty round.

Actually, I take that back. Not that long ago, I broke seventy on a par 64 executive course by sinking a 20 footer on 18, and I got a big rush over that. It was on a vacation so I was playing with complete strangers. Just writing 69 at the end of the line is lots of fun, so congrats on the super round.

I just felt so calm out there yesterday. I remember feeling more of a rush when I broke 100 & 90, or making my first par and eagle. I feel a quiet sense of pride with the 67. Most of my milestones came in grand fashion, as in if I broke a certain score, I did it by a lot. I would struggle and struggle and then all of a sudden produce a milestone round. The first time I broke 100, I shot a 92. The first time I broke 9, I shot an 84. When I broke par, I shot 5 under. The only scoring milestone I did not break by a lot was breaking 80, with a 78. That might have been the most pumped I ever was after a round.

This 67 though was just so peaceful. I hope I can match it.

[Kiwi Player]

I just felt so calm out there yesterday. I remember feeling more of a rush when I broke 100 & 90, or making my first par and eagle. I feel a quiet sense of pride with the 67. Most of my milestones came in grand fashion, as in if I broke a certain score, I did it by a lot. I would struggle and struggle and then all of a sudden produce a milestone round. The first time I broke 100, I shot a 92. The first time I broke 9, I shot an 84. When I broke par, I shot 5 under. The only scoring milestone I did not break by a lot was breaking 80, with a 78. That might have been the most pumped I ever was after a round.

This 67 though was just so peaceful. I hope I can match it.

That is awesome Connecticutter, congratulations. I'm like Nifty and I have never even come close to shooting par and sub 80 is still a good round for me. So breaking par is something I can only dream of.

Just one question. Since you shot 67 are you going to post a 97?

[SDB1]

Congrats! That's my next milestone as well. I am consistently in the low to mid 70's and shoot even a few times a year. I always have a lot of birdies but they always come with a good share of bogies as well. It's tough because all my bogies or doubles come from the occasional snap hook with the driver but if I take the driver out I know I wouldn't be making as many birdies. Oh well I guess I just need to play more. Maybe if I played the same course a few times in a row that would do it. I try and play a different course every week and only play the same course a few times a year.

[connecticutter]

That is awesome Connecticutter, congratulations. I'm like Nifty and I have never even come close to shooting par and sub 80 is still a good round for me. So breaking par is something I can only dream of.

Just one question. Since you shot 67 are you going to post a 97?

I'll bite the bullet and post a 97. It will probably be my next round too! I dont post every round, especially if I just play 9 holes, but I try to post as many 18 hole rounds as possible. I do end up playing a lot more 9 hole rounds than 18 though. On the front nine, I played 1 under par, 34, and was thinking to myself, "wow, I can shoot around par today." Then I shot 4 under on the back nine for the 67. Par was 73 for the course. It has been a long time since I had putted the ball that well.

So far, my 18 hole scores are: 84, 80, 77, 77, 81, 90 (I just couldnt hti the ball on target that day), 74, 78, 67.

[connecticutter]

Congrats! That's my next milestone as well. I am consistently in the low to mid 70's and shoot even a few times a year. I always have a lot of birdies but they always come with a good share of bogies as well. It's tough because all my bogies or doubles come from the occasional snap hook with the driver but if I take the driver out I know I wouldn't be making as many birdies. Oh well I guess I just need to play more. Maybe if I played the same course a few times in a row that would do it. I try and play a different course every week and only play the same course a few times a year.

Good luck. You are getting close. If I had more than one sub par round, I might be able to offer a little more advice on how it is done, alas, this is my only one outside of mini golf and EA Sports Tiger Woods - PGA video games. I had 2 bogeyes yeterday and 7 birdies. I birdied every par 5, that was the trick, that and making a lot of pars. If your game is close to mine, you might break par by a couple of strokes if you get a good birdie and par binge going.

I do the same too. I play a lot of different courses in the area, since I do not have membership at a private club. There are a couple of regular courses that I do go back to a few times each season.

[NiftyNiblick]

Raining hard second day in a row.

It would upset the working age folks at the club, I suppose, but I wish the rain would limit itself to weekends during golf season. Especially in the summer months when it would keep the beach traffic down as well.

Fidel and I may have to get interested in the soaps if it keeps up like this.

[SDB1]

Good luck. You are getting close. If I had more than one sub par round, I might be able to offer a little more advice on how it is done, alas, this is my only one outside of mini golf and EA Sports Tiger Woods - PGA video games. I had 2 bogeyes yeterday and 7 birdies. I birdied every par 5, that was the trick, that and making a lot of pars. If your game is close to mine, you might break par by a couple of strokes if you get a good birdie and par binge going.

I do the same too. I play a lot of different courses in the area, since I do not have membership at a private club. There are a couple of regular courses that I do go back to a few times each season.

For some reason I think consistently shooting under par won't happen for me. I don't play enough for my game to be that dialed. A few years ago when I first broke 80 I only did it twice that whole year. Now it's more often than not but breaking par would require all the stars to align with my current amount of play. If I could play twice a week I think it would be possible to shoot under par a few times a year. As it is I'm only getting out 3 or 4 times a month so it's hard to keep all aspects of the game sharp all at once.

[connecticutter]

For some reason I think consistently shooting under par won't happen for me. I don't play enough for my game to be that dialed. A few years ago when I first broke 80 I only did it twice that whole year. Now it's more often than not but breaking par would require all the stars to align with my current amount of play. If I could play twice a week I think it would be possible to shoot under par a few times a year. As it is I'm only getting out 3 or 4 times a month so it's hard to keep all aspects of the game sharp all at once.

The 67 came after playing 4 rounds in 6 days, so I was probably as dailed up as I can be. I usually dont play that much in a short period of time, I try to get 27 holes in each week (18 & 9 holes respectively). If you get a hot putter and a straight driver/3wood, that would be the best chance to break it.

[SDB1]

The 67 came after playing 4 rounds in 6 days, so I was probably as dailed up as I can be. I usually dont play that much in a short period of time, I try to get 27 holes in each week (18 & 9 holes respectively). If you get a hot putter and a straight driver/3wood, that would be the best chance to break it.

Yeah, your scoring history looks almost identical to mine. I even had a 92 back in January(WTF!?). If I could sink more birdie putts it would give me a good chance for sure. Most of the par fives are easy birdies because they are usually tap in's but I miss a lot of birdie putts in the 8-15 foot range. Couple that with a driver that doesn't like to listen for more than 15-16 holes and well..............

[Not a hacker]

Breaking 70 is no big dealand I do it regularly and am still off 10. Oh, that's right, most people on this forum actually play real ral golf courses that don't have a par of 62.

Great round dude. I think you will take alot out of it and become a regular under par shooter. By shooting that low you should find that you are more in control and just feel like you've got more shots up your sleeve when you get into that position now. Knowing from experience that you can do something makes it much easier to do again. Thinking you are good enough but never having quite got over the line makes it much harder.

[connecticutter]

After last week's 67, I carded a 75, plus 3, today. While it is an 8 stroke differential, I am still very happy with the round. I wasn't judging my iron distances as well today, and didnt make as many one putts. I had a double bogey on 16 that killed me.

[bluedevilking1891]

Only have been able to get out a couple times due to a state tourney run in volleyball. 41 on first round of year, then 40 at beaverwank tipped out

[lorenzoinoc]

I'm back with the driver. Working on not being closed at the top and avoiding coming at the ball from too far from the inside it paying off. Distance and consistency are returning. Had a really good practice session and 9 holes today. I'm looking forward to golf again.

[connecticutter]

Only have been able to get out a couple times due to a state tourney run in volleyball. 41 on first round of year, then 40 at beaverwank tipped out

Very good rounds first time out for the year.

[NiftyNiblick]

I'm back with the driver. Working on not being closed at the top and avoiding coming at the ball from too far from the inside it paying off. Distance and consistency are returning. Had a really good practice session and 9 holes today. I'm looking forward to golf again.

My problem with the driver is that even people who are hitting it well are hitting it badly.

The driver is longer, more upright, and stronger lofted than the 43", 11 or 12° wooden club that was the standard for years. Very ordinary players are hitting it well over what was for decades the standard 225 yards for good recreational players.

And very few of them are landing it in a thirty yard lateral grid. Not consistently. Even the shot to shot length is varying from 250 to 285, so the front /back grid is also more than thirty yards in depth. Basically, nobody has any freaking idea from where he or she is going to hit a second shot.

I simply don't enjoy playing golf that way. I want to place my drive as I try to place every other shot. If there is an eighty foot circle of flat fairway with a good view to the green, I think it should be reasonable to aim for it. Grip it and rip it seems crude to me. It's third millennium golf for a second millennium player, I guess.

There is no reason why I can't hit a 45" 10° driver like everybody else. I wouldn't be happy with their results, either. They play a lot of shots from asparagus, and they chip out sideways a lot as well.

[lorenzoinoc]

I've been hitting alot of range balls the last couple of weeks. It seems to be paying off. Getting confidence in the driver again and irons are working better as well. Four birds today including a 5 iron on a par three that tracked the pin and ended up 10 inches from the cup.

Then I got to hear how many aces the other guys in my group have had. I've decided to shoot at every par 3 pin I see until I get one.

Over the weekend, I skanked a par 3 tee shot that for a time looked like it might be the one. I yelled "get away from the hole!" when it was in flight. If I get one I don't want it to happen like that. I want it to be perfectly struck and majestic in flight.

[Not a hacker]

I'll take an Ace any way I can get one. Most of the chops I know who have got them didn't even hit the green on the fly, usually some shitty low slice tha bounced twice before the green then racked straight into the cup. Lst week I hit a perfect shot that hit the green and bounced sideways to stop 2 feet short. From the pitch mark and what the group ahead said, all it had to do was bounce normally and it would have been a shot. I have no doubt at all that if I ever get one it will be from a crap shot that gets lucky.

[NiftyNiblick]

It poured all week, but it's lovely now. Of course, my substantial senior dues discount precludes weekend play. I can either play and have a [BIG] guest green feel applied to my bill, assuming I could squeeze in a tee time, or try a different track this afternoon.

There's a fun little executive course about an hour up the road. I think I'll call and see if I can get on there this afternoon. I can walk this particular course with a trolley and maybe bring Fidel.

I like it better when it's sunny all week and rains on the weekend, keeping the traffic down. That's why young people who work think I'm a prick. One reason, anyway.

[ChapCat]

WooHoo! I recently shot my low round ever, an even par 71. This bested my previous low by 3 strokes. I had three birdies and three bogeys. It was the second 18 I played on the day, with my first 18 being an 85. Go figure.

[idriveahonda]

What's up guys...we need to post in this more.

Played Heron Ridge (Virginia Beach, VA) past Sunday. Just over 7,000 yards from the tips. Shot 70 (-2) with a couple stupid bogeys (one from 87 and 103 respectively...thus stupid bogeys). Driver still solid, putted decent...irons were a little screwy.

Playing again tomorrow. Thinking about taking it seriously over this off-season and maybe trying the Hooters Tour. Just need to actually practice since a back injury has hindered me in the past six or so years.

Anyone play lately?

[Not a hacker]

I thoguth I would post here even though I have discussed my weekend round on other threads. It was the monthly medal on the weekend, in conjunction with another scratch event at our club, so it was a big occassion. I put in the best round I've had in over 3 months and finished with 6 over. I was happy with the score, but even happier with the way I hit the ball. I was puring them so sweetly I overshot four greens and my other misses were left or right, every shot got to the hole or longer. On reflection I could see it as a really low round that got away, but as 1 over won it I wouldn't have got there anyway so I'm just happy to play well. The best thing about my game was that I held it together on our tough finishing holes. I've leaked badly over the closing stretch in the past when in contention, so it was a great feeling to hold my nerve and close it out (even par the last 6 holes). Before that round I was starting to have some serious doubts as to whether I could get down into low single figures (5-7), but I have renewed confidence that I can go low again.

[Horseballs]

SPCC member/member last weekend. We came in second in our flight (out of 6 so not that impressive). We were in 4th after day 1 and trounced our first match and won by a hole in the second match on day 2 to climb a couple spots. Our point total would have actually won most flights but our flight had the top point winning team.
The only good thing to happen for me (I played almost universally terribly and relied on my partner) was a chip in from the back of the green on 18 with a small crowd gathered. It was a pretty tough shot to get close and I had to bounce it in the primary rough and get lucky. Applause erupts, or at least one person clapped, and my competitor tosses my ball over my head. A circus catch ensued and I told the crowd I'd be performing other feats of athleticism later in the day.

[lorenzoinoc]

Six in your flight? Our club is getting way lower participation in its tournaments.

Post-Clintonian sandbagging and 6 hour rounds.

We'd rather go elsewhere and let the sandbaggers all blow 6 hours sandbaggging each other.

[Horseballs]

Six in your flight? Our club is getting way lower participation in its tournaments.

Post-Clintonian sandbagging and 6 hour rounds.

We'd rather go elsewhere and let the sandbaggers all blow 6 hours sandbaggging each other.

8 flights of 6 two-man teams. A total of 96 participants which is about 20 lower than last year. We're down about 15 - 20 members and not everyone can commit to playing both days on the weekend.
The sandbagging is the reason why we flighted the tourney.

[lorenzoinoc]

8 flights of 6 two-man teams. A total of 96 participants which is about 20 lower than last year. We're down about 15 - 20 members and not everyone can commit to playing both days on the weekend.
The sandbagging is the reason why we flighted the tourney.

I've got an idea. Why not have 48 flights? Or a flight for however many teams show. Yes, trophy costs would go up.

I'd like to propose this to your Golf Committee.

[poe4soul]

Shot my lowest score ever today - 70 (37 front, 33 back). The course is a rated 71.4, 127 slope. 3 bogeys, 3 birdies, 1 eagle. Best part about the round is the back is tougher than the front and I finished strong with a 20 putt for an eagle that I missed by an inch and tapped in for a birdie. It would have been great to sink the eagle and have a sub 70's round.

My goal this season was to shot par or better round. Now I have to quickly come up with a new goal. Should have thought of this when I set this goal in the first place.

BTW my current hcp is 5.8. I had a great lesson about 2 weeks ago and some things about the swing have fallen into place. ( I hope I didn't piss the golf gods off with that last comment.)

[lorenzoinoc]

Congratulations. Going under par is a big milestone. You know what's next.

I shy away from courses that have fewer than 4 par fives. There's a course near me with 5 par fives and par threes. I like the course but fear if I go low there'll be an asterisk on it in my mind so I avoid that too.

[Not a hacker]

At the risk of sounding like some pillow biter from shittalk, Awesome round Poe Thumbs up!!!

Shooting par or better has been my dream for over 10 years (before that it was unrealistic), but so far I have only done it over 9 holes, and haevn't gone lower than 3 over for 18 holes. You are definitely messing with fire talking about how things have fallen into place though, the golfing gods are going to spank your arse for that.

[poe4soul]

Zo, Are you still in love with your titty driver? I made the mistake of trying the F3, 3 wood this last week. It's now on order but it's going to be hard to pull the 16* hybrid out of the bag after it performed so well today.

[lorenzoinoc]

Yes, it's fantastic for me. I could keep going, but it'd sound like the review section. I will say I think it's a great driver for those with healthy swing speeds. It's also good for those that hate gearing in their clubs.

If you want one, make sure you have the face measured to see if it's to spec. Due to manufacturing tolerances, they range from 1 deg open to 3 deg closed. The reality of today's manufacturing.

[lorenzoinoc]

I recently posted some good scores I'd made from last week, so it's only fair I come clean on today's round. I devoted last evening to making the most of a guest that was over. As memorable as that was, I got no sleep had plenty to drink and then had an early round today at Maderas in the San Diego area.

I was pathetically awful. I couldn't make a shoulder turn and my f.ucking arms sprayed the ball everywhere. While I found myself last night in a series of really good positions, on the course today I only knew one and it involved my hands and my ankles.

I lost $45 on a $5 nassau. The equivalent of getting womped 9 and 8. While my short game is usually the strongest part of my game because I play so much, I four putt two greens and lost count of three putts. I had one up and down.

I shot an 88 including 7 penalty strokes.

I'm going out to the garage now to seal off the vents. It's been nice knowing you.

[KoolCat]

Played 18 holes for the 2nd time this year on Sunday. I usually would have had 10-15 rounds in by this time of year. It's kind of depressing when I think about it... Anywho, I've played 9 holes on par-3 courses twice and played 3-4 holes on championship courses a handful of times, but only two 18 hole rounds in 2009. Long story short, my handicap was a 7.9 in August 2008 and I just shot a 92 yesterday. I love this game!

The front nine was going along swimmingly, until I double bogeyed the par four 8th and TRIPLE BOGEYED the PAR FIVE 9th. Ridonkulous. That left me with a 44 on the front and it only got worse from there. I didn't have a single par on the back and had 4 doubles.

Negatives:
-Made only one putt over 3 feet all day*
-Missed at least 2 putts under 3 feet
-Had 20 putts on back 9
-Topped one drive on back 9
-Saw the beer girl once all day (on the first hole)
-The jackasses we played with had a cooler of beer and never offered to share...

Positives:
-Birdied the second longest par 4*
-Hit a lot of fairways with driver
-Hit some nice approach shots
-It was a beautiful day
-Only cost $37 to play an $80+ course
-Only saw the beer girl once (saved me at least $30 in beer)

*This was the ONE PUTT OVER THREE FEET that I made ALL DAY...

[Kiwi Player]

-The jackasses we played with had a cooler of beer and never offered to share...

My Man, Koolcat you gotta learn to be more selective with your playing partners!

[connecticutter]

Sorry, forgot to post some scores in the past month or so.

There are a few rounds where I have to refer back to the score card to get the tally. I play on different courses, hence the different scores relation to par. Par usually ran between 70 and 72.

Last 6 rounds: 75 (+3), 81 (+10, couldnt drive the ball for crap) , 78 (+6), 69 (-2, second ever 18 hole round under par or sub 70), 74 (+2), 74 (+2). I played a par 3 9 hole course a few times where par is 27, and shot two 29s and a 30.

Addtionally I played in a 32 man match play tourney, got to the semi finals before losing. the 32 man round I won 3 up with 2 to play, 16 man I won 1 up on the final hole, and the 8 man I won 2 up with 1 to play. I lost the 4 man semi finals 2 down with one to play.

[Horseballs]

I think I'm officially back. It's been a long time coming this year and I attribute my crap play for the first 6 months of the golf season to seeing my swing on video for the first time. I no longer care that I've got the most jacked up backswing in golf, I'm going with it.
73 in a comp at the SPCC without making a putt over 6 feet. It was one of those rounds where I wasn't doing anything special but wasn't making any drastic mistakes. Our par 5's are McCleeryish from the white tees, but you still have to hit 2 good shots to get on in 2 and I was able to do that 3 times.
It feels good to be back and I'm going to take my inflated cap and beat fools down for the rest of the year.

[SoonerBS]

I think I'm officially back. It's been a long time coming this year and I attribute my crap play for the first 6 months of the golf season to seeing my swing on video for the first time. I no longer care that I've got the most jacked up backswing in golf, I'm going with it.
73 in a comp at the SPCC without making a putt over 6 feet. It was one of those rounds where I wasn't doing anything special but wasn't making any drastic mistakes. Our par 5's are McCleeryish from the white tees, but you still have to hit 2 good shots to get on in 2 and I was able to do that 3 times.
It feels good to be back and I'm going to take my inflated cap and beat fools down for the rest of the year.

Even on the tour, there are very few that have perfect golf swings. If something works for you, don't try to change it. Congrats on playing some better and more satisfying golf.

[lorenzoinoc]

I think I'm officially back. It's been a long time coming this year and I attribute my crap play for the first 6 months of the golf season to seeing my swing on video for the first time. I no longer care that I've got the most jacked up backswing in golf, I'm going with it.
73 in a comp at the SPCC without making a putt over 6 feet. It was one of those rounds where I wasn't doing anything special but wasn't making any drastic mistakes. Our par 5's are McCleeryish from the white tees, but you still have to hit 2 good shots to get on in 2 and I was able to do that 3 times.
It feels good to be back and I'm going to take my inflated cap and beat fools down for the rest of the year.

Congrats but are we talking 6,381 here?

[Horseballs]

Congrats but are we talking 6,381 here?

Probably pretty close to that number. They were "tournament" tees which means some white some blue, but I don't think we played back on any of the tees where there is a big difference. It's weird because the card online shows 6600 something from the blues, but our cards show 6800 something. Possible vanity yardage scandal at the SPCC.

[lorenzoinoc]

Probably pretty close to that number. They were "tournament" tees which means some white some blue, but I don't think we played back on any of the tees where there is a big difference. It's weird because the card online shows 6600 something from the blues, but our cards show 6800 something. Possible vanity yardage scandal at the SPCC.

This may be key for your self respect. I'll look into having a survey done and get back to you on this.

Poe, is one of your guys going to be in Cincinnati?

Of course, if you and the other members want to offer me some hush money....

[Horseballs]

This may be key for your self respect. I'll look into having a survey done and get back to you on this.

Poe, is one of your guys going to be in Cincinnati?

Of course, if you and the other members want to offer me some hush money....

That could be some of it, but I've been on a slow climb back to respectability for the past few weeks. I've been venturing into the 70's about half the time from the back tees lately, but still had some WTF moments that I would never have before. Like blowing a few tee shots 40 yards left or right, flat chunking a half shot or two, etc.
Of course, all poll results are binding and I'll live with whatever the results may be.

[bjdrivers]

Nice round HB. 77 with an eagle for me last time out, but it was a short Nah-like muni, so nothing to be giddy about.

[lorenzoinoc]

That could be some of it, but I've been on a slow climb back to respectability for the past few weeks. I've been venturing into the 70's about half the time from the back tees lately, but still had some WTF moments that I would never have before. Like blowing a few tee shots 40 yards left or right, flat chunking a half shot or two, etc.
Of course, all poll results are binding and I'll live with whatever the results may be.

I'm talking land survey. Just giving you a little sh.it. That's a great round with no asterisks. Even on the short card, the Mac has some long par 4-s and a course can have plenty of challenge at that distance.

[poe4soul]

Played in a "Players Club" tournament yesterday. I came down with a cold on Wednesday last week. I woke up with a splitting sinus headache the morning of my tournament and probably wouldn't have played if I hadn't already payed. Had the reverse of a Dr. Jeckyll/Mr. Hyde. I had a 45 going out and came in with a 81 (36 on the back). The crazy part is I was hitting off the tee and through the green excellent. Hit 10/14 fairways and 10/18 greens with 4 missed greens in the frogs hair. I was hitting my 3 wood past the other players drivers about 260 yards. I had a lucky drive on the par 5 that caught the cart path 2 times and ended up 250 yard out from a 610 yard hole.

For the life of me I couldn't chip or putt on the front side. I three jacked 2 holes and duffed two chips, bladed a difficult sand shot. I would stand over a putt and I could hear my heart pounding in my skull. It sucked.

My head started to clear up around eight, 464 yard par 4 and birdied it. From then it was pars and birdies until 16 and I was three under on the back I stated to lose gas; doubled it with a bad approach from 150, decent chip and three jack, lost concentration. Parred 17 and three jacked 18 for a bogey. 81 for the tourney, winning gross was a playoff at 74 by a single and +1 hc. Too bad I couldn't have showed up to play before hole 8.

[lorenzoinoc]

+1 shooting 74 in a tournament is a bi.tchmove.

[poe4soul]

About as much as a 5 shooting an 81 is a BM?

Rating of the course is playing from the Champion(blue) tees is 71.7 and Profession (black) tees is 73.5, slope is 130. Most of the par 4's were from the Black tees and one move up to the white tees at 311 with a 260 yard forced carry over 30' deep bunkers and heavily bunkered green. All par threes were from the black tees and the par 5's were mixed. Pins were in "Sunday" tournament locations. So, shooting a 74 is only a one or two strokes off his HC. Seems reasonable to me.

[lorenzoinoc]

About as much as a 5 shooting an 81 is a BM?

Rating of the course is playing from the Champion(blue) tees is 71.7 and Profession (black) tees is 73.5, slope is 130. Most of the par 4's were from the Black tees and one move up to the white tees at 311 with a 260 yard forced carry over 30' deep bunkers and heavily bunkered green. All par threes were from the black tees and the par 5's were mixed. Pins were in "Sunday" tournament locations. So, shooting a 74 is only a one or two strokes off his HC. Seems reasonable to me.

If he's a +1 than he be 3 over hc. And a 130 slope ought to be like a limping buck with a big rack for a +1. But the setup matters so if the greens and pins altered the stated slope then.... If you asked him whether his 74 was a bm, I bet he'd say yes, unless he's one of those self PR guys.

Your 5 should carry a much bigger average delta than a +1 so maybe maybe not. Again, the pins and greens matter.

[poe4soul]

Agreed on the slope, agreed on him stating it was a BM.

I would guess the course was playing closure to the 73.5 (or maybe higher) with with this setup. This would make it play at a 72.5 for his HC. Isn't that only a 1-1/2 off his pace? Since he should only be able to shot his HC 1 out of 3 times on average than I would say it's pretty close. I looked back through the scores. If you throw out the outliers of the top flight the net scores was just over 75. I think he played to his HC. Would he say he could have saved a couple of strokes, sure. Wouldn't everyone? Tight course, 10-15 knot wind, and fair fast greens with some tough pin locations. I know I play to my HC in tournaments about 1:4 showings. I'm sure this is mostly due to pressure and pin locations.

[lorenzoinoc]

If you base it on the rating, then you're right. But if you look up the course handicap for a +1 on a slope table based on 130, it's a +1. And I think the ratings become b.s. as a player's index gets closer to scratch and become irrelevant in plus territory. Unless you're talking about a player averaging, like 20 putts. He'd probably be a shortknocker, Light drinking pansy.

Which is why this guy feels like a b.itch. But as I think we agree, course setup can easily overwhelm the supposed slope and rating.

[Horseballs]

If you base it on the rating, then you're right. But if you look up the course handicap for a +1 on a slope table based on 130, it's a +1. And I think the ratings become b.s. as a player's index gets closer to scratch and become irrelevant in plus territory. Unless you're talking about a player averaging, like 20 putts. He'd probably be a shortknocker, Light drinking pansy.

Which is why this guy feels like a b.itch. But as I think we agree, course setup can easily overwhelm the supposed slope and rating.

Isn't slope a measurement of how difficult a "bogey golfer" would find the course? Not meaning that a slope rating of 130 means a bogey golfer shoots 130. The rating is how difficult a scratch player finds the course, right?

[lorenzoinoc]

Isn't slope a measurement of how difficult a "bogey golfer" would find the course? Not meaning that a slope rating of 130 means a bogey golfer shoots 130. The rating is how difficult a scratch player finds the course, right?

While that is correct, in practice the guys I've played with have talked about this, and we don't find it to work that way. This course is a good example. How can a 130 slope course possibly play as a 73.5? Even tough greens and pins can't explain this.

When I play in groups of scratch or so guys at "75 rating" courses, they never play 3 strokes harder than a 72. For whatever reason, we find slope to be a better indicator, notwithstanding that you are right (Go Figure).

[poe4soul]

I get where your coming from. Isn't the rating based strictly on tables of length of holes etc. For example you can play a course that has all of the par 4's at 450+ or one that has them all at 380+. Both are par 4's but the later is definitely easier and has a much lower rate than the scorecard 72.

If the golfer is accomplished and not a short knocker there shouldn't be a 3 stroke swing between the two. It's hard to tell this based on HC alone. They could be +1 playing all of there rounds from white tees for all I know. The guys I was playing with all had less than 6 hc. They played well, hit the ball straight (or at least a consistent shot - one guy was ala KP 50 yard draw on every tee), etc. but they all hit the ball 260'ish off the tee. They were complaining about some of the back tees that put us out over 450 on a par 4. It's still a drive, 8 iron for me but they all had a drive 5 or less in. Makes a big difference.

[Horseballs]

See, I don't think there is enough deviation in the ratings. There is this McCleeryish course down the street from me rated around 70.5 (par 72) that is just about the easiest course I've ever played. Then we've got a TPC course rated at maybe 74 from the back. I guarantee everyone on this board would shoot more than 4 strokes more at the TPC.

[lorenzoinoc]

See, I don't think there is enough deviation in the ratings. There is this McCleeryish course down the street from me rated around 70.5 (par 72) that is just about the easiest course I've ever played. Then we've got a TPC course rated at maybe 74 from the back. I guarantee everyone on this board would shoot more than 4 strokes more at the TPC.

Yeah, there's that too. Ratings seem kind of compressed. But you raise a good point Poe, if you have a group of long hitters that neutralize length somewhat. Slope seems to be a better indicator. I play with some guys who are hitting a 3 wood on a 450 yd par 4. If however a low capper is somewhat short, maybe it's a different story.

[bjdrivers]

My buddy & I shot a 63 yesterday in a scramble. We eagled the first 2 holes (both par 5s) and just couldn't get enough putts to drop after. The marshall said I had the longest drive at 289y all day until the final group. Dude put one out there 317. Pretty impressive considering it was very wet and drives got no roll at all.

The prize for longest drive was 3 free lessons with one of the club pros. No thanks, I just wanted the pride. I'm the fat guy on the right. This pic was taken right after we birdied the par 4 319y 18th. I cut off the dogleg and drove it to the fringe. Scramble golf is fun when you can swing out of your shoes all day.

At least we represented the Seminoles & Longhorns!

[lorenzoinoc]

BJ, tell us more about this 319 yard closing hole.

[Horseballs]

My buddy & I shot a 63 yesterday in a scramble. We eagled the first 2 holes (both par 5s) and just couldn't get enough putts to drop after. The marshall said I had the longest drive at 289y all day until the final group. Dude put one out there 317. Pretty impressive considering it was very wet and drives got no roll at all.

The prize for longest drive was 3 free lessons with one of the club pros. No thanks, I just wanted the pride. I'm the fat guy on the right. This pic was taken right after we birdied the par 4 319y 18th. I cut off the dogleg and drove it to the fringe. Scramble golf is fun when you can swing out of your shoes all day.

At least we represented the Seminoles & Longhorns!

Sounds like you had a scramble at McCleary. Wearing a college hat from a school you didn't go to is a b!tchmove.

[bjdrivers]

BJ, tell us more about this 319 yard closing hole.

Fairly sharp dogleg right. Golflogix on my Blackberry (which is a total b.itchmove) told me it was only 278 to the middle in a straight line, or you can lay up like a fa.g to about 215 at the dogleg. my partner layed up safe and I drove it to the back right fringe. You have to take it over some trees & a couple of nice homes. First time either of us have ever played this course.

[bjdrivers]

Sounds like you had a scramble at McCleary. Wearing a college hat from a school you didn't go to is a b!tchmove.

Maybe so, but wearing any golf brand billboard hat (like 95% of the posers there) is an even b.itchier move. wtf is a McCleary, I haven't been on the board in a week.

[alangbaker]

Posted a 78 on Sunday...

...but I can't really enjoy it, because I couldn't finish the final three holes. Went to the course to walk on as a single and they got me out in about an hour. Teeing off at 3:04, I figured we would finish easily even on a slow Sunday at McCleery (the local muni; Par 71, 70.6/129 from the blues), but when we arrived at the third hole -- the first par 3 -- there were already 3 groups waiting. Nearly half an hour waiting on the tee killed any chance of finishing 18.

Still, I played 15 holes in 6 over par; including 2 double bogeys and an eagle on the first hole.

And last two holes are definite birdie opportunities...



But it did get my handicap back into single digits: 9.7!

[Kiwi Player]

My buddy & I shot a 63 yesterday in a scramble. We eagled the first 2 holes (both par 5s) and just couldn't get enough putts to drop after. The marshall said I had the longest drive at 289y all day until the final group. Dude put one out there 317. Pretty impressive considering it was very wet and drives got no roll at all.

The prize for longest drive was 3 free lessons with one of the club pros. No thanks, I just wanted the pride. I'm the fat guy on the right. This pic was taken right after we birdied the par 4 319y 18th. I cut off the dogleg and drove it to the fringe. Scramble golf is fun when you can swing out of your shoes all day.

I agree scramble golf is a lot of fun when another player in your team has already hit a decent shot down the middle and you can stand on the tee and absolutely rip it knowing you'll use the other guys shot if you f.uck yours up.

Conversely if you are playing in a 4 man scramble and the other 3 guys have all f.ucked up their tee shots and you are teeing off last the tension and pressure on you to salvage the hole is huge. Same with a short putt. It is a relief when the 1st guy drains it for birdie and you move on to the next hole but if the 1st three guys miss the putt the pressure to make it almost guarantees the yips!

[oldplayer]

I agree scramble golf is a lot of fun when another player in your team has already hit a decent shot down the middle and you can stand on the tee and absolutely rip it knowing you'll use the other guys shot if you f.uck yours up.

Conversely if you are playing in a 4 man scramble and the other 3 guys have all f.ucked up their tee shots and you are teeing off last the tension and pressure on you to salvage the hole is huge. Same with a short putt. It is a relief when the 1st guy drains it for birdie and you move on to the next hole but if the 1st three guys miss the putt the pressure to make it almost guarantees the yips!

This is a great part about ambrose. An easy 6 footer can get harder and harder as each consecutive player misses. But the glory and relief of putting last and making it is worth all the fear.
BTW do you know that ambrose is not officially a game,and is not sanctioned for play in any of the rules or formats of club golf? You obviously cannot be handicapped and when you play you are not actually recognised as playing golf.

[lorenzoinoc]

Played The Bridges yesterday in Rancho Santa Fe. I'd played it before and it's an excellent demanding track. But what makes the place really amazing is how ultra high-end everything is and what an amazing world's been created out of a great piece of land.

I won't go into too many details, I'll just give one example that typifies the whole experience. I ordered a tuna cup at the turn. No cans, they get fresh albacore from the regional market, then turn it into what we're used to seeing. The difference is amazing. Theirs tastes nothing like p.ussy.

There was a +3 and a +3.5 in my group. It was just a blast to watch them play. After the experience, there's now no question I'm a chopper, as are the vast majority of people that pass Edgey's test.

[Horseballs]

Played this past weekend at a neighboring club's member-guest. Our team finished just about as average as possible. 25 points out of 50, 25th place out of 48, 3rd in our flight out of 6.
Personally, I was Sergio on the greens for the first day. The second day was a little better for our team, but we were already out of it. We did hand our flight winners a beat down in the last match to save a little face. One of our opponents fancied himself a big hitter and I was able to get in his head by driving the green on our first hole. Weird 9, because I also drove the green on another par 4. It's really not much of a par 4. The tees were up a bit on a hole that is probably only 260 as the crow flies. I put in on with a 3 wood, and hit that green earlier in the week, also with 3 wood.
Irons in general weren't great, and my partner was having a pretty sh!tty game.

[oldplayer]

Played The Bridges yesterday in Rancho Santa Fe. I'd played it before and it's an excellent demanding track. But what makes the place really amazing is how ultra high-end everything is and what an amazing world's been created out of a great piece of land.

I won't go into too many details, I'll just give one example that typifies the whole experience. I ordered a tuna cup at the turn. No cans, they get fresh albacore from the regional market, then turn it into what we're used to seeing. The difference is amazing. Theirs tastes nothing like p.ussy.

There was a +3 and a +3.5 in my group. It was just a blast to watch them play. After the experience, there's now no question I'm a chopper, as are the vast majority of people that pass Edgey's test.

Did you catch up with Larry? Apparantly he hangs around in that part of the world. It would have been great if he could have played in you're group. He could have showed those low cappers how to hit every fairway and green and not put any of that nasty leverage on the shaft. If you do see him give him our regards.

[poe4soul]

He could have showed those low cappers how... not put any of that nasty leverage on the shaft.

After seeing his full, regular speed, swing it's very apparent why 1) he prefers graphite shafts and 2) there is very little if any leverage on the shaft. It also became apparent that there's not much difference between his slow motion swing and his regular speed swing - pretty sad.

[lorenzoinoc]

Did you catch up with Larry? Apparantly he hangs around in that part of the world. It would have been great if he could have played in you're group. He could have showed those low cappers how to hit every fairway and green and not put any of that nasty leverage on the shaft. If you do see him give him our regards.

Larry hangs out on the other side of the tracks from The Bridges. But if I happen towards his course, Whispering Palms, I'll say hello to him from the those of us living outside his little fantasy world.

[robb01]

Was able to finally break 76 this week! Woot!

[connecticutter]

Was able to finally break 76 this week! Woot!

Kudos. Well played.

[Horseballs]

Shot a 71 on Saturday with a triple on 10. Without a doubt the best putting round I've ever had. The front was solid, 2 birds, 1 bogey with some nice par saves. The back obviously started off terribly. I got way out of position on the tee shot, played too aggresively and thinned a bunker shot.
I had a chip in and back to back 40 foot bombs. I missed a really easy up and down on 16 and a 6 foot bird on 17, but had a nice sand save on 18. Weird round, because I only hit 4 fairways and 9 greens.
I won both the gross and net comp, which qualified me for the SPCC's Ryder Cup style showdown with a club down the road.

[lorenzoinoc]

Shot a 71 on Saturday with a triple on 10. Without a doubt the best putting round I've ever had. The front was solid, 2 birds, 1 bogey with some nice par saves. The back obviously started off terribly. I got way out of position on the tee shot, played too aggresively and thinned a bunker shot.
I had a chip in and back to back 40 foot bombs. I missed a really easy up and down on 16 and a 6 foot bird on 17, but had a nice sand save on 18. Weird round, because I only hit 4 fairways and 9 greens.
I won both the gross and net comp, which qualified me for the SPCC's Ryder Cup style showdown with a club down the road.

And then on Sunday the Bengals won. Not a bad weekend.

[The Purist]

Played a goat track called Northgreen Country Club on Thursday. Apparently this course held the ACC tournament for years. I have no idea why they would have played the tournament in the middle of nowhere on such an easy course. It was one of those courses where you couldn't tell where the fairway stopped and the rough began. I was just looking for a course somewhat near ECU, and it was a good confidence building course. One weird thing about this course...you could hit a moon shot from any distance and not break the surface of the greens.

Played Nags Head Golf Links on Friday afternoon. This is a short course with tiny fairways. I bet the course would be pretty easy if it wasn't on the beach, but it was one of the most challenging rounds Ive ever played. It was 50 degrees outside with 30mph winds. Most holes required an Iron off the tee. Driver into the wind would go shorter than a 3 iron, and driver would find trouble long if the wind was at your back. It was a fun course in great condition.

I played The Currituck Club on Saturday. This was a great scenic course with a good variety of holes. The fairways seemed much wider than the other course, and you could actually pull the driver on most of the par 4s. It also helped that the wind wasn't as bad. Most people would probably prefer the Currituck Club, but I liked the Nags Head Golf Links better, because its different than the courses I usually play.

[Not a hacker]

Shot a 71 on Saturday with a triple on 10. Without a doubt the best putting round I've ever had. The front was solid, 2 birds, 1 bogey with some nice par saves. The back obviously started off terribly. I got way out of position on the tee shot, played too aggresively and thinned a bunker shot.
I had a chip in and back to back 40 foot bombs. I missed a really easy up and down on 16 and a 6 foot bird on 17, but had a nice sand save on 18. Weird round, because I only hit 4 fairways and 9 greens.
I won both the gross and net comp, which qualified me for the SPCC's Ryder Cup style showdown with a club down the road.

4 fairways would qualify for 'only' but 9 greens is pretty good really. Not sure how many par 3s you've got but generally if I hit 9 greens I know I'm gonna shoot a good score.

Will you be riding your driver down the first fairway at the showdown?

[Horseballs]

4 fairways would qualify for 'only' but 9 greens is pretty good really. Not sure how many par 3s you've got but generally if I hit 9 greens I know I'm gonna shoot a good score.

Will you be riding your driver down the first fairway at the showdown?

I normally hit around 9 or 10 greens. I normally do not shoot 71's and when I do, it's because I'm hitting a lot more than 9 greens.
The comp was a month ago. We trounced the other team.

[Not a hacker]

I normally hit around 9 or 10 greens. I normally do not shoot 71's and when I do, it's because I'm hitting a lot more than 9 greens.
The comp was a month ago. We trounced the other team.

Oh, that Ryder Dup against the old codger retired doctors and other gentry. I have a habit of not always looking at the date on the post before responding.

So, did you ride your driver down the first fairway?