A few days ago, I headed out to the course for a late afternoon nine-hole walk. I have been spending more time on the range lately, attempting to sort out some concerns and wanted to check on the fruits of my labor.
Suffice it to say, holes one through six did not go according to plan, losing three balls and hitting two balls that ricocheted off of trees, returning to their original locations. I will spare you the details, but trust me, it was horrific!
On the seventh tee box (a 498 yard, par five with a bend to the right and a bend to the left) I hit a marginal low-liner into the left rough. I recovered nicely with a four iron over a large clump of fifteen foot bushes to the right side of the fairway, positioning myself nicely for my approach shot into the green.
Due to the large clump of bushes, I did not notice a twosome approximately 150 yards out, in the vicinity of the landing area of my recovery shot. I waived and apologized for my actions, the twosome dismissed my concerns and invited me to play along for the remaining few holes. I immediately recognized the two gentlemen as Chet and Commodore, employees of the club. I accepted their invitation, hit my approach shot to the left side (was told my ball bounced off a rock), landing on the collar, a chip and two putts later, a smooth bogey. The second of the day!
We headed to the eighth tee box (a 169 yard, par three, with sand traps guarding the green on the left and right side). I grabbed my five-iron, landing my ball on the green, short and left of the hole by about forty feet. My first putt left more than a little meat on the bone, ten feet short of the hole however, miraculously, I drained my par putt. The first of the day!
Off to the ninth tee box we go, a 400 yard, par four with a slight dog leg left. I made a solid strike, placing my ball in the middle of the fairway (the second hit fairway of the day), leaving myself approximately 175 yards to the pin. At about that time, Chet kindly asked if I had played collegiate golf. I was flattered, rarely (okay, okay…never) have I been confused with someone who could actually play the game. I confessed that collegiate golf was not a component of my resume. Anyway, back to the action. I pulled out my trusty five-iron from my bag, hitting my best shot of the day, a mere six feet from the pin. I proceeded to run my birdie putt squarely into the round cup (clearly the first of the day)!
Chet and Commodore were kind and made complimentary/congratulatory comments on my two-hole performance which I graciously accepted. Little did they know my birdie putt on the final hole of the day saved my “53” on the front side!
I have said it before (actually, my buddy Joe has said it before) and I will say it again, “You can’t make this stuff up.”
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The back nine can only get better!
Tim St. Clair says
You’re first seven hole performance (sans the bogeys which I struggle to achieve) was a typical performance for me.
joenoll says
I was laughing so hard reading this post that i could not stop my eyes from watering. I look forward to playing with you on Thursday.
sockoone says
It’s because your concentration is better when you play with others. Get involved with a senior group at a club on a Monday’s or Wednesday’s and play with others. You’ll have fun I guarantee it.