Golf Thread for the Rest of Us.

[clackamascoug]

So some of you know that we have a family friend who is a pretty good golfer for an 11-year old. We've been following his progress in the Jr Worlds here.

What was interesting was in a field of about 150 boys aged 11 and 12, two of the boys were disqualified for using a rangefinder. One of the DQ'ed boys was disqualified on the second day, after knowing another boy already was booted for the same reason.

Why are boys as young as 11 cheating? Rangefinders are $300+ so their parents had to give the devices to them. Do you think that the parents encouraged them to cheat?

I'm sort of discouraged because all of the golfers I know are meticulously honest. In fact, golf is a great game to train your kids not to cheat.

I thought the USGA approved electronic yardage devices? What is the governing body that disallows them?

Board mail the name so I can follow online too.

[clackamascoug]

Clack, I wish I had known about your pick em prior to the start. I only saw it today.

I will pick the 3 Woods:

Lee Westwood
Tiger Woods
Chris Wood (Yup, I'm still going with him)

Dang... I was a shoe in for winning. Now, I'm going to have to buckle down and watch harder. (I've watched 8/11 hours so far today.) Good Luck, but the wee lad is going to win.

[clackamascoug]

OK... just getting home from golfing, saw that Justin Rose missed the cut. Even though this post timing is post facto third round, I haven't seen the Championship yet, (DVR) so I'm going to mix it up a little and go with Oosthazen. At least if he can keep up, I can root for him.

[clackamascoug]

Bandon was an awesome trip, the wind was insane averaging 30-40 MPH one round it was over 50 MPH the whole round with gusts of 65+, it was truly hard just to stand/walk.

Sunday afternoon we got there and played Bandon Dunes, I shot a 120. It was awful, I couldn't get anything to play, I was getting annoyed by the wind, I lost about 10 balls which really helped the score. On the par 3, 12th I hit a nice tee shot that landed on the green and rolled backward into the pot bunker enjoyably called "The Devil's Butthole". It took me 7 shots to get out. I left being frustrated after the 3rd shot and joined in the laughs with my group. Though my score was awful, I thought I played alright minus lost balls and the Devil bunker plus as landpoke pointed out I was being cursed for playing on Sunday.

Monday we played Pacific Dunes which is my favorite course and last year the one I came closest to breaking 100 on. The wind was even worse than the day before as more holes line the coast on Pacific and the wind was what I thought at the time to be in full force. I burned the edge of the cup on a par putt that would have given me 50 on the front and I was thinking this could be the day it happened. On the 148 yard par 3 11th with the wind full force in our face I blasted a 5 iron as well as I have hit a ball in the last year and came up about 50 yards short, things went downhill quickly as I think I found a bunker on 6 of the 7 final holes and didn't get out of any of them in 1. Shot a 67 on the back for a 117.

Tuesday we played Bandon Trails in the morning, the inland course allegedly offers some break from the wind. Through 5 holes I was 3 over and was gaining confidence that this was going to be the day. On the 6th I took a 12, that I am really still not sure how it happened, I fought back but had 2 other bad blow up holes and wrapped up the morning with a 114.

Tuesday was the day we played 36 and headed back out at 4 for another go of Bandon Dunes. The wind was picking up and I was struggling, shot a 58 on the front 9, and was ready to quit. We made the turn and I decided that I was supposed to be having fun and I was just going to try and enjoy the back 9. I started putting better swings on balls, managed to stay out of the Devil's Butthole bunker by about 2 feet and made a par. On 16 the wind had gotten so bad that it had blown the flag stick out of the hole, the big hitter of our group with the wind at his back over flew the 365 yard green with his 3 wood. Something clicked for me on 16, 17 and 18 as I went par, bogey, par and finished with a backside 48.

Wednesday we played the new course Old Macdonald and I felt good coming off the back nine the afternoon before. Nothing really stood out to me I was not killing myself going in bunkers or trying to make shots that were out of my skill level, shot a 48 on the front and just told myself I had to do it today the wind was lower and it was going to be my best chance. I didn't shoot anything higher than a double on the back and finished bogey, par, par, bogey for a backside 46, and a 94. My lowest round anywhere ever. It was a great end to the trip, and made me ready to go back next year.

Good Report, and congrats on the 94 at Old Mac. Besides the score, how does Old Mac compare to the other courses?

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

Good Report, and congrats on the 94 at Old Mac. Besides the score, how does Old Mac compare to the other courses?

Hard to judge when I played so much better there than at the others, obviously there is a tendency to like it more. There is a hole that is basically an exact replica of The Road hole, minus the hotel in the background (I managed to stay clear of the bunker). While the other courses are links golf, Old Mac really makes you feel like you are playing links. There are a couple of greens that are at least 50 yards, one called the Valley with a 6 foot channel in the middle of the green. It is also totally wide open, though I was playing much more in control I played 1 ball for all 18, something that dawned on me as I was putting on 18. After the long grass, ocean drop offs and gorse on the other courses that was a minor miracle to me.

I think it easily holds its own against the other courses. My favorite is still Pacific Dunes, but I would put Old Mac in a tie with Bandon Dunes for #2. There is something about Bandon Trails that just seems to annoy me, I would play Old Mac everytime over it, and think from a golf not just personal perspective it is on par with the 2 Dunes.

[clackamascoug]

Saturday's Report

40+43=83

Only 1 birdie today. 2 doubles, 1 triple, and 3 three putts. Non excusable 3 putts. Like 3 putting from 15' or less. It's the same old story, aggressive birdie try, 5 feet past, and bad strokes coming back. On the par 5 18th - took an 8, with a out of bounds on the second shot from a tough lie in some trees. 8 out of that mess was pretty good.

Had interesting playing partners for the round. Saturday is the big day, and was teamed with some very veteran members. A 4, 6, and a 6. My current 9 made me the weak link on the team, and my score did not help the effort, although I did beat one of the sixes. (He is after all, 68 years old, and playing injured.)

I played the Top Flite Gamer today, and I really like the ball. I swear it's about 10 yards farther, and holds the greens well. The 4 was/is a big hitter, and play's a Pro Vx, but he was fully capable of pin aiming from 180. He needed the spin. However, I consistently out drove him, and was hitting 7's when he was hitting 6's. (He shot a 78 for the record)

I also switched out putters and played my Ping Pal 4 today. Aside from the operator error on my three putts, I really liked it's swing path, especially with the forward press, which gave the ball some excellent roll. It's 36" which I thought would help with my back issues.

Overall, a fun day, with beautiful July Oregon weather.

[The_Tick]

Good Report, and congrats on the 94 at Old Mac. Besides the score, how does Old Mac compare to the other courses?

Clack,

I have a serious question to ask you...

Do you realize how ridiculous you look quoting a post from the other golf thread in this thread? I mean seriously...what is your deal?

[Drunk Tank]

Clack,

I have a serious question to ask you...

Do you realize how ridiculous you look quoting a post from the other golf thread in this thread? I mean seriously...what is your deal?

AGREED!



Clack, I have no issue with you and you seem really passionate about golf...but seriously. This is like not being on speaking terms with someone, so you tell someone else to tell that person...etc... It is childish.

I think the golf thread is big enough for everyone. Everyone gets a little butt-hurt at some point. Deal with it and move on. This thread is ridiculous. It is akin to "I am taking my ball and going home..." It really makes you look childish.

Hopefully you can move on from this and rejoin the rest of the group.

[clackamascoug]

AGREED!



Clack, I have no issue with you and you seem really passionate about golf...but seriously. This is like not being on speaking terms with someone, so you tell someone else to tell that person...etc... It is childish.

I think the golf thread is big enough for everyone. Everyone gets a little butt-hurt at some point. Deal with it and move on. This thread is ridiculous. It is akin to "I am taking my ball and going home..." It really makes you look childish.

Hopefully you can move on from this and rejoin the rest of the group.

As much as it hurts, I think the people in the other thread may have had a point. Let's face it, if I had posted as much in the other thread, as I've done in this thread, I'd be a real thread hog, and people would have a right to complain. Since I initiated this thread, readers/responders know what they're getting - clackamascoug who likes to talk and play golf. Hopefully constructive.

Here's the truth... I'm a 51 year old, who's seen better days, who's found a place where 5 or 6 people read ill attempts at golfinfotainment. The one bright spot, is that with 1200+ page views, it suggest's that I'm paying the rent as much as any other thread - so far. Personally, I'm viewing this thread as a creative writing outlet with a golf baseline. As lame as it sounds, I actually have some goals that I'd like to achieve here, and have already found myself enjoying the research that enhances my golfing pleasure. To do that in the other thread would be too much off topic, considering the thread history.

All I would ask from anyone is to not be made fun of, or belittled. I do have feelings, and am trying to be a nicer citizen here. In case you haven't noticed, I've backed off other areas of the board as not to bug others. My position, I just want to talk about golf - perhaps too much actually, without feeling like I'm a boring unwanted guest in someone else's house.

________________________

p.s. If you'd notice the reason for the quote from HFNW is that I was requesting a review of the Old MacDonald course. I was taking his report in a different direction, and was trying to be polite.

[Katy Lied]

I must say, having an unknown lead the Open almost wire to wire, does little for public interest, at least in the US.

[clackamascoug]

The Monday Morning edition of Global Golf.

http://digital.globalgolfpost.com/globalgolfpost/20100719?sub_id=CMcDd9wGZWX7O#pg1

[clackamascoug]

I must say, having an unknown lead the Open almost wire to wire, does little for public interest, at least in the US.

I have to agree. Major players battling down to the wire is a lot better than #59 in the world in a victory lap.

On the other hand, from his interviews, he seemed like a really nice guy, who was willing to take on the world. His wife and baby (cute as can be) was a nice touch at the end, and I somehow enjoy watching when someone's world shoots off like a rocket because because he can hit a ball with a stick.

Things I took away from the Championship.

1. Nike Method Putters took a huge hit. Really huge.
2. Phil does not travel well.
3. John Daly probably will sell a lot of pants in the southern US.
4. The rest of the world is trending, while the US is standing.
5. I can enjoy watching 12 hours of golf in a row.
6. Oosthazen has a sweeeet swiiing. His balance was eerie.

7. DVR's continue to be the best invention of all time.

[clackamascoug]

Major Pick 'Em #3 - Results are in!

Before announcing the winner, I'd like to thank everyone for their participation in the Major Fun event. Every Major Pick 'Em just keeps getting better. Remember, we have the PGA coming up in August so.... better sharpen your pencils if your going to beat the winner of The (British) Open Championship.

The Winner - Katy Lied (you can see it in her eyes)

Tiger Woods = 23rd
Lee Westwood = 2nd
Chris Wood was substituted with Louis Oostenhuizen for a 1 plus a .5

TOTAL = 26.5

Second Place - Clackamascoug

Rory McIlroy = 3
Stever Stricker = 55
Justin Rose Substituted with Louis Oosthuizen for a 1 plus a .5

Total = 59.5

The winner gets to pick first in the PGA - Good Job, Katy Lied

[FN Phat]

Major Pick 'Em #3 - Results are in!

Before announcing the winner, I'd like to thank everyone for their participation in the Major Fun event. Every Major Pick 'Em just keeps getting better. Remember, we have the PGA coming up in August so.... better sharpen your pencils if your going to beat the winner of The (British) Open Championship.

The Winner - Katy Lied (you can see it in her eyes)

Tiger Woods = 23rd
Lee Westwood = 2nd
Chris Wood was substituted with Louis Oostenhuizen for a 1 plus a .5

TOTAL = 26.5

Second Place - Clackamascoug

Rory McIlroy = 3
Stever Stricker = 55
Justin Rose Substituted with Louis Oosthuizen for a 1 plus a .5

Total = 59.5

The winner gets to pick first in the PGA - Good Job, Katy Lied

Who came in third?

[Katy Lied]

Major Pick 'Em #3 - Results are in!

The winner gets to pick first in the PGA

Hey do you play the rules that you only get to pick someone once in a season? So for the PGA I cannot pick one of the Woods triumverate?