John Brewers Open

A John Brewer's Tavern regular, Mark, summed up the tournament in one line.

"You all are a bunch of drunks" (in a drunk voice)

The free booze started upon tee off at 8:30am and the bar was still open tab afterward in the Sandy Burr clubhouse. Needless to say, the drinkers showed up to get their money's worth. The group in front of us was drunk by the third hole. One of the guys fell out of the cart on a sleep downhill path, luckily uninjured. He probably didn't feel a thing. That group took the last place prize for worst score of the day. They won 4 cases of beer...how fitting.

The sober team of me, my Dad, my brother, and John Caissie shot 6 under par. Respectable, but not our best. We made a nice run on our final stretch, birding 3 of the final 5 holes (we started on number 9). All four of us made good shots throughout the day. We were edging the cups on putts and didn't birdie the par 5 11th or par 5 2nd.

Derek launched some towering drives and executed his masterful 7-iron chip as usual. Dad was also driving it well and took the crown for most putts that touched the hole but didn't go in. He basically made a naturally bird on #1. John Caissie did well considering his stiff neck and numb arm.

Some 300 lb guy beat me in the long drive by 10 yards. I won on a pound for pound measure!

12 under par won the event, 10 under was second place.

Great day weather wise and nice to see Jo Beth out there.

We will be looking for a sober event next year.

Relax and play golf,

Kurt

Club Championship - Round 2 - Perseverance

Three double bogeys put a major blockage in my attempt for two consecutive low rounds. I shot a 76 (+5). I struck the ball well throughout the day, giving myself multiple birdie opportunities on1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16. My actual birdies were on 6, 13, and 16. I made a 25 foot left to right putt to the center front pin on 6, hit the flag stick on my eagle chip shot to 13, and tapped in for bird on 16. It was another gorgeous day. The only difference was that wind was a factor. I'd say at least one club less on certain holes. Also, the general air flow and humidity seemed to keep the ball air borne longer, regardless of the wind. My approach on 4 from 140 yards flew the green in the air with a 'smooth' PW.

My pairing was the same as day 1. Steve Keegan put on a show, masterfully making his away around the course to shoot 70 despite finishing bogey, double.

I'm pleased with my game. A few holes continue to give me problems. Its amazing how one's body reacts the same on one hole at different times. I played the second hole in five each time, hitting each shot in almost the exact same spot; drive down the right side of the fairway (perfect position), approach shot to the right greenside bunker, bunker shot to 8 feet above the back right pin, and then missed the putt both times on the low side (just barely).

Continue to putt very well. I had two three putts, but also made some lengthy putts and lagging putting was solid.

Next weekend is going to be a bunched race to the finish with many in contention. Rumor has it that Bob 'PGA' Green is leading the tournament at 143 (+1). If that's the case, I'm three back with 36 holes to go. Perseverance is the key.

Zen baby Zen,

Kurt

Club Championship - Round 1

The Lexington GC Club Championship was off and running today with good weather and a field of 41 golfers. Weather and course conditions were prime for scoring: no wind and soft greens due to thunderstorms the night before. The only challenge was staying hydrated and keeping nourished with high heat (high 80s). Oh yeah, that mental thing too is always a challenge...just do your thing and let if fly!

Round 1 Leaders:
Kurt Flionis 70 (-1)
Rob Lynch 72 (+1)
Bob Green 72 (+1)
Dan Brennan 72 (+1)
Steve Tunney 72 (+1)

My keys to success in Round 1 was great putting, focus on the process, and patience. Pre-round routine was solid with Verstegen stretching, Zen putting techniques, and course tough practice shots.

I played with Steve Keegan, Steve Geldart, and Steve Jackson. It was literally me and the 'Steves'.

Memorable moments for me were birdie on 1, recovery shot on 10 from the 4th tee box (i took it over the trees with a 9 iron to back fringe, two putted for par), and long birdie putt on number 4. My wedge game was as good as its been a while; hit it tight on 13 and 15. Trust, trust, trust.

Its great to compete. Its been since April for me. The usual fellow competitors and friends were playing. The strange part was that I didn't get to see many of them because my group was last off.

Tomorrow we go first at 7:08am.

Course Conditions were good. Greens were rolling, but not nearly as fast as prior years.

Thanks Dad! Great teamwork.

Good luck to everyone tomorrow

Kurt