Still playing

Its December 4 and the golfing weather remains very acceptable. It was 50 degrees and partly sunny. I played a course in Attleboro called Highlands CC, where PGA Tour player Jim Renner grew up and holds the course record. I did not challenge the course record, however I did manage to play decent for this time of year with Murphy, Ciombor, and Ciombor's Dad. Highlands CC is a nice, well-conditioned 9-hole track with small treacherous greens and challenging par-3s. The greens were in great shape. If would be a fun course to belong too if I lived in the area. It reminds me a bit of Lexington given that its a 9-hole course with what seems to be a more blue collared crowd.

The extended forecast calls for more good weather this week. Thank you Mother Nature!

Cheers,
Kurt

Turkey Shoot! Woburn CC

November 24 -Thanksgiving Day Turkey Shoot at Woburn CC! My brother played in it last year for the first time and he invited me to play this year. The event is a 9-hole scramble with an ABCD team. Each player's drive must be used once. You cannot make worse than a par. Also, you can make up to 4 birdie putts on a hole. For example, if you have a 5 footer for birdie and all team members make the putt, you score 4 under for the hole. Its a great format for the cold conditions and gives every team a chance if they have 1 or 2 good holes.

The atmosphere was even more fun than I expected. Barky (the golf pro) had a table set up near the first tee with bloody marys and shots of anisette! Players were tailgating in the parking lot with beer and cigarettes. I thought people were getting ready for the Pats game! It actually was a bunch of locals in jeans, red sox jackets, winter hats, winter gloves, hoodies, and work boots getting ready for a golf tournament. Who would have thought this has taken place for the last X number of year right down the street from my parent's home?? Where have I been?

My team started on the sixth hole. My partners (K. Winter, J. Gallagher and brother K. Gallagher) each shanked it right or pulled it left into the woods leaving me stranded. I striped a drive down the fairway, 60 yards from the pin, hit my approach to 7 feet (after my partners shanked or duffed their shots). None of us made the birdie putt. So, two good shots and we end up no better than anyone else in the field (because par is worst score you can get)! After many chances, we succeeded by making 3 under on the first hole. I hit a 7-iron approach to 4 feet. Then, I made a 15 footer for birdie on number 3 on Winter's approach shot from 100 yards. We finished 4 under, thinking that would put us in the running.

Who else was out there??.....

My brother and TC. They fired a solid 5 under to take home the Turkey Cup. Derek hit a 15 footer for birdie on the 2nd hole, the group's final hole of the day. A clutch performance by my brother and the former State High School champion went down. Should I return for a rematch?

I think so, but this time I hope I get my brother on my team!

Some other moments of note

-TC handing out 20 dollar bills to Derek after the round saying 'barky gave me extra, you made the winning birdie, so take some more money'

-Barky opening a bottle of goldschlager to take shots after the tournament finished

-My partner spilling beer all over myself. Still feeling the effects of a late night at the bar.

-Barky driving around the course with a bucket full of beers

By the way, the weather is great right now. I played 9 holes the next day with my Dad and 18 the following day at Lexington. It reached mid-60s on 11/26/11!

Looking forward to the next Shoot.

Congrats Derek!

Kurt

Bentley Boys Reunite at Norfolk County 4Ball

Oct 15-16, 2011 - Flio and Swen, former Bentley captains, made the unprecedented appearance at the Norfolk County Classic 4Ball at Presidents GC in Quincy, the 2-day best ball event that has drawn the best amateurs in the state since the late 1970s. This weekend's events brought nice fall weather in the mid-60s, but heavy winds, 20-30 mphs both days.

Let me tell you Swen came out like a seasoned professional birdieing the first two holes, 10 and 11. He knocked it stiff on 10 and then made a heroic birdie from the edge of the left woods on 11. If I didn't know the kid, I would think he was a full-time player. Great ball-striking all weekend. Swen made the birdies for the team and I held the fort down with a lot of pars.

First day, we shot 2 under 68. We played very well, despite no birdies on the par-5s and two three putt bogeys. Our game plan of consistent GIRs and decisive club decision off the tees led to a blast of a day. The wind was whipping. Both of us aimed 30-yards left of the pin on #4 and ended up right of the pin after good shots. On the par-5 15th, I smoked a 20 degree hybrid and it barely cleared 190 yards on my second shot. I normally hit the hybrid 240. It was a very satisfying round even though we felt a 65 was what we played to.

Day 2 brought many challenges. We bogeyed the first hole and never really got it going like we did in Round 1. The wind factor was more intense. On #3, I sent my drive so far right, it went to the far side of the 5th fairway. I had 128 yards to the flag and smoked an 8-iron. The shot ended up 20 yards shot of the pin. Yeah wind! I lost that battle. Swen birdied the 18th hole, making it an opening and closing birdie tournament. We shot 71. Oh yeah, we also played with J. Hynes, a real estate mogul in the Boston area who plays good golf and is a very down to earth person.

The winners were Riley-Diramio. And you know what? We were tied with them after Round 1. They shot a scorching 61 and won on the 3rd playoff hole. Unbelievable round 2.

Another great weekend. Here are the top results from the Presidents GC website.

1 Ryan Riley, Andrew Diramio 68-61—129*

*won on 3^rd Playoff Hole

Dan Falcucci, Brian Higgins 64-65--129

3 Frank Vana, RJ Foley 63-67--130

4 Mark O'Sullivan, Aengus McAllister 65-66--131

Andy Drohen, Ace Eaton 64-67--131

Doug Clapp, Bob Malcolm 64-67--131

7 Bernie Lynch, Michael Willock 66-66--132

8 Chris Congdon, Scott Congdon 67-66--133

Steve Bruce, Chris Tarrallo 69-64--133

10 Garrett Whitney, Doug Karo 67-67--134

Dave McAdams, Dylan Evans 66-68--134

28 John Mazzocca, J.B. Randall 70-69--139

Kurt Flionis, Erik Swenson 68-71--139

80 John Hurley, John Sassi 82-78--161
81 Murt Naughton, Ollie Murray 84-77--161

Lex Member Member

Oct 1-2: Lynch and I teamed up for the LGC Member-Member, a best ball 90% handicap competition. Rob was getting 0 and I was getting 3. We shot 67-69 to finish well off the pace. The winning total was 123 by Volpicelli and D. Brickman. The weather held up okay over both days and we played with the Keegan brothers. Overall, it was a very fun tournament. As low handicaps, we had almost no room for errors. We didn't make enough birdies to have a chance, but we competed and we will be back again!

Top 10 shots in California

1. PGA West - Stadium Course: Round 3 of Nationals - Hole #4 Par 3 - 128 yards (to pin) - I hit a 9-iron to 1/16th of an inch. It landed a foot in front of the hole, bounced two feet by, and spun back stopping on the lip of the cup. Even better, my Dad was standing greenside watching the whole thing! If that went in, I would have pocketed at least $1k in skins and prize money.

2. PGA West - Stadium Course: Round 3 of Nationals - Hole #14 Par 4 - 372 yards - I hit my drive into a fairway bunker that runs the whole right side of the fairway, leaving me 200 yards to a blind green. The bunker was below green level, requiring me to walk down a flight of stairs to get to my ball. I puree'd a 4-iron to 8 feet below the hole, the ball flight was on a string and the compression was PGA tour caliber.

3. PGA West - Stadium Course: Round 3 of Nationals - Hole #18 Par 4 - 439 yards - On the tee shot, water runs the entire left side of the hole to the green. Its complete risk and reward. How much do you want to cut off? I picked out a bunker over the corner and ripped my best drive of the day, down the middle, settling 120 yards from the green. The long-drive champion only edged me by 10 yards.

4. PGA West - Nicklaus Course: Round 4 of Nationals - Hole #11 Par 5 - 490 yards - I lied two in a large greenside bunker to the rightside of the green. It was a 35 yard bunker shot with 25 yards of bunker to carry. I kept the face slightly open, much closer to square than normal and pinched it perfectly, landing 10 feet below to the hole taking two hops and stopping within 4 feet of the hole. I attribute a successful shot to practice my long bunker play in morning warm-ups.

5. La Quinta Mountain: Round 1 of Nationals - Hole #15 Par 5 - 517 yards - I lied one in the middle of the fairway, 206 yards to the pin. The green was tucked inside the mountains (literally surrounded by rocks behind and to the right as well as a bunkered on the same sides. I starched a 4-iron, starting at the left side of the green and fading to the center. It landed on the green and rolled to 25 feet for eagle.

6. La Quinta Mountain: Round 1 of Nationals - Hole #4 Par 5 - 508 yards - I blasted my driver down the left side, a very aggressive line. It stopped in the fairway, only 200 yards from the green. Ball flight was great, a soaring drive!

7. Putting - I had 27 one putts and 1 three putt throughout the tournament. I drained a number of 10-15 footers for par and rarely missed a putt inside 5 feet. The best greens were Stadium Course and my best putting change on the week was no practice strokes inside 15 feet.

8. Silverrock Resort - Final Day of Trip - Hole #18 Par 5 - 520 yards. My Dad lies two from 120 yards into a heavy breeze over water. He flushes a shot to 10 feet below the hole and drains the putt to finish the trip with a birdie!! The perfect ending and classic story that leads a golfer back for more.

9. La Quinta Mountain Course: Round 1 of Nationals - Hole #14 Par 4 - 389 yards. After hitting a drive that I thought was in the mountains (to my relief in was in the fairway, a deceiving view from tee) and blowing my approach long left (again thought in was in the mountains, but happened to be a large collection area), I was left with a delicate flop shot downhill to a narrow strip of the green. With soft hands and nice touch, I lofted a chip (w/ 60 degree wedge) up quickly and got it to stop after a few bounces to within inches of the cup. Tap in!

10. PGA West - Stadium Course: Practice Round - Hole #5 Par 5 - 514 yards - I had 235 yards left to the green on my second shot to a peninsula green. Water was protecting all up the right side on the green. There was bailout area to the left, but it was covered with large mounds and bunkers. I hit a high fade with my 20 degree hybrid that landed on the front edge of the left side of the green and rolled to the center, leaving a 25 foot eagle putt. This was all done to the amazement of the attractive cart girl, who was told by my playing partner from FL to watch this shot!

Yes yes yes to shot visualization...see it and do it,

Kurt

Golf Channel Am Tour National Championship at La Quinta, CA

Sept 24-27: My Dad and I traveled from Boston to Long Beach, CA and then drove 2 hours to the desert city of La Quinta, CA to participate in the Golf Channel Am Tour National Championship. The tournament included 575 participants from all over the United States and Canada. It included former pro baseball players Mark Mulder and Orlando 'El Duque' Hernandez. It was attended by Golf Channel's own Charlie Rymer, Jason Sobel, Win McMurry, and Todd Smith (all pictured to the right). Needless to say, Win was the most popular guest. I think you can understand why! My expectations were exceeded over the entire week, including 72 holes on exceptional golf courses with unlimited access to practice facilities, nightly events, gift packs, professionally run tournament scoring from scoring to pairings to rulings, great resort, constant assistant from staff, easy access to information and scheduling, and much appreciation from the Golf Channel for our participation.

It was a 72 hole event at 4 different courses: La Quinta Mountain, PGA West Norman, Nicklaus, and Pete Dye Stadium. I shot 75-79-79-79 to finish tied for 32nd. The winner was a 4-day total of 2 under par. It was an amazing experience to play 4 straight days at 4 different golf courses, each having different challenges from deep rough to treacherous fairway bunkers to desert hard pan to fescue to island greens to fast and firm greens. You had to adjust your game slightly for each course. Also, add in temperatures between 100-109 degrees all week! We constantly were drinking water and applying cold towels to our faces.

My Dad walked the golf course everyday in this heat. No feat was matched by any other. Caddies were not allowed to drive in carts. We arrived two days early and played practice rounds at La Quinta and Stadium. Then, on the day after the tournament we played Silverrock Resort, home of the Bob Hope Classic 2008-2011. We dined and enjoyed the resort pools in between rounds. La Quinta Resort is an exceptional place with over 40 pools, nice restaurants, spa, tennis, etc. They even have a separate "over 21 pool" for those that like to party spring break style.

I played golf and made friends with people from Florida, Venezuela, New Mexico, Bahamas, NJ, Iowa, California, Washington, and South Africa. These people ranged from navy divers to auto dealership managers to pure drinkers! All were a pleasure to play with, including one of the long drive champions during the week's event. He hit it 360 yards!

One guy thought my Dad was from Australia with his accent. Another thought he had the best Boston accent ever. Another thought he was my brother. Many people thought I was younger than my age and got a lot of comments about my long hair. I spoke Spanish at the on-site Mexican restaurant. We woke up every morning to the coffee market on site with coffee, smoothies, bran muffins, and yogurt parfaits. It was an unforgettable experience. I recommend it to anyone who has the chance to compete in the National Championship. The competition is strong, its very social, and the location was top shelf.

Top 10 shots from trip are coming next

Swing Free!

Kurt

Dennis Four Ball !

Sept 17-18, 2011 - Murph and I made our annual trip to the Mullen household in Dennis to compete in the Dennis Four Ball. We drove through the Friday 5pm traffic from Boston and arrived to the house around 7pm, had dinner at Lost Dog Pub. Excellent greek pizza, sesame chicken, boneless buffalo wings, and Guinness. We even liked it so much that we ordered the pizza on Saturday night for the FSU-Oklahoma game.

During the two days, we made homemade baked nachos, walked the beach, created a fire, and played 36 holes of tournament golf. My good buddy, Porter, came to watch us on Saturday with the Brockton boys. One of em said after a crappy shot on the last hole, 'the first guy I see in the bar I am going to punch him in the face.' Albeit a joke, this 6'5" 270 lb guy had likely been in a few melees in his day. Porter bought the guy a beer right away to make sure he was on his good side. We had an awesome time. The other Brockton guy played 5 years of minor league baseball for the Toronto Blue Jays before getting injured. Lots of laugh were had at the bar after the round.

Mike and I played really well in Round 1. We missed a bunch of makeable birdies, but still ended up at 2 under par 69 (4 birds, 2 bogeys). Tied for 11th going into the final round. We closed with a 76 in Round 2 to fall well out of contention. It was a bad day for us, only making one birdie.

As usual, one of the best weekends of the year. Weather was sunny and partly cloudy in the low-to-mid 60s. Winds were relevant both days, especially Round 2, gusting 20mph+.

Good times,

Kurt

2011 Mid Amateur Finals

Sept 13-14: Result = MC

The championship took place at Pocasset Golf Club. Let me tell you, this golf course is exceptional for its condition, layout, and general atmosphere. It is a fair length at 6,600 yards from the tips with forgiving fairways. The greens protect themselves well with tricky, yet subtle slopes and are guarded by bunkers, false fronts, elevation changes, and fescue. All of these attributes play fair. The fescue is generally thin enough to find your ball and play it out safely. There is a mix of short and long par-3s, easy and challenging 4s, reachable par-5s, doglegs, uphills, downhills, you name it they have it. You feel like you can make birdie on almost every hole. At the same time, bogey or worse is only one miss away. It tempts you be aggressive when conservative is the better play.

We had warm sunny weather for the first two rounds (80s). Winds were a factor in both the afternoon (rd 1) and morning (rd 2) rounds I had. Gusts probably 20+ mphs. It didn't bother me mentally, but it certainly bothered my golf ball!! I kept the ball in play for 36 holes, but my lack of sharp ball striking left me standing over a plethora of par putts in the 6-12 foot range. I didn't see the lines and/or feel the speeds on the greens all week, tallying up an astounding 75 putts in 2 days.

My Dad caddied Round 1 and my Mom walked with us. The best part of the week. We had a dinner at a local joint in Pocasset with the thickest spinach dip ever and a pizza with the most buffalo sauce ever (my Dad's least favorite sauce).

I spent one night at the Holiday Inn in Falmouth watching America's Got Talent and other random TV shows. I also enjoyed lunch on the Cape Cod Canal during my practice round. I am starting to make more friends out on the MGA circuit that I hope to continue to see in the future. Played with S. Andrews (M. Murphy look-a-like) from Thomson and J. Powers (M. Stanley look-a-like) from Olde Scotland. I enjoyed their company.

My scores are too ugly to note. I was a bogey machine. The good news is there is so much ahead and many good scores to come.

Cheers,
Kurt

GUEST BLOG! - Successful Mass Mid Am Qualifier @ Concord Country Club

*The views and opinions expressed within this post are those of Kurt's caddy and do not necessarily reflect the views of the blog owner*

On Tuesday I took a day off from work to complete a milestone: caddying Kurt to a successful Mid-Am qualification for the third year in a row (as well as following it up with a second consecutive successful guest blog). As a mid-handicapper, I always enjoy being around Kurt and other elite amateurs so that I can soak up as many tips as possible. Fine, high-handicapper. For example, I learned Kurt's 3 golden rules to success at a big tournament:

1. Show up as early as humanly possible. You should be there 4 hours early if you can. Spend most of the time biting your nails and turning into a mannequin so that you have no nerves left by the time you tee off.

2. Call S. Keegan and ask for "Keegan's Notes". Hitting the ball down the middle and putting your 2nd shot on the green? That's old fashion, outdated golf. Without Keegan's notes, we wouldn't have known to tee off with a 4 iron hybrid on a 460 yard Par 4. We wouldn't have known that it was better to be in the big gully in front of the green than actually on the green.

3. Club down. You don't want to be seen taking a longer club for a shorter yardage. It lets your opponent know that you're weak. Came up short on that approach shot? Its okay...you were using an 8 iron from 170.

We started the day by hitting complementary balls at Concord's driving range. After Kurt hit a ground ball and sliced a few off of the driving range onto the 14th fairway, I began to worry that I may need to do something beyond simply carrying his bag. Luckily the guy hitting next to him had legs that looked like wooden telephone polls, had barely enough mobility to tee up his next ball, and consistently hit paper thin slice that made me confident that Kurt may have a chance after all.

We started on the 10th hole and Kurt began by playing it safe and hitting a hybrid...with a wicked slice into the woods. The starter almost fainted and yelled "good god" as the ball went about 140 yards and almost took a U-turn. After 4 holes, Kurt was 4 over par...and had already taken about 8 tee shots! If I had a nickel for every time I heard, "I'm going to hit a provisional...its a 3...".

On his 5th hole, something amazing happened. After debating whether he should hit a 3rd drive, we decided we would look for his first drive on the edge of the driving range among countless other range balls that people had sliced onto the 14th hole (mostly Kurt's shots from his morning session). If it wasn't for Concord CC's decision to use yellow range balls instead of white, we may have never found Kurt's ball buried in spinach next to a bunker. Picking the ball clean as he extracts nachos from an O'Sullivan's plate, Kurt stuck his 7 iron to about 5 feet. He then proceeded to sink the 5 foot birdie putt by aiming almost sideways to account for the undulation. 3 in!!! We're making a comeback!

This game is easy all of the sudden. Better follow up with 3 consecutive bogeys on the next 3 holes to make things a little more challenging. So we did...including on a 528 yard Par 5 where Kurt was 15 yards out in 2 shots. On his 9th hole--the 417 yard Par 4 18th, a switch finally flipped. A calm par...to the front nine we go...

Then the earthquake hit. Yes, the one you saw on the news. It was actually the result of Kurt's tee shot on 1. 300 yards in the air. Absolutely crushed. Just missed the birdie after a skillful flop shot...but pars are good at Concord CC from the black tees. The 436 yard Par 4 2nd hole? Easy par. The 455 yard Par 4 4th hole? Easy Par. The 437 yard Par 4 5th hole? Easy Par. We're on fire. After a miscue on that led to a double on 7 I sensed Kurt was about to write off his hot streak as a promising stretch that would be too little too late. On the 8th fairway, I told him to keep the wheels on as every shot may end up counting. He looked back at me with his "I just shot 100 buddy, what have you been smoking?" face. After a sweet par on 8, we made our way to the last hole...an 150 yard Par 3. Kurt hit his tee shot crisp but pushes it right...and then the golf gods took over. It hit the side of a hill and rolled to about 4 feet. As we were on the green reading the putt, a punkish looking player and his even more punkish looking caddy walked past me and asked us if "we were in the hunt". "What's the hunt?" I replied. 81. At this point I had no idea what Kurt's score was. I'm not sure if he did either, but he felt he was in the ballpark. All of the sudden he got the "oh crap I better hit this putt" look. Sinks the putt. A two! The old MGA guys hovering near the 9th green loved it.

After adding up the scores, we finished at 79. After a few more scores came in, it looked like we were heading for a 9 man playoff at 79 for a handful of spots. "If you shot 79, get over to the putting green or the range to warm up" was being heard throughout the patio. Kurt went over to the range and I stuck around to see what our next step was going to be. After the final groups came in and someone with a 79 inexplicably withdrew, all 79s were officially in and the two 80s were the alternates. The MGA team loved the simple math. I ran over to the range to let Kurt know...but not before messing with him and pretending we need to rush over to the first playoff hole. Although he starched his last hybrid on the range (as our dad would say...he also calls jeans dungarees), he looked relieved when I finally told him we could just take his clubs to the car and head home with a guaranteed spot in the final stage of the Mid-Am. He deserved it...Concord is a brutally challenging course and only 4 out of 65 people broke 75 (+5).

Kurt would like to thank the following people for helping him qualify for his third conesuctive Mid-Am. His caddy. Steve Keegan's notes (again). Mike Keegan's beard. All Lexington CC members for regressing to the point where a score of 320 might win you a club championship.

MGA Father Son @ Charter Oak

August 16 - Bright and early, 445am wake up call, blueberry gruel, cantaloupe, and collard greens at 5am, 530am pickup by my Dad, and 710am tee off at Charter Oak. My Dad and I were yawning a bit, but ready to take on the challenging 6,600 yard tournament layout. Charter Oak weaves through the woods with heavy elevation changes, undulating greens, large strategically placed bunkers, and long par-3s covered with hazards.

My Dad striped his first tee shot down the middle, showing no signs of nerves. He said he didn't remember hitting it, but it was solid! With the green light, I hit driver around the corner on the dogleg right par-5. My Dad then hit a nice hybrid to within 40 yards of the green. I pitched it to 7 feet and my Dad's birdie putt just edged by the hole. So close! Tap in par to start. We parred the next 5 holes with my Dad making a 12 footer on #2 and me making a 15 footer and 12 footer on #5 and #6. Even par through 6. We hadn't hit anything great, but kept our tee ball in play and made some clutch putts.

Then on #7, a 210 yard par-3 over water, we both hit our tee shots in the water. This turned into a double bogey and left us a bit deflated. We then had 3 putts on each of the next 4 holes. For the remainder of the round, our short game failed us and we shot 83 (39-44). We overreacted to our mistake on number 7. I think we really needed to bounce back with a par on 8, however, an ugly bogey from inside 100 yards set us into defensive play, losing our rhythm. On a positive note, we did make 2 sand saves on #6 and #12. And my Dad hit a nice, manufactured slice from the woods on 18, almost on to the green. (I put him in the woods - remember this is alternate shot)

The golf course played challenging, but fair. The weather turned out good, after 24 hours of heavy rainfall. Due to yesterday's rain, the course played long and we played preferred lies in our own fairway. We played with the Bohane's from South Shore CC and Olde Barnstable GC. Good guys.

I absolutely love this tournament. We have what it takes to post much lower. We left disappointed in our results, but grateful for the experience. Afterward, we watched the Murphys finish up and ate lunch together. Mike and I chatted about our excitement for the Dennis Four Ball and my upcoming trip to California. The four of us recapped our rounds, laughing at some of our silly mistakes. Great day!

Cheers to Father-Sons,
Kurt

P.S. congrats to STAG for its first earnings call in company history

Updates

Aug 6 @ Meadow Creek - finished at the top - my first time at this golf course and found it very challenging, i only hit driver once on the 6,500 yard layout...accuracy was at a premium, some very narrow intimidating tee shots, i recommend a visit if you are looking to practice hitting precision shots with distance control, course conditions were above average for a public track

Aug 11 @ Charter Oak - followed up a narrow, short golf course with a long, narrow, hilly golf course that is one of the toughest golf courses I have ever played...450 yard par-4s, playing 490 up hill with narrow, undulating greens...it was the practice round for next week's MGA Father Son, my Dad and I played with the St. Clair's...it was the best golf I have seen my Dad play, hitting beautiful hybrids tight on long par 4s and par 3s, chipping in for birdie and sticking a shot for birdie on the same hole (#6)! (we were playing two balls alternate shot), then flopping a magnificent lob wedge over a bunker to a tightly cut front pin on the 18th...excellent play and Happy Birthday Dad!

2011 Club Championship 3rd and 4th Rounds

I capped off a disappointing weekend with a crowd roaring birdie on the 18th hole. Putting from the middle right edge of the green to a back center pin, I played the 30+ foot putt 20+ feet plus to the right of the hole and watched it take the slope up and then turn left, travel sideways, and curl down into the hole. Draino!! The fellow members and I put our hands up in excitement I couldn't believe it! My Dad and I talked about the line, but then it was pure feel over the ball. I said thats for an 85! (actually ended up being for 84) After a brutal day of penalties and big numbers, it put a huge smile on my face and made my realize how much fun this tournament is. It brings many of the members and their families over to the club to support the players, socialize, and cheer on the contenders.

Rob Lynch hit a 4 foot putt to win by 1 shot over D. Rubin and S. Keegan on the 72nd hole. A dramatic and exciting finish.

I shot 79-84 over the weekend to finish 10th place, hampered by 3 triple bogeys and 4 double bogeys. All tournament I stood over most shots feeling uncomfortable with my setup. Its not a good feeling. I couldn't hit shots where I wanted. I battled to score through it, but it showed through in making big numbers. For example, I fought to be only 5 over through 16 holes in Round 3 (didn't feel like great shooting during the round, but afterward i found out it was very good playing relative to the field) and then proceeded to make triple on the shortest hole at LGC. You cannot make triples and expect to win this tournament.

Scores were high despite good weather all four rounds. Round 3 had some challenging wind, but nothing that should have sent scores as high as it did. The only pin that I thought was a bit tricked was the back left pin on 7 during the final round (right above the ridge and the apex between upslope and downslope). The rest of the course played fair. I would like to see the tee markers not put at the edge of the boxes. There is no room to setup behind the ball and go through an alignment routine.

Thanks to my Mom for watching me play the front nine on Sunday.

Great tournament! Nice work by the LGC groundscrew and staff!

Ciao,
Kurt

First 2 Days of Club Championship

July 23-24: The first two days of Club Championship are complete. I shot 80-73, leaving me 6 shots off the pace going into the final 36 holes. Course and weather conditions were great. Day 1: We had a 2-hour rain delay in the morning before any participants tee'd off. The rain was so strong that the practice green had puddles. Once the rain moved, it was 90s and hot. Pin locations were very fair (hardest pin was front left on 5). Day 2: There was a 20 minute rain delay, then cloudy and high 70s/low 80s for remainder of the day. Difficult pin locations on 9 (front middle) and 4 (front left).

My game was weak on Day 1 with three 3 putts and an 8 on the 9th hole. My sole birdie was on the 13th. The second day was much better with zero 3 putts, birdies on 1 and 11, and steady play. Again the 9th hole bit me with two bogeys. I was pin high right on 18 and hit one the best close call chip shots of my career. I had to play it extremely soft and about 30 feet right of the pin to accommodate for speed and break. It took about 10 seconds for the ball to roll to the hole, everyone saying 'go in' before it rimmed the edge and still rolled past the pin 6 feet. I missed the par attempt in disgust. Went from birdie thought to bogey in a hurry. I would have been happy with par.

Looking forward to the final two rounds. Thanks to my Mom, Derek, and Carolina for watching me in Round 2! Pace of play was good both days due to threesomes, roughly 4 hour rounds.

Notable shots:

-Round 2 - S. Keegan hit his approach shot on 6th from the face of a rock in the right rough. He knocked it on the green and took a chunk off his wedge. What a shot!

Leader is R. Lynch at 147.

Good luck everyone,

Kurt

LGC Mid Summer Classic

July 9-10: My favorite tournament at LGC behind the Club Championship. We had excellent weather and great course conditions. The greens were rolling quick, especially on Sunday with treacherous pins on 3 (middle right) and 9 (front middle). Many people were putting it off the green from above the pin on both these holes.

I teamed up with Mike Keegan and we played with Dan Brennan and Steve Keegan. As usual, a boatload of laughs and good golf shots. Good memories of Mike finishing birdie and birdie in Round 1, including an almost impossible chip shot on 17. Mike was WAY right (almost to the woods) of the right-hand greenside bunker and the pin was back right, leaving 10-12 feet of green to work with, forget about having to fly the bunker. Mike's flop shot took two bounces and dropped in the hole. The second bounce hit my ball mark from my tee shot 1 foot from the hole. It was incredible that could hit the mark pop straight up and into the hole.

We shot 65 on Day 1, leaving us 5 back of the lead. On Day 2, we shot 69 for a 2-Day Total of 134. The winning team of Gary Bianco and Steve Geldart shot 130. We finished in the Top 10. A respect showing my Mike and I despite not playing all that great. Enjoyed it very much!

Shout out to Mike's 99 restaurant hat, Dan using his R11 driver as a hammer on the tee box, and Steve throwing Dan's golf ball from the 16th tee down to the 1st tee box.

Members and tournament participants enjoyed the new LGC deck, lead by the fearless Jack F.

Next up the Club Championship!!

Practice well and get your rest,

Kurt

My First Worcester County

July 2-3: The Worcester County draws a strong field on July 4th weekend with Vana, Higgins, Riley, Falcucci, and many more. Its 36 holes of stroke play with Round 1 at Kettle Brook in Paxton, MA and Round 2 at Wachusett CC in West Boylston, MA. The winner shot 65-69 for 10 under par!! Incredible golf. He won by 7 shots. I shot 82-76, good for a middle of the pack finish and a respectable second round. I had never seen Wachusett CC before. Both of these tracks are public and conditions are as good as many private clubs. Kettle Brook is 6,900 yards from the tips, wide fairways, big greens, and some significant elevation changes. Wachusett CC is 6,600 yards from the tips, a Donald Ross design with small greens, average fairway width, hilly, and fast greens.

Round 1: I was nervous at the start (still ripped driver down the middle on 1) and gave away multiple strokes. My confidence declined quickly and I finished the front nine bogey, double bogey, bogey for a 43. On the back, I started well going even par thru six holes and then finished with three bogeys. I had 37 putts. The scoring conditions were ideal, sunny and 80s and minimal wind. I drove it fairly well. My iron play and putting was atrocious. Also, rode a golf cart because I had no caddie and its not an easy walking course. It was good for the energy, but poor for my tempo. I was always well ahead of the rest of the group as they walked and did not find myself getting in a rhythm. My fellow competitors were 18 and 22 years old. I was the old man! 43-39=82

Round 2: Got there 2 hours early to practice. My range session was terrible. Very stiff and hit it like I was not a golfer. When I got to the first tee, I ripped a bomb with a driver down the middle, focusing on my alignment and relaxed arms. Then, stuck a wedge to 6 feet and made birdie. Opposite to yesterday, this got my confidence up. I cruised around the first 7 holes with 2 birdies and 2 bogeys (both of par-3s as my irons continue to struggle). Then, another poor finish to the nine with a double and a bogey. On the back nine I made 2 birdies, one double, and one bogey. I birdied 2 par 5s (#5 and #10) and 2 par 4s (#1 and #12). Finally started to play the power fade and hit beautiful drives. Then on 18, I hit my best long iron shot in a while, hitting a 5-iron 180 yards to 12 feet on the par-3. The reason it worked is because I played the fade by aiming at the left edge of the green. 32 putts, still need work here. I think I am aiming more left than I think. Missing mostly on the low side. 39-37=76

Great tournament. I look forward to playing again next year. And I played with 'coolest guy in the amateur golf', Mark Goodridge.

Swing thoughts: Practice swing with intention, commit to alignment, relaxed arms, and don't be shy in playing a fade.

Rock on,
Kurt

Golf Channel - Indian Pond

June 26 - Played at the immaculate Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA. At 6,800 yards, Indian Pond requires some length and good putting. The fairways are fairly generous, but the greens do not leave you anything easy. They are undulating and quick. I had 4 three putts during the round. Overall, I struck it well, specifically my driver. I felt very confident when I committed to my alignment and took away the club low and slow with width and a short backswing (feels about 3/4, but really is close to parallel at top). When my swing gets long, my timing fails and I can get quick.

I hit a few special shots out there, including a punch out cut shot from under a tree with a 6 iron on number 15. I was roughly 130 yards and I knocked it to 5 feet. I made the putt for birdie. Also, hit a beautiful low, draw 8 iron from 120 yards on number 11 to pin high. My drive went down the left side of the fairway and I was blocked out from hitting a normal shot by trees (note again my drive was in the fairway)! Ridiculous. The bad news was I three putted for bogey after a great approach. I three putted 3 out of 4 holes in a row on the back nine (11,12, and 14) and missed an 8 footer for bird on 13. I finished with a miraculous up and down from behind the green on 18 to a back right pin. Huge flop shot.

I shot 78 (+6). My Dad was there to caddy. We enjoyed the golf course and amenities. Indian Pond's clubhouse is enormous and a great spot for a wedding. They had one going on as we played the course. Also, noticed some mansions on the course, particularly a house on the 10th hole. The deck could hold more people than a typical golf clubhouse.

Weather was very good. Sunny and 80s. Would recommend this course to those that have the opportunity. It is private.

To keeping a good tempo,

Kurt

Mass Am Qualifier - Nashawtuc

June 23 - 757am tee time at Nashawtuc CC off the 10th tee for 15 spots; to my pleasure, my group was a two-ball (phenomenal pace of play with 2 players) with David Sullivan from Vesper, a very nice guy and great golf swing; my Dad caddied; the weather was very consistent with minimal wind, overcast skies, off and on mist, and temperatures in the mid 60s. We were prepared for rain, but it did not come at all during the round. All in all, weather was not an issue. The course was wet which made the 6,800 yard layout play longer.

My swing felt great most of the day. I was steady in the middle of the round, making 8 pars in a ten hole, I just couldn't break through with a few birdies. My mantras for the day 1) Consistent breathing; 2) Swing like you are in an open field; and 3) Relax your hands and arms. I ripped a 3-wood off the 10th tee. It caught the right rough and put me inside 150, however, I had a huge tree to get over. I pured an 8-iron and it caught the top of the tree, luckily bouncing back to the fairway. My third shot was on the green and I three putted for a double bogey. Not the start you want when the cut ends up being +3!!

The greens were soooo good. The best greens I have played on in 2011, better than Essex. As much as I liked them, I couldn't get many putts to drop. I experienced a number of lip outs and other close calls and I did not hit my approach shots within makeable distances. I finished with 82, well off the cut line. No birdies and two double bogeys. Despite missing the cut, I feel like my game is making progress. I continue to hit a left-to-right ball flight, but its very playable. When I make my best swings, the ball flight is straight to a slight draw. My weakest clubs remain the long-irons. The best shot of the day was my 8-iron chipping. I made made 3 or 4 great up and downs with the 8-iron, knocking chips within inches from the fairways to slightly elevated greens.

Common bad swing flaws: long backswing, overly precise on desired results, lifting the club too quick

As usual, MGA runs a great tournament.

Go low,

Kurt

Samoset Golf Trip

My Dad, my brother, and I led an eight man golf weekend at Samoset Resort in Rockport, ME. LeBlanc, Karlberg, Casey, and the Doucettes rounded out the group. We drove up early Saturday morning (June 18), stopping for breakfast in Saugus and then later in Maine at a Cumberland Farm to ask for directions. We veered off Route 1 in Brunswick and found ourselves making a loop instead of a straight shot up the coastline. After many minutes of anxiousness wondering if we were going the right way (on a gas attendants word; no GPS and no maps), we made it to the resort in time to check in and make our 1pm tee times.

We played 18 holes on Saturday and 27 holes on Sunday. The weather was great both days. Low to Mid 70s and sunny. We did get a thunder and lightning storm after golf on Saturday which led to a double full rainbow. It was the clearest rainbow I've ever seen, pulling onlookers from all points inside the hotel to catch a glimpse and take pictures.

The golf course and resort were impeccable. We really enjoyed the ocean holes and variety of the layout. Its not a difficult course, except for when the wind blows. Its fair, exciting, and well conditioned. The front nine is open off the tee and mostly on the water. The back nine is treelined and further from the water.

We liked the new Italian restaurant on site. They make excellent pizza. I would not recommend Archers in downtown Rockport. It was mediocre. Good appetizers, but below average entrees.

Great pool, option to walk 3/4 mile outward to a lighthouse on Rockport Harbor, and nice accommodations. One of our favorite parts was sitting at the couches around the pool at 8am. It was already warm, you could tan, read the paper, or use the hot tub. We are already thinking about going again next year. We stopped at Gelato Fiasco on the way home (Monday) for a great taste of Josh's homemade gelato.

I shot 72-77 and 38. My game is coming around. Rory McIlroy destroyed the US Open field at 16 under. Will this be the beginning of the Rory era in golf?? You could feel the buzz right away. I had a Guinness to celebrate.

Had a great time. Maine is a nice vacation spot.

Kurt

Year Up Golf Tournament

Year-Up, known for closing the opportunity divide for young urban adults, held its annual golf tournament at Weston GC on June 13th. This year's STAG team consisted of myself, Ben, Pat, and Donna. On the heels of over 50 plus rounds played in 2011 and wearing a short sleeve mock turtleneck, Pat was our dark horse. He was poised to carry the team as he wailed away on drivers at the range as fast as Kobayashi eats hot dogs. Ben was debuting a new set of customized, tailorized, you name it, Taylor Made woods and Donna was returning from a golf weekend on Stowe Mountain (VT). Myself, well no story behind my appearance, but I was ready to go. We were prime for a victory.

The result was a mere 4-under par, 14 pars and 4 birdies in a scramble format. We even used our mulligans to the max, salvaging birdies. The winning team shot 15-under par, 6 shots ahead of the closest competitor. Pat and I were calling it the 'cheating tournament' as you could buy up to 8 mulligans and 8 strings. Regardless, we play for the opportunity, the opportunity to hit that amazing shot, to make an eagle, to share high fives, to hit Alan's house, to walk the grounds of the wealthy Weston grounds, and of course to receive the expensive tee gift.

Our best moment was on our 2nd hole, the par 3 10th hole. Ben placed a $20 wager on each one of us to hit the green and double your money. We all hit the green!

Pre-Round: Pat and I almost got clocked by a golf ball at the driving range when some novice hit a ball off a fence essentially 90 degrees to his left and it ricocheted back at the golfers standing to his right.

Weather conditions were great, low 70s and sunny.

Ciao,
Kurt

Golf Channel - Stonebridge

The Golf Channel Am event at Stonebridge CC was held despite rain all day. I teed off at 9am and the rain did not stop for one minute over the 5 hours. And it was coming down hard! The greens held up well and did not have standing water, however, it was hard to find a place on the fairways over the last 4 or 5 holes that wasn't drawing water.

My flight started with 4 players and ended with 3. One player dropped out after 7 holes due to the poor conditions. I did not expect any rain like this whatsoever. I showed up with my umbrella, but no rain jacket or rain pants. Rookie mistake and I paid the price. My body was shivering for most of the back nine and I could hardly make a good move at the ball. I managed to hold it together through 14 and then I ran out of gas....I finished with two doubles and a bogey on my last 4 holes to shoot 81. Besides that, I played very well. My putter was solid, saving many pars. Keeping the ball in play was top priority. I often didn't hit the green in regulation and made up and down. I hit 8 greens and had 29 putts.

My 81 was good enough for an easy victory!

Shot of the day: I holed out from the greenside bunker on 12 for birdie. It was one of two skins on the day. Birdies were few and far between!

It took me a while to stop shivering after the round. I had to change clothes, as my wet golf clothes made me shake even inside the clubhouse.

The golf course was 6,800 yards from the tips. Course conditions were nice. The greens were recently aerated, so they were a little bumpy, but not too bad none the less. I only had 29 putts, so I liked them! Public can play here with a cart for $60-$70. Its a good value, but about 75 min ride from Boston. I would recommend it if you are in the Manchester, NH area.

Positive Energy,
Kurt

Fun Golf Weekend

June 4: Campbells Scottish Highlands in NH with my brother and Mike Murphy

Plagued with swing challenges, I couldn't overcome Mike's birdie-birdie-birdie finish. He beat me 1-up. I shot 77. Derek hit a birdhouse. Mike shot under par on the back nine. I made one birdie on the par-5 2nd.

June 5: Kettle Brook GC in Paxton, MA with my Dad and my brother

Feeling in good rhythm from the 6th hole on, I shot 73 (1 under from the 6th hole to finish). My best shots continue to be when I'm comfortable with my alignment (actual shoulders, feet, arms, clubhead position as well as my own visual conviction), my takeaway is slow, and my tempo is smooth. I made 5 birdies and left a few out there, including a spectacular hybrid shot to 5 feet on the 235 yard (uphill) 17th. I'll be returning to Kettle Brook for the Worcester County Am in July. My Dad shot 78 and left many easy shots out there. His best shots were ones in rhythm and with good width in the backswing. Derek's hybrid club was consistent and he almost made a 90 foot putt (inches away).

Both days brought us 70s and sunny. Looking forward to more golf!

Kurt

Sherrill Cup

Team Lexington GC - Kurt Flionis, Dan Brennan, Steve Keegan, and Rob Lynch competed against 24 other private clubs at Essex County Club in Manchester, MA; format was 18 holes stroke play in the morning (all scores count) and 18 holes scotch (alternate shot) in the afternoon. Due to severe thunderstorms, the tournament was cut to the 18 hole stroke play and the first 6 holes of scotch. We completed the morning session with a 311 score, good for top 5 position with me shooting 78, Steve with 78, Rob with 80, and Dan with 75. In the afternoon, we struggled with each team shooting around bogey golf for the scotch. Our final team total was 371, about middle of the pack. Plymouth CC won the event with approximately 356. Followed by Tedesco and Brae Burn.

I played scotch with Rob in the afternoon. We started off great on 1. I hit a monstrous drive and rob hit a smooth 7-iron from 153 (into the wind) to 6 feet. I unfortunately missed the putt, but still a great start. We bogeyed 2 and parred 3. Then, we tripled number 4. Our bogey streak continued through number 8. Then we parred 9, 10, 11, and 12. Play was called on our 13th hole.

My game was solid in the morning. I started with a triple and double bogey on my first 2 holes.

Then recovered nicely going even the rest of the front nine and plus 3 on the back nine. Steve Keegan commented I was being too technical on the third hole and to just let my great swing take care of itself. After that, I played very well. Sometimes a simple call out is needed to snap out of it! I birdied #6 and #15.

My driving was consistent and my wedge game was smooth. Bunker play was phenomenal. Putting was okay and hybrid/long iron were weak.

I absolutely love the golf course and the event. Hope to be back next year and win this thing!

Cheers,
Kurt

Memorial Day Pro-Am

I followed up my one-club playing sessions with a team victory in the LGC Memorial Day Pro-Am! Team Kurt Flionis, Chris Murphy, Rob Justice, and Eric Carlson shot a 128, for a two-shot victory over Rob Lynch's team. We finished on the 13th hole with a gross birdie (Kurt) and a net eagle (Eric) to close out a tremendous back nine of 9 under par 63 (gross and net).

The tournament format was 90% handicap, with each team having to take 1 gross score and 1 net score per hole. The field included 13 teams of 4. Each team was comprised of an A, B, C, and D player.

What a fun day! Eric Carlson shot 85 as a 19 handicap and Rob Justice had 86 as a 16 handicap! My team was money.

I played much better and shot 74 with 5 birdies and 1 eagle (drove the 16th green to 10 feet), a strong contribution to the gross category. I had 9 one-putts. Lately, I have not been making birdies, so this was a sign of improvement. I feel better about my game going into the Sherrill Cup on Wednesday.

Great day at LGC! (on a random note, my teammate Eric Carlson says he can get me out on Lake of Isles anytime!)

To positive energy,
Kurt

One Club Secret to Success?

My Dad asked me to play 9-holes this Saturday at Lexington GC, intending to help me regain some confidence in my game. However, it was not just any round of golf. He told me that I could only use a 7-iron and a putter! Okay, hmmm I thought about it...and the idea of making may way around a golf course with only one club seemed brilliant and fun. I shot 42, including a birdie and 3 pars. Next day I played with 3 members at Lexington (Tom Harvey, Paul Zabrinski, and Steve Jackson) and used a 4-iron only on the front nine and 5-iron only on the back nine. I shot 39-41 with 13 pars. I played so well and walked off the course with more energy and excitement than I've had in a long time. Playing with my Dad with one club was the most fun I've had on a golf course in a long time. My Dad actually played against me with a 5-iron only that night. On Sunday, my playing companions all played with their full set of clubs. It was so awesome. On the first hole, I had a greenside bunker shot and hit my 4-iron to 10 feet. I hit bump and runs from inside 100 yards. I choked down. I opened the face. I changed the length of my backswing. I visualized shots like never before.

Let me tell you the many reasons why this could turn your game around (keep in mind, i would NOT recommend this during tournament play or on a full time basis, but definitely as a practice method):

1) Creativity - It breaks the mold of hitting predominantly full swing, max shots. You are challenged to be creative with your shots by changing your grip, your length of swing, your clubface angle at address, your ball position, your swing speed...When would you ever hit a 4-iron on a 100-yard par 3? Probably never. But thats not the point. (And I did hit my 4-iron on a 100-yard par-3 over the weekend.) The point is to improve your feel or bring back your feel. Its amazing what you can do with one club. You realize how good you can still hit a shot swinging at 50% or 70%, etc. Made me realize that I am too technical over my shots, trying to hit the perfect distance at full swing.

2) Only one option - You only have one club option. It sets your mind with lower expectations and it forces you to just get it done. No time to think about whether its a hard wedge or soft 9-iron. Its one club, get it done using imagination. There is a lot of to be said about standing over a shot thinking "this is going to be fun to pull off" as opposed to thinking "this shot is so standard that I have to hit to well, anything less is a failure"...the latter being more of a 'burden' and the former being an 'opportunity'. Each golf shot is a great opportunity to shine, regardless of what happens.

3) Fun - A great change of pace to the game. My playing partners reactions were so different than a typical round. 'Can't believe you did that with a 4-iron'...what a shot for a 4-iron...'not bad for a 4-iron'...more positive, more fun, more energy.

4) Becoming close friends with each club - By the time you finish 9-holes with one club, you will find a new sense of comfort with it. For example, I could go multiple rounds without hitting a 4-iron, leading to lack of confidence under pressure. When you are forced to hit every shot with a 4-iron, you will learn what works for you and will gain trust.

My goal is to play 9-holes with each one of my clubs. I got through the 4,5, and 7. So far the 4-iron is winning with a 39.

I have to thank my Dad for turning the ship in the right direction!

I teed it up on Memorial Day with the full set of clubs in LGC's Memorial Day Pro-Am. Things started to look and feel better :)

Patience and practice,

Kurt

Norfolk County Classic - Most 3 putts ever

Over the weekend (May 21-22), I competed in my first Norfolk County Classic at Presidents GC in Quincy. Its a 36-hole stroke event that earns MGA Player of the Year points and draws the best amateurs in the state. I came into the weekend feeling good about my putting and not good about my swing. I have developed a consistent fade that does not feel natural to me, yet, its becoming normal, if that makes sense. And I have yet to accept it, at least temporarily under tournament conditions. Instead of playing it, I fight it, waiting for that slight draw to return. My best results over the weekend were when I aimed 5-10 yards left of target and let the fade take it toward the pin. Unfortunately, I mostly chose to aim straight to slightly right hoping for a draw. I think a hit a handful of draws over the weekend, but not enough to justify playing it.

Shot 80 - 88. OUCH! Five three putts in Round 1 and Seven three putts in Round 2. These stats include putting from the fringe. In my book, I consider that a putt. If you haven't played Presidents, the greens are the most difficult part of the course. They are severely sloped. Granted some of my three putts were from 40 feet plus, it was still atrocious. It happened so many times, it became acceptable in my mind that I was going to 3 putt. I stopped seeing the lines. On a 40 foot putt, it was like automatic 'hit putt 30 feet', walk up 'hit putt 9 feet', and tap in. Then, when I hit a putt 'nicely' to say 4 feet...it was like 'i can't 2 putt', okay i'll block it out and not even hit the hole (this happened twice!). Oh, the trials and tribulations. But you know what, I can't wait for the next one.

My best nine was on the front nine (my back nine) in Round 1. I shot 36 with two three putt bogeys to finish the side. I made it around the course easily for 9 holes. The rest was a struggle, mostly with the putter.

Takeaway of the Weekend: Its okay to play with what you got during a tournament round and save the swing thoughts until practice. I get too caught up in hitting the ball well and 'looking good' to score. You can score in so many different ways, even if it doesn't look pretty. Also, I want to become more of a feel player than mechanics guy.

Some Highlights:

-Played Round 1 with a 1999 Bentley graduate who works at Gordon Brothers, he fired 69, maybe had 1 bogey; solid round and good to see a fellow alum play well!

-Round 2: While walking into the middle of the third fairway, a player's tee shot from the group behind us landed at my foot. It literally passed by my eye. I saw the ball and flinched as I almost was clocked with a golf ball traveling from 250+ yards away. Scary! The guys spotting on the hole, both cringed as I looked at them and they radioed back to the volunteer at the tee box and said 'hold up' on the tee shots (thanks buddy). They knew a scary event was narrowly missed. Glad I am here to talk about the near miss. This helps me get over my bad play!

-Weather was perfect on Saturday, 60s and no wind. Sunday was chilly in the morning and warmed up to the 50s and breezy. Course conditions were good; greens were not too fast given the course got a week of rain prior

Moving forward,

Kurt

Friday Night Lights

The best weather so far in 2011 fell on a Friday. Perfect time to end the week at the golf club. We sat gazing out at the work-in-progress first tee project at Lexington, admiring how well the course was coming along. Brian and Ellen Kenney, Dick Driscoll, and myself turned to our left and to our right, realizing how empty the club was for a beautiful Friday night. Almost summer like, well not quite, but pretty close. Hey its still April right?

I heard the 1970s were rocking at Lexington GC, a social scene that buzzed beyond the fairways and greens. Maybe, well definitely, some drinking, lots of late night stories, the girls, the boys, the bar, and you know what can happen from there. A lot of 'go getters'. So can we bring back some of the 70s lifestyle to LGC? We were visualizing a crowded porch with live music and outdoor heaters, lots of chatter, some dancing, and happiness; taking advantage of the nice property we own. Aggressive, but not too far fetched.

I wouldn't mind bringing my friends or a date to the club on a weekend night for a social scene. We already have great members in place, so we just have to make something happen. No better time to start than now. I am looking forward to many good times ahead this season. I tend to be a non-drinker, but I can guarantee you I will be happy to be part of the show.

Cheers to the first Friday Night at LGC in 2011.

Kurt

p.s. I recommend a garden salad with grilled chicken and feta. Bubba makes a good one!

Day 3 - Arnold Palmer Invitational Pro-Am @ Bay Hill

Here we are, pulling into the players parking lot at 7am, being directed to our space and given our badges for freedom to almost all areas on the property; driving range, clubhouse, putting green, and most of all inside the ropes. Yeah the small group of fans there were looking at me and Mike! Noticed girls walking around giggling wheres Ricky Fowler, wheres Ricky Fowler. He was nowhere to be seen. The grounds were fully set up for the tournament - ropes, signs, Golf Channel staging area, corporate tents, leaderboards, etc.

I watched Mike warm-up at the range and then I spent a lot of time hanging around the putting green with many of the pros such as Brad Faxon, Chad Campbell, Erik Compton, Boo Weekley, Alex Cejka, Jarrod Lyle, Sam Saunders, and a few others.

Again, perfect weather. Mike played great. He put the fear in Dicky Pride early on that he might lose. Mike was carrying the team for a while. He finished around 77. It led Dicky and his caddy (a monstrous 6'6' former Georgia Tech bball player who played with Dennis Scott and Kenny Anderson) to jar jokingly with Mike to rouse him up. Dicky joked, told stories, gave tips, and laughed it up through the entire round. I really appreciated his effort to be involved with the amateurs. I hear many pros do not take the time. Mike's group included Jim (friend of EMC), Mike (VP @ Royal Caribbean), and Dave (CEO of a luxury hotel marketing firm).

Bay Hill was in spectacular shape. Fast greens and deep rough. Dicky said he plays the deep rough with an open stance, open face, and takes a steeper swing path. During the day, I also ran by Johnny Miller, Michael Breed, Paul Goydos, and Arnold Palmer. I really noticed how the pros can get in the zone for 60 seconds to hit their shot and then can relax. Their lower bodies are very quiet. They generate a lot of swing speed but it looks effortless. Also, very good short games and very high levels of confidence. They love the competitiveness. Even a no-name amateur can get them fired up to play better.

It was a true pleasure being part of this weekend. If I'm lucky, I will be there again in the future!

Final Feedback on My Game:

1) Keep left shoulder slightly tilted up to stay behind ball on impact position, will help with height of shot

2) Best shots usually when failure rate was high - those 'expected failure' shots of high difficulty, so my mind goes into 'go for it' mode and i just 'LET IT HAPPEN' such a shot over a bunker lip or fescue or near a tree, etc. Need to translate this into more normal situations

3) Be confident, relax motion, and have no doubts

Time to play in Boston.

Take care,

Kurt

Day 2 - Pro Am Practice and Pairings Party

Today was the day that Mike and his team would pick their professional for the Pro-Am. A lot of anticipation...who would we be playing with? what lottery pick would the team get? First things first, I got to join the practice round at the New Course @ Grand Cypress. It was me, Mike, Jim (friend of EMC), and Patrick (litigation lawyer in Miami who is married to the Southeast sales mgr of Jet Blue). Judy, a travel analyst from EMC followed the group around.

It was another gorgeous day. Sunny and 80s. Now, the New Course is meant to resemble the Old Course at St. Andrews; wide fairways, no trees, fescue, double greens with heavy undulations, false fronts, deep streams, and pot bunkers. The 1st and 18th holes are very close replicas of the holes at St. Andrews. You could land a plane on the fairway. This was my first true links experience. I found reading greens to be most difficult. Mike and I were all square through 52 holes on the weekend (we called this would happen at the start of the week, coming to Orlando we were continuing a tied match last fall). Mike made a mistake on 17 and I birdied 18 with a spectacular 115 yard wedge shot to 5 feet tucked to a left corner pin over the creek. I'll take the victory after another classic Flionis-Murphy battle.

My golf swing was very mediocre. Many shots were going right and divots left, the MOST frustrating feedback. My best shots were when I loosened up my arms and shoulders and set wrists early; on my worst shots it felt like my swing was taking too long to develop. Wedge game was good again. My driver was good, irons and fairway woods were bad, and short game was average.

PRO-AM PAIRINGS PARTY
We arrived in style with sport coats, nice shoes, and slick hair. When we walked in, the place was very cool with pretty girls, small groups mingling, light music, hors d'oeuvre, ice luge by bacardi, and carving stations to a name few. In the far back corner of the function room was a tanned older man by the name Arnold Palmer, one of the greatest golfers to ever play the game and the host of the tournament. There were people from Tokyo and a line of other people waiting to speak with him and take pictures. A long story short, Judy pushed me to talk to Arnold and I did. I failed to come up with a good line, accept 'the course is in great shape, I'm from Jet Blue, thanks for having us...blah blah blah'. Anyway he looked at me briefly and then we turned for a picture. It was AWESOME.

The lottery draft for the professional was great too. All the teams listened to Arnie make a speech and then a computer generator starts picking team numbers. Each team has 30 seconds to make their selection, starting with 24 pros. Mike's team picked around 17th and got Dicky Pride, a 41-year old journeyman and member at Bay Hill. The locals told us we made a great pick. I wouldn't believe it until the next day...

Day 1 - 36 Hole Marathon

Mike and I arrived late Friday night to the luxurious Waldorf Astoria (within Walt Disney complex) and hit the hotel bar for a drink (me having my staple Guinness and Mike having his G&T). While watching March Madness, we ordered the best pork sliders I have ever had, even if I never had pork sliders before, they were unbelievable! As absurd as the prices were at Waldorf, the food was excellent and the price was right on a corporate card. On Saturday morning, I got a egg/cheese sandwich and an orange juice. Guess how much it cost? $25, ah ah choke, are you kidding me!? If any justice was had, the sandwich was enormous and filling.

Our first round of the day was at the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, an immaculate 7,000 yard par-72 course right outside our hotel room. It was literally a half wedge from the balcony of our room. As usual, Mike and I set the stage for a big 54 hole match over the weekend, playing $3 Nassau with birdies, sandies, closest to pin on par 3s, and three putts. My first shot of the trip was a hybrid down the right side of the fairway on a straight away 364 yard par-4. I made a standard par to start. I followed with another par, then got wayward (missing mostly right, with a few hooks left...think i was setting my wrist angle too late) with my tee ball and made bogey, double, and bogey. My final score was 81 (+9). I went +7 on the four par-5s. The golf course had grass very much like the Northeast and the greens were beautiful (never a single bump on a putt). The greens were all heavily guarded by bunkers and pitched. I played a nice short game to manage my way around the course. Weather 85 and sunny. Match results, Flionis wins all around. Players partners = no others. Best holes of day: Mike eagles par-5 eighth, sticking long-iron within three feet and I went back-to-back birdies on 16 and 17, including a chip in on 17.

In the afternoon, we joined up with the Woburn legend Tommy Coleman and his son-in-law Jonathan. The golf course was Grande Pines GC, a par-72 7,000 yards. It was a nice golf course, but not as well conditioned as Waldorf. Mike took home the match by shooting 76. I had 81, highlighted by a very solid wedge game. My new Cleveland CG15 wedges are working very well inside 125 yards. I hit multiple shots tight to pins from wedge distance. Murphy had the shot of the day when he punched out of the woods from 130 yards and the ball settled within 15 feet of the hole and he sank the birdie putt. At first, we never thought he would find his tee shot and then he makes birdie. I couldn't match it! Tommy was a blast to play with, including many humorous remarks such as the first tee when he approached the Cornell golf team and said 'nice food you guys got up there'...made no sense to me...the kid responded in befuddlement, 'we do have nice cafeterias'.

For dinner, we ate at the Bull & Bear Steakhouse. I got a 28-day dry aged NY Sirloin (all natural). And the French Beignets were unreal, first time I've ever had em'. Probably top 3 meals I have ever had. Remind me to take you there next time we are in Orlando! So worth the money...

Living the life of rich and famous this weekend....Day 2 includes a Pro-Am practice round at Grand Cypress Resort - 830am shotgun, then followed by lunch, pool time, and the Pro-Am pairings party at Bay Hill...where I meet "THE KING"

Stay tuned

Orlando Bound

Spending March 18 - 21 here in Orlando.

Golf Schedule as follows:

March 19 - Waldorf Astoria Golf Club (Round 1) and Grande Pines at JW Marriott (Round 2)

March 20 - TBD

March 21 - Caddying for Mike in Arnold Palmer Invitational Pro-Am at Bay Hill

Blog to follow on events and travel.

PGA Tour West Coast Swing and 50 degrees in Boston (on 2/14) calls for...

An update! I have been practicing my swing at Brae Burn CC over the winter. Mostly working on staying connected throughout the swing, good rhythm, and repetition. The 'staying connected' part means I am focused on less disconnection between my arms and torso. As the arms get disconnected (extending away from torso or lifting up), the results of my ball flight are more volatile. You can check your connectedness by putting a golf glove under either of your armpits and see if it falls out during the swing. This will not be effective for everyone, but it does give you a sense how some of the best players play connected like Padraig Harrington and Vijay Singh. Also, related to 'connectedness', its important to keep a quiet lower body and be grounded. Most amateurs don't leverage the ground to gain power. You should be planting/pushing on the ground as opposed to lifting weight toward the sky.

Rhythm and repetition are essential to building a good swing. I play my best when I am in rhythm (a.k.a. good tempo). And repetition is what golf is all about. If you can repeat a swing that produces the same results, whether its a low or high ball flight or draw or fade, you will play well.

Its great to have a place to keep the swing going over the winter. I have never had a good place to go during the cold winter months. The facility has three practice nets and a putting green.

I'm preparing for a big year! I am going to compete on the Golf Channel Amateur Tour starting in April and then gear up for my usual majors on the MGA, USGA, and Lexington Golf Club circuits. I'm looking to get a little Bubba Watson in me this year...less mechanics and rigid practice session replaced my more imagination and creative shot practice.

My goal is to qualify for the Golf Channel Nationals in La Quinta, CA this September. Giddy up!

Keep up on your Vitamin D!

Kurt