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