Perfect day in the making - mid to high 70s, sunny, and minimal wind at Presidents GC, paired with good friends Swen and Dan B. One thing about Presys, its always windy; today was the exception. My preparation started well with a warmup at Granite Links GC. I left there at 1155am, giving myself plenty of time to make my 1239pm tee time, since its only a 10 minute ride to the course. Well, that changed in a hurry when I missed the exit coming back, got lost off the next exit, got back on 93 South and took the wrong exit again! As I go towards the off ramp, breaklights lead to stand still traffic. I was panicked because I was lost again and time was ticking to make my tee time...stand still at 1215pm and no idea where the course is from my location. I put the car in park, jumped out, popped the trunk to grab my cell phone and then called 411. I connected with the golf course and this guy Frank saved the day, staying on the phone with me until I got to the course. After a few curse words and raised heart rates, I made it with time to spare, as the tee times were running 5 minutes late.
First tee shot with 3-wood went 50 yards right, almost into the 8th fairway. I hit a nice second shot with a 6 iron (over the trees) to get back into the hole and then chipped in for birdie!!! Parred #2 and then birdied #3! -2 thru 3. Finished the front bogey, par, par, bogey, bogey, and bogey. 36 out.
Back nine was not so friendly. I doubled #10 after a flubbed chip, then hit three tee shots on 12 leading to an eight. Actually a nice eight, I made a four on the third ball. Never got in going again. Shot 46 coming in. Total 82.
Disappointing to end up the way I did. I felt good with the swing. Chipping was nice and rolled the putter well. Still 4 three putts! My mistakes around the green came from peeking too early and my poor tee shots on 12 were pure nerves. New irons felt good. I think I'm gaining distance with them. Three wood came up a few yards short of driving #11.
Focusing on the positive shots I hit out there - many good drives, putts, approaches, and bunker shots. Best shot of the day was probably my 60 yard approach shot on #6 from a tight lie to 7 feet and made the putt to save par.
Hope to get in a number of rounds between now and the Mass Am!
Stats:
33 putts
3 fairways, 8 greens, 2 birdies, 1 triple, 2 doubles, 7 bogeys, 6 pars, 3 penalty shots (2 with distance)
See ya,
Kurt
