Family Golf and Golf Channel Event

May 4 - My Dad, my brother, myself, and Chuck played at Shaker Hills in Harvard, MA.  The golf course was in good shape and the layout remained very similar to prior years.  Their biggest renovations were coming at the clubhouse and the 18th hole.  The 18th will be a long par-5 with the green finishing at the spot of the old putting green, with the clubhouse deck overlooking it (all projected to be done on May 10).  The rest of the course had minor changes to bunkers, rock, and other aesthestics.  We ran into new head pro and high school friend Jeff.  Also, Chuck was enjoying one of if not his last round before becoming a Dad.  His son was born the following week!!  My Dad was striping his tee shots around the difficult landing areas and was definitely the strongest player of the day.  Derek continues to defy golfing odds with deft touch inside 100 yards.  Amazing for a guy who doesn't play regularly.  The more he plays, the potential is limitless.  Chuck is crafty calling on his draw and fade abilities.  Cool windy day, sunny, high 50s.  Great enjoyed by all!!

May 5 - I competed in the Golf Channel event at Indian Pond.  Similar weather to Shaker Hills, but slightly cooler.  I never took off my pullover sweater.  Greens were very slow, still going through recovery from green aeration.  My playing partners were a tennis pro (Carl) and Golf Channel veterans Vance and Bob S (both play across the country in majors).  Great, professional group.  We flew around the course in less than 4 hours and 30 minutes, a great pace for a foursome under tournament.  I won my division by 9 shots!  Overall game was up and down.  My best stretch starting on the par-3 fifth, a daunting 185 yards downhill (80-100 feet) over water into the wind.  Pin was cut in the front.  I hit a high, well struck 4-iron that felt like it would never come down.  It landed 15 feet right of the pin.  I made the par and then went on to birdie #6.   I'm most proud of my improved ability to bounce back from bad holes (doubled #3, #4) and growing confidence in my ball striking ability.  My good swings keep coming more and more, and the time to go from bad to good is shrinking.

Congrats to Chuck and Michelle on their newborn son!!

Kurt