May 14 - 15: The MGA Four Ball Championship took place at Ledgemont CC and Pawtucket CC. 2-man teams, 36 holes best ball. The last time I played in the tournament was 2003 with M. O'Brien from my high school golf team. We finished tied for 2nd at Stow Acres CC with a 9 under par. A memorable moment in my amateur career. This year I teamed up with a college teammate Chris Bates from MaRlborough CC. We were feeling good coming into the event, excited to feed off each other and be an underdog contender. We played a practice round at Ledgemont CC prior to the event with R. Lynch and N. Chaney. Ledgemont is a nice track. I wouldn't say its long overall, but it has a number of long, challenging par-4s, deep rough in spots, and multiple doglegs. They played the first hole as a par-4, normally a short 5 for the members. I heard mixed feedback on the greens, on the slower side. I thought they rolled well and were played at a fair speed. Day 1 weather at Ledgemont was cool (high 50s, maybe low 60s), partly sunny. Pawtucket CC is a Donald Ross course in a city-like location. Great condition with tricky greens, many elevated and some with false fronts. During Day 2 afternoon at Pawtucket, the greens were a little bumpy at times making it difficult to putt. My experience was tainted from the poor weather, rain, cold (low 50s, maybe high 40s), and windy most of the round. Also, didn't like there was only one par-5. Overall, both courses are good. If I had to pick one, I'd go with Ledgemont (noting usually I like the old school courses more).
Had a great time playing with Bates. We did not bring our best stuff at all and shot 76-77, close to the bottom of the barrel. I'd like to say woulda coulda, but we just didn't have it. But we know you gotta know how to handle both winning and losing in this game, because few win often. The most memorable tournament moment, unfortunately, was when we (slightly more Chris) ran over my golf ball with the golf cart on the first hole of the tournament! We didn't see the ball sitting down in the rough and it plugged from the cart. It cost us a shot out of the gate. (Ruling is a one-stroke penalty. Since the ball was plugged, we were able to drop to nearest point of relief no closer to the hole). We did not drive the cart in the rough the rest of the day.
Our playing partners Jeff Kinney and Ryan Johnston were a great grouping. Enjoyed it.
Chris's and my Dad both watched on Day 1. Special day. I closed with a birdie on 18 to ignite excitement going into Day 2.
The Werenski brothers won at 10 under par.
A great tournament and well done by the MGA. They run top notch tournaments that always raises the stakes for the local amateurs. You want to do well in MGA events. Thats priceless.
My game was up and down. Had some great moments. Excited about the rest of the summer.
Keep on improving,
Flio
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