My first time at the International Golf Club - Oaks Course was impressive. Its a challenging, fair layout, great condition, and excellent practice facility. Its too bad the course is so far from Boston. If you have the chance to play it, its worth it or if you live in the area, I know they are running a number of deals for new members. My ball striking continues to be solid, made three birdies. I was two under on the par-5s. I had a couple of shake ups at the end and finished with a 78. Played with G. Barton (Renaissance Golf Club) and C. Thomas (unaffiliated, tennis pro). The weather was in the high 50s, low 60s and overcast, periods of rain on back nine.
To good golf!
Kurt
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Sunday, May 12, 2013
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
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
Friday, April 19, 2013
Orange County National
April 3-8: Coming off the Horseshoe Bay trip, I was psyched to rebound with my performance at the Golf Channel Am Tour Event in Orlando at Orange County National, host of many PGA Tour Q-School Finals. I definitely came with less expectations and an attitude of building confidence, not the expectations to shoot 72s. My Dad and I arrived a few days early to play the Waldorf Astoria GC and a practice round at Orange County National - Panther Lake. Both days were overcast, windy, and mixed rain. There was severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings that ended up moving south of us, so we were pleasantly surprised to easily get in our rounds.
Day 1: Waldorf Astoria is a top shelf, well manicured, fair and fun layout. The two of us cruised around, scraping off some rust. I almost had a hole in one on number 7 from 181, landing inches from the cup. I made a sliding 4 footer for birdie. My Dad found himself in a plethora of sand traps throughout the course. He is now well-skilled from fairway traps, including hitting a 3 wood out! After the round, we spent an hour or so at the immaculate driving range and putting green, running into Christina Kim, who practices here regularly. We settled inside during the afternoon rains and then had an amazing dinner at the hotel's steakhouse. Lastly, we surprisingly ran into the Arthur Murray World Dance Competition being held at the resort's conference center. Talk about fun! We watched pretty woman in glitzy dresses dance the ramba, swing, mambo, etc. like you see on tv. It was a four day competition. We watched a few times during our stay. I almost tripped a few times in awe of some of the women.
Day 2: Tee'd it up at Orange County Panther Lake with my Dad and another father/son duo, the father was competing in the Golf Channel event. They were from Virginia. It was a very slow round, over 5 hours. The conditions were sunny, but heavy winds - difficult to control distances. My Dad made a fantastic birdie on number 9 from 170 yards, ball well below his feet, and water lurking right. He carved a beautiful iron into a tucked right pin and made a 10 footer for bird. My shot of the day was a 3-wood from 250 into the par-5 7th over water into wind. We cancelled out steak dinner bets on those shots! Before the round, we practiced a lot at the nation's largest driving range at Orange County and huge short game areas. A disappointing driving range, not generous of giving golf balls, no distance markers, and almost no flags. Then, we checked into the Orange County lodge, disgusted by the chemical laden and dirty tub room. We immediately cancelled out after my Dad claimed heart problems. We luckily found a room back in Disney where we stayed the prior two nights. Do not stay at Orange County Lodge!
Day 3 (Tournament Round 1): I played Round 1 at Crooked Cat course on Orange County. The morning tee off was cold for Orlando, low 50s and a crisp, cool wind. I was shivering at the first tee. Throughout the round, I was striking it well, but couldn't judge distances well in the wind and my short game was below average. The middle of my round was strong, even par on nine holes (holes 14 through 4). My driver was great. I was greenside in two on every par 5, birdieing 2 of 4. I finished by bogeying 4 out of 5 holes to shoot 80. Played with a guy in his 50s from Wisconsin and a guy in his 30s who owned an electrical contracting company in Florida. Post round: Got some pool time, watched a great Louisville-Michigan final
four game over Italian dinner with my Dad.
Day 4 (Final Tournament Round): Early morning tee off at Panther Lake. My playing partner was a middle aged guy from PA and a 22 year old from FL. The PA withdrew after nine holes, was at least 9 over par and said he ran out of golf balls! I was on fire out of the gates, almost landing my first approach shot in the hole. My ball striking was the best its been in a long time, I hit the first 12 greens in regulation, made 1 birdie and 1 bogey. Numerous birdie putts edging the cups. On holes 13-18, I finished six over par, 4 straight bogeys, 1 double, and 1 par. Frustrating! I three-putted 14,15, and 16, not taking advantage of good shots. My birdie putts just missed and ran by 4 feet as the greens sped up. Once I missed a short one, it got in my head. 16 of 18 GIRs and I shoot 78. Looking back, I'm thrilled with how I managed my game and it gives me great confidence going into the Massachusetts season, knowing if I keep this going, I'll have great success.
My goals are high and can't wait to play more. My Dad and I had superb weather on the weekend in Orlando, high 70s and sunny. I cherish these times and so grateful for the opportunity to have these experiences. We finished the trip with pool time, range time again with Christina Kim, and more Italian food. We both dislike the Orlando airport, nothing is easy there.
To confident and fun golf,
Kurt
Day 1: Waldorf Astoria is a top shelf, well manicured, fair and fun layout. The two of us cruised around, scraping off some rust. I almost had a hole in one on number 7 from 181, landing inches from the cup. I made a sliding 4 footer for birdie. My Dad found himself in a plethora of sand traps throughout the course. He is now well-skilled from fairway traps, including hitting a 3 wood out! After the round, we spent an hour or so at the immaculate driving range and putting green, running into Christina Kim, who practices here regularly. We settled inside during the afternoon rains and then had an amazing dinner at the hotel's steakhouse. Lastly, we surprisingly ran into the Arthur Murray World Dance Competition being held at the resort's conference center. Talk about fun! We watched pretty woman in glitzy dresses dance the ramba, swing, mambo, etc. like you see on tv. It was a four day competition. We watched a few times during our stay. I almost tripped a few times in awe of some of the women.
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| Me at first hole of Waldorf Astoria |
Day 2: Tee'd it up at Orange County Panther Lake with my Dad and another father/son duo, the father was competing in the Golf Channel event. They were from Virginia. It was a very slow round, over 5 hours. The conditions were sunny, but heavy winds - difficult to control distances. My Dad made a fantastic birdie on number 9 from 170 yards, ball well below his feet, and water lurking right. He carved a beautiful iron into a tucked right pin and made a 10 footer for bird. My shot of the day was a 3-wood from 250 into the par-5 7th over water into wind. We cancelled out steak dinner bets on those shots! Before the round, we practiced a lot at the nation's largest driving range at Orange County and huge short game areas. A disappointing driving range, not generous of giving golf balls, no distance markers, and almost no flags. Then, we checked into the Orange County lodge, disgusted by the chemical laden and dirty tub room. We immediately cancelled out after my Dad claimed heart problems. We luckily found a room back in Disney where we stayed the prior two nights. Do not stay at Orange County Lodge!
Day 3 (Tournament Round 1): I played Round 1 at Crooked Cat course on Orange County. The morning tee off was cold for Orlando, low 50s and a crisp, cool wind. I was shivering at the first tee. Throughout the round, I was striking it well, but couldn't judge distances well in the wind and my short game was below average. The middle of my round was strong, even par on nine holes (holes 14 through 4). My driver was great. I was greenside in two on every par 5, birdieing 2 of 4. I finished by bogeying 4 out of 5 holes to shoot 80. Played with a guy in his 50s from Wisconsin and a guy in his 30s who owned an electrical contracting company in Florida. Post round: Got some pool time, watched a great Louisville-Michigan final
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| Orange County Panther Lake - Par 5 14th |
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| My Dad - Waldorf Astoria fairway bunker |
Day 4 (Final Tournament Round): Early morning tee off at Panther Lake. My playing partner was a middle aged guy from PA and a 22 year old from FL. The PA withdrew after nine holes, was at least 9 over par and said he ran out of golf balls! I was on fire out of the gates, almost landing my first approach shot in the hole. My ball striking was the best its been in a long time, I hit the first 12 greens in regulation, made 1 birdie and 1 bogey. Numerous birdie putts edging the cups. On holes 13-18, I finished six over par, 4 straight bogeys, 1 double, and 1 par. Frustrating! I three-putted 14,15, and 16, not taking advantage of good shots. My birdie putts just missed and ran by 4 feet as the greens sped up. Once I missed a short one, it got in my head. 16 of 18 GIRs and I shoot 78. Looking back, I'm thrilled with how I managed my game and it gives me great confidence going into the Massachusetts season, knowing if I keep this going, I'll have great success.
My goals are high and can't wait to play more. My Dad and I had superb weather on the weekend in Orlando, high 70s and sunny. I cherish these times and so grateful for the opportunity to have these experiences. We finished the trip with pool time, range time again with Christina Kim, and more Italian food. We both dislike the Orlando airport, nothing is easy there.
To confident and fun golf,
Kurt
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Horseshoe Bay
Mar 2-3:
My Dad and I visited Austin and Horseshoe Bay, TX for a Golf Channel Amateur event. It was a quick trip. We flew in Friday morning and left Sunday evening. In the middle 54 hours, we packed in a trip to Whole Foods' flagship store for lunch, 54 holes at Horseshoe Bay Resort, and some Texas barbeque.
The golf courses we played, Ram Rock and Apple Rock were both very difficult courses, with significant elevation changes, small greens, firm fairways, and many hazards. With the Texas winds blowing all weekend and temperatures mostly in the 50s (low 40s in the morning and climbing to mid-60s on Sunday), my golf ball was traveling all over the place. I actually could have used winter gloves to drive the golf cart in the am, it was that cold.
In the first round, my ball striking was excellent and I barely broke 90. Hour glass greens were brutal. My first hole of the tournament was the par-3 image below. I won a skin on a different par-3, hitting a 7-iron to inches from the hole. Hit a few drives 350 yards with the firm fairways. The second course, Apple Rock, was one notch lower in difficulty, but still harder than most. I shot worse, struggling off the tee and poor ball striking overall. My expectations were not met. Only one player broke 80 in my division over 36 holes. There were only 12 birdies on the first day across the entire championship field. I think I made 3 of them. Clearly, most players struggled. You needed to have complete control of your golf ball and feel comfortable playing different trajectories and shot shapes. I didn't have that feel, let alone short game, coming out of the winter.
Hotel experience was mediocre. The Marriott at Horseshoe Bay is nice, (cool putting course, nice wedding reception area), but the general area is lacking energy and the Horseshoe Bay community appears to face financial challenges, with mostly underdeveloped real estate lots, short staff, limited food options (and not that good), etc. Don't plan on going back. Austin looks like a great party city.
Best food might have been nacho dip at Slick Rock Golf Club. Biggest mishap, beside my golf scores, was following the rental car GPS from the airport, took us in a loop that added one hour to our commute and left us scrambling to make our practice round tee time (showed up a few minutes late, no warmup time). Biggest upset was my Dad beating me in a game of horse at the hotel.
2013 Season Underway!
Kurt
My Dad and I visited Austin and Horseshoe Bay, TX for a Golf Channel Amateur event. It was a quick trip. We flew in Friday morning and left Sunday evening. In the middle 54 hours, we packed in a trip to Whole Foods' flagship store for lunch, 54 holes at Horseshoe Bay Resort, and some Texas barbeque.
The golf courses we played, Ram Rock and Apple Rock were both very difficult courses, with significant elevation changes, small greens, firm fairways, and many hazards. With the Texas winds blowing all weekend and temperatures mostly in the 50s (low 40s in the morning and climbing to mid-60s on Sunday), my golf ball was traveling all over the place. I actually could have used winter gloves to drive the golf cart in the am, it was that cold.
In the first round, my ball striking was excellent and I barely broke 90. Hour glass greens were brutal. My first hole of the tournament was the par-3 image below. I won a skin on a different par-3, hitting a 7-iron to inches from the hole. Hit a few drives 350 yards with the firm fairways. The second course, Apple Rock, was one notch lower in difficulty, but still harder than most. I shot worse, struggling off the tee and poor ball striking overall. My expectations were not met. Only one player broke 80 in my division over 36 holes. There were only 12 birdies on the first day across the entire championship field. I think I made 3 of them. Clearly, most players struggled. You needed to have complete control of your golf ball and feel comfortable playing different trajectories and shot shapes. I didn't have that feel, let alone short game, coming out of the winter.
Hotel experience was mediocre. The Marriott at Horseshoe Bay is nice, (cool putting course, nice wedding reception area), but the general area is lacking energy and the Horseshoe Bay community appears to face financial challenges, with mostly underdeveloped real estate lots, short staff, limited food options (and not that good), etc. Don't plan on going back. Austin looks like a great party city.
Best food might have been nacho dip at Slick Rock Golf Club. Biggest mishap, beside my golf scores, was following the rental car GPS from the airport, took us in a loop that added one hour to our commute and left us scrambling to make our practice round tee time (showed up a few minutes late, no warmup time). Biggest upset was my Dad beating me in a game of horse at the hotel.
2013 Season Underway!
Kurt
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Range Visit
February 24 - Hit up McGolf Driving Range in the snow/rain with my new 913 D3, 6 iron, and PW. I couldn't see the ball past 50 yards, but it was well worth the trip to swing and feel the feedback. I continue to find I hit it the best when I am fresh and unhindered by near-term experiences...need to bring this relaxed concentration to the tournament scene. Ran into my friend Tony and he told me his wife Lisa was expecting their first baby! He was excited to be swinging his new Nike driver and was jealous of my upcoming Texas trip. The game brings so many good people together and always makes me smile. The weather is looking like low-to-mid 60s in Texas. I'm off this weekend to Horseshoe Bay!
Namaste
Namaste
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Back Injury
Hurt my back on January 5th playing basketball. Its believed to be pinched nerve. It took a solid two weeks to get through very uncomfortable days and spasms. Now I'm moving good, but the injury is still present. No gym or exercises yet. Glad its the winter time and not golf season! Hope all my golfing buddies are having a healthy, fun, and active winter.
Everyone take care of their backs. A little strengthening and stretching everyday helps! Also, I recommend Genius of Flexibility in Boston if you are looking for a new direction in health and fitness. Its pricey, but worth it in my opinion.
Kurt
Everyone take care of their backs. A little strengthening and stretching everyday helps! Also, I recommend Genius of Flexibility in Boston if you are looking for a new direction in health and fitness. Its pricey, but worth it in my opinion.
Kurt
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Innisbrook - Humbling end to 2012
Dec 1-2: Trip to Innisbrook Golf Resort in Tampa, FL
Innisbrook is home to 4 championship golf courses including the Copperhead, host of the annual PGA Tour event called Transitions Championship. The second most notable course is Island, host of an LPGA event.
I was in town to compete in the Golf Channel Am Tour Winter Championship at Copperhead and Island. The format was 36 holes stroke play. I arrived to the resort at 11pm on Friday November 30 with little time to prepare for my 813am first round tee time at Copperhead. I geared up as best as I could, rising at 6am, having a full breakfast, hitting the driving range and practice putting green. My first tee shot was a 3-wood right down the middle, setting up an 8-iron to the green and 2 putt par. On the second hole, a tight par 5, a ripped 3-wood down the middle (not worth hitting driver but tempting given its a par-5, i was smart about it), laid up with a 6-iron, hit a wedge to pin high and made par. The third hole has the signature copperhead logo cut out from bushes (you see on TV for the PGA tour), a 380 yard par 4 that requires a 200-yard shot to avoid water. I hit 5-iron right down the middle then hit a solid 7-iron, but pulled it over the green (hit cart path). With a chance to hit a flop shot and save par, I proceeded to thin the shot into a bunker. Okay my bunker play is good, so I hit a great bunker shot to 5 feet. What do I do? 3 PUTT!! Ran the first putt by 5 feet and missed it coming back. UGH! TRIPLE BOGEY, +3 after 3 just like that.
Copperhead course is a narrow track, however if you miss the fairways you can still play a shot back to fairway or possibly to the green. Its a long course too. We played at 6,800 yards, par 71. This is long considering 5 par 3s. Its got a lot of elevation changes. You need to accept hitting 3-woods on par 5s and sometimes hybrids on long par-4s. You will have long irons in your hands. No gimmie holes. The challenge for me was not keeping the ball in play, it was the short game. If you were on the wrong side of the green, the putting was very challenging. I had 6 three putts, 40 putts in total. I did not lose a ball all day and shot 91. I couldn't figure out the speeds (must have been the grain!) and I had no feel with the Florida rough chip shots! Most greens were well surrounded by bunkers, making precision iron shots important. I was hitting them greenside all day, but couldn't get up and down or I would three putt.
Day 2 at Island. Folks were telling me this was the harder course! Great, coming off a 91 and I have to deal with a harder course. I was ready for a challenge. Here we go! First tee shot - COLD TOP at 730am. Okay really, do you know how to play golf anymore!? I made a nice bogey and then birdied number 2; phew. Some momentum? Nope. Missed a 5 footer for par on 3, then 3 putt number 4 for bogey. I shoot 87. Another disaster day on the greens, 39 putts, including one 4 putt.
Island Course had many water hazards and thick wooded areas with Cypress trees. If you went in there, you weren't finding the ball or if you did, you were not playing it. See picture. Greens were nicer than Copperhead. I didn't get a bad lie in the fairway on either course.
I would recommend this place. The resort was very peaceful, good food, very nice staff and service, and great courses. I didn't see the other 2 courses, but were told they are each unique, one of them actually being wide open.
The weather was perfect, 80 and sunny both days.
Very humbling golf experience.
I'll tell ya, I got my money's worth on the course and even a little bit of a tan at the pool. I hope to be back next year!
This wraps up my 2012 season. Time to recharge.
Happy Winter,
Kurt
Innisbrook is home to 4 championship golf courses including the Copperhead, host of the annual PGA Tour event called Transitions Championship. The second most notable course is Island, host of an LPGA event.
I was in town to compete in the Golf Channel Am Tour Winter Championship at Copperhead and Island. The format was 36 holes stroke play. I arrived to the resort at 11pm on Friday November 30 with little time to prepare for my 813am first round tee time at Copperhead. I geared up as best as I could, rising at 6am, having a full breakfast, hitting the driving range and practice putting green. My first tee shot was a 3-wood right down the middle, setting up an 8-iron to the green and 2 putt par. On the second hole, a tight par 5, a ripped 3-wood down the middle (not worth hitting driver but tempting given its a par-5, i was smart about it), laid up with a 6-iron, hit a wedge to pin high and made par. The third hole has the signature copperhead logo cut out from bushes (you see on TV for the PGA tour), a 380 yard par 4 that requires a 200-yard shot to avoid water. I hit 5-iron right down the middle then hit a solid 7-iron, but pulled it over the green (hit cart path). With a chance to hit a flop shot and save par, I proceeded to thin the shot into a bunker. Okay my bunker play is good, so I hit a great bunker shot to 5 feet. What do I do? 3 PUTT!! Ran the first putt by 5 feet and missed it coming back. UGH! TRIPLE BOGEY, +3 after 3 just like that.
Copperhead course is a narrow track, however if you miss the fairways you can still play a shot back to fairway or possibly to the green. Its a long course too. We played at 6,800 yards, par 71. This is long considering 5 par 3s. Its got a lot of elevation changes. You need to accept hitting 3-woods on par 5s and sometimes hybrids on long par-4s. You will have long irons in your hands. No gimmie holes. The challenge for me was not keeping the ball in play, it was the short game. If you were on the wrong side of the green, the putting was very challenging. I had 6 three putts, 40 putts in total. I did not lose a ball all day and shot 91. I couldn't figure out the speeds (must have been the grain!) and I had no feel with the Florida rough chip shots! Most greens were well surrounded by bunkers, making precision iron shots important. I was hitting them greenside all day, but couldn't get up and down or I would three putt.
Day 2 at Island. Folks were telling me this was the harder course! Great, coming off a 91 and I have to deal with a harder course. I was ready for a challenge. Here we go! First tee shot - COLD TOP at 730am. Okay really, do you know how to play golf anymore!? I made a nice bogey and then birdied number 2; phew. Some momentum? Nope. Missed a 5 footer for par on 3, then 3 putt number 4 for bogey. I shoot 87. Another disaster day on the greens, 39 putts, including one 4 putt.
Island Course had many water hazards and thick wooded areas with Cypress trees. If you went in there, you weren't finding the ball or if you did, you were not playing it. See picture. Greens were nicer than Copperhead. I didn't get a bad lie in the fairway on either course.I would recommend this place. The resort was very peaceful, good food, very nice staff and service, and great courses. I didn't see the other 2 courses, but were told they are each unique, one of them actually being wide open.
The weather was perfect, 80 and sunny both days.
Very humbling golf experience.
I'll tell ya, I got my money's worth on the course and even a little bit of a tan at the pool. I hope to be back next year!
This wraps up my 2012 season. Time to recharge.
Happy Winter,
Kurt
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