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
Friday, May 24, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Golf Channel - International Golf Club
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
To good golf!
Kurt
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
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