Sept 15-16: This year, Mike and I, had to make the 85 mile drive back and forth to Dennis Highlands. We typically stay at his in-laws house in Dennis, but this year the house was unavailable due to renovations (we drove by and the place is looking awesome, almost done). So we got plenty of talk in, food in, and traffic on our road trips. Actually, round 2 was a 750am tee off. I was up at 430am and in front of Mike's house at 535am! Mike took me to Mercantiles Cafe in Dennis; if you are ever in the area, its amazing, they make their own bread and voted best sandwiches in Cape Cod.
Our tournament was respectable. We shot 73-68. Total 141 (-1). Its unclear what our finish was, but we should be in the Top 15. In the first round, the low score was 65. Mike played great in the first round. I played terrible. In the second round, I played very good and Mike didn't play well. I guess we picked each other up, but I would prefer both of us playing well! Round 1 - 35-38; 2 birdies and 4 bogeys. Mike almost holed out two bunker shots (on 2 and 13). He birdied 1 and 3. We played with the Curran brothers. Round 2 - 32-36; 6 birdies and 3 bogeys. I birdied 3,4,8,13, including a chip in on 3. Also, made a ridiculous right to left downhill swinger on #4 from 12 feet. The putt went up a hill, and u-turned back down the hill into the hole. Mike birdied 1 and 12. We played with B. Malcolm and R. McCarthy (Bentley grad!).
Dennis Highlands greens were fantastic. Fast and rolled true. The weather was high 60s, low 70s and sunny both days.
Next year we need to reduce our overall bogeys and increase our birdies on the par-5s. We had one birdie on the par-5 eighth in Round 2, nothing else.
Good swing thoughts this week: Stable lower body, slow takeaway, and full turn. Putting was excellent - very good feel for speed and was using a slow takeaway. Also, most drivers I have ever hit in 36 holes - 14 the first day and 13 the second day.
Keep the good weather going!
Kurt
Monday, September 17, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
4 Day Golf Weekend
Labor Day Weekend 2012 Recap:
August 31 - 7am tee off at Lexington GC with D. Ryan; 75 and sunny, perfect; Flio makes 5 birdies to shoot 72 (bogeys last two holes with two three putts, gag, ugh); Danny shots 82 on his second round of the year; fun day playing with my Bentley golf teammate; we played in three and half hours, its worth getting up early! Note: Fantastic dinner with parents and godfather on LGC porch; my godfather got the ice cream brownie sundae, chatted with Richie L, ate good buffalo chicken fingers, fried chicken, hummus, and fish/chips. Summer night to a tee!
September 1 - 630am departure to the Deutsche Bank Championship with E Swen, R Riley, and C Tarallo; beautiful weather, high 70s and sunny; we arrived just in time for Els, Mickelson, and Fowler followed by Bradley, Kuchar, and Mahan; then McIlroy, Z. Johnson, and Dufner. We followed these three groups for 5 hours, not necessarily by choice, as we scattered throughout the course, stopping at various points, such as 11th green and 12th tee, 18th green stadium bar, 18th tee, 16th tee, 3rd tee, and 6th tee. We watched Bradley shank a shot on number 13 and take a drop from the stance; we watched McIlroy eagle 18, Els advance it only 20 yards from the fescue on 13, Fowler hook it in the woods off 10 tee, and bombs off the tee by Bradley and Mickelson. It amazes me how quiet the driver sound was the pros tee off, the ball comes off relatively quiet and has amazing hang time. McIlroy's swing is soooo good. Shortly after noon, we proceeded off-site to Chipotle and then to Norton CC for a showdown, Swen and I versus Riley (2011 Mass Am champ) and C Tarallo. After 18 holes, the match ended all square. I birdied 17 to tie the match and Swen made an awesome par on 18 from the 17th hole. Riley and Tarallo are very very good golfers. (Note: We got into the Deutsche without anyone checking our tickets...secret is sealed with me)
September 2 - 2pm tee time with my bro at George Wright GC. Another perfect day weather wise, sunny and high 70s. My bro drove his Ping G20 excellent and made one of the greatest pars I have seen on the #4 (par 3). He hit his tee shot way right and couldn't see the flag from the bottom of a huge hill right of the green. He proceeded to pitch a shot high enough to clear the hill, low enough to get under a large oak tree, and soft enough to stop it on the green from 60 yards. He then drained a 15 footer to save par. I hit the green for a sleeve of Bridgestone balls, missing a $1k hole in one opportunity (shot was not close at all). We both enjoyed the layout of George Wright, many challenging tee shots, large elevation changes, and a unique Boston history about it, in the heart of Hyde Park. My bro continued his outstanding touch around the greens with his 7-iron and 8-iron, better than anyone I have seen that doesn't play many rounds of golf. I putted excellent and had my bro help me with my alignment. I shot 75. My bro finished with a fist pumping par on 18. Can't wait to do this again. Ran into Freddie W, playing behind us, my former colleague at Wolf. Both of us were happy to get to play as a twosome, doesn't happen often that you don't get paired up with another twosome or a single in public golf. Note: Excellent nacho/burger dinner with parents, bro, and his girlfriend at O'Sullys!
September 3 - 745am tee off with W. Scott at LGC for the Peter Manning Bowl. Paired with D. McCarthy and B. Kenney. Had a blast! Walter and I birdied our last 6 holes to shoot net 64, good enough for T7. We played fairly well given we made a net double bogey on #3. It is a pleasure to play with W. Scott. He and I always have many laughs. I shot 72 gross with 3 birdies, 1 double, and 2 bogeys. Putting was great again. Birdies on 11, 13, and 15. Also, great turnout for the event and a fourth consecutive day of fantastic weather, high 70s and sunny.
I could get used to this schedule...
Flio
August 31 - 7am tee off at Lexington GC with D. Ryan; 75 and sunny, perfect; Flio makes 5 birdies to shoot 72 (bogeys last two holes with two three putts, gag, ugh); Danny shots 82 on his second round of the year; fun day playing with my Bentley golf teammate; we played in three and half hours, its worth getting up early! Note: Fantastic dinner with parents and godfather on LGC porch; my godfather got the ice cream brownie sundae, chatted with Richie L, ate good buffalo chicken fingers, fried chicken, hummus, and fish/chips. Summer night to a tee!
September 1 - 630am departure to the Deutsche Bank Championship with E Swen, R Riley, and C Tarallo; beautiful weather, high 70s and sunny; we arrived just in time for Els, Mickelson, and Fowler followed by Bradley, Kuchar, and Mahan; then McIlroy, Z. Johnson, and Dufner. We followed these three groups for 5 hours, not necessarily by choice, as we scattered throughout the course, stopping at various points, such as 11th green and 12th tee, 18th green stadium bar, 18th tee, 16th tee, 3rd tee, and 6th tee. We watched Bradley shank a shot on number 13 and take a drop from the stance; we watched McIlroy eagle 18, Els advance it only 20 yards from the fescue on 13, Fowler hook it in the woods off 10 tee, and bombs off the tee by Bradley and Mickelson. It amazes me how quiet the driver sound was the pros tee off, the ball comes off relatively quiet and has amazing hang time. McIlroy's swing is soooo good. Shortly after noon, we proceeded off-site to Chipotle and then to Norton CC for a showdown, Swen and I versus Riley (2011 Mass Am champ) and C Tarallo. After 18 holes, the match ended all square. I birdied 17 to tie the match and Swen made an awesome par on 18 from the 17th hole. Riley and Tarallo are very very good golfers. (Note: We got into the Deutsche without anyone checking our tickets...secret is sealed with me)
September 2 - 2pm tee time with my bro at George Wright GC. Another perfect day weather wise, sunny and high 70s. My bro drove his Ping G20 excellent and made one of the greatest pars I have seen on the #4 (par 3). He hit his tee shot way right and couldn't see the flag from the bottom of a huge hill right of the green. He proceeded to pitch a shot high enough to clear the hill, low enough to get under a large oak tree, and soft enough to stop it on the green from 60 yards. He then drained a 15 footer to save par. I hit the green for a sleeve of Bridgestone balls, missing a $1k hole in one opportunity (shot was not close at all). We both enjoyed the layout of George Wright, many challenging tee shots, large elevation changes, and a unique Boston history about it, in the heart of Hyde Park. My bro continued his outstanding touch around the greens with his 7-iron and 8-iron, better than anyone I have seen that doesn't play many rounds of golf. I putted excellent and had my bro help me with my alignment. I shot 75. My bro finished with a fist pumping par on 18. Can't wait to do this again. Ran into Freddie W, playing behind us, my former colleague at Wolf. Both of us were happy to get to play as a twosome, doesn't happen often that you don't get paired up with another twosome or a single in public golf. Note: Excellent nacho/burger dinner with parents, bro, and his girlfriend at O'Sullys!
September 3 - 745am tee off with W. Scott at LGC for the Peter Manning Bowl. Paired with D. McCarthy and B. Kenney. Had a blast! Walter and I birdied our last 6 holes to shoot net 64, good enough for T7. We played fairly well given we made a net double bogey on #3. It is a pleasure to play with W. Scott. He and I always have many laughs. I shot 72 gross with 3 birdies, 1 double, and 2 bogeys. Putting was great again. Birdies on 11, 13, and 15. Also, great turnout for the event and a fourth consecutive day of fantastic weather, high 70s and sunny.
I could get used to this schedule...
Flio
LGC One-Day Member Guest
August 24 - Swen and I teamed up for the Lexington One-Day Member Guest. Swen's first member guest. We shot 3 under par 68 after bogeying the first hole (#4). Both of us had numerous birdie opportunities within 10 feet that we missed and Swen had one short eagle putt that just missed on #11 (an unbelievable sling draw second shot with a hybrid from right of the fairway trees (third hole side)). Swen won the closest to the pin on #5. We finished in second place gross, behind Jimmy Mags's team 66. Weather was great, low 80s and sunny. Playing partners were two lawyers, Todd (member) and Jake (guest). Great time!
Flio
Flio
Saturday, August 25, 2012
MGA Father Son 2012 at Crestwood CC
August 21 - My Dad and I competed in the MGA Father Son Tournament at Crestwood CC in Rehoboth, MA. Its a selected drive, alternate shot competition. Our goal coming in was to shoot in the 70s. We only play this format once per year. Its a blast! Since golf is mostly an individual sport, team competition plays with your mindset. You are not used to hitting shots that the other person is depending upon. If I hit a bad shot, my Dad is stuck with the result and vice versa. Also, you might go multiple holes without hitting an iron shot or a chip shot or a putt, which makes it challenging to get in a rhythm. On the other side, its great to share the adrenaline and success of competition.
We gained momentum on the 17th hole, when my Dad hit a shot to 6-feet and then I followed with a shot to 2-feet on the 150 yard hole. We made our first birdie! Then on 18, we were just short of the 520 yard par-5 in two, after my Dad hit a solid 3-wood. I hit a poor chip which resulted in us making par. We were moving in the right direction, birdie-easy par! But the round ended for us, too late, we shot 81.
The first sixteen holes were a mix of poor chips and putts that cost us at least 5 shots. Also, I didn't help our momentum on the first hole, by hitting a 106 yard approach shot from the middle of the fairway to the bunker, sorry Dad! My Dad almost chipped in for birdie on 10 and I almost did the same on 11. My Dad hit a huge par putt on 13 from 20 feet downhill!
The golf course was in great shape. The weather conditions were perfect, mid-80s and sunny. It was our first time playing Crestwood. It seemed like a lot of doglegs, where knowing your best angles on tee shots would have helped. Not a long course, firm greens. Between my length and my Dad's, we should have been much better. We played the Joyce father-son team from Farm Neck GC in Martha's Vineyard.
Can't beat playing with my Dad!
Kurt
Monday, August 6, 2012
2012 Lexington Club Championship - Character Building Victory
Played over two weekends, July 21-22 and July 28-29, I have waited over a week to write and reflect on my victory at the Lexington Golf Club Club Championship, the coveted title for every low-handicap golfer at the club. I've been lucky enough to win it four times. And I can tell you three things: 1) It will never get old; 2) It will never been easy; 3) It always builds character.
I want to focus on #3. As I sat on the clubhouse porch, shortly after making an incredible par on the 72nd hole to win by one shot, I couldn't get settle down from the emotions I went through during the final round; losing confidence which led to lack of tempo, tighter grip pressure, and tension. In these situations, the game moves so much faster, you lose rhythm and every shot becomes harder than it would be under non-pressure rounds. On the porch, I basically felt like I lost the tournament even though I won. Watching a six shot lead drop to one by the seventh hole. My Dad kept encouraging me to stay focused and consistently reminded me of my game plan.
When I prepared to hit my third shot into the 72nd hole from 125 yards to the back left pin (i hit a great punch out from the right woods with a 6-iron to get to this spot), I thought about my well-struck approach on the 9th hole earlier that day which came up well short. There was still a breeze against us. I looked at my Dad and said, "I don't know the exact leaderboard, but I feel like we need a par. I need to be aggressive." I came through with a fantastic shot to 10 feet below the hole and drained the putt for a 1-shot victory over my playing partner S. Geldart!
As I sat there with my parents and fellow members, I really couldn't believe it. Everything moved so fast, yet I came through with a great finish and my putting was phenomenal. I never had a doubt I would make the last putt, even after backing off because of a bug and with the green surrounded by a large group of members. I had one three putt during 72 holes. I had 30 putts or less in every round. My friend Mr. Potter said, "This game builds character." It is a very meaningful statement, especially at the time given I was disappointed in how it unfolded for me. Every round you play, pressure or not, takes you through different mental and physical exercises. You learn how your body and mind react under different conditions. And you will likely be watching others succeed or fail at the same time in a completely different manner. If you keep persevering and learning from situations, you will keep building on your character.
I am so thrilled the work I put in paid off and grateful for the support of my parents, brother and his girlfriend, and many others. My Dad caddied three rounds. My brother caddied one day. My Mom watched the final three rounds. And my brother's girlfriend watched a round too.
This was a very memorable championship. The roller coaster ride was worth it all. I can sit here and enjoy the victory as much as if I won by 10 shots.
Thanks for reading,
Kurt
p.s.: 1) I also conquered the ninth hole. First weekend I was +6 on the ninth. Second weekend I was even par on it, including a winning putt!; 2) I had a share of the lead or outright lead in all rounds.
I want to focus on #3. As I sat on the clubhouse porch, shortly after making an incredible par on the 72nd hole to win by one shot, I couldn't get settle down from the emotions I went through during the final round; losing confidence which led to lack of tempo, tighter grip pressure, and tension. In these situations, the game moves so much faster, you lose rhythm and every shot becomes harder than it would be under non-pressure rounds. On the porch, I basically felt like I lost the tournament even though I won. Watching a six shot lead drop to one by the seventh hole. My Dad kept encouraging me to stay focused and consistently reminded me of my game plan.
When I prepared to hit my third shot into the 72nd hole from 125 yards to the back left pin (i hit a great punch out from the right woods with a 6-iron to get to this spot), I thought about my well-struck approach on the 9th hole earlier that day which came up well short. There was still a breeze against us. I looked at my Dad and said, "I don't know the exact leaderboard, but I feel like we need a par. I need to be aggressive." I came through with a fantastic shot to 10 feet below the hole and drained the putt for a 1-shot victory over my playing partner S. Geldart!
As I sat there with my parents and fellow members, I really couldn't believe it. Everything moved so fast, yet I came through with a great finish and my putting was phenomenal. I never had a doubt I would make the last putt, even after backing off because of a bug and with the green surrounded by a large group of members. I had one three putt during 72 holes. I had 30 putts or less in every round. My friend Mr. Potter said, "This game builds character." It is a very meaningful statement, especially at the time given I was disappointed in how it unfolded for me. Every round you play, pressure or not, takes you through different mental and physical exercises. You learn how your body and mind react under different conditions. And you will likely be watching others succeed or fail at the same time in a completely different manner. If you keep persevering and learning from situations, you will keep building on your character.
I am so thrilled the work I put in paid off and grateful for the support of my parents, brother and his girlfriend, and many others. My Dad caddied three rounds. My brother caddied one day. My Mom watched the final three rounds. And my brother's girlfriend watched a round too.
This was a very memorable championship. The roller coaster ride was worth it all. I can sit here and enjoy the victory as much as if I won by 10 shots.
Thanks for reading,
Kurt
p.s.: 1) I also conquered the ninth hole. First weekend I was +6 on the ninth. Second weekend I was even par on it, including a winning putt!; 2) I had a share of the lead or outright lead in all rounds.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Golf and Gamble
July 13-14: Great weekend at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun with my parents; we packed in gambling at both casinos, golf, and lots of food in 24 hours; my numbers 11, 26, and 30 were hitting at roulette and the pizza at Frank Pepe's was awesome; also recommend the nachos at Scorpion Bar; I played the Mohegan Sun CC - its a difficult course in that the landing areas are surrounded by fescue lined bunkers and the greens are anything but flat - having not played there before, it was not easy selecting clubs off the tee; course conditions were nice but I bet Lake of Isles is a level or two up from this course - I played okay; I feel I lost a shot on many holes due to lack of knowledge, i made 11 bogeys and 2 birdies to shoot 81 - had a fantastic weekend and I'm not a big gambler!
Aces,
Kurt
Aces,
Kurt
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Dew Sweepers at LGC
July 7-8: The Annual Mid Summer Classic at LGC; my second favorite tournament at the club. I teamed up with my stalwart, jovial, awesome partner M. Keegan. We paired up with S. Keegan and D. Brennan, the team I consider to be our biggest challenge. However, my idea of one of our teams winning this thing failed again as Team Caruso continued its dominance (three years in row??), shooting a two day total of 125. Nice going to Paul and Jim!
Steve and Dan finished solo second at 128 and Mike and I claimed a tie for 4th place at 131. We had perfect weather both days, sunny and 80s. My morning loving playing partners chose to subject me to 716am tee times both days. We literally we sweeping the dew of the greens. Despite that, the greens were rolling great, almost at club championship speeds requiring delicate touch from all angles.
Mike and I shot 63-68. On Day 1 we had a very strong start to the back nine going (on a best ball net basis) eagle, birdie, birdie, par, birdie, and birdie (last three was bogey, par, birdie). We shot a back nine 30. Carrying that momentum into Round 2 (modified Alternate Shot), we made a long birdie putt on 1, bogeyed 4, birdied 5, birdied 7, bogeyed 8, and parred 9...to make a long story short, Mike and I played great for the first 7 holes, then went into a +5 on 6 hole stretch that knocked us out of the running. While we stumbled, Steve and Dan surged, reversing a poor start and making a solid run on the back nine with well played shots around the greens.
Regardless of the results, this group always has a boatload of laughs. They even got to me have a Corona! My shot of the weekend came on the 17th hole in Round 2. Playing as a 100-yard par-3 into a slight breeze, I opted (after some internal resistance) to play a 3/4 gap wedge to lower trajectory instead of a full SW. Might sound easy, but it can hard to pull out the longer club!! I struck it perfect, landing inches from the hole and stopping on a dime to inches, tap in bird for my partner. If often pays off to take out the extra club, leading to a shorter backswing and better tempo!
Mid Summer lived up to all its greatness. Awesome weekend! Two weeks until the LGC Club Championship. I expect another great tournament.
Cheers to the Dew Sweepers,
Kurt
Steve and Dan finished solo second at 128 and Mike and I claimed a tie for 4th place at 131. We had perfect weather both days, sunny and 80s. My morning loving playing partners chose to subject me to 716am tee times both days. We literally we sweeping the dew of the greens. Despite that, the greens were rolling great, almost at club championship speeds requiring delicate touch from all angles.
Mike and I shot 63-68. On Day 1 we had a very strong start to the back nine going (on a best ball net basis) eagle, birdie, birdie, par, birdie, and birdie (last three was bogey, par, birdie). We shot a back nine 30. Carrying that momentum into Round 2 (modified Alternate Shot), we made a long birdie putt on 1, bogeyed 4, birdied 5, birdied 7, bogeyed 8, and parred 9...to make a long story short, Mike and I played great for the first 7 holes, then went into a +5 on 6 hole stretch that knocked us out of the running. While we stumbled, Steve and Dan surged, reversing a poor start and making a solid run on the back nine with well played shots around the greens.
Regardless of the results, this group always has a boatload of laughs. They even got to me have a Corona! My shot of the weekend came on the 17th hole in Round 2. Playing as a 100-yard par-3 into a slight breeze, I opted (after some internal resistance) to play a 3/4 gap wedge to lower trajectory instead of a full SW. Might sound easy, but it can hard to pull out the longer club!! I struck it perfect, landing inches from the hole and stopping on a dime to inches, tap in bird for my partner. If often pays off to take out the extra club, leading to a shorter backswing and better tempo!
Mid Summer lived up to all its greatness. Awesome weekend! Two weeks until the LGC Club Championship. I expect another great tournament.
Cheers to the Dew Sweepers,
Kurt
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