I have not played recently due to work committments.  Added to this is the fact that I have to work solid for the next 7 weeks with only 1 w/e off!  I am needed to cover the holiday leave of others.  I have been racked over this dilema, Which comes 1st, work or golf?  I dearly want to say Golf, but need the income to continue Playing.
Is this a torment devised by the likes of Edgar Allan Poe or simply the Golf Gods messing around?

I have played on each of the past 9 days with one exception (my wife needed to go shopping) and it has had a good effect on my game as a whole.  The culmination being a 2nd Place finish last evening in the Mid-week comp.  It was Stableford & I was only 1 stroke (36pts) behind the eventual winner (37pts).  The weather man promised showers & wind with gusts to 35mph.  We got the wind but thankfully not the rain.  I was not overly pleased with my round, leaving putts short (cardinal sin), some poor chipping, and a OOB on the 15th to only gain 1pt on the hole.
The Driver is working well just now and I am finding the middle of the Fairway more often.  Long Irons are the same, but still letting myself down with the Mid-Irons & Putter.
I am scheduled to play in the International Pairs along with Vic on Saturday, so in light of this I have booked a lesson with the local Pro at the range tonight.  We cannot get on our course on Friday as the Club is hosting a Charity Comp for Iggusund Paperboard (large local employer) and the course is closed til 6pm. 
I return to work on Monday while Vic is off to Spain for a weeks golfing.

Tags: Golf, Gods, Graphite, Irons, Competition
Well, hi folks I hope you are all fit & well. It's been some time since I last appeared and have been rather busy while away.
I have continued to play in the club competitions both mid-week & at weekends.
I managed to earn myself a place in the Mackay Final by qualifying at the 1st attempt.  Then I entered the 2nd qualifier as there was a serious ammount of cash in the Sweep.  I was in the qualifying group again but unfortunately not the winner.  My place was given to the guy who finished behind me as I was already through.
I did win a mid-week medal comp on the 14th after count back. 
Then the Infamous Golf Gods made their move, I put 2 balls into the jungle off the 14th tee forcing me to non-return.  I was really not impressed with their antics. 
I am currently trying out a set of Graphite Irons, they feel well enough & giving me great ball flight.  However I have not grown enough courage to play with them in competition, yet!
My handicap has gone out to 18.9 much to the discust of my companions.  They are boardering on calling me a bandit (sand-bagger) and refuse to give me the correct allocation of strokes when we play. Even though I only play in Comps & return every card to be scrutinised by the Handicap Committee.  I am finding difficult to be consistant with my short irons which is costing me shots and committing the ultimate sin of 3-putting more time than I should.
Any way, I am on holiday for 2 weeks now and will be on the course every day (if I can escape the wifes orders) so long as the weather holds out. 

Here's to the next time.

Update:-  I played in the Mid-week comp last evening and finished 9th in a field of 31.  Not bad when you consider I was not happy with my game, again I had a poor short game.  Stableford format points ---34.

Tag: Golf

It’s OFFICIAL;the golf season is now truly here.  Atleast in my neck of the woods.

On Saturday we held “Captain’s Day”, theopening day for our little club over here in Cumbria,NW England. As ritual dictates we had the customary photo shoot with the ClubCaptain Teeing Off the 1st ball. We made a book on where he was going to land it (small valley on theright of the fairway); he was still in the open which is a supposed omen forthe coming season.

Vic, my ever-present golf pal, placed ournames down for the opening comp.  Wearrived at the Clubhouse at 9.00 am only to find we were outat 12.50.  The comp was a 4 ball, betterball, between the Captain & vice Captains teams.  We were drawn in the VC’s team, rather ominousgiven the quality of the players selected for the Captain.  We decided to stay and catch up with thelocal gossip/news to be had in the bar. Needless to say there is only so much coffee you can drink before the “TopShelf” begins to beckon to you!  The daybegan with the weather being fine with a fairly strong breeze.  But, by the time we got to the 1stTee it had changed to Heavy Rain & Gusts to 45mph.  Our opponents are very capable players (off 9& 11) but were showing signs of regret towards the weather approaching fromthe Irish Sea.  Lots of grumbling &moaning directed seaward.  We dideventually complete the match with Vic & I emerging victorious with a 2& 1 win.  Being soaked through to theskin, I took time to change my clothes after putting the clubs in the car. Wewent into the clubhouse to be greeted by a crescendo of applause from thegathered throng.  Did we beat the Captain’sTeam? As I look down the list of match results, I was amazed to find we won theONLY match for the VC’s team.

Sitting here now with a healthy glass of myfavourite tipple (Glayva, for those who didn’t know), all in all it was a goodday with the “Golf Gods” smiling brightly upon me.  I played some very good golf considering theconditions, and my previously sore rib held up with out a pang of pain. 

Here’s to the Summer and a chance to playsome real golf.  I hope your winter endsalso, or your winter never comes.

(Glayva is a liqueur from Leith, Scotland.It is made from a blend of aged Scotch whiskies, anise, clove, herbs, heatherhoney, tangerine, other citrus fruits, and almonds. It has a deep gold color.
The name is an anglified spelling of Glè Mhath, which means"very good" in Scottish Gaelic.
It is produced by Whyte and Mackay Ltd of Glasgow, Scotland.)

http://www.glayva.com/

I have been away from this Forum for some time.  This is due to factors at work & an injury obtained while playing the good game.  I haven't been playing much due to being under-staffed at work, which means I am working 3 weekends in 4 (bummer).  I did eventually make it on the course and played in the Feb Medal.
All was going well through the 1st 5 or 6 holes, then the odd bogey crept in here & there.  As the course dictates, we arrived at the 14th Tee.  The shot here requires that the ball be launched at height over a bank of earth which runs along between the 14th & 4th Fairways.  The object being to land the ball on the plateau of the 14th Fairway.  My companions both played good shots up & over, but then it was my turn.  I took my Tee-shot only to see my ball take off vertically (must have used the Lob-wood) and come to rest on the top of the bank.  I figured I could play my second from there and climbed towards the heavens.  I managed to get my club to the ball but noticed my golf trolley trundling off down the 4th fairway.  Hurriedly, I started to clamber back down when my foot became entangled in the brambles, where upon I began to "Cart-wheel" in a downward direction.  When I came to rest at the bottom, I felt a "pop" where my ribs should be and noticed a rather intense pain.  I broke a rib (ouch).  The pain caused me to pull out and miss the last 4 holes. That has put me out of the game for the last few weeks.  It gives me a chance to read my mags & check the web for inspiration. 
I will now just sit & wait for the out-pourings of sympathy from all who read my blog.  Should you wish to send me something in by way of embrocation? I drink Glayva, Cheers.

Tags: Weather, Rain

So, Saturday morning comes around again, and the usual plans have been made the previous evening over a bottle of Glayva. 

I set off at 8:30am and pick the lads up with the usual wait for one of them.  As we arrive at the Club House it is blowing a Gale from the West along the Solway coast.  So we had a couple of coffees while deciding if we should go out & venture we did. 
We were promised "Squalls", but on the 3rd tee it turned into a Torrential Down-pour.  It was shortly after this that I discovered my "Water-proofs" were in actual fact only "Shower-proof".  The rain was driven horizontally making it impossible to use a brolly.
We eventually gave up after 9 holes, where upon we returned to the CH & very much needed hot refreshment.
Much to the amusement of my friends, I was soaked through to the skin with only my dry sweater to change into.  The customary “Roaring Fire” was such a miserable thing that it would have been warmer to sit in the car!  I have now decided to invest my hard earned cash in a more substantial set of Proofs.  As for the score, I cared not a jot, and after a few “Toddies”, I cared even less for the “Golf Gods”, profaning their name profusely .  This evening has been spent drying all my gear while drowning my  woes with the amiable assistance of a bottle of  Highland Park.  Then again there is always tomorrow, eh?

As you may have read in my posts, I have been having a great time on the course lately.  My game has really begun to have consistancy, I have improved my club selection no end.  Often in the past I have over estimated my abilities and woefully under-clubbed. The usual fault with the amature game.  After listening to much advice, watching video after video, and acknowledging that I do not posess the the power of Ernie, Monty & Tiger, I conceeded to the fact I must go one club more.  This has turned it all around.  My handicap has been reduced again, now 14.5.  My companions have noticed the change more through their pocket than they would like. It has been a while since I had to pay for the coffees & bacon rolls.
The major difference is the clubs I now feel really comfortable with.  Driver, 5wood, 60*w & putter.  I no longer dread going OB from the Tee, the Driver is purely straight with a hint of draw.  Using the 5W of the Fairway is like a knife through butter with the result that if I am not on the green then I am only a Lob away.  65nlovenit gave me some fantastic advice regarding the LW, from the suitable loft to its actual use (a big thanks there).  This guy is really worth listening to for all those new to the game (and others).  I am yearning to get up to Carnoustie in May, if my game is still feeling as good as it is now, I will be very happy.

Played in the Sunday comp & finished 2nd.  Messers Shaw & Scott (handicap committee) got out their knives again and cut me down to 15 (15.4).  I can only say I am having a great time on the course at the moment. 
The Comp was a Qualifier for the Heatherington Cup.  I think the top 3 or 4 from 4 Q rounds, qualify for the final. It is a Par format (bogey), + for birdie, 0 for par, - for bogey.  I finished with +4.  My two companions returned -2 & -3.  The weather was fine with an Easterly breeze off the sea.

On New Years Eve, we played at Silloth on Solway (just along the coast from Maryport), it is the venue used as a qualifier for the OPEN.  I was delighted to finish 3 shots better than my H/Cap & pick up a prize for having the best back 9.  I missed only 2 Fairways over the 18. The day was cold, not much breeze tho.

I can honestly say I try to improve my game and am not one of those players who protect their H/Cap.  My game has improved lately as I have become more consistant through out.  I am still on the look out for a set of Mizuno MP60's, they would bring me down to singles I'm sure.

Tags: Round, Golf, Handicap, Course, Prizes, Committee.
It has been some time since my last edition, and there have been some advances in my game.
I played in a club comp on Saturday gone and managed to finish in 4th position.  The Handicap Committee made a reduction to my handicap of 3.5 strokes.  This is a reflection on how my game has progressed over the past mnth or so.  I played again on Sunday, the end result was a 7th place finish which showed the reduction was correct.  Our H/C committee are very astute in their approach and can be heard sharpening their knives on a Friday night in anticipation of the coming weekend.
While I constantly strive towards a lower score, there are those who will do anything to protect their handicap.  These are the fellows who usually play within their own circle of friends and play for small purses.  They know who they are, every club has them in their ranks.  They then come out and play in tournaments where there are big prizes.  I think the term is "Sand-bagging".  Deservidly, this is frowned upon by decent golfers.

I believe a TRUE golfer is one who aims to perfect his game and acheive all he can by regularly entering the weekly comps & monthly medals.

In all I am well pleased with myself and my game. 

Tags: Links, Golf, Round, Score

Today (Saturday) was the Christmas CompFinal & I had been told I was to be1st Reserve, so should anyone scratch I would take their place. 
The evening before, I was abusing my liver with Vic, imbibing off our usual tipple (Glayva).  We had managed to remove the contents from one bottle and begin to start on the next when Vic decided it was time to go home (he won a place in the above comp).  As he walked home he resembled a sailor struggling to find his footing after losing his "Sea-legs".  I thought it only prudent to retire to bed and the comforting arms of my dearwife.

Along came this morning and as I looked out the window I understood what theWeather Girl had said "Very Windy with intervals of Rain from theWest".  It didn't look inviting at all. 
The 1st group were due to go off at 10.30 so I phoned the club to ask if I was playing, no one scratched.  I was surprised considering the forecast.  I had decided to go along at 10.15 just in case.  I could always sit in the clubhouse bar (with a coffee) and see the lads off.  On my arrival, I was told I would be in the group leaving at 11.30.  That would give me time for a hearty breakfast.  I looked on the Match board and found I would be playing with Vic & another guy.  I phoned him to break the news onlyto find he has also scratched saying he was feeling a bit unwell. Despite what you might think, I didn’t knobble him. 

I made myself known to James my partner forthe comp and we duly marched over to the 1st Tee.  We both had that many layers of clothing on that we looked to have gained 20 pounds in an hour.  Such was the weather.  Our course is links and as such is right on the coast (one of the longest bunkers is the shore to the left of the fairway, runs from the 1st to the 3rd hole) and is open fully to the elements.  We made the customary pleasantries of wishing each other well and then spent the next 3 holes griping about the conditions.  Then again, they are the same for everyone on the day. 

I made a steady start and was very pleased with myself until I came to the 6th, then the “Golf Gods” took their pound of flesh, I carded a 9 after blasting my tee shot out of bounds, my game became regimental, Left Right Left Right. Eventually I putted out and began cursing the weather, light, ground,clubs, even the local wildlife.   

This was my card:

Hole          1   2   3   4   5   6  7   8   9   10   11  12   13   14   15   16   17   18   Total
Par            4   4   4  4   3   4   4   3   4     4     4    4     4     3     4     4     3     4       68
Score        5   4   5   5   4   9  5   5   4     5     5    5     5     4     5     5     4     3       87

 With my handicap of 20, my score was a Net67.  The winner carded a Net 64, second had a Net67, I finished 3rd on count-back and was well pleased.

Not bad as I was only 1st reserve,  I thought it only proper to thank the “GolfGods” for their understanding, one shabby hole I can put up with if I get such a good result.

Tags: Golf, Round, Play, Carnoustie, Course, Championship, Scotland, Stableford, Birdie
As I write this edition, my mates & I have just finished booking 3 days play at Carnoustie (Scotland) in May 2008.  This is in the form of a package deal with the Burnside on the 3rd, Buddon Links on the 4th, finishing on the 5th with a round on the Championship course.  Caddies are a must for the whole experience.  (we are also getting older, bag getting heavier).  The cost to each of us is a staggering £145.00 ($299) Cheap as chips! 
I hear tell if you manage to play to your handicap (stroke play) on the Championship course you are presented with a medal in celebration of the achievement.
http://www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk/ind ex.php

A £1 coin & a Pro V1
I played with a friend on Wednesday, he insisted we play Stableford.   He is reluctant to give any shots if he can help it.  It started out as a frosty morning, cold but no breeze.  Wrapped up against the weather, I tee'd up on the first, pulling the shot to the left.  Second shot went straight into the heart of a collection of gorse (ball gone) I was not looking for that one.  From then on it was all good.
My card.
Hole           1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18    Total
Par             4   4   4   4   3   5   3   4   4    5     3     4     4     4     4     4     3     4       70
Score         7   4   4   5   4   5   4   5   3    6     6     5     4     5     5     5     4     3       84
Points        0   4   3   2   2   3   2   2   4    2     0     2     3     2     3     2     2     4       42

To cut a long story short, he won the £1 for overall points (beat me by 1), but I took his Pro v1 with my birdie on the last.

Tags: Bogey, Birdie, Round, Lob wedge, Golf, Putt, Tee, Green.
Yesterday (Sunday) I went down to the club for our weekly dose of self-abuse (was at a football match on Saturday). 
As we walked into the clubhouse to register for the Comp, we spied the notice board. It read "Winter Tees now in Play, Preferred lies on all fairways (mats = horrible immitation grass strips).  We were filled with shock & awe. 
Our Greenkeeping staff have managed the course in a fantastic way this year with one exception (I feel).  They didn't roll the tee boxes during last winter.  Hopefully they will take advantage this year.  They have prepared Teeing areas in front of or beside the normal boxes, but they are still very uneven for the most part. As a result we are either standing above or below the lie of the ball.  We can take great consolation in the fact that we still play the normal greens.
The comp was an "Enter on Arrival" played to "Bogey" format.  Easy enough for the brain cells, it's a + for birdie, 0 for par, and - for bogey.  It dosen't take a lot to keep track of the scores.  My playing partners play off 7 & 16, while I am still off 20 (age & medical condition dictates), they were not very amused with the format, at least in stableford they have a chance to score at every hole even when they aren't playing so well.
I played a steady round, but only managed to return a score of +1, but they were feeling totally dejected after carding - 6 & - 9 respectively. 
Back in the club house we performed our usual autopsy on the round, and much to my delight I found I hit 12 out of 15 fairways from the Tee & 10 greens in regulation.  My Putting was a bit haphazard in places, but my chipping around the green was very good.  I was only in one bunker from which I was up & down.
65nlovenit gave me some great advice for using my lob wedge on this site (big thanks & respect) which has helped me immensely.
All in all it was not a bad day, with the only real downside being having to play off the mats on the fairway.  I do make some poor iron shots from them.  I do play very good F/way woods from them though. 
At least I have gotten over my recent injury (thanks to all who showed concern) and can now fully enjoy the game again.  My days off work fall mid-week so I will be back!

Tags: Instruction, golf, Friend, course, swing, putt, chip, pitch, Glayva
As I post this latest addition to my blog, Vic & I are demolishing a bottle of Glayva (sorry for any future  spelling mistakes).  We are venturing out to the course tomorrow (Saturday) and he is picking elements of my game in need of redevelopment. (all of it he says) 
He has identified several key areas where I could "easily" shave strokes from my handicap.
1) When chipping/pitching, I have a tendancy to be 'handsy' (his words) instead of turning though with my body towards the target, I flick my wrists over causing inconsistancy in my distance/direction control.
2) We agreed I have not been positioning the ball directly below my eyeline at address when putting & am positioning the ball slightly behind centre of my stance. 
3) I am not completing the follow through and am finishing my swing short. This is due to me not turning fully towards the target with my belt buckle facing just to the left. As a result I am pushing the ball to the right.

I have now found that so long as he is keeping the Glayva flowing, I will listen to every word of his advice.
He has just told me it will be evident in my game tomorrow, remembering that the 1st Tee shot is over a burn.

Vic is currently playing off 7 and is a sincere playing partner who would only inpart sound advice if it were truly required to enable me to reduce my current handicap towards its former status. (he is sitting beside me at present)

I will update this blog upon my return.  If he is as wise a sage as his years predict, then I shall be in line for a drastic cut to bring me down to size.  If I remember what he told me!

Tags: Injury, Golf, Wife, Fall
While at work last week, I tripped and fell onto a concrete step.  I was in pain for 2 days (still working) then thought nothing more of it.  Then the pain came back even worse than before.  It appears I have pulled Tendons in my foot and will not be able to play for about 3 - 4 weeks. Just when I feel I am progressing with my game, another set-back comes along.  The only consolation I can take from this is the joy of getting under the wifes feet while I am off work. (I know not to look there for sympathy)   

Tags: Medal, Round, Tourny, Comp, Golf, Score, Course, Prize, Partner
After playing golf every day last week, and very well I might add, THE GOLF GODS took their pound of flesh.
On Saturday gone, I played in the Major Club Medal.  There was £500.00 worth of prizes up for grabs, with the main prize being a Flat Screen TV.  I won't go into each hole but will say I returned a net 72 after recording 2 x 8's & a 9 on my card.  I cannot blame the weather, I cannot blame the course even though they have top-dressed them.  It was the same for everyone.  I just blew out on three holes.  The only consolation was that my usual playing partner Vic, won the TV with a net score of  67.  I was still  on the prize table in the end. 
I did predict they would take it back but in the middle of the major competition, so malicous.