Jun 21, 2005
Dilf the Dilfman Dilfer
After another frustrating discussion with my brother about the Browns and Trent Dilfer, a new poll was created. How many wins will the Browns have with Dilfer as QB?
Jun 20, 2005
Publinks Status
Eric just called in and said that he just wrapped up the first 18 holes in the Publinks Qualifier. Ended with a 75, after going +3 on the first three holes. Not too bad. I don't know if I'm happier that he shot a 75 or that he is not in jail after spending the night his 14 year old caddy.
Added a new link over on the side. It is a new blog called Hereford Nine. It will take a while to get up and going, but should be good.
Added a new link over on the side. It is a new blog called Hereford Nine. It will take a while to get up and going, but should be good.
additional advice
Since I enjoy getting advice from my friends and complete strangers that happen to stumble upon this blog, here is another question:
Am I making a big mistake by not going to Zurich and deciding on staying in the US, moving to Dana Point on the beach, going back to school to get my MBA, and moving in with Ben?
Am I making a big mistake by not going to Zurich and deciding on staying in the US, moving to Dana Point on the beach, going back to school to get my MBA, and moving in with Ben?
Jun 19, 2005
New Lyric game
OK - thought of a new game. The object is to identify a commonly known song with only 1 word. The word must be part of the lyric, but not part of the title.
The goal is not to stump the players, but to pick the right word that will give away the song to the audience. It's harder than it seems.
For instance, if the clue is:
thyme
you should be able to guess the song.
Here goes:
1. Wayfarers
2. Lenny Bruce (I know, two words, but it's a person's name)
3. rusted
Have fun!
The goal is not to stump the players, but to pick the right word that will give away the song to the audience. It's harder than it seems.
For instance, if the clue is:
thyme
you should be able to guess the song.
Here goes:
1. Wayfarers
2. Lenny Bruce (I know, two words, but it's a person's name)
3. rusted
Have fun!
Not a fluke
Congrats to Michael Campbell. Some people are calling this a fluke, and are calling Campbell an "unknown", but to hard core golf fans, he is a golfing talent that finally put it all together for a week.
In the early and mid-90s, he was mentioned as one of the up and coming stars - almost always in the same breath as Ernie Els and Vijay Singh. He had the lead in the 95 British Open with 18 to play - the one where John Daly beat Constantino Rocca in a playoff - but shot 76 and lost by 1. He never seemed to recover until now.
Good for him.
As for Goosen, geesh. 81? My God, that's a choke. They're comparing it to Gil Morgan's 81 at Pebble in 92 - but at least then, they had 30-40 mph winds to deal with. (Tom Kite ended up winning over Derek's favorite golfer, Monty. Nicklaus gave the title to Monty when he shot 70 and was in the clubhouse as the leaders were flailing in the wind - only Kite was steady enough to take it away from Monty.).
Congrats to Campbell and also to Jason Gore, who should have more than enough sponsor exemptions this year to ease the pain of that 84.
In the early and mid-90s, he was mentioned as one of the up and coming stars - almost always in the same breath as Ernie Els and Vijay Singh. He had the lead in the 95 British Open with 18 to play - the one where John Daly beat Constantino Rocca in a playoff - but shot 76 and lost by 1. He never seemed to recover until now.
Good for him.
As for Goosen, geesh. 81? My God, that's a choke. They're comparing it to Gil Morgan's 81 at Pebble in 92 - but at least then, they had 30-40 mph winds to deal with. (Tom Kite ended up winning over Derek's favorite golfer, Monty. Nicklaus gave the title to Monty when he shot 70 and was in the clubhouse as the leaders were flailing in the wind - only Kite was steady enough to take it away from Monty.).
Congrats to Campbell and also to Jason Gore, who should have more than enough sponsor exemptions this year to ease the pain of that 84.
Aunt Sassy's Condo
I don't know what to think about HBO's new show The Comeback. It actually makes me nervous and my chest gets tight when watching it. But I can't stop tuning in every Sunday. Ugh.
84 in the final round????
Gore to Goosen on the 16th. "Do you want to bet $10 dollars on the last holes to keep it interesting?"
Gore finished tied for 46th. Poor guy.
Gore finished tied for 46th. Poor guy.
Strip Steak
Happy Fathers Day to all of you Dads out there. Just a few quick thoughts on this Sunday Morning....
USGA Commercial: What an outstanding commercial the USGA has, with the golfers yelling out certain sayings on their bad shots. Everytime it makes me laugh. The funniest is the Strip Steak comment, since I have no idea what the hell that means.
US Open: I'm not a huge TV golf fan, but I do try to watch the big three tournaments a year, which are the Masters, British Open, and the US Open. I hate the PGA since I don't find it very interesting. I love the Masters because of the course, the British Open because of the weather, and the US Open because I love to watch the pros struggle. I know the pros haven't complained about the course conditions that much this year, but I hope they make it tougher and don't give into the complaints. If they make the courses easier, then it will turn into another PGA, which I won't watch unless Els, Singh, Mick, or Woods are involved in a tight race. I can't justify wasting away a Sunday afternoon watching Chad Campbell battle Fred Funk for the PGA Trophy.
ESPN: I'm beginning to really enjoy Scott Van Pelt as a golf anchor. Great mix of comedy and seriousness that makes me like him a lot. And by the way RRD, I don't mind Bobby Jones. But once again, I'm not a huge golf TV fan.
Bathrooms: Why is it that when I have to "drop a deuce" that will take about two hours, I don't have anything to read, but when I do have something to read, I'm in and out of the bathroom in like 30 seconds.
Need Advice: Would you rather have a small old place 1/4 of a mile from the beach or a nice new roomy place 2-3 miles from the beach?
Gammons: States that the Yankees are after Kotsay, which basically means that the A's will lock up Kotsay to a long term deal. When is the last time Gammons was on with a trade rumor?
BSG: I think he is reading our blog. Or at least one of his readers since they were discussing the best drunk food in his latest mailbag. On another BSG note, its bad when I watch the NBA playoffs and it is obvious what the refs are doing. The calls were totally going Detroits way, basically taking the Spurs out of their game early in games 3 and 4. It will be interesting to see what happens today.
A's Notes: The A's finally demoted Juan Cruz, who I thought was out of options, but will have him work on being a starter in AAA. Boy, if we can't get him turned around, the Hudson trade looks worse and worse, with all three of the guys , Thomas, Meyer, and Cruz, in AAA struggling. But Hudson is on the DL again with the same ole injury he had 4 different times with the A's. See with the A's, we can't afford to have a $8-$10 million dollar pitching sit out at least 2-3 times a year with an injury.
USGA Commercial: What an outstanding commercial the USGA has, with the golfers yelling out certain sayings on their bad shots. Everytime it makes me laugh. The funniest is the Strip Steak comment, since I have no idea what the hell that means.
US Open: I'm not a huge TV golf fan, but I do try to watch the big three tournaments a year, which are the Masters, British Open, and the US Open. I hate the PGA since I don't find it very interesting. I love the Masters because of the course, the British Open because of the weather, and the US Open because I love to watch the pros struggle. I know the pros haven't complained about the course conditions that much this year, but I hope they make it tougher and don't give into the complaints. If they make the courses easier, then it will turn into another PGA, which I won't watch unless Els, Singh, Mick, or Woods are involved in a tight race. I can't justify wasting away a Sunday afternoon watching Chad Campbell battle Fred Funk for the PGA Trophy.
ESPN: I'm beginning to really enjoy Scott Van Pelt as a golf anchor. Great mix of comedy and seriousness that makes me like him a lot. And by the way RRD, I don't mind Bobby Jones. But once again, I'm not a huge golf TV fan.
Bathrooms: Why is it that when I have to "drop a deuce" that will take about two hours, I don't have anything to read, but when I do have something to read, I'm in and out of the bathroom in like 30 seconds.
Need Advice: Would you rather have a small old place 1/4 of a mile from the beach or a nice new roomy place 2-3 miles from the beach?
Gammons: States that the Yankees are after Kotsay, which basically means that the A's will lock up Kotsay to a long term deal. When is the last time Gammons was on with a trade rumor?
BSG: I think he is reading our blog. Or at least one of his readers since they were discussing the best drunk food in his latest mailbag. On another BSG note, its bad when I watch the NBA playoffs and it is obvious what the refs are doing. The calls were totally going Detroits way, basically taking the Spurs out of their game early in games 3 and 4. It will be interesting to see what happens today.
A's Notes: The A's finally demoted Juan Cruz, who I thought was out of options, but will have him work on being a starter in AAA. Boy, if we can't get him turned around, the Hudson trade looks worse and worse, with all three of the guys , Thomas, Meyer, and Cruz, in AAA struggling. But Hudson is on the DL again with the same ole injury he had 4 different times with the A's. See with the A's, we can't afford to have a $8-$10 million dollar pitching sit out at least 2-3 times a year with an injury.
Quick Movie Reviews
I have a couple movies I would like to touch on. "Sideways", a quality movie. Some seriously funny parts. (i.e. drinking and dialing, and not gonna drink no fu**ing merlot) True to life story. We can all find bits of ourselves in the characters. Most of them negative.
Next, "Howard Stern's Private Parts." Obviously not new, but what a movie. Even if you have never heard of Howard, quality movie. Enough said about that.
Star Wars III. Good movie, but remember the standards have been significantly reduced. Mulan is a classic compared to the first 2 star wars. I feel the originals are still the best! That includes "a new hope" Z.
That's all I got for now.
Next, "Howard Stern's Private Parts." Obviously not new, but what a movie. Even if you have never heard of Howard, quality movie. Enough said about that.
Star Wars III. Good movie, but remember the standards have been significantly reduced. Mulan is a classic compared to the first 2 star wars. I feel the originals are still the best! That includes "a new hope" Z.
That's all I got for now.
Jun 18, 2005
US Open notes
What a great two days of golf.
1) This has all the feel of Shinnecock at 86, where there were 9 people or so tied coming down the stretch. It seems like it's going to be a logjam at Even par during the day on Sunday.
2) My dark horses; KJ Choi and Adam Scott. They both have the game to win, and both are ready to break through.
3) Phil: "I don't think I shot myself out of it with that 41 on the back sinde on Friday". Um, no. No one has won when shooting a 41 since Willie Anderson.
1) This has all the feel of Shinnecock at 86, where there were 9 people or so tied coming down the stretch. It seems like it's going to be a logjam at Even par during the day on Sunday.
2) My dark horses; KJ Choi and Adam Scott. They both have the game to win, and both are ready to break through.
3) Phil: "I don't think I shot myself out of it with that 41 on the back sinde on Friday". Um, no. No one has won when shooting a 41 since Willie Anderson.
Jun 16, 2005
The Ex strikes back...
Ever had a relationship with a women at work? Well I have been known to dabble, to the point where Lee believes I don't have the ability to talk to pick up a non work women. My work relationships have ranged from young to old, from single to married, from one night stands to 4 year relationships, and let me tell you that they never end up turning out well. I remember I advised a friend of mine some time ago that the only way that a work relationship can turn out well is that you two get married. Period. And even with that you have to make the marriage work. Anything less than that, it will be a huge mistake.
Anyway, despite my advice to my friend, I got involved with a consultant for our company that we ended up bringing on full time. She was a programmer in our IT department that was deeply involved in the development of our Claims Operating System that I would regularly be involved in for performance management issues. The relationship started out innocent enough with a couple of dates and such, but then I lost interest after she was planning trips to Oakland and San Diego, and trips back to Stubinville, OH. The dumbass that I am, I did not end the relationship like a smart person would, but I decided to end it like a lazy selfish man by not returning any of her messages.
Well, I've done an excellent job of avoiding her the last several months until today. We had major issues with our Claims Operating System (CRN), that I was put on a conference call to drive the programmers to come up with a fix asap. Well who was one of the programmers? Yup, my ex. Well at first it was funny to my buddy Austin and I, where we had to mute the phone because we were laughing so hard, but then it turned pretty ugly, with me for some reason acting like Dr. Evil speaking to his son. I kept on cutting her off saying the same word "Unacceptable" and she kept on yelling something else back. It came to the point to where Austin and my ex's boss had to step in. Don't know if it was a preemptive strike, thinking she would take advantage of me because I was feeling guilty or what, but it wasn't very professional. Don't know what happened to me. And I wish I could say that I learned my lesson, especially at my level, but my friend Bridgett is planning on setting me up with a co-worker from another office. Let the awkwardness begin!!!!!
P.S. I'm drunk.
Anyway, despite my advice to my friend, I got involved with a consultant for our company that we ended up bringing on full time. She was a programmer in our IT department that was deeply involved in the development of our Claims Operating System that I would regularly be involved in for performance management issues. The relationship started out innocent enough with a couple of dates and such, but then I lost interest after she was planning trips to Oakland and San Diego, and trips back to Stubinville, OH. The dumbass that I am, I did not end the relationship like a smart person would, but I decided to end it like a lazy selfish man by not returning any of her messages.
Well, I've done an excellent job of avoiding her the last several months until today. We had major issues with our Claims Operating System (CRN), that I was put on a conference call to drive the programmers to come up with a fix asap. Well who was one of the programmers? Yup, my ex. Well at first it was funny to my buddy Austin and I, where we had to mute the phone because we were laughing so hard, but then it turned pretty ugly, with me for some reason acting like Dr. Evil speaking to his son. I kept on cutting her off saying the same word "Unacceptable" and she kept on yelling something else back. It came to the point to where Austin and my ex's boss had to step in. Don't know if it was a preemptive strike, thinking she would take advantage of me because I was feeling guilty or what, but it wasn't very professional. Don't know what happened to me. And I wish I could say that I learned my lesson, especially at my level, but my friend Bridgett is planning on setting me up with a co-worker from another office. Let the awkwardness begin!!!!!
P.S. I'm drunk.
As I brace for the big one out here in LA (another 5.3 today), I figured I'd confess to one of the many bad things that I've done in the past. Neil, we did this to you, during the 2003 Madden Superbowl.
Indians, A's, Royals, Yanks, Nats, and Sox win!!
Is there anything worse that getting into the shower, seeing a huge spider on the ceiling, turning around to get a piece of toilet paper to kill it, and then its gone? Makes for a real quick shower.
Anyway, check out BuckSuperStereo's updates on his vacation with his inlaws. Ahhh, that is one thing I don't miss about having a serious girlfriend. Is there anything worse? These trips only end with either your girl being pissed off at you for "being yourself", or you are miserable because you couldn't relax on your own vacation because you were trying not to be yourself with the in-laws. Its a no win situation for the men. Now throw in a couple of sisters and brothers that you are forced to bond with and its just a week long nightmare. Luckily for me in the past, the brother in laws and I have bonded, so it has turned into a big drinkfest in the basement or on the beach, and there is minimal interaction with the rest of the family.
Anyway, check out BuckSuperStereo's updates on his vacation with his inlaws. Ahhh, that is one thing I don't miss about having a serious girlfriend. Is there anything worse? These trips only end with either your girl being pissed off at you for "being yourself", or you are miserable because you couldn't relax on your own vacation because you were trying not to be yourself with the in-laws. Its a no win situation for the men. Now throw in a couple of sisters and brothers that you are forced to bond with and its just a week long nightmare. Luckily for me in the past, the brother in laws and I have bonded, so it has turned into a big drinkfest in the basement or on the beach, and there is minimal interaction with the rest of the family.
Jun 15, 2005
The (Media) Circus is coming to Cincinnati in July
For those of you who didn't hear:
Michele Wie has qualified for the US Men's Publinx Amateur.
If she wins the match play event, she will get an invitation to the Masters next April.
This will be the biggest media circus in Cincinnati - the host of the Publinx on July 11-16 - since, what? Schottzie 02?
As Don told me, it's up to me now to get there and be paired with her in the stroke play portion.
Am I rooting for her? Why not? If she can beat all of us public golfers, the better for her.
Eric Z.
Michele Wie has qualified for the US Men's Publinx Amateur.
If she wins the match play event, she will get an invitation to the Masters next April.
This will be the biggest media circus in Cincinnati - the host of the Publinx on July 11-16 - since, what? Schottzie 02?
As Don told me, it's up to me now to get there and be paired with her in the stroke play portion.
Am I rooting for her? Why not? If she can beat all of us public golfers, the better for her.
Eric Z.
Jun 14, 2005
Wasting away my day
After giving an 8 hour presentation yesterday, I can't get motivated to work today. I stumbled across this game on Paul Katcher's site this morning and I have wasted at least 2 hours on this. High Score: 17,417. Good luck.
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/squares.html
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/squares.html
Jun 13, 2005
Baseball in Cleveland?
Does anyone outside of Cleveland hear anything about the Tribe? They are the most non-descript and boring team in baseball. Even the Pirates are more exciting.
But I don't care. This team is 31-30 and heading home for a 12-game home stand that could start to define the season.
A closer look at the stats show:
- They are the worst in the AL in BP, OBP, and 26th overall in OPS
- Yet are 3rd in ERA and 1st in WHIP.
The bullpen has been marvelous, led by Wickman but also with substantial help from Howry, Miller, Betancourt and yes, Riske. The starting pitching has been delightful. CC is good, although he could be better; Cliff Lee is 7-3, Millwood is pitching well and will come off the DL on Thursday, and our two stiffs, Elarton and Davis, have winning records. Westbrook, while 2-9, eats innings and is not deserving of this record.
The offense, putrid in April, is starting to warm up. Boone and Blake are starting to come around, Sizemore has been decent in the leadoff, and Coco, Jhonny and Hafner has been decent. We just need Victor to get out of his slump.
The 12-game homestand is against Colorado, Arizone, Boston and Cincinnati. Is 8-4 out of the question? I think not. That will take us to 39-34, and should make a lot of teams (including the Red Sox and Yanks) take notice.
But I like being ignored for now........5 games behind the Twins and closing in.
Eric Z.
But I don't care. This team is 31-30 and heading home for a 12-game home stand that could start to define the season.
A closer look at the stats show:
- They are the worst in the AL in BP, OBP, and 26th overall in OPS
- Yet are 3rd in ERA and 1st in WHIP.
The bullpen has been marvelous, led by Wickman but also with substantial help from Howry, Miller, Betancourt and yes, Riske. The starting pitching has been delightful. CC is good, although he could be better; Cliff Lee is 7-3, Millwood is pitching well and will come off the DL on Thursday, and our two stiffs, Elarton and Davis, have winning records. Westbrook, while 2-9, eats innings and is not deserving of this record.
The offense, putrid in April, is starting to warm up. Boone and Blake are starting to come around, Sizemore has been decent in the leadoff, and Coco, Jhonny and Hafner has been decent. We just need Victor to get out of his slump.
The 12-game homestand is against Colorado, Arizone, Boston and Cincinnati. Is 8-4 out of the question? I think not. That will take us to 39-34, and should make a lot of teams (including the Red Sox and Yanks) take notice.
But I like being ignored for now........5 games behind the Twins and closing in.
Eric Z.
Golf Update
1) Don did not qualify for the Ohio Am on June 7; however, his playing partner 3-putted the last two holes to fall into a playoff for the last few spots. The playoff was 6 people for 5 spots; his partner promptly doubled the first playoff hole to be the odd man out. Wow.
2) Monday is my US Publinx qualifier - 36 holes in Des Moines; if I qualify, I go to the exotic location of.... Lebanon, OH, to play a course 10 minutes from my old house.
3) Stay tuned for March Madness in June, as we have 2 match play tournaments coming up. Match play is great golf; I wish I played competitive match play more frequently.
Eric Z.
2) Monday is my US Publinx qualifier - 36 holes in Des Moines; if I qualify, I go to the exotic location of.... Lebanon, OH, to play a course 10 minutes from my old house.
3) Stay tuned for March Madness in June, as we have 2 match play tournaments coming up. Match play is great golf; I wish I played competitive match play more frequently.
Eric Z.
Lets hug it out bitch....
Went to the Dodger game on Saturday night and they had the Hollywood All-Star softball game beforehand. It's fascinating to watch Joey Macinyire,the fat hobbit,and the Principal from Breakfast Club turn a double play. Oh and John Lovitz and the fat hobbit were co-mvps of the game. Lovitz jacked a game ending 2 run shot in the bottom of the seventh. Fabulous!!
I'm not going to totally slam Lee for drunk dialing me on Saturday night since it resulted in one of the greatest ideas of all time. We came up with the solution to the problem for all married guys who have kids and can't get out to Vegas. Casino Day Care. When the wife says that you can't go to Vegas because of the kids, just say you will take them with you so she can relax. Once in Vegas drop the kids off at the Mirage Day Care Service and gamble away. I'm serious about this!!!
The gooch is live and well. I'm not a great golfer, but recently I have been able to hit in the mid 80s the last couple times out. On Sunday, after a rough couple of holes, I was able to put together a solid back nine, being 2 over going into the last hole. All I needed was a boggie on the Par 5 and I would break 40 on the back 9, which is a pretty big feat for me. I happened to brag to the guys I was playing with and after a 285 yard drive, I decided to go for the green and put it in the water. After a bad chip and then a three putt, I ended up with a 7. Ugh.
I'm not going to totally slam Lee for drunk dialing me on Saturday night since it resulted in one of the greatest ideas of all time. We came up with the solution to the problem for all married guys who have kids and can't get out to Vegas. Casino Day Care. When the wife says that you can't go to Vegas because of the kids, just say you will take them with you so she can relax. Once in Vegas drop the kids off at the Mirage Day Care Service and gamble away. I'm serious about this!!!
The gooch is live and well. I'm not a great golfer, but recently I have been able to hit in the mid 80s the last couple times out. On Sunday, after a rough couple of holes, I was able to put together a solid back nine, being 2 over going into the last hole. All I needed was a boggie on the Par 5 and I would break 40 on the back 9, which is a pretty big feat for me. I happened to brag to the guys I was playing with and after a 285 yard drive, I decided to go for the green and put it in the water. After a bad chip and then a three putt, I ended up with a 7. Ugh.
Jun 11, 2005
Hangover food
The next poll should ask what everyone's favoirte hangover food is. My worst hangover ever was in New Orleans in 1999, and when I finally felt like eating at 4:30 pm, I downed 5 pieces of Popeye's Chicken. Oh God, was that good.
This afternoon I turned to BK's traditional Chicken Sandwich. It satisfied the need.
There are no Rally's in Iowa. That ranks right up there for me when I need food NOW to cure a pounding headache.
This afternoon I turned to BK's traditional Chicken Sandwich. It satisfied the need.
There are no Rally's in Iowa. That ranks right up there for me when I need food NOW to cure a pounding headache.
Paul Lynde, for the block
Got back from Ames last night - a 7th place finish. Not too bad, given what transpired on Thursday.
This is a course that has no real trees to speak up - so the defense of the course is the wind and the "scottish" heather set up on the sides of most fairways. The fairways are generou s- about 30-35 yds wide - and about 5 more yards of plain rough - but if you miss that, you aredead. Sometimes it is the wispy heather; sometimes it is a hazard (lakes, marhses), and on some holes, OB awaits. So hitting the driver well is essential.
I was -1 thru 4, which included some Nathan Lane-type antics when my 50' for birdie on 3 was dead in the cup with 6 inches to go - yet somehow lipped out. I hit a bad tee shot on a par 3 (bogey) and a bad approach on 6 (another bogey). +1 thru 6 with 2 mistakes. The 7th hole had OB left, and unfortnately I duck hooked it. The ball bounced in the fairway as it was heading left, took two bounces and disappeared. I got up near the ball - the officials painted a white line just inside of the heather, signifying OB. However, right around where my ball was, the white line diverged into two - one line stayed on the inside part of the heather, but another white line appeared to go 10-15 yards deeper into the weeds and continued on down the hole. My ball, of course, was in between the two lines.
Long story short, I was ruled to be OB and I took a 7. After 9, I played halfway decent, 6 greens, and shot 39. Argh. The back nine was uninteresting but solid - one biride and one brain lock on a 500 yard par 5 that resulted in a 6 - until 18.
18 has water right and heather left. For whatever reason, the block appeared on that tee and my ball went dead right. There wasn't a question - splash. I had to drop about 100 yards from the tee, resulting in a 320 yd approach shot. Oh yeah, I got that in the bag. I hooked a 3 wood into a bad lie, punched up near the green and made a horrendous chip. Two more putts resulted in a 7.
I was in a complete fog for an hour after the round; I almost ran two stop signs and when I drown my sorrows at a Chiniese buffet, I collided into a waitress. "Oh! So sorry...more lo mein?"
So after hitting the ball well, two mistakes cost me 5 strokes.
Friday was the opposite; I hit two drives well all day, but solid irons (and a 205-yd 5 wood into the wind to 12' for a birdie on 15) kept me in the game, and I somehow shot 72. Every drive I hit was a severe draw - not quite as bad as a dead hook spatula, but certainly uglier than a draw. I parred 7 and 18, by the way, going 5-4 when I went 7-7 on Thursday.
I'm still stuck on the block from Thursday and am thinking I was scared of doing it again all day Friday. So now I'm lost with the driver when, 10 days ago, I couldn't hit irons. I hate golf.
This is a course that has no real trees to speak up - so the defense of the course is the wind and the "scottish" heather set up on the sides of most fairways. The fairways are generou s- about 30-35 yds wide - and about 5 more yards of plain rough - but if you miss that, you aredead. Sometimes it is the wispy heather; sometimes it is a hazard (lakes, marhses), and on some holes, OB awaits. So hitting the driver well is essential.
I was -1 thru 4, which included some Nathan Lane-type antics when my 50' for birdie on 3 was dead in the cup with 6 inches to go - yet somehow lipped out. I hit a bad tee shot on a par 3 (bogey) and a bad approach on 6 (another bogey). +1 thru 6 with 2 mistakes. The 7th hole had OB left, and unfortnately I duck hooked it. The ball bounced in the fairway as it was heading left, took two bounces and disappeared. I got up near the ball - the officials painted a white line just inside of the heather, signifying OB. However, right around where my ball was, the white line diverged into two - one line stayed on the inside part of the heather, but another white line appeared to go 10-15 yards deeper into the weeds and continued on down the hole. My ball, of course, was in between the two lines.
Long story short, I was ruled to be OB and I took a 7. After 9, I played halfway decent, 6 greens, and shot 39. Argh. The back nine was uninteresting but solid - one biride and one brain lock on a 500 yard par 5 that resulted in a 6 - until 18.
18 has water right and heather left. For whatever reason, the block appeared on that tee and my ball went dead right. There wasn't a question - splash. I had to drop about 100 yards from the tee, resulting in a 320 yd approach shot. Oh yeah, I got that in the bag. I hooked a 3 wood into a bad lie, punched up near the green and made a horrendous chip. Two more putts resulted in a 7.
I was in a complete fog for an hour after the round; I almost ran two stop signs and when I drown my sorrows at a Chiniese buffet, I collided into a waitress. "Oh! So sorry...more lo mein?"
So after hitting the ball well, two mistakes cost me 5 strokes.
Friday was the opposite; I hit two drives well all day, but solid irons (and a 205-yd 5 wood into the wind to 12' for a birdie on 15) kept me in the game, and I somehow shot 72. Every drive I hit was a severe draw - not quite as bad as a dead hook spatula, but certainly uglier than a draw. I parred 7 and 18, by the way, going 5-4 when I went 7-7 on Thursday.
I'm still stuck on the block from Thursday and am thinking I was scared of doing it again all day Friday. So now I'm lost with the driver when, 10 days ago, I couldn't hit irons. I hate golf.
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