Randomized pairings below, hot off the Excel sheet:
Group 1
Gorecki
Tall Mike
Gary
Group 2
Casey
Faz
Brendan
Group 3
JW
[JW's Guest]
Dave
Buchert
Group 4
Danny
Robbie
Katie
John
Group 5
MikeHo
Darren
Chandler
Reid
Lexington Oaks... 9:15am. I'll parse out the two skins groups shortly based on handicaps.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
By-Laws and Board of Directors
Effective immediately, we now have Club By-Laws which establish precedent for all Club administration activities. You can read through those in the link on the "Leadership" tab.
I've established these By-Laws for a handful of reasons, not limited to:
1) To get more people involved and take ownership of Club decisions.
2) To create a smoke-screen allowing me to blame other people for said decisions.
3) To establish a way to pass off Chairman duties, if/when we ever develop a less-manual system of data entry.
4) Officially create a path for new membership approval, which we will use immediately moving forward.
5) An attempt to move us one step closer to elitism.
Very soon we'll hold the first ever election of Directors, who will serve through 2019. If you've played in at least 20 official league events, and you want to be part of my "blame team," then nominate yourself when asked.
All suggestions/issues with our By-Laws may be sent to: suggestions@suggestions.com
I've established these By-Laws for a handful of reasons, not limited to:
1) To get more people involved and take ownership of Club decisions.
2) To create a smoke-screen allowing me to blame other people for said decisions.
3) To establish a way to pass off Chairman duties, if/when we ever develop a less-manual system of data entry.
4) Officially create a path for new membership approval, which we will use immediately moving forward.
5) An attempt to move us one step closer to elitism.
Very soon we'll hold the first ever election of Directors, who will serve through 2019. If you've played in at least 20 official league events, and you want to be part of my "blame team," then nominate yourself when asked.
All suggestions/issues with our By-Laws may be sent to: suggestions@suggestions.com
Friday, January 26, 2018
Spring 2018 - Skins Game Preview
We're off THIS WEEK, but never too early to book next week. In fact, at our size it's almost late.
We're at Lexington Oaks at 9:15am. $36ish after tax. Make sure they don't charge you anything higher. You'll have plenty of time to get home before coverage of theSuper Bowl Waste Management Phoenix Open.
We have 17 people in right now so if one more person bails I'm going to eliminate one of the tee times.
This scorecard should be accurate. Everyone is on the BLUE tees unless they tell me otherwise. Katie is on the GOLD tees. USGA Ratings:
Men:
Black - 72.5 / 136
Blue - 69.6 / 126
White - 67.2 / 123
Katie:
Gold - 69.8 / 114
Red - 66.1 / 104
Let me know if you need help calculating what your strokes would be on different tee boxes. Randomized pairings will happen next Wednesday or so.
We're at Lexington Oaks at 9:15am. $36ish after tax. Make sure they don't charge you anything higher. You'll have plenty of time to get home before coverage of the
We have 17 people in right now so if one more person bails I'm going to eliminate one of the tee times.
This scorecard should be accurate. Everyone is on the BLUE tees unless they tell me otherwise. Katie is on the GOLD tees. USGA Ratings:
Men:
Black - 72.5 / 136
Blue - 69.6 / 126
White - 67.2 / 123
Katie:
Gold - 69.8 / 114
Red - 66.1 / 104
Let me know if you need help calculating what your strokes would be on different tee boxes. Randomized pairings will happen next Wednesday or so.
Monday, January 22, 2018
The Classic - Spring 2018 Recap
Beautiful day out on the course to start the new season. All 18 "active" members attended, the most in league history. Tarpon Woods was a nice change of pace, and yielded a couple of good rounds while beating up the rest of us (as promised).
Short and straight hitters like Darren fared well early on, until a hiccup on 13 and 14 left an opening for Faz. Despite not always being the most accurate driver of the golf ball, Faz hit some amazing tee balls (with all sorts of clubs) and played the final seven holes at -1 (gross). It was a clinic that was fun to witness.
Katie did Katie things to finish 3rd, and Big John continues his golf-rehab with a decent 4th place showing.
For the most part, bombers struggled with the tighter fairways. I still contend the course looked more narrow than it actually was, and many people would drastically improve on their score the next time through. We'll probably wait until next Spring to return, as we shift more south near Bradenton in the Summer.
----------------------
We're off this weekend for Gasparilla. See you in two weeks at a location TBD.
Short and straight hitters like Darren fared well early on, until a hiccup on 13 and 14 left an opening for Faz. Despite not always being the most accurate driver of the golf ball, Faz hit some amazing tee balls (with all sorts of clubs) and played the final seven holes at -1 (gross). It was a clinic that was fun to witness.
Katie did Katie things to finish 3rd, and Big John continues his golf-rehab with a decent 4th place showing.
For the most part, bombers struggled with the tighter fairways. I still contend the course looked more narrow than it actually was, and many people would drastically improve on their score the next time through. We'll probably wait until next Spring to return, as we shift more south near Bradenton in the Summer.
----------------------
We're off this weekend for Gasparilla. See you in two weeks at a location TBD.
Monday, January 15, 2018
Spring 2018 - Week 1 Preview
We are back THIS WEEK! Sunday, January 21st.
Last minute change of plans, as we're heading to a "new" course for the league. Tarpon Woods, 10am, in Palm Harbor (near Lansbrook). $36
1100 Tarpon Woods Blvd, Palm Harbor, FL 34685
The course has a range, so get there early to sign in and warm-up.
Tarpon Woods has historically been one of the worst conditioned courses in the area, so bad I've avoided it all together. LPGA 3x Major winner Jan Stephenson took over last April, and it's now in very playable shape. The greens are awesome.
Everyone is on the Middle (White) tees unless you tell me otherwise. Greg is on Back unless he tells me otherwise. Be sure to comment your preference before the end of day on Friday!
Scorecard - Missing from the card is the old-man Gold Tees (68.8/122 - 5,638).
--------------------------------------------
Pairings were randomized in Excel in front of two other league members:
Group 1
Gary
Katie
Tall Mike
John
Group 2
[Guest #2]
Robbie
Gorecki
Dave
Group 3
[Guest #1]
Brendan
Chandler
JW
Group 4
Geoff
Greg
Buchert
Darren
Group 5
Mike Ho
Casey
Reid
[Danny]
See you out there. Don't be late.
Last minute change of plans, as we're heading to a "new" course for the league. Tarpon Woods, 10am, in Palm Harbor (near Lansbrook). $36
1100 Tarpon Woods Blvd, Palm Harbor, FL 34685
The course has a range, so get there early to sign in and warm-up.
Tarpon Woods has historically been one of the worst conditioned courses in the area, so bad I've avoided it all together. LPGA 3x Major winner Jan Stephenson took over last April, and it's now in very playable shape. The greens are awesome.
Everyone is on the Middle (White) tees unless you tell me otherwise. Greg is on Back unless he tells me otherwise. Be sure to comment your preference before the end of day on Friday!
Scorecard - Missing from the card is the old-man Gold Tees (68.8/122 - 5,638).
--------------------------------------------
Pairings were randomized in Excel in front of two other league members:
Group 1
Gary
Katie
Tall Mike
John
Group 2
[Guest #2]
Robbie
Gorecki
Dave
Group 3
[Guest #1]
Brendan
Chandler
JW
Group 4
Geoff
Greg
Buchert
Darren
Group 5
Mike Ho
Casey
Reid
[Danny]
See you out there. Don't be late.
Friday, January 12, 2018
2018 Season Reminders
A few of my usual pre-season Club reminders for everyone:
- In order to be eligible for a season, you must attend one of the first three weeks.
- Keep your RSVP form up-to-date. I reserve rounds based on only those who are IN. As of right now we have 17 for Week 1, so I'll reserve 5 tee times. But some of the nicer courses threaten to charge for any unused spots.
- Saying you're IN but not showing up will eventually result in a DQ for the remainder of the season. Same applies for bailing within 7 days of an event. Obviously life happens... so just don't make it a regular issue.
- In order to be eligible for points and money in the final event (DPT Masters), you must play 4 previous events. Also, the date of that tournament will be rescheduled if anyone mathematically eligible for The Cup has a conflict.
- The Rapture standings (based on World Rankings) lock after the 3rd week of the Summer Season. I'm going to need to start scheduling, and will soon ask for any major conflicts in August and September (Fridays through Sundays). We'll pick a date that works best for the top 12 players (above the blue line). The maximum number of players for the event will remain 16. Go ahead and check your calendars so you'll be ready to report when it's time.
- I'll post the course for Week 1, as well as the random (seriously) pairings, on Monday.
- In order to be eligible for a season, you must attend one of the first three weeks.
- Keep your RSVP form up-to-date. I reserve rounds based on only those who are IN. As of right now we have 17 for Week 1, so I'll reserve 5 tee times. But some of the nicer courses threaten to charge for any unused spots.
- Saying you're IN but not showing up will eventually result in a DQ for the remainder of the season. Same applies for bailing within 7 days of an event. Obviously life happens... so just don't make it a regular issue.
- In order to be eligible for points and money in the final event (DPT Masters), you must play 4 previous events. Also, the date of that tournament will be rescheduled if anyone mathematically eligible for The Cup has a conflict.
- The Rapture standings (based on World Rankings) lock after the 3rd week of the Summer Season. I'm going to need to start scheduling, and will soon ask for any major conflicts in August and September (Fridays through Sundays). We'll pick a date that works best for the top 12 players (above the blue line). The maximum number of players for the event will remain 16. Go ahead and check your calendars so you'll be ready to report when it's time.
- I'll post the course for Week 1, as well as the random (seriously) pairings, on Monday.
Saturday, January 6, 2018
The Countrway Collapse - Lost Footage
Longtime members (who actually read) know one of my favorite stories is what I'm tentatively calling The Countryway Collapse. I link to it on this blog at least 3 times per year, and it should be mandatory reading each time... if only as a reminder of what "stroke and distance" means.
Reid recently sent me "never before seen" footage, offering another perspective of the most egregious violation of the rules of golf... until Gorecki went to Scotland. Let's take a deep dive into the footage:
The video picks up during Mike's "do-over, do-over," after he hit a few warm-up balls into a lake, and chunked his first official attempt at scoring a 6 or better on the hole. Mike's 4th shot went into the trees, past the OB stakes, and almost into the road. We let him play it, mainly because we wanted to prove a point (ie: gather content), but he was clearly OB and has since struggled with the location of OB lines.
The Countway scorecard states: "Out of Bounds indicated by white stakes or inside edge of bordering sidewalks."
Anyway, Gorecki sets up for his shot... and what's this?!? Not even three seconds into the video and he's pressing down the grass behind the ball with his foot.
Rule 13-2: "A player must not improve or allow to be improved: the position or lie of his ball or the area of his intended stance or swing... by pressing a club on the ground; moving, bending or breaking anything growing or fixed; creating or eliminating irregularities of surface; removing or pressing down sand, loose soil, replaced divots or other cut turf placed in position..."
We probably break this rule all the time, and I'm sure I've snapped a few branches when crawling into a bush to punch out. Let's try not to make it so obvious.
Mike proceeds to borderline shank his "5th" shot to the front of the green, and putts on for "6" using the tried-and-true Tebow method of reading greens... from 10 yards off the green.
At the 1:51 mark, he sets up behind his putt and asks if it's left-edge, to which I tell him it's two balls outside. Mike seems surprised, but doesn't adjust his original line. Instead he pulls across the ball along his wide open foot alignment, missing the putt by about 8 inches.
Use the slider below. We fancy.
We should definitely take more video out on the course. Only two weeks left to get your game in order!
Reid recently sent me "never before seen" footage, offering another perspective of the most egregious violation of the rules of golf... until Gorecki went to Scotland. Let's take a deep dive into the footage:
The video picks up during Mike's "do-over, do-over," after he hit a few warm-up balls into a lake, and chunked his first official attempt at scoring a 6 or better on the hole. Mike's 4th shot went into the trees, past the OB stakes, and almost into the road. We let him play it, mainly because we wanted to prove a point (ie: gather content), but he was clearly OB and has since struggled with the location of OB lines.
The Countway scorecard states: "Out of Bounds indicated by white stakes or inside edge of bordering sidewalks."
 |
| Oh, the places you'll go. |
Anyway, Gorecki sets up for his shot... and what's this?!? Not even three seconds into the video and he's pressing down the grass behind the ball with his foot.
Rule 13-2: "A player must not improve or allow to be improved: the position or lie of his ball or the area of his intended stance or swing... by pressing a club on the ground; moving, bending or breaking anything growing or fixed; creating or eliminating irregularities of surface; removing or pressing down sand, loose soil, replaced divots or other cut turf placed in position..."
We probably break this rule all the time, and I'm sure I've snapped a few branches when crawling into a bush to punch out. Let's try not to make it so obvious.
Mike proceeds to borderline shank his "5th" shot to the front of the green, and putts on for "6" using the tried-and-true Tebow method of reading greens... from 10 yards off the green.
At the 1:51 mark, he sets up behind his putt and asks if it's left-edge, to which I tell him it's two balls outside. Mike seems surprised, but doesn't adjust his original line. Instead he pulls across the ball along his wide open foot alignment, missing the putt by about 8 inches.
Use the slider below. We fancy.
We should definitely take more video out on the course. Only two weeks left to get your game in order!
Thursday, January 4, 2018
2018 Golf Destination Trip - Scottsdale, AZ
Many of you know I plan a yearly trip, usually centered around a PGA Tour location. You can read my review of those excursions on the right side of the blog. For our 8th year, we're looking at Scottsdale, AZ.
As with most things in life, coordination becomes increasingly difficult as the group size increases. Against better judgement, I'm going to give everyone a brief window to join the trip. Obviously some of you have newborns and new jobs and whatnot, so consider joining a future outing.
Dates: May 18th - 22nd.
Fly out early on Friday the 18th, golf 4 days in a row (including arrival date), return the morning of Tuesday the 22nd. You'd need 3 days off from work.
Cost: $1,200ish
The cost is going to depend on how many go, and where we stay. Where we stay depends on how many go. And assuming we have less than 16 people, I can't book rounds on TPC Scottsdale until February 20th anyway. My pricing guesstimate is based on our San Antonio trip in 2016.
Deadline: February 1st
The first round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open. On this date I'm booking housing based on the committed headcount. There's a very good chance I lock everything down before February, as you pretty much already know today if you're in or out.
Courses: Playing 3 or 4 different courses, based on availability and cost. Here's a list of options I'm considering:
TPC Scottsdale (Stadium) - Home of the WMPO. We usually try to play the PGA courses twice.
We-Ko-Pa (Seguaro) - Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw design, built on a reservation in 2006. One of the top rated courses in the area, and there's another highly respected course on site so 36 is possible (depending on how hot it is outside).
Troon North - Considered one of the top resorts in the country since opening in 1996. Two courses here, so there are options. Looks difficult.
Talking Stick - Another Coore/Crenshaw design. In a recent podcast, Coore said this was the course he was most proud of, because the land was completely flat with no features to work around. Reviews are good, but allegedly plays "easy." Two courses so this might be a good place to play when we land if the price is right.
Grayhawk - Hosted the Safeway Open from 2007-2010 when the Reach-Around Season was established. The pros apparently love the place and the driving range plays... classic rock? They look tough, but one of the two courses is a Fazio design so that's to be expected.
The Boulders - Two courses surrounded by large boulders. Target golf, looks difficult. Also a private course but we should be able to get on in May.
Anyway... send me a message if you want to be included.
As with most things in life, coordination becomes increasingly difficult as the group size increases. Against better judgement, I'm going to give everyone a brief window to join the trip. Obviously some of you have newborns and new jobs and whatnot, so consider joining a future outing.
Dates: May 18th - 22nd.
Fly out early on Friday the 18th, golf 4 days in a row (including arrival date), return the morning of Tuesday the 22nd. You'd need 3 days off from work.
Cost: $1,200ish
The cost is going to depend on how many go, and where we stay. Where we stay depends on how many go. And assuming we have less than 16 people, I can't book rounds on TPC Scottsdale until February 20th anyway. My pricing guesstimate is based on our San Antonio trip in 2016.
Deadline: February 1st
The first round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open. On this date I'm booking housing based on the committed headcount. There's a very good chance I lock everything down before February, as you pretty much already know today if you're in or out.
Courses: Playing 3 or 4 different courses, based on availability and cost. Here's a list of options I'm considering:
TPC Scottsdale (Stadium) - Home of the WMPO. We usually try to play the PGA courses twice.
We-Ko-Pa (Seguaro) - Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw design, built on a reservation in 2006. One of the top rated courses in the area, and there's another highly respected course on site so 36 is possible (depending on how hot it is outside).
Troon North - Considered one of the top resorts in the country since opening in 1996. Two courses here, so there are options. Looks difficult.
Talking Stick - Another Coore/Crenshaw design. In a recent podcast, Coore said this was the course he was most proud of, because the land was completely flat with no features to work around. Reviews are good, but allegedly plays "easy." Two courses so this might be a good place to play when we land if the price is right.
Grayhawk - Hosted the Safeway Open from 2007-2010 when the Reach-Around Season was established. The pros apparently love the place and the driving range plays... classic rock? They look tough, but one of the two courses is a Fazio design so that's to be expected.
The Boulders - Two courses surrounded by large boulders. Target golf, looks difficult. Also a private course but we should be able to get on in May.
Anyway... send me a message if you want to be included.
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
2018 Fantasy Golf Pool
Our yearly Fantasy Golf Pool went out today. Many of you are in it... some of you are not. If you're interested, post a comment and I'll forward you the entry form.
Basic Gist: Pick 19 golfers based on a grid. No changing line-ups. No effort needed. Just sit back and root for those guys. $50 buy in.
Basic Gist: Pick 19 golfers based on a grid. No changing line-ups. No effort needed. Just sit back and root for those guys. $50 buy in.
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