The first Major of the year is here, and we're back at Lexington Oaks for the 9th time. As the new course preview on the right shows, there are no repeat winners in any of those seasons! This place doesn't give a damn who you are.
It's a mishmash: wide holes, narrow ones, short pokes, long slogs. The shaggy (and soggy) conditions around the greens frustrate good players, and actually give higher handicaps a fighting chance — as they're usually shit when everything's pristine anyway. We've seen low scoring days (2018, one pitcher owed... thanks, Chandler) and outright bloodbaths (2020, a then record 13 pitchers earned).
The real appeal is the location — central for most of the Club — and they've finally removed/lost some problematic trees. Specifically on #17... the chute's gone, the left-side lake is visible, and the most punishing par 3 in Club history is a little less sadistic.
Sure, I heard the usual grumbling from our back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back Strokes Gained: Mouth champion (Mike Ho) about hosting a "Major" here, but variety matters. Horses for courses is not good for the game.
That's why I scheduled Jovita as the Skins Game this season — as we've overused it as a Major. Lo and behold, Chandler (yes, me) has now won 3 of the 6 events on the South course, gobbling up coveted DPT Points whenever we visit. Rotating Majors (and Match Play) spreads the big points around instead of crowning the same few guys every time. Technically, Buffalo Creek should probably host a Major, especially now that Jovita is no longer a "deal."
Tee time Sunday is 10:20am. It'll be slow — but apparently many of you "prefer" this. Green fees are $68 plus tax; don't pay a penny more. Range balls are not included. Pairings are randomized. The weather should be pretty nice.
Long drive on #11.
We also have the first Full Field Closest-to-Pin this year. Your $1 entry was already paid in your dues, and winner takes all on hole 13 (a fun short par 3). Group A sets the marker; final group picks it up.
Local rule this week: Drop zones on #14 and #18 are no longer marked. If you hit into the shit off the tee, drop on the other side of the bridge at the red tees.
I don't believe anyone has been dumb enough to play the tips at Lexington Oaks. But if you're feeling masochistic, speak up. I've bumped Gorecki to the WHITE, so if any other 55/25 Club members want to move up, say the word.
See you Sunday.
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