Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Monday, December 19, 2016
Ocala Review
Played Candler Hills and Stone Creek up in Ocala yesterday. Both courses were great, in excellent shape, and could be used in our "Ryder Cup" event next year. We were basically looking for a good "alternate shot" course.
Stone Creek was more traditional, with a lot of water hazards and a few giant oak trees planted in the middle of fairways. We teed it forward, and it still played a lot harder than it's 117 slope. All around a nice course, which we'll use if we need to.
But Candler Hills was a lot more "fun." It's insanely open off the tee, has zero water hazards, and giant greens which were in great shape. The layout is excellent with a handful of short par 4s. One is designed to be driveable by most of the league. The par 3s are difficult at about 170+, and there's a 560 yard uphill par 5 (670 from the tips) that requires you to hit 3 good long shots. It's just a mixed bag of everything. It reminded me of an easier version of Esplanade.
But that's not to say you couldn't put up a big number. The elevation change in the greens is more than anything we play on a regular basis. And there is OB on almost every hole if you hit it 30+ yards off the fairway. They also have close to 100 bunkers on the course.
Considering the difficulty of Black Diamond and Juliette Falls, this would be my first choice for alternate shot (notice how I didn't write "scramble").
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It appears all league members from the "computer generation" have finally figured out how to register for events. So remember to UPDATE your selections as your schedule changes. The list will update in real time (just don't change the name you entered in the sheet).
When I book a course (usually a week out), I'll reserve a spot for all the IN people. For example, if I were to book Week 1 now, I'd get 4 groups for the 14 "IN" responses. This leaves two spots open for the "???" people. First come first served on those spots. Sometimes we'll have extra space, sometimes we won't. So it's important to keep your selection current.
In the future I see penalties handed out to people who are IN but then bail the week of an event. But for this season, we'll just see how it goes.
We're also going to lock league membership for the Spring 2017 season. If you're on the list today, congrats! You made it! Any new people are still welcome if space is available, but they'll be playing to establish handicaps for the summer.
-----------------------------------------
I got some more updates coming down the pipe this week, one of which will be the re-branding of the "Ryder Cup." But everyone has 13 days remaining before handicaps are locked for Week 1. So go practice!
Stone Creek was more traditional, with a lot of water hazards and a few giant oak trees planted in the middle of fairways. We teed it forward, and it still played a lot harder than it's 117 slope. All around a nice course, which we'll use if we need to.
But Candler Hills was a lot more "fun." It's insanely open off the tee, has zero water hazards, and giant greens which were in great shape. The layout is excellent with a handful of short par 4s. One is designed to be driveable by most of the league. The par 3s are difficult at about 170+, and there's a 560 yard uphill par 5 (670 from the tips) that requires you to hit 3 good long shots. It's just a mixed bag of everything. It reminded me of an easier version of Esplanade.
But that's not to say you couldn't put up a big number. The elevation change in the greens is more than anything we play on a regular basis. And there is OB on almost every hole if you hit it 30+ yards off the fairway. They also have close to 100 bunkers on the course.
Considering the difficulty of Black Diamond and Juliette Falls, this would be my first choice for alternate shot (notice how I didn't write "scramble").
-----------------------------------------
It appears all league members from the "computer generation" have finally figured out how to register for events. So remember to UPDATE your selections as your schedule changes. The list will update in real time (just don't change the name you entered in the sheet).
When I book a course (usually a week out), I'll reserve a spot for all the IN people. For example, if I were to book Week 1 now, I'd get 4 groups for the 14 "IN" responses. This leaves two spots open for the "???" people. First come first served on those spots. Sometimes we'll have extra space, sometimes we won't. So it's important to keep your selection current.
In the future I see penalties handed out to people who are IN but then bail the week of an event. But for this season, we'll just see how it goes.
We're also going to lock league membership for the Spring 2017 season. If you're on the list today, congrats! You made it! Any new people are still welcome if space is available, but they'll be playing to establish handicaps for the summer.
-----------------------------------------
I got some more updates coming down the pipe this week, one of which will be the re-branding of the "Ryder Cup." But everyone has 13 days remaining before handicaps are locked for Week 1. So go practice!
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Gorecki - By The Numbers
Gorecki has played 35 events, 36 rounds and 648 holes in league history. Let's break down his career "by the numbers." Thanks to Faz and his stats sheet for some of these.
742 - Number of views (as of this writing) on his obituary page.
595 - Number of holes played until he recorded his first birdie.
68 - Number of career pars or better (fewer than 2 per round on average).
50 - Highest strokes over par (gross) in an event (Pebble Creek in Spring 2016).
35 - Average (gross) strokes over par per round.
30 - Length in inches (2.5') of the gimmie putt he begged for, didn't get, and then posted about looking for sympathy.
9 - Number of events (26%) he finished DFL.
3 - Number of Long Drives ever won.
2 - Number of times he shot a gross score HIGHER than the course's slope.
1 - Number of strokes Gorecki attempts to shave every time he goes OB.
0.25 - Average number of Greenies per round.
0 - Number of times he's broken 90. Also, number of Sandies ever recorded. And number of women he feels comfortable around.
742 - Number of views (as of this writing) on his obituary page.
595 - Number of holes played until he recorded his first birdie.
68 - Number of career pars or better (fewer than 2 per round on average).
50 - Highest strokes over par (gross) in an event (Pebble Creek in Spring 2016).
35 - Average (gross) strokes over par per round.
30 - Length in inches (2.5') of the gimmie putt he begged for, didn't get, and then posted about looking for sympathy.
9 - Number of events (26%) he finished DFL.
3 - Number of Long Drives ever won.
2 - Number of times he shot a gross score HIGHER than the course's slope.
1 - Number of strokes Gorecki attempts to shave every time he goes OB.
0.25 - Average number of Greenies per round.
0 - Number of times he's broken 90. Also, number of Sandies ever recorded. And number of women he feels comfortable around.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Weekend Recap
Off-season scouting continues.
Heritage Harbor was... well... Heritage Harbor. A tricked up difficult course that's cheap in the winter. The greens were decent but really soggy/spongy for some reason. At least they held, unlike Cypress Creek which is in "time out" until those conditions improve. I reckon we'll hit up the HH if we're in a pinch for a local place to play.
I try to keep the greens fees around $45 per round in the winter, and $35 in the summer (non-Majors). Big John thinks we're being "cheap" and wants to play nicer courses every week, but with 19 active members of all different financial situations, it's not reasonable to do so. Remember, I'm a man of the people. I'm not the leader you want, but the one you deserve.
So in the winter, we're gonna play some shit.
Speaking of shit, I caved in and played Mangrove Bay with Mike "Still Doesn't Understand How OB Works" Gorecki. He wants to play his tournament there from the old man tees next season since a lot of people complained about Buffalo Creek. And apparently Gorecki is in the "anti-Countryway" camp.
The course itself is in much better shape than Buffalo Creek. Greens, fairway, rough... everything. It's also much closer for everyone, especially the Westchase people. But the track is insanely easy, and from the old man tees it's even shorter than BC (5,726). A bunch of the tees were about 5 yards behind the Katie Tees.
I'll let Mr. OB come on here and give you his "The purpose of the tournament is...." speech. But feel free to add to the discussion.
------------------------
This week I'm headed up to do the final scouting for next year's "Ryder Cup." Gary, Darren and allegedly Tall Mike are joining... leaving Tampa sometime around 6am. Should be fun.
Be sure to report your scores if you play anywhere.
Heritage Harbor was... well... Heritage Harbor. A tricked up difficult course that's cheap in the winter. The greens were decent but really soggy/spongy for some reason. At least they held, unlike Cypress Creek which is in "time out" until those conditions improve. I reckon we'll hit up the HH if we're in a pinch for a local place to play.
I try to keep the greens fees around $45 per round in the winter, and $35 in the summer (non-Majors). Big John thinks we're being "cheap" and wants to play nicer courses every week, but with 19 active members of all different financial situations, it's not reasonable to do so. Remember, I'm a man of the people. I'm not the leader you want, but the one you deserve.
So in the winter, we're gonna play some shit.
Speaking of shit, I caved in and played Mangrove Bay with Mike "Still Doesn't Understand How OB Works" Gorecki. He wants to play his tournament there from the old man tees next season since a lot of people complained about Buffalo Creek. And apparently Gorecki is in the "anti-Countryway" camp.
The course itself is in much better shape than Buffalo Creek. Greens, fairway, rough... everything. It's also much closer for everyone, especially the Westchase people. But the track is insanely easy, and from the old man tees it's even shorter than BC (5,726). A bunch of the tees were about 5 yards behind the Katie Tees.
I'll let Mr. OB come on here and give you his "The purpose of the tournament is...." speech. But feel free to add to the discussion.
------------------------
This week I'm headed up to do the final scouting for next year's "Ryder Cup." Gary, Darren and allegedly Tall Mike are joining... leaving Tampa sometime around 6am. Should be fun.
Be sure to report your scores if you play anywhere.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Sunday Group Update
Have 2 groups for the following people this Sunday:
Chandler
Darren
Gorecki
Faz
Brendan
Big John
Casey
Reid
9am-ish at Heritage Harbor. NOT Heritage Isles. Don't go to the wrong course.
Chandler
Darren
Gorecki
Faz
Brendan
Big John
Casey
Reid
9am-ish at Heritage Harbor. NOT Heritage Isles. Don't go to the wrong course.
Monday, December 5, 2016
November Handicap Tracker
Man, look at all the blog posts saying "Gorecki, where is this month's handicap tracker??" Settle down, it may be a few days late but its here. Glad to see my efforts are appreciated though. Kind of like Chandler and this blog he created, and maintains, and updates, and does fancy graphs, spreadsheets, and now registration response forms. Good Lord, you think he does all this while NOT on company time?? (Darren??)
Anyways, looks like some "new" members officially qualified as DPT members and now carry a handicap. And timing couldn't have been better because without Katie's HC entry, I would've found myself back in the cellar as JW and Geoff have a lower HC by ONE TENTH of a point! I'm sure Dub has enjoyed taking my money on some low gross HC bets we've made during the past couple of exhibition matches. Makes the game more fun and also keeps us motivated to keep taking lessons, practicing, and playing rounds during the off season. And after reading that Katie beat 4 league members on Saturday in GROSS, I can't see her HC staying in the thirties for very long.
Not only did the bottom end of the tracker see movement, the top did as well with Dave dropping a whole point this month! He leap frogged Dan who has a whole 2 rounds recorded over the past 6 months. The league has rules on getting a handicap established, is there a rule where he's in danger of getting dropped?
Outside of those mentioned above not a lot of shuffling of handicap "rankings". More drops and no changes in handicaps than increases this month so props to the improver's.
Only 4 weekends left to play until next season commences.. get your sandbagged errrr low rounds sent in!
Anyways, looks like some "new" members officially qualified as DPT members and now carry a handicap. And timing couldn't have been better because without Katie's HC entry, I would've found myself back in the cellar as JW and Geoff have a lower HC by ONE TENTH of a point! I'm sure Dub has enjoyed taking my money on some low gross HC bets we've made during the past couple of exhibition matches. Makes the game more fun and also keeps us motivated to keep taking lessons, practicing, and playing rounds during the off season. And after reading that Katie beat 4 league members on Saturday in GROSS, I can't see her HC staying in the thirties for very long.
Not only did the bottom end of the tracker see movement, the top did as well with Dave dropping a whole point this month! He leap frogged Dan who has a whole 2 rounds recorded over the past 6 months. The league has rules on getting a handicap established, is there a rule where he's in danger of getting dropped?
Outside of those mentioned above not a lot of shuffling of handicap "rankings". More drops and no changes in handicaps than increases this month so props to the improver's.
Only 4 weekends left to play until next season commences.. get your sandbagged errrr low rounds sent in!
Weekend Recap & More Practice Rounds
Good day out at Lexington Oaks on Saturday. The weather was absolutely perfect, and the course was in pretty good shape. Based on my "napkin math," Geoff and Darren played well shooting even par (net). But Katie shot a 43 (gross) on the back nine to go -4 (net). It was a driving clinic, with her striping every tee shot 200ish down the middle, and on one hole driving the green and needing to apologize to the guys in front of us.
----------------------
I'll be playing hurt on Sunday morning somewhere. Around 9am, somewhere not too far out of town. Comment if you want in.
Also comment if you want in on the December 18th trip to play 36 holes up in Ocala. It's the final part of our "Ryder Cup" recon mission. I know Gary and Darren are in so far. I gotta book that on Sunday, so speak up now.
----------------------
Finally, we only have SIX people who need to fill out the registration form for next season. Be sure to do that or I'm not going to save a spot for you week 1. If it worked for 13 people, you can only blame user error and failure to read the directions if you're having issues (Tall Mike).
----------------------
I'll be playing hurt on Sunday morning somewhere. Around 9am, somewhere not too far out of town. Comment if you want in.
Also comment if you want in on the December 18th trip to play 36 holes up in Ocala. It's the final part of our "Ryder Cup" recon mission. I know Gary and Darren are in so far. I gotta book that on Sunday, so speak up now.
----------------------
Finally, we only have SIX people who need to fill out the registration form for next season. Be sure to do that or I'm not going to save a spot for you week 1. If it worked for 13 people, you can only blame user error and failure to read the directions if you're having issues (Tall Mike).
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
2017 - PGA Fantasy Golf Pool
Next week I'll be sending out the selection sheet for the 2017 PGA Fantasy Golf Pool. A bunch of you participated last year. Some of you didn't.
It's a "pick and forget" league, requiring you to do zero work after making your initial selections, which makes it perfect for some of you people.
If you didn't play last year and want to give it a shot, make a comment and I'll add your email to the initial distribution list.
It's a "pick and forget" league, requiring you to do zero work after making your initial selections, which makes it perfect for some of you people.
If you didn't play last year and want to give it a shot, make a comment and I'll add your email to the initial distribution list.
Monday, November 28, 2016
More Off-Season Golf
This weekend I can only get out on Saturday morning. I'm going to book something around 9am. Perhaps Heritage Isles, a course that installed new greens this summer and they're in excellent shape. Too bad the layout is tricked up. Booked at Lexington Oaks.
If you'd prefer to play Sunday instead, I believe Gorecki is looking for a game. Make comments below!
And a bunch of you need to fill out the registration form (if anything so I can link up your account). Make your existence count!
Looks like we got 2 full groups for Saturday.
If you'd prefer to play Sunday instead, I believe Gorecki is looking for a game. Make comments below!
And a bunch of you need to fill out the registration form (if anything so I can link up your account). Make your existence count!
Looks like we got 2 full groups for Saturday.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Weekend Golf - Update
Tall Mike said he'd be in for Friday and Sunday... but we need an update on those rounds:
Black Friday - We have one group booked at Buffalo Creek: Gorecki, Chandler, JW and Hartman.
Gorecki had a 2nd group booked, not sure if he cancelled it though due to lack of interest. He needs to let us know before we can add Tall Mike (and we'd need to find at least one more person).
Sunday - I got one group booked at Southern Hills at 9:30am. Gary, Chandler, Darren and Reid. If MORE of you (Tall Mike) want in, let me know now and we'll try to add another group behind it. But we can't roll up there with 5 people.
Comment away!
Black Friday - We have one group booked at Buffalo Creek: Gorecki, Chandler, JW and Hartman.
Gorecki had a 2nd group booked, not sure if he cancelled it though due to lack of interest. He needs to let us know before we can add Tall Mike (and we'd need to find at least one more person).
Sunday - I got one group booked at Southern Hills at 9:30am. Gary, Chandler, Darren and Reid. If MORE of you (Tall Mike) want in, let me know now and we'll try to add another group behind it. But we can't roll up there with 5 people.
Comment away!
Monday, November 21, 2016
New Event Registration Procedure
While most people do a good job keeping me informed as to what events they're playing, there's always a bit of hunting for responses the week of tournament play. Some of you like to roll with the "I'm in unless I say otherwise" mantra. Others tell me at events, which only works if I write it down. And then you have the "I'll have to check my schedule" people, which doesn't help since we need to book events at least a week out.
The process isn't sustainable as we gain new members. We're also almost to the size where we need to book courses further in advance, which might cause financial penalties if people bail after signing up. We'll cross that bridge in a season or two... but for now we need to do something about weekly registration.
-------------------------------
On the right side of the blog near the top is a link that says: "Member Registration." Clicking on that link will take you to a form showing the schedule and corresponding dates. You will be required to sign in with your GoogleID... the same way you would to post a comment. If you don't have a GoogleID, you need to get one. They're free. And Gmail is awesome.
At the bottom of the form, enter your name so I can identify you and link your responses to the blog.
Once you're set up, you can edit your responses whenever you desire and they will automatically update in the list currently below the Official Golf Rankings. A week from each event, I will book enough spots for every member who said "IN." Any extra spots can then be filled with guests, people wanting to join the league next season, and those members who want to get in last minute.
The form is live and ready to go... so fill it out now! Doing so will also help work out any bugs that arise before the season starts on January 8th.
The process isn't sustainable as we gain new members. We're also almost to the size where we need to book courses further in advance, which might cause financial penalties if people bail after signing up. We'll cross that bridge in a season or two... but for now we need to do something about weekly registration.
-------------------------------
On the right side of the blog near the top is a link that says: "Member Registration." Clicking on that link will take you to a form showing the schedule and corresponding dates. You will be required to sign in with your GoogleID... the same way you would to post a comment. If you don't have a GoogleID, you need to get one. They're free. And Gmail is awesome.
At the bottom of the form, enter your name so I can identify you and link your responses to the blog.
Once you're set up, you can edit your responses whenever you desire and they will automatically update in the list currently below the Official Golf Rankings. A week from each event, I will book enough spots for every member who said "IN." Any extra spots can then be filled with guests, people wanting to join the league next season, and those members who want to get in last minute.
The form is live and ready to go... so fill it out now! Doing so will also help work out any bugs that arise before the season starts on January 8th.
Thanksgiving Week Golf
Here's what I know:
Thursday: 8am shotgun at Herritage Isles. Reid, myself and Tom. I think we need one more. Reid and I do this every year, and we are home well before Thanksgiving meals. Anyone want the final spot?
Friday: 9am tee time at Buffalo Creek. Gorecki booked it and somehow convinced me to play. We need 2 more. Every time I've ever played Black Friday it has been a disaster. Buffalo at 9am shouldn't be too bad, though. I hope.
Comment if you want in on these. I also might post a Sunday round too.
Thursday: 8am shotgun at Herritage Isles. Reid, myself and Tom. I think we need one more. Reid and I do this every year, and we are home well before Thanksgiving meals. Anyone want the final spot?
Friday: 9am tee time at Buffalo Creek. Gorecki booked it and somehow convinced me to play. We need 2 more. Every time I've ever played Black Friday it has been a disaster. Buffalo at 9am shouldn't be too bad, though. I hope.
Comment if you want in on these. I also might post a Sunday round too.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Tee it Forward
We did have a lot of fun at Juliette Falls despite some awful play by myself and some by Gorecki. I will say that playing with Gorecki is WAY better than it was a year ago, and he's driving the ball very well. Once he gets over this "can't hit a hybrid" mindset, he might become a mid-tier handicapper in this league.
As you all know, though, Gorecki has been an advocate of teeing it forward to help his game. While we do play a tee box ahead of a lot of folks due to a general lack of talent in the league, I don't know if this is what is meant by "tee it forward":
As you all know, though, Gorecki has been an advocate of teeing it forward to help his game. While we do play a tee box ahead of a lot of folks due to a general lack of talent in the league, I don't know if this is what is meant by "tee it forward":
Maybe trying to catch up with Geoff in handicap has him literally trying to catch up with him on the tee box?
Keep practicing...
Thursday, November 17, 2016
2017 Schedule
Football, weddings and holidays dominate this time of year, but that will all be over soon as 2017 approaches. Scheduling the season isn't fun by any means, so keep in mind that I always follow a few rules:
1) I avoid all major holiday weekends, allowing people to go out of town without missing tournaments.
2) I try not to schedule more than 4 events in a row, giving you a break to make other plans.
3) We won't play on weekends when a large portion of the league is out. Brendan's wedding is an example of this, since 5 of the 12 guys at the time would have missed.
4) We need a few weeks off between seasons, or some of you people will get divorced.
5) We need to end the Summer season AND play the "Ryder Cup" before football starts back up in early September.
Unfortunately, applying those constraints doesn't leave a lot of remaining weekends to play 18 events and a 3-day Ryder Cup tournament. So if you're out of town for a handful of these dates... that's just the consequence of you being too popular. It's not possible for us to move the dates unless a majority of people are out for some reason. The exception is the final event, which will be moved to accommodate anyone who is still mathematically alive. We've never had to do this... but it'll happen eventually.
Put the dates below in your calendar. We need to start sooner than anticipated due to holidays and league conflicts in the summer.
Sunday, January 8th
Sunday, January 15th
Sunday, January 22nd (Major)
----Off for Gasparilla----
Sunday, February 5th
Sunday, February 12th
Sunday, February 19th (Major)
Sunday, February 26th
----Off Week / Makeup Week if Needed----
Sunday, March 12th
Sunday, March 19th (Major)
Sunday, March 26th (Makeup Week if Needed)
Sunday, April 2nd (Makeup Week if Needed)
We will also be implementing a scheduling form, which each member will use to "register" for events. More on this later, but it requires you to use a Google account. If you don't have one, you're only 12 years behind the rest of the world.
1) I avoid all major holiday weekends, allowing people to go out of town without missing tournaments.
2) I try not to schedule more than 4 events in a row, giving you a break to make other plans.
3) We won't play on weekends when a large portion of the league is out. Brendan's wedding is an example of this, since 5 of the 12 guys at the time would have missed.
4) We need a few weeks off between seasons, or some of you people will get divorced.
5) We need to end the Summer season AND play the "Ryder Cup" before football starts back up in early September.
Unfortunately, applying those constraints doesn't leave a lot of remaining weekends to play 18 events and a 3-day Ryder Cup tournament. So if you're out of town for a handful of these dates... that's just the consequence of you being too popular. It's not possible for us to move the dates unless a majority of people are out for some reason. The exception is the final event, which will be moved to accommodate anyone who is still mathematically alive. We've never had to do this... but it'll happen eventually.
Put the dates below in your calendar. We need to start sooner than anticipated due to holidays and league conflicts in the summer.
Sunday, January 8th
Sunday, January 15th
Sunday, January 22nd (Major)
----Off for Gasparilla----
Sunday, February 5th
Sunday, February 12th
Sunday, February 19th (Major)
Sunday, February 26th
----Off Week / Makeup Week if Needed----
Sunday, March 12th
Sunday, March 19th (Major)
Sunday, March 26th (Makeup Week if Needed)
Sunday, April 2nd (Makeup Week if Needed)
We will also be implementing a scheduling form, which each member will use to "register" for events. More on this later, but it requires you to use a Google account. If you don't have one, you're only 12 years behind the rest of the world.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Juliette Falls
The course was excellent. Everything was in great shape and the layout is better than anything we have here in Tampa. It has some decent length to it, and a good bit of water. Tons of waste bunkers and thick woods also punish wayward drives. But for the most part it's pretty open off the tee.
Due to the difficulty (130 slope), we'd use it for Four-Ball at our event. It's a shame it's so far away, or else we'd play it in the league.
I'm going to go back up to Ocala again in a few weeks and attempt to play both Candler Hills and Stone Creek in one day. If you're interested, let me know and we'll work out a date.
Due to the difficulty (130 slope), we'd use it for Four-Ball at our event. It's a shame it's so far away, or else we'd play it in the league.
I'm going to go back up to Ocala again in a few weeks and attempt to play both Candler Hills and Stone Creek in one day. If you're interested, let me know and we'll work out a date.
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