Expectations -- we all have them ... some of us are 'glass half empty' and are hopefully often pleasantly surprised while others have high expectations are are on occasion disappointed.
Case in point: Two faithful readers have expectations of the blog that I'm finding quite challenging. One out of state reader expects the blog to be 'one laugh after the other' while another local reader expects the blog to be 'short, to the point, and no spelling errors.'
I too have expectations. I was so looking forward to golf this Sunday ... the forecast was for perfect July weather -- and it didn't disappoint. it was sunny, hot - but not terribly humid and there was a pleasant breeze off the sound. (For the fashion conscious - we were dressed in shorts and polo shirts -- looking very dapper.) I woke up at my normal4 am and was not able to go back to sleep (I foolishly set the alarm for 6:30, 'just in case.' ) I decided to clean my clubs -- (a bit of 'anthropomorphising' going on -- figuring a clean club would be a happier club and one that would perform better. I'll ask our psychology consultant to explain this syndrome.) I also had expectations of the 'compatibility' of our foursome since Les was on a business trip and Stu joined us. Stu is a childhood friend of ours - all of us growing up in Marble Hill. While three of us moved to Ardsley (Hartsdale to the purists in my readership), Stu moved across the bridge. For whatever reasons, our paths diverged and haven't seen much of Stu. I had certain expectations of playing with Stu - and will say with out reservation - that it was allot of fun. There was a down to earth, 4 friends catching up and sharing some of life's 'highs and lows' that we are experiencing. There was no 'one upsmanship' - other in the most positive of ways that no-one will likely 'by-by' two holes in a row like Stu did.
Expectations -- We are still having a hard time accepting that we are part of the 'regulars' at the golf course. It goes way back to the traumatic experiences we had as adolescents -- whether it was trying to play tennis on the public courts in Van Courtland park - where the regulars would make up the rules to 'keep us out' while they played for hours ... the best was 'if you clean the court you can play on it for as long as you want - regardless of whose waiting,' or when we would play racket ball at the New Rochelle Y -- and the regulars would literally 'shun us.' NOT ANYMORE. There was a controversy involving the starter (he holds the power of controlling the time people tee off .... for brevity sake - since I do take criticism of the blog being too long to heart ' I won't go into the details of the brew-ha .... but we were SINGLED OUT by the starter as he publicly proclaimed that our FOURSOME was ALWAYS early, ready to tee off and never caused any problems. I can speak for Rich and Barry when I say that even though we are in our late 40's .... and have a number of accomplishments that we can be proud of....but they pale compared to being given the equivalent of an A+ from the starter. Rich of course made sure the starter knew that we were 'squarely behind him' and I believe gave him his phone number in case he needed a witness. (The other party - who is clearly in the wrong - is an ADA and threatened legal action.)
The starter put us in such a good mood, that we also 'browned' the Ranger --- thanking him for doing such a good job of making sure there was drinking water on the course ... and giving him full credit for managing the traffic. Expectations -- playing on a County Course, on a beautiful Sunday morning, my expectations were that we were in for a 'long day' ... very likely to push up to 5 hours. Rather - our experience was like what we all 'hope for' but rarely experience ... returning on the GW Bridge and going right through the tolls without stopping .... we never had to wait and we never had anyone breathing down our backs. We played in a record 4 hrs and 23 minutes -- not being at all rushed.
Of course, my expectations of 'clean clubs' leading to 'great golf' didn't materialize ... as usual - more good shots than bad ... and certain in my expectation that next Sunday will come 'too slowly'.
Hit your drives long and keep your putts short.
Chip Out
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Riding the Wave
While surfing, there is an expression "to ride the wave" -- when you catch one just right and take it right to shore -- enjoying the experience and not worrying about when 'it's going to end.' Any surfer knows what I mean and I'm 'riding the wave.' Things are breaking my way --- take the gym ..... In past blogs, I've mentioned the challenge I face every morning --- where there are 5 of us who line up at 4:45 am (in addition to another 10 people, at least) and dash to get one of the 4 'special' elliptical machines that most closely mirrors running outdoors. It was getting out of hand - as another member and I formed an 'alliance' ... whoever got their first would put a towel down on another machine and guard it. This led to some 'stare downs' with the other members and each of us feeling obligated to come every morning at 4:45 --- and not entertain using any other machine. When my 'partner' showed up one morning with a 'boot' on - after seriously hurting her foot - and attempting to go on the elliptical - despite doctor's orders of bed rest for 2 weeks -- we knew the alliance was over and it was back to 'cut throat politics' at the gym. This past Friday - no different than any other Friday - I made a dash for one of the four machines at 5:00 am and stopped -- a 5th machine had appeared --- we all got on one of the ellipticals--- there was some nods and smiles as we acknowledged that while the competition for these machines had been fierce -- no one 'punked out' - and now a sense of peace reigns .... until a 6th person has the audacity to show up at 4:45 am, stand in line and try to get on one of 'our machines.'
My 'ride' continued this week as Dan - everyone remember Dan - one of the original golfers who moved up in the world and now is a member of Canyon Country Club - Dan who entertained us with a myriad of philosophical dilemmas ... like was it all right to return folding chairs to Sams Club after using them for a Passover Seder (I realize that my mentioning the chairs were for a Passover Seder may provide fodder for the anti-Semites in my readership - but I do value freedom of speech - and for accuracy chose not to gloss over the reason for the chairs) Dan invited me on Wed to play at his club. Dan was the gracious host -- the course was very challenging - essentially all hilly -- we used a golf cart - which is required on the course, but still a luxury for me - (sort of like the feeling I had after driving a 98 Oldsmobile for years and then graduating to a Subaru). Permit a digression as I once again need to apologize to Cara -- not only did she have to learn to drive on the Oldsmobile, but that was her first car and had to drive around with a big sign in the review window that said "NEW DRIVER." Fortunately, Daniel was not subject to that type of parental abuse - although he did have to drive the car - just no sign.
Golfing with Dan brought up great memories -- like the time he brought this 'gadget that cost $10 and he put it to his eye - gazed at the flag on the green - and was supposed to get the correct yardage. It never worked properly - and he returned it .... (see a pattern?). Well along with a Country Club membership, was a purchase of a GPS - Satellite guided - laser hand held yardage marker ... that works on over 50 golf courses. It essentially told you to the yard - how far away your ball was, the mileage markers at particular points along the hole - and what club to use.
And to top it off -- "old Dan" on occasion would leave the County Course early to go to New York Sports Club for a steam. Country Club Dan - finished the course (with a stop for lunch) and we enjoyed a steam at his club - while his clubs and his shoes were being cleaned.
Dan is a great guy, a super close friend and very generous to invite me to his club. I'm thinking it was coincidental that he invited me mid-week when we were the only ones there and not because he was concerned that I might 'embarrass him' with my County golf course ways. I didn't feel comfortable 'watering the grass' - but not so uncomfortable that I didn't - so maybe he was right. Dan - you ride your wave and thanks for taking me along. (BTW - made my first Birdie on the course with a 'lucky chip in")
And now to today -- the forecast was iffy - but wrong -- it was a beautiful day -- not to hot, a bit overcast. For the record - Richard looked splendid in his tan pants, black striped shirt and Masters 09 Golf hat. We got off on time - and labored on the first 9 -- following a foursome that thought they were "Tigers" but played more like pussycats. It took us 2.5 hours to play -- (remember they switched things up and the back 9 was now the front 9 with the expectation that would speed things up) and we were concerned that we were on target for a 5+ hour day -- which is obscene when you think that we stayed over night in the parking lot to get an early tee time to avoid things like this. But we rode the WAVE and finished the course in a very respectable 4.35 hours.
We all hit far more good shots than bad with Barry overcoming the 'pull to the left' jinx that the Golf G-ds had placed on his head. His drives were as straight and as long as the section of the Sprain between Jackson Ave and Greenburgh. (I thought some local geography would be welcomed by my Westchester readers who are far from home.) He and I finished with back/back "BY BY's" on the 18th and 19th holes (hint - old time favorite Broadway Show). Les has mastered the use of his golf cart and was playing quite well -- until the 'bell rang' and he had to leave with a few holes to go - to celebrate Ben's birthday .... and we extend to Ben the warmest wishes for a HAPPY 24th Birthday.
And I'm going to continue to Ride the Wave -- not worrying about the eventual wipe out (another surfer term I picked up when I was hanging 9). So until next week
Hit your drives long and straight and make your putts short and true.
Chip Out
My 'ride' continued this week as Dan - everyone remember Dan - one of the original golfers who moved up in the world and now is a member of Canyon Country Club - Dan who entertained us with a myriad of philosophical dilemmas ... like was it all right to return folding chairs to Sams Club after using them for a Passover Seder (I realize that my mentioning the chairs were for a Passover Seder may provide fodder for the anti-Semites in my readership - but I do value freedom of speech - and for accuracy chose not to gloss over the reason for the chairs) Dan invited me on Wed to play at his club. Dan was the gracious host -- the course was very challenging - essentially all hilly -- we used a golf cart - which is required on the course, but still a luxury for me - (sort of like the feeling I had after driving a 98 Oldsmobile for years and then graduating to a Subaru). Permit a digression as I once again need to apologize to Cara -- not only did she have to learn to drive on the Oldsmobile, but that was her first car and had to drive around with a big sign in the review window that said "NEW DRIVER." Fortunately, Daniel was not subject to that type of parental abuse - although he did have to drive the car - just no sign.
Golfing with Dan brought up great memories -- like the time he brought this 'gadget that cost $10 and he put it to his eye - gazed at the flag on the green - and was supposed to get the correct yardage. It never worked properly - and he returned it .... (see a pattern?). Well along with a Country Club membership, was a purchase of a GPS - Satellite guided - laser hand held yardage marker ... that works on over 50 golf courses. It essentially told you to the yard - how far away your ball was, the mileage markers at particular points along the hole - and what club to use.
And to top it off -- "old Dan" on occasion would leave the County Course early to go to New York Sports Club for a steam. Country Club Dan - finished the course (with a stop for lunch) and we enjoyed a steam at his club - while his clubs and his shoes were being cleaned.
Dan is a great guy, a super close friend and very generous to invite me to his club. I'm thinking it was coincidental that he invited me mid-week when we were the only ones there and not because he was concerned that I might 'embarrass him' with my County golf course ways. I didn't feel comfortable 'watering the grass' - but not so uncomfortable that I didn't - so maybe he was right. Dan - you ride your wave and thanks for taking me along. (BTW - made my first Birdie on the course with a 'lucky chip in")
And now to today -- the forecast was iffy - but wrong -- it was a beautiful day -- not to hot, a bit overcast. For the record - Richard looked splendid in his tan pants, black striped shirt and Masters 09 Golf hat. We got off on time - and labored on the first 9 -- following a foursome that thought they were "Tigers" but played more like pussycats. It took us 2.5 hours to play -- (remember they switched things up and the back 9 was now the front 9 with the expectation that would speed things up) and we were concerned that we were on target for a 5+ hour day -- which is obscene when you think that we stayed over night in the parking lot to get an early tee time to avoid things like this. But we rode the WAVE and finished the course in a very respectable 4.35 hours.
We all hit far more good shots than bad with Barry overcoming the 'pull to the left' jinx that the Golf G-ds had placed on his head. His drives were as straight and as long as the section of the Sprain between Jackson Ave and Greenburgh. (I thought some local geography would be welcomed by my Westchester readers who are far from home.) He and I finished with back/back "BY BY's" on the 18th and 19th holes (hint - old time favorite Broadway Show). Les has mastered the use of his golf cart and was playing quite well -- until the 'bell rang' and he had to leave with a few holes to go - to celebrate Ben's birthday .... and we extend to Ben the warmest wishes for a HAPPY 24th Birthday.
And I'm going to continue to Ride the Wave -- not worrying about the eventual wipe out (another surfer term I picked up when I was hanging 9). So until next week
Hit your drives long and straight and make your putts short and true.
Chip Out
Monday, April 13, 2009
Opening Day
Without much fanfare - Opening Day was upon us. Sleepless nights spent in the parking lot was paying off as we had our first 'official' start of the golf season. April 13th and we were ready -- Les has joined our foursome - and Dan has moved on to 'greener pastures.' (he bought a membership in a country club - not the farm.) It was a sunny day -- temperature at tee time was a balmy 33 degrees (yes, one degree above freezing - although there were icy spots where puddles of water accumulated on the course) and there was a stiff enough breeze (really a wind) for there to be 'gale warnings' for mariners. Three of us were dressed appropriately - Barry wearing two golf gloves, Les wearing a golf glove and a wool glove, Richie in a fleece jacket, and me dressed as thought I was still in Durham, NC where the weather was a balmy 65 degrees. (we spent 16 hours in Durham - 6 of them in daylight - where we enjoyed a spectacular Seder. Well worth the 21 hours of driving that was required.)
I had spent days during the winter Snow shoeing on the golf course and wasn't as cold. It's very challenging to wipe your nose (constantly dripping), blow on your hands - fingers were numb and turning blue, while swinging a club. We played the course in a very reasonable 4 hrs and 35 minutes -- and would have played faster if we didn't stop to warm up around the bon fire someone built in the sand trap on the 8th hole. (the back 9 is now officially the front 9 and I'm referring to the 8th hole that is really the 17th hole -- do I have that right?) It should be noted that the 'woods' burn better than the 'irons'.
We knew Les would fit right in -- and bring something special. We weren't disappointed. Ever go on a road trip and have your car breakdown --- most of us are 'useless' and wait for triple A - or someone else to rescue us. A very few among us are skilled in the important things in life -- automotive repair -- and are able to change a tire, put on a new fan belt, and adjust the time on the clock without consulting the manual. In Les, we have our own 'craftsman.' Les came to play with a new golf cart. It was beautiful - shiny blue - complete with straps for the bag and a place for a scorecard. The only difference was the third wheel was installed in a way that essentially rendered the push cart 'dangerous.' This mistake in assembly was 'kindly' pointed out to Les by the starter and I'm confident the stares of golfers and smiles not quite hidden behind hands were due to Les' golf cart that looked more like a scooter. At the 16th hole (which was really the 6th hole - I'm hating this new system) Les could take it no more and with the help of another noted mechanic - Barry - he disassembled the cart and put it back - the right way. Imagine how brave it was for Les to risk taking apart the cart and putting it back together - while playing. He was ready to abandoned this new purchase on the side of the course if he failed. Most of us -- especially me - would have grunted it out - accepted being the brunt of smirks and not so humorous comments made by other golfers, and waited until I got home - not to fix the cart - but to call for assistance: 1-800-Schwartz. In many ways Les is like the Captain, who also took a great risk and ended up saving his crew and willingly becoming a hostage to the Pirates. Like Les, he had faith thatthings would work out. Thankfully, the Captain was rescued in what will be made into a TV movie with Ben playing the role of the pirate who had a 'boo boo' and surrendered to get a band aid, and Les successfully fixed the cart.
That was the best part of the day. With the frigid temperatures and the whipping wind - I managed to play terrible golf (perhaps not as bad as some of the favorites at Augusta - who fell apart when the pressure got to much. Is it really possible that all the time I am hitting trees that I'm really taking after the great Tiger?) Next time there is a snow advisory - I may suggest we not play.
As we all know - this blog is about "more" and not just Golf. I humbly express my sincerest apologies to my readership who were so vocal in their disapproval of the off color joke I recounted in last week's blog. I heard your admonitions (SAT word) loud and clear -- and while you weren't 'big enough' to go public with your complaints -- I will give in to your Puritanical upbringing and not use humor that one routinely finds in classics like Two and a half Men. To those who complained most vociferously, I would like to meet your parents and understand what kind of family life you had when good natured 'sexual banter' evokes such strong disgust.
One last thought -- I have a carton full of used golf balls -- and I always recycle the balls (meaning I play with them over and over) - rather than play with 3 new balls. I have dozens of new balls that just collect dust - and I finally had a break through. I went outside of character and took 3 new golf balls to celebrate the start of a new season. I didn't play any better -- and perhaps I hit so many shots within 'spitting distance' because I was afraid of losing a new ball - but I purposely decided to live dangerously - to live like there was no tomorrow - to play with NEW BALLS and not save them for 'another time.' Will I be able to do this two weeks in a row -- I doubt it ... but I took a first step and challenge you to do the same ...
I'm still thawing out - and hope by the next blog to have regained feeling in my fingers and toes.
Hope your drives are long and your putts are short.
Chip Out
I had spent days during the winter Snow shoeing on the golf course and wasn't as cold. It's very challenging to wipe your nose (constantly dripping), blow on your hands - fingers were numb and turning blue, while swinging a club. We played the course in a very reasonable 4 hrs and 35 minutes -- and would have played faster if we didn't stop to warm up around the bon fire someone built in the sand trap on the 8th hole. (the back 9 is now officially the front 9 and I'm referring to the 8th hole that is really the 17th hole -- do I have that right?) It should be noted that the 'woods' burn better than the 'irons'.
We knew Les would fit right in -- and bring something special. We weren't disappointed. Ever go on a road trip and have your car breakdown --- most of us are 'useless' and wait for triple A - or someone else to rescue us. A very few among us are skilled in the important things in life -- automotive repair -- and are able to change a tire, put on a new fan belt, and adjust the time on the clock without consulting the manual. In Les, we have our own 'craftsman.' Les came to play with a new golf cart. It was beautiful - shiny blue - complete with straps for the bag and a place for a scorecard. The only difference was the third wheel was installed in a way that essentially rendered the push cart 'dangerous.' This mistake in assembly was 'kindly' pointed out to Les by the starter and I'm confident the stares of golfers and smiles not quite hidden behind hands were due to Les' golf cart that looked more like a scooter. At the 16th hole (which was really the 6th hole - I'm hating this new system) Les could take it no more and with the help of another noted mechanic - Barry - he disassembled the cart and put it back - the right way. Imagine how brave it was for Les to risk taking apart the cart and putting it back together - while playing. He was ready to abandoned this new purchase on the side of the course if he failed. Most of us -- especially me - would have grunted it out - accepted being the brunt of smirks and not so humorous comments made by other golfers, and waited until I got home - not to fix the cart - but to call for assistance: 1-800-Schwartz. In many ways Les is like the Captain, who also took a great risk and ended up saving his crew and willingly becoming a hostage to the Pirates. Like Les, he had faith thatthings would work out. Thankfully, the Captain was rescued in what will be made into a TV movie with Ben playing the role of the pirate who had a 'boo boo' and surrendered to get a band aid, and Les successfully fixed the cart.
That was the best part of the day. With the frigid temperatures and the whipping wind - I managed to play terrible golf (perhaps not as bad as some of the favorites at Augusta - who fell apart when the pressure got to much. Is it really possible that all the time I am hitting trees that I'm really taking after the great Tiger?) Next time there is a snow advisory - I may suggest we not play.
As we all know - this blog is about "more" and not just Golf. I humbly express my sincerest apologies to my readership who were so vocal in their disapproval of the off color joke I recounted in last week's blog. I heard your admonitions (SAT word) loud and clear -- and while you weren't 'big enough' to go public with your complaints -- I will give in to your Puritanical upbringing and not use humor that one routinely finds in classics like Two and a half Men. To those who complained most vociferously, I would like to meet your parents and understand what kind of family life you had when good natured 'sexual banter' evokes such strong disgust.
One last thought -- I have a carton full of used golf balls -- and I always recycle the balls (meaning I play with them over and over) - rather than play with 3 new balls. I have dozens of new balls that just collect dust - and I finally had a break through. I went outside of character and took 3 new golf balls to celebrate the start of a new season. I didn't play any better -- and perhaps I hit so many shots within 'spitting distance' because I was afraid of losing a new ball - but I purposely decided to live dangerously - to live like there was no tomorrow - to play with NEW BALLS and not save them for 'another time.' Will I be able to do this two weeks in a row -- I doubt it ... but I took a first step and challenge you to do the same ...
I'm still thawing out - and hope by the next blog to have regained feeling in my fingers and toes.
Hope your drives are long and your putts are short.
Chip Out
Sunday, April 5, 2009
The Economic Crisis affects Saxon Woods Golf Course
No-one is immune from the economic crisis -- not Rick Wagner, not the 615,000 people who lost their jobs last month, and not the staff at Saxon Woods Golf Course. Barry and I had our last pre-season round today -- when we walked to the clubhouse to register - we were greeted -- yes greeted -- by the starter (same guy as last year) who gave us a big smile and shook our hands. This may not seem like much to some of you -- but to us this is the ultimate in being accepted into a club that we felt never wanted us. After years of trying to curry favor with the Starter, with no success, we are now part of his 'inner circle.' Saxon Woods golf course has finally become our 'Cheers.'
Barry quickly assumed Richie's role of 'captain' of our foursome and chatted up the starter. We were crushed to learn that his hours have been cut - with management having to take up the slack -- and that the snack shop will not open. It's not that we ever bought anything there -- but we, (really the others and not me) were quick to appreciate the 'cute girl' who worked there and was usually working on her tan. So there are two more victims -- people we have grown to know or at least ogle from a distance. Perhaps some of the stimulus money will be allocated to bring back the level of staffing that we have come to expect and count on.
The change that was announced in the prior blog -- (this is a bit like 24 when I give you the summary of the last blog) -- where the course was trying out making the back 9 the front 9 has now been institutionalized. The theory behind this is that the back 9 plays quicker and there will be less delays. Today's round took a mind boggling 5 hrs and 20 minutes - I have much more faith in Geittner's plan that the golf course's strategy to quicken play.
Barry and I were partnered with two singles -- nice guys - John and Carl -- good golfers. The weather was sunny, a bit breezy -- but no complaints. AND OUR GOLF GAME WAS like Michigan State's experience at the Big Dance. We were 'on' and 'owned' the course .... many more good shots than bad ones. More fades and draws than hooks and slices (please google to find out the differences in the terminology for golf shots and let me know).
And it appears that there are more changes -- as though playing the back 9 as the front 9 wasn't enough (and I totally screwed up keeping score - marking down the back 9's strokes on the front 9's card ... anyone following this blabber?) there is BREAKING NEWS: Barry did not bring a bagel with cream cheese or butter, he did not bring challa, he did not bring a sandwich .... BARRY BROUGHT A YOGURT ... and have you ever tried sharing a yogurt? (he did bring granola bars for that purpose).
One of the people I played with today shared this golf joke and while a bit 'risky' - I know I have to conquer my Puritanical values .... 3 friends went out on the course and picked up a single .... The single was an excellent golfer and at the end of the round, the 3 friends asked this guy to play with them the following week. The guy said he'd love to -- but he may be 20 minutes late. Next week comes - the guy is on time - and they play a round (he's playing right handed as he did the first time). The three friends invite him to play again next week - and he again accepts with the stipulation that he may be 20 minutes late. He arrives next week on time, but this time he plays the round left handed. At the end of the round - the three friends ask him to play the next week again - and he says he'd love to but he may be 20 minutes late. The three friends say to him --- You are a great golfer but why do you always say you may be 20 minutes late and why do you play left handed one week and right handed the next week. The guy smiles and says that when he wakes up he looks over at his wife -- if she is sleeping on her left side then he plays 'lefty', if she is sleeping on her right side then he plays 'righty', and if she is on her back -- then he'll be 20 minutes late. my thought was why 20 minutes? wouldn't 10 be more realistic? JUST LIKE SAXON WOODS TRIED SOMETHING NEW - I'M LOOKING FOR FEEDBACK TO SEE IF PEOPLE WANT THIS SLIGHTLY OFF COLOR HUMOR TO PERIODICALLY BE INCLUDED IN THE BLOG.
A Major Shout Out to our buddy Studley who had major surgery to replace a valve in his heart. (not sure how many valves?) He's doing great -- and we wish him G-d Speed (can someone please tell me what that means) and a quick recovery.
so until next week - OPENING WEEK - have a great one -- remember to keep your drives long and straight and your putts short.
Chip signing off
Barry quickly assumed Richie's role of 'captain' of our foursome and chatted up the starter. We were crushed to learn that his hours have been cut - with management having to take up the slack -- and that the snack shop will not open. It's not that we ever bought anything there -- but we, (really the others and not me) were quick to appreciate the 'cute girl' who worked there and was usually working on her tan. So there are two more victims -- people we have grown to know or at least ogle from a distance. Perhaps some of the stimulus money will be allocated to bring back the level of staffing that we have come to expect and count on.
The change that was announced in the prior blog -- (this is a bit like 24 when I give you the summary of the last blog) -- where the course was trying out making the back 9 the front 9 has now been institutionalized. The theory behind this is that the back 9 plays quicker and there will be less delays. Today's round took a mind boggling 5 hrs and 20 minutes - I have much more faith in Geittner's plan that the golf course's strategy to quicken play.
Barry and I were partnered with two singles -- nice guys - John and Carl -- good golfers. The weather was sunny, a bit breezy -- but no complaints. AND OUR GOLF GAME WAS like Michigan State's experience at the Big Dance. We were 'on' and 'owned' the course .... many more good shots than bad ones. More fades and draws than hooks and slices (please google to find out the differences in the terminology for golf shots and let me know).
And it appears that there are more changes -- as though playing the back 9 as the front 9 wasn't enough (and I totally screwed up keeping score - marking down the back 9's strokes on the front 9's card ... anyone following this blabber?) there is BREAKING NEWS: Barry did not bring a bagel with cream cheese or butter, he did not bring challa, he did not bring a sandwich .... BARRY BROUGHT A YOGURT ... and have you ever tried sharing a yogurt? (he did bring granola bars for that purpose).
One of the people I played with today shared this golf joke and while a bit 'risky' - I know I have to conquer my Puritanical values .... 3 friends went out on the course and picked up a single .... The single was an excellent golfer and at the end of the round, the 3 friends asked this guy to play with them the following week. The guy said he'd love to -- but he may be 20 minutes late. Next week comes - the guy is on time - and they play a round (he's playing right handed as he did the first time). The three friends invite him to play again next week - and he again accepts with the stipulation that he may be 20 minutes late. He arrives next week on time, but this time he plays the round left handed. At the end of the round - the three friends ask him to play the next week again - and he says he'd love to but he may be 20 minutes late. The three friends say to him --- You are a great golfer but why do you always say you may be 20 minutes late and why do you play left handed one week and right handed the next week. The guy smiles and says that when he wakes up he looks over at his wife -- if she is sleeping on her left side then he plays 'lefty', if she is sleeping on her right side then he plays 'righty', and if she is on her back -- then he'll be 20 minutes late. my thought was why 20 minutes? wouldn't 10 be more realistic? JUST LIKE SAXON WOODS TRIED SOMETHING NEW - I'M LOOKING FOR FEEDBACK TO SEE IF PEOPLE WANT THIS SLIGHTLY OFF COLOR HUMOR TO PERIODICALLY BE INCLUDED IN THE BLOG.
A Major Shout Out to our buddy Studley who had major surgery to replace a valve in his heart. (not sure how many valves?) He's doing great -- and we wish him G-d Speed (can someone please tell me what that means) and a quick recovery.
so until next week - OPENING WEEK - have a great one -- remember to keep your drives long and straight and your putts short.
Chip signing off
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)