World Amateur Championship and Hooters Tour.

Made it to Myrtle Beach for four days of the Golf.com World Amateur Championship. Thankfully, I didn't make it to the Finals on Friday, because after the 18 hour drive there and four days of golf I was ready to drop.

Weekend after Myrtle Beach was the 3-day Hooters Amateur Tour Championship.
I lead my flight after the first day. The second day I played so poorly buzzards were circling overhead and other golfers were offering to buy my clubs just to get me out of there so they could get on with their game rather than watching my hack job. (Note: don't take a lesson that involves being coached into a complete swing change two days before a tournament. Guess who did just that?) Third day echoed the second day, until I strained my right shoulder. I finished playing but each shot, even a putt, was nothing but pain - this time for me as well as those watching me.

And so ended the 2011 tournament season.
Good news: the new swing change was from my John Daly "too much backswing for an old fart like me" swing, to a much more comfortable Steve Stricker three-quarter, "look Ma, no wrists" swing. The hurt shoulder forced me to practice the new swing at the swing speed of a snail (really, they do play golf). And guess what? Some of those teaching books are right: correct club face contact does make a difference. At 60mph instead of trying for 150mph I was able to hit the ball square and in the sweet spot. Much more accurate and incredibly, more distance. Voila, a golfer is born. Now, I just have to wait thru Winter until next season to prove to the others that I'm not the same hack I was the last time they saw me.

Have now played Lowest Altitude and Highest Altitude courses in the U.S.

"Ace" Middleton and myself set off a week or a lifetime ago to a town near Denver to visit an old high-school buddy (of course we're all now "old" high school buddies). With our friend, Paul, driving his 4-wheel drive Suburban, we went over Loveland Pass and made our way to Copper Creek Golf Course at Copper Mountain, billed as the highest 18-hole golf course in the U.S. (Played lowest elevation course, Furnace Creek GC in Death Valley, last year). Paul didn't play but rode along in the golf cart and was our official photographer and rules official (although he knows nothing about golf). We were joined by two gentleman who are retired and play the course regularly; I hope very regularly, as they kicked our butts! It should however be added that the Copper Creek course was designed by Pete Dye (yep that diabolical Pete Dye); meaning the course was beautiful but very tricky, especially playing it for the first time. Thankfully, our retired playing partners gave us good instructions on where to try to hit the ball and where to try to avoid hitting the ball. Once or twice Ace and I were able to follow their instructions.
We'd heard that the 9-hole Mount Massive Golf Course about thirty miles away in Leadville was actually a little higher in elevation in some spots than Copper Creek. So, to make sure we could legitimately make the claim to playing the highest elevation course we enjoyed the ride over to Leadville. Stayed the night in the 125 year old Delaware Hotel (past residence of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Doc Holliday). Next morning, we found and played the 9 holes at Mount Massive. After the constant elevation changes (beautiful but taxing at almost 2 miles elevation) of Copper Creek, the flat Mount Massive course looked to be an easy challenge. A nicely groomed course, it proved to not be the easy challenge we'd expected; or at least that I'd expected. Ace again demonstrated how to play golf; I demonstrated how not to. I'll blame it on the altitude.

Just as a warning, if you decide to emulate our glorious trip (made more glorious by the fact the temperatures back home were 114 while we were playing in temps in the 70's) DO NOT attempt to cross over Mosquito Pass. We did - barely, after getting stuck and shoveling out of snow and boulders at 13,000 feet using bare hands and golf clubs. Made for quite a memorable adventure, one we never, ever want to repeat. The sign at the start of the "road" leading to the Pass states "Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles Only." It should read "Burros Only;" or better yet, "Jackasses Only."

Another Hooters win!

Well, surprised everyone, especially myself by winning a Hooter's two-day tournament that was a World Amateur Championship qualifier. Especially surprising as, after my past two wins, I'd been moved up to a better players flight (not sure what the politcally correct description should be). First tournament a couple weeks ago in the new flight I'd come in fifth. But, this time got lucky. Went to a playoff against another player and first hole we both bogied; second playoff hole I parred and he failed to; so, another cool trophy, a Titleist Hooter's Amateur Tour golf bag and my entry fee to the World Ams in Myrtle Beach paid for.
Oh, btw, know how all the golf advise books say to practice your "short game." Well, they're right. That's how I've won each of my events. The other guys outdrive me. But, we're all usually off the green some after our approach shots; but, thanks to all the short game practice I've put in, I usually get up and down; whereas the others have a little tougher time. So, practice those 25 yard chip/pitch shots and lag putts.

However, I found that two days of 18 holes in a row took a tole on my old body; so, a four-day World Ams tournament is going to be torture. But, I think I'll eventually recover. Like practicing your short game (which is easier on us old farts who can't endure hitting buckets of drivers at the range); you should always do what's best for your game. For me right now that unfortunately means staying away from golf as much as possible and hopefully all or at least some of my aches and pains will go away. I sure hope so. I imagine my co-workers are getting tired of hanging around someone who smells like BenGay all the time.

Hooters Amateur Tour - Oklahoma

Came across a great local tour (probably find it a little greater in the fact I've my won flight two out of the four tournaments this year. And they are way cool trophys. Kinda the look and feel of a Heisman Trophy. Only, of course, with a lot more prestige. The tour's great, the golfers are great; but, the oddity I'm wanting to write about today is a sudden case of hitting my driver straight. It's about to drive me crazy. My normal driver tee shot has always been a banana ball. However, I actually took a lesson from a PGA Pro. (The rumors are right, that is the place to start.) He had me concentrating on trying to hit hooks. Now I'm hitting it freakishly straight. It's so, so cool to have the confidence walking up to the tee knowing beyound a shadow of a doubt you're going to stripe one exactly the direction you're aiming. But, as we all know, these things come and go; or, at least smaller versions have. I've never had anything this serious "come." But, my fear is: when is it going to "go?"
Of course, all golfers also know that with any good comes some bad. So, although I'm now striping my drives about 235 arrow straight, I'm hitting all my irons suddenly as fat as they come. But where there's a problem there's a solution. Mine has been to carry a carload of hybrids and just work on sweeping the ball on approach shots. I realize that part of my iron trouble is the fact the courses are still pretty much tight, winter lies. As soon as they green out I'm hoping I'll be hitting my irons to match my drives. Then, given my good short game (developed out of necessity to make up for my suck long game) I may just get to have another tropy or two on the ol' mantle.
As if being an addicted Golf Nut in itself wasn't bad enough; I've now found from winning that Lombardi was right "Winning is the only thing." Kind of a shame. I actually used to enjoy just a leisurely round on a beautiful course with good friends.
They say there's always someone better than you; and always some one worse than you. Well, to keep me humble, ol' Ace Middleton and I went out the other day, my two trophys in my corner, his Tulsa Golf Challenge Champion medal in his corner. End of the day, the medal stayed in his corner (by two lousy strokes! Actually, three strokes. We play in case of a tie the current medal holder keeps the medal). But, that was a day or two before "driver straightitis" set in. So, I'm eager for a rematch before the banana ball comes back.
Oh, and anyone having any knowledge whatsoever about the Golf Nuts Society and it's current situation, please write me at golfnut2011@yahoo.com. If you do, it may just give you the good karma to win the lottery. No promises. But I wouldn't be surprised.

Too Much Golf?

Too much golf?
I don't mean for me, of course - even though I've played at least 9 holes about every day so far this year, except Jan 1 (still kicking myself for not playing that day, since it was pretty mild weather).
We've been blessed with unusually great weather for January (although one of my rounds was in 34 degrees).
Nope, the "too much golf" I'm referring to is for my buddy "Ace" Middleton. He's always been a great ball striker and almost always was on the green in regulation (very much unlike me). And if he wasn't on, his chipping was good enough to give lessons to pros (again, very much unlike me). However, his one and only weakness was his putting - which I think was more a confidence thing. And, it was the one point in our play where I had a chance to make up ground. I was an over-confident putter (from playing putting games on practice greens where I kept playing until I 2-putted every hole at least once). However, I got away from my putting practice (to actually play full rounds) and needless to say, after a few blown 3-footers, I now have a phobia about 3-foot putts; and Rusty is whopping the crap out of me. My putting confidence left just as unfortunately his arrived. He can't miss anything 8 feet on in. I can't make anything unless it's at least 8 feet.
Yesterday though, I found a great new practice green, in great shape with tricky pin placements. Just by coincidence the local high-school team was on the driving range right next to the putting green. Nothing like a flock of coeds to either make or break your spirit in putting. Turns out I was putting so well I felt like everyone in the place was probably watching and admiring me, just like as if I was Ben Hogan. (Of course, probably no one noticed me, other than maybe with a "Hey, look at the old gray-haired guy putting. He's pretty good.") Ha! pretty good. If I could have hit the tee shots they were all hitting I might have even worked up the nerve to go rent a bucket of balls; but why spoil a good thing. And now, if I can keep away from playing a while and just go back and practice putting, maybe, just maybe, the coveted Tulsa Golf Challenge Champion medal will come back home to daddy (especially if I bend "Ace's" putter just slightly.)

Coveted Medal passes hands

After a round of golf yesterday characterized by golf balls skidding across frozen ponds and hopping off frozen ponds onto greens; and, of "Ace" Middleton making some spectacular putts (across greens that had striking similarities to features of the surface of the moon) the coveted Tulsa Golf Championship Medal was passed from a tearful "Bogey" Brown to Middleton.
On the positive side, the weathermen's prediction of cold, wind, and possible freezing junk falling from the sky kept everyone else at home in front of their fireplace. However, being true Golf Nuts, Brown and Middleton layered up and went and played - in 50 degree, sunny, no wind conditions; ie, "Perfect" and had the course to themselves (which given one or two or three or four wayward shots, was probably a very good thing.)

John Daly's Annual Boys and Girls Club Tournament

JD posted the following on his Twitter account:
"Just scheduled my Annual "Boys/Girls Club Tourn" at my course Lion's Den in Dardanelle, Ark - June 17-19. Get a Team by calling 479-229-4162."

Very worthy cause at a very beautiful golf course; and, probably get to meet the Man himself. - KB

Wife is ready for me to go play golf

Everyday I take several slow swings with my weighted golf club, both for the stretching/exercise and the slight substitute of actually playing.

Today, however, I didn't take my normal stance looking toward a mirror on the wall.

Instead, I turned around to take my strengthing swings while looking out the window at all that dreaded snow.

Amazing how little force it takes an over-weighted golf club, even swung slowly, to humble a ceiling fan globe!

Luckily, it was only one of the four on the ceiling fan; and just as luckily (after driving around town in the snow) there isn't a replacement globe to be found. But, there was 2-part epoxy. So, I'm hoping that with the globe being sufficiently ornate the cracks and excess epoxy will not look out of place - especially if I replace the 40 watt bulb with a 200 watt flood lamp.

Once again, I sent myself to my study for a "time out" to think about what I'd done.

- "Bogey" Brown

Just shot 43 on St Andrews front 9

Okay, so it was a cyber version: World Golf Tour (wgt.com). Very cool photorealistic sim. Remember to have your sound on (the club sounds are perfect, especially when sitting indoors looking out at the snow). Also, as always practice your short game. You almost can't hit a bad tee shot or approach shot (just like your real golf game, huh?) But, putting is a whole different world. You'll be very happy here to 3-putt.
Several different cool courses (you'll probably only get to play via WGT); or, good practice for when you do go play the Old Course at St. Andrews. (Although I'm betting I wouldn't shoot an actual 43 on the front nine there).

Congrats to 2011 winner Jonathan Byrd

Having to endure the miserable warm and sunny weather of Hawaii in the Tournament of Champions (while those of us fortunate enough to be in the States got to enjoy white stuff falling on about every course above sea level), Jonathan Byrd (of recent 2010 hole-in-one to win fame) and Robert Garrigus (of shrunken putter fame) took the tournament into playoff holes, with Byrd winning, albeit neither by an ace nor birdie.

Despite television commentator's statements to the contrary, this was not the "first" win of 2011. That distinction went to Bogey Brown in a challenge tournament put forth by Ace Middleton (a marvelous victory reported here in a previous post.)

Brown, himself, has put forth his own challenge: offering a free copy of the great book Golf Nuts - You've Got To Be Committed, written by Golf Nut Society founder Ron Garland with assistance of Brian Hewitt, to the first five golfers contributing a golf anecdote to be published on this blog. Entries can be emailed to golfnut2011@yahoo.com (and preferably should be suitable for the delicate ears and eyes of fellow golfers.)

Brown retains Medal in ho-hum competition

Brownie and "Ace" went at each other again yesterday (this time on the golf course) and in a beautiful day for the first week of January (50 degrees, light breezes) and on a course devoid of bunkers and any other significant hazards (other than trees) they both shot such mediocre scores we'll spare them any embarrassement and just say, Brownie won by a couple strokes.
The biggest competitor of the day was neither "Ace" nor Brownie; but, greens that, with the exception of two or three that were in very good shape, were so rough that rather than putting both players should have tried flop shots from the green with hopes of landing the ball near or in the hole.
But again, it was the first week of January 2011 and it was golf.
Unfortunately, the forecast for next week calls for snow ball fights.

Press Release - Reply

API: Sports: Golf

USGA and ATF Search for Oklahoma Golfer

Press Release

September 20, 2010

The USGA was recently alerted to psychotic ramblings appearing on the internet from Broken Arrow, OK golfer "Bogey" Brown.  In turn, the USGA has now alerted ATF agents in Oklahoma as to the possibility that a friendly golf competition has taken a fatal turn when a picture of Brown’s golf bag surfaced Sunday.  In the picture a weapon is seen protruding from the golf bag.  A local expert identified the weapon as one normally used by Al Queida extremists, which further punctuates the need to neutralize a possible sleeper cell occupying the Brown residence.

After a favorable USGA ruling of a recent golf championship played for the coveted Tulsa Golf Challenge Champion medal, Brown’s rantings became increasingly incoherent as he attempted to cast doubt on the moral character of competitor “Ace” Middleton.  Brown’s accusations that Middleton violated no less than 100 rules of golf enroute to winning the coveted medal were researched by the USGA, and found to be the aimless ramblings of a truly sick person.

Underscoring the need to apprehend Brown as quickly as possible, Middleton has not been seen playing a round of golf since winning the medal.  When the attached picture of Brown’s golf bag appeared on the internet Sunday, officials stated they “Fear the worst”.

A representative of the American Psychiatric Association who examined the emails and the picture states this is a classic case of golf nuttiness, and fits the profile of a very dangerous person.

Undercover agents of the federal government have been stationed in pro shops around the Tulsa area hoping to apprehend Brown before he possibly harms someone else.

Press Release from Tulsa Golf Challenge Championship

API: Sports: Golf

Further Allegations of Rules Infringement Hurled Against Golf Medal Holder

Press Release

September 18, 2010

Once again, a violation of the golf rules has been charged against current Tulsa Golf Challenge Champion medal-holder “Ace” Middleton.  In a photo released from the recent tournament in which the renowned golfer "Bogey" Brown was robbed, er lost, the coveted Tulsa Golf Challenge Champion medal to Middleton it can be clearly seen that Middleton’s golf bag was well over the 14-club limit. Asked to comment, Middleton stated abruptly “Hell, that’s not even my bag! That’s that stupid (expletive deleted) Brown’s bag.” When questioned about this, Brown explained that “before the round we agreed to trade bags – we do this all the time.” Told of Brown’s explanation, Middleton gave another statement: “I don’t even own that many clubs! No sane golfer does. And, I’m going to tell Bogey’s wife that he owns more golf clubs than most golf stores even have in their inventory.” Upon hearing this, Brown said the whole incident was obviously a misunderstanding and that the photo reported to have been taken at the golf tournament was “apparently sent in by someone as a misguided joke.”

Gotta Have a Goal

Okay, so you don't actually gotta have a goal in golf; but, it doesn't hurt.
One of mine the past couple of years was to play every course, public and private in the Tulsa area (a goal helped when I discovered that most private courses at one time or another hold fundraiser events where any golf nut willing to fork out the bucks - usually for very good causes (and tax deductible) - can play such historic courses as Southern Hills Country Club, site of PGA, U.S Open, and U.S. Amateur championships.)
I finished this goal playing the new The Patriot course a couple months ago. And what a great course to finish the goal with. Wish I could afford to join. But, then I wish I could also afford to join Tulsa Country Club or Oklahoma Golf Club (just down a couple miles from my house; but miles away from my affordability level).
My second goal was to reach a 10 handicap by 10/2010; which amazingly I did. Making it to 10.6 on the October 15 GHIN posting. As I've only played now for four years I felt I was doing pretty good.
My new goal (aside from retaining the coveted Tulsa Golf Challenge Champion medal; more about that some other time) is to get my handicap down to 1.2, or whatever the current level, is to qualify to play in the U.S. Open Qualifying event. It's an absurd goal; but golf is an absurd game. And, given that playing scores aren't nearly so diligently checked before getting entered toward one's handicap, who knows. Not that I out and out cheat with my scores. I never cheat playing my buddy - in fact, we play probably a lot closer to the rules than most golfers playing for fun (although "fun" is our primary requirement). And if I may have entered more of my good scores than poor scores, this is only going to hurt me when I play tournaments (which I definitely need to concentrate more on this coming season; both for the competition (to help get me qualified to play a U.S. Open qualifier) and who knows, maybe I'll actually win some silver; or at least a free beer and hot dog.
Just for a lark, yesterday I played my home course from the tips (for the first time). The temperature was 45 to 50, the winds 10 to 20. My score for my usual, walking nine holes was 7 over par, for a 43. I was elated.
Today I played a different course I'm not quite as familiar with, also from the tips; but the weather was probably too good: 50 degrees and no wind. I shot 11 over for the nine holes, scoring a 47. I think the less benign weather helps keep me from over-thinking; keeping my swing thoughts to just "hit the ball and don't blow over."
Tomorrow my golf buddy and I play for the coveted Tulsa Golf Challenge medal. An idea I came up with after continuing to lose bets when we played. So, now we play under greater pressure: the pride of being the medal winner. (Our 35th high school reunion was this summer; and as I seldom possess the medal, I shamelessly wore it prominently to the reunion.) As revenge, I bet he's going to try and give me a thorough thrashing tomorrow. Hopefully, the wind will be blowing.

Dornick Hills

Forgot to mention I had the pleasure of playing Dornick Hills in Ardmore, OK a couple weeks ago. Here is the signature 16th hole - The "Cliff Hole".

Another beautiful Perry Maxwell designed course.

Ordered another Lob Wedge

Nice thing about have so many golf bags filled with so many golf clubs around the house (mostly old clubs given to me) is that adding another club or two (or three, or...) goes unnoticed, as long as I retrieve the delivery box off the porch before my wife notices it.
I play a set of Taylormade RAC LT's with graphite shafts I picked up a couple years ago on eBay. Loving the clubs and afraid I might one day need to replace one, I've been picking up identical individual replacement clubs one at a time (mainly off eBay).
The original set had 4-9, plus PW, AW, SW. There wasn't a LW made in the series. However, I came across a graphite shaft Taylormade 300 LW and have loved playing it, especially out of bunkers. No more taking an open stance with the club face open and pointed at the target. I just step up, take a normal shot with an early wrist set and making sure to follow through with my torso for easy outs.
Anyway, my original full set still has the original Taylormade grips (which get a little slippery when wet).
The new clubs I've been having regripped as acquired with a nice, sticky Golf Pride grip.
Anyway, to complete my original set I picked up another graphite Taylormade 300 LW last night off eBay.
Btw, I've come to play my Frankenstined set exclusively now that the set is complete. Most of the shafts are identical to my originals (regular flex) but a couple are stiff flex. With my handicap, I don't notice any difference; and hopefully, I can wear out this pieced-together set; then upon retirement switch to the originals.
That is if I don't lose any (ala into a pond, across a tree or knee, etc). And, this way I always have a set in my car and a full back-up set at home to practice those indoor chip shots off the hanging pictures and lamps with.

Practicing indoors

There's a ball called The Floppy that's great for practicing indoor shots.
I've found I can even hit full shots into a wall without any damage.
However, I did find that if you hit one into a heavy, framed, glass-covered picture the force of the ball - while it won't necessarily break the glass directly in my experience - can (and yesterday, New Year's Day, did) cause the picture, if precariously hung, to fall and shatter the glass. It was one of my wife's favorites.
Such started out the new year. I would have been much better off braving the 34 degree temperature and going to one of the local courses. I beat my wife to the punch and stated that hitting balls indoors, even ones designed for the task was foolish of me and I was going to retire to my study for a "time out" to think about what I'd done.
For backyard practice I would suggest the Almost Golf ball. It's reported to go about one-third of the distance of a regular golf ball; thus, although I've hit windows of my own house I've yet to shatter one. However, after yesterday's picture event, I should probably - for the time being - only practice chip shots outdoors and leave the driver for the driving range.

Welcome to a New Year, with hopes for playing new courses, lower scores, and more fun!

Welcome to Golf Shots and Shanks
Hopefully, this will turn into a fun site to inspire other golfers to get out and enjoy the game, foregoing the often-times seemingly required sacrificial club into the lake; or, head against the tree.
If you are not familiar with the wonderful book Golf Nuts by Ron Garland with Brian Hewitt and a Foreward by Michael Jordan (yep, that Michael Jordan, please read it first and also consider joining the related Golf Nuts Society.
These two steps will help you with your addiction (deepening it, not curing it - how crazy would that be?)
- KBrown, self-confessed Golf Nut