Hitting it straight off the tee

I am back in the hunt after day 2 of our 3 day, 54 hole military golf tournament. As previously posted, the current stroke-play event is to determine who will represent our Wing at the Ontario Regional Golf Championship in July. So after two days, I am tied for third. Top 5 make the team.

Yesterday was a round of, well, it was hard to describe. I actually played well for 14 holes. The other 4 holes, I was 9-over! Up, 9-over! I finished the day with an 86. Not my best day. The weakest part of my game was driving, long irons, and chipping. My putting was quite good and it saved me from scoring my higher. We also used the lift-clean-place through the greens local rule. It had rained a fair bit and the course condition warranted this decision. Unfortunately, this helpful rule did not help me.

For those who do not know the lift-clean-place rule

 “Adverse conditions, including the poor condition of the course or the existence of mud, are sometimes so general, particularly during winter months, that the Committee may decide to grant relief by temporary Local Rule either to protect the course or to promote fair and pleasant play. The Local Rule should be withdrawn as soon as the conditions warrant.”— Rules of Golf, Appendix I; Part B; Section 3b. As this article outlines, the USGA does not like it, but it is a rule nonetheless.

Basically, we were allowed to pick up the ball, clean it, and place the ball within 6 inches of its original condition; no closer to the hole. Additionally, if you are in the rough, you must stay in the rough.

Today, I was the best round of the year. Except for the triple on the 5 hole, I shot even par. Yup, I shot a 75. Everything was smooth; I was in play all day; and my approach shots were deadly. I shot a 41 (with the triple) / 34 with 3 birdies and a bogey. The ball was on target most of the time and my misses were close. Overall, I am extremely happy with the results.

Tomorrow I will play in the last group. I am right in the middle of the 5 players required to make up the team. I am 4 strokes behind first place and 4 strokes ahead of fifth place. The plan tomorrow is to follow what I did today. The goal is to make the team so taking needless chances is definitely not in the books for tomorrow.

I want to thank everyone who sent me positive comments, great tips, and quick notes of encouragement! I am grateful for the support and tomorrow will be a day to play well and continue to have fun.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!