Yesterday, I was chased off the golf course with two holes to play. I was playing in the Open Match Play event when suddenly thunder and lightening snuck up and forced us to leave the course. As we finished the 16th hole and looked back at the tee box, large flashes of white light and low crashes of thunder help us to quickly decide to head to the club house. Unfortunately, us having to leave was both good and bad.

I played my friend Mike B (not Mike C from the weekend) in the first round of the Open Match Play event that I am organizing for the Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort. It was a fun match as Mike and I have not played a round together in the past. We took the time to get to know each other which fit one of the goals of organizing the two match play tournaments. The round was great fun and I was fortunate to close Mike out on the 14th hole of the back nine.

As we played our round a couple of very interesting thing happen. First, Mike and I cut each other off on the Par 3, 6th and 15th hole. We both hit the green in regulation and sank our birdie putts. It was cool that we both birdied this tough hole twice in one round. Second, between us (before being chased off the course) we racked up six birdies; two for Mike and four for me. As you can see we were playing well and I was fortunate to close Mike out. Lastly, neither of us gave a putt outside of a foot. Our putting was rock solid for all the holes and this made the match closer than the score indicated.

When we finished the 16th hole, I was sitting 2 under and feeling great about my round. I realize that this score would not have counted for my handicap as I was playing in a match play event, but I kept track for the fun of it. Anyway, walking off the 16th green, the skies lit up and the thunder rumbled! Both Mike and I were surprised at how quickly the storm rolled in. After the first flash of lightning, Mike and I looked at each other and quickly decided to get off the course. 8 minutes later, my clubs were in my car and skies opened up! It was a torrential down pour and we were very happy we left when when we did.

The good news was I won my match, the bad news is I was chased off the course during my best round of the year! Sitting two under with two to go afforded a fantastic opportunity to shoot under par for the first time this year. I am not really disappointed I had to leave because as I mentioned in my PSA about lightning, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

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