Today is the first round of our yearly 36 hole stroke play tournament. As in previous years, this tournament determines the the top 5 male and top 2 female golfers at my military base. These top players will represent my Unit at the Ontario Golf Regions in Petawawa in September. This is a yearly event for me and I look forward to hitting the links tomorrow. Continue reading
Lift Clean and Place
Back In the Hunt on Day 2
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 The Local Rule should be withdrawn as soon as the conditions warrant.”— Rules of Golf, Appendix I; Part B; Section 3b.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!
Day One – Ontario Regional Golf Championship
Garrison Golf and Curling Club
Well, today was awesome! The first round of the Military Ontario Regional Golf Championship is in the books. After a 2-hour rain delay, the sun shone bright and warmed up the players and the competition. With fears of 36 holes tomorrow due to the rain delay, all competitors were very happy to get the first 18 holes under their belts. The maintenance staff at the Garrison Golf and Curling Club are doing a fantastic job keeping the course open considering the conditions!
Currently, I am tied for 4th. After shooting a hard-fought 75. As a result of my score, I will be in the second group of men heading out at 0830 hours tomorrow morning. At this time, the leading scores are 71, 72, 73. There is another score at 75 and two guys at 76. This is the tightest regional competition I have been to in years. 8 Wing Trenton is second in the team competition, trailing by 2 strokes, behind to CFB Petawawa.
Torrential Rain at Garrison Golf and Curling Club
This yearly competition is three-tiered. During each leg, the competition is tougher and the players more experienced. A bonus of this competition is the chance to re-acquaint with old friends. I have competed against many of these players for years. It is always a great time as stories are swapped and tales are spun. Interestingly, the stories are getting more dramatic and the tales a bit longer each year. But, that is the fun of getting together with old friends.
Tomorrow will be a different game. Because of the crazy amount of rain today, the tournament officials modified the rules of play. We played Lift-Clean-Place through the green. This means that each player could mark their ball, clean it, and place it back in the same spot – but with a better lie. Also, the bunkers (or should I say swimming pools) were out of play because they were filled with water. Tomorrow, it will be play-the-ball where it lies. This will change the dynamics of the game and I expect some scores to be higher. Regardless, it is going to be fun and exciting all at the same time.
I want to thank the staff at the Garrison Golf and Curling Club and the PSP organizers for hosting this years competition. They are doing an outstanding job and their efforts are greatly appreciated!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Last Appearance of the Duck! Going Back the UK this weekend!
The Grateful Golfer 