Finally got back out there. Hit the range first and went through all my clubs. Back strain wasn't bad. So, decided to give 9 holes a shot. Wind was up. At least a 2 club wind going into it.
Started off with great drives on the first 3 holes. Shortened backswing and easy transition to protect the back muscle resulted in much better drives, particularly in the wind. Drive on first was as long as my usual drive, but it was into a stiff breeze. Same on 2nd. Worked on staying shorter with backswing all day and with the exception of one drive on 10th where I got a little quick on the downswing, have no complaints.
Excellent drive on par 5 9th gave me a chance to go for green in two. Thought about it, but decided to layup due to the wind and the slightly downhill lie I had. Was about 185 out, but figured with the wind I needed 205. So I played a 9i layup, then for the hell of it, dropped another and hit 5W. Didn't get it clean but thought it might get over the hazard and maybe bounce onto the green. I was surprised it didn't make it over the hazard. Oh well. Glad I laid up.
Was only planning to play nine, as there did not seem to be any time for 18 with sunset at 5pm. But, after finishing 9, there was still an hour of light left so decided to continue on. Played 14 holes total. Hit the ball well and putted well too. Wind got me in trouble on a couple occasions, but all in all was happy with my play after a 10-day recovery layoff for my back strain.
Worst drive was a flare on 10th to right of the fairway bunker. Had 145 with a strong crosswind and an uncomfortable uphill lie. Took an extra club, a 6i, and put it 8 feet from the pin for a reasonable birdie chance. Lipped it out for par.
Another great drive on par 5 13th and a 3W left me 60 yards out. Hit a high 58* LW approach which the wind held up and moved left, which plugged deep into bunker right behind lip. Had to blast into it with closed face and no follow through. Popped it out, then chipped to a foot to save a bogey.
Finished up with a par on 14. Probably could have played a couple more holes, but ran into a foursome on 14, so decided not to push my back. Though it felt okay the whole round. It was getting pretty cold with the sun basically set and the breeze still up. It was only a practice round, so I just used my ESC scores to fill in the last four holes.
