Just wanted to get in a few holes at 2 pm, once the temps got into the 40s. There wasn't much of a crowd, so after playing the back nine first, decided to keep going, since shoulder wasn't too bad. Got in all 18 in 2 1/2 hours. Will F. played some of the back with me. Playing 18 with him tomorrow too.
There was an Asian fivesome coming down the ninth hole when I got there, so rather than warm up, I just hoped on 10 and went out cold. Though I hadn't hit my driver in a week, I actually started with a real nice drive and then an 8 iron to 7 feet. Birdie chance, but missed. Then on 11 with the tees up, nearly drove the green. Made the chip I was attempting to make, but it did not roll down the slope the way I planned. Thought it was going to be perfect, with an easy birdie putt, but it stopped 1/2 way down the slope and I missed the 12 footer for my 2nd birdie attempt in 2 holes.
Everything was quite wet out there. It was cart path only. Lots of balls nearly plugged, but others bounced pretty good when they found areas where the ground was frozen underneath. Had to use short tees with driver today as my regular 3 1/2 inch tees would not go into the ground enough. Every tee box was frozen.
Even with the left shoulder concerns, I was able to force my way through the ball all day. I don't feel like it got any worse, but I definitely don't have much power in it. So I found myself hitting an extra club and swinging easy to protect it. It actually paid off. Hit my irons pretty well the entire round. Only had one bad shot and that was on the 3rd. I hit a good drive and decided to go for the green on my next shot. I hit a 21*, but caught it a touch fat (2nd worst shot of the day) and it landed in the hazard, but was still somewhat playable. It was on muddy cabbage, but not a great lie. I tried to pitch a 58*, but came in too shallow and partially skulled it onto and over the green. Ended with a double. Other than that, I have no complaints about my swing today, except that it hurt my left shoulder more than it should. Hit a lot of greens and fairways. Swinging easy to protect the shoulder proved to be a good move.
Putting was decent, but should have made a couple more than I did. I will be happy to play as well tomorrow.
Came home to a FedEx package with a nice little gift from Team Titleist in it, and a note from Cathi, the Titleist Club Concierge, acknowledging my Christmas story. That was a nice surprise.
CeeBee says:Still hot even though it's chilly out there. Good job.
1/11/17
