The Glen Ellyn Golf Blog
Posts for: June, 2010
How do you say Graeme?
How do you say Graeme, it's simple... US Open Champ. At the race track, they call this type of horse a stalker. Graeme McDowell wins the 2010 US Open Championship finishing at Even par with a final round 74. While everyone else was busy doing the moonwalk, McDowell managed to limit the bleeding to a level that allowed for a victory. Tiger, Phil, and Ernie were all within striking distance, but none could get any momentum.
The low round on Sunday was 68. Kuchar, Van Pelt, and Curtis shot these numbers from far enough back where one would think they were relaxed enough to enter "the zone". None really had much too lose and a lot to gain. Kuchar's 68 landed him a tie for 6th and an nice top 10 finish in a major. Well Done Matt!
The next major is THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP at St. Andrews Golf Links from July 15 -July 18.
Can Tiger win the US Open?
Why not? Tiger Woods is the most talented golfer on this planet and he is certainly in a fog. As my old pro Gene used to say, "It doesn't take long to warm up talent." So just because Tiger's head is messier than the Gulf of Mexico, it doesn't mean that he can't win the US Open. Now the odds of a victory are certainly lowered. However, the beauty with Tiger is that he can win tournaments with his B and C+ games. Lately we have seen his D game and let me tell you; I would take his D game 8 days a week and love it! So are the odds better that Tiger stays playing his D game or that he wins the US Open? I think it is a 50 / 50 and my money is on the Tiger to roar.
A friend of mine, working as a greens keeper at a local muni back in the day, was out cutting the rough in between fairways on the back nine when one of the regular tee timers came hacking down the long par four 14th. Now according to my friend this golfer was no great shakes but was having a particularly horrible go at it on this day. He said he stopped to watch as the guy hit one screaming worm burner after another from rough to bunker to finally, mercifully ending that poor balls torturous existence by depositing it in the greenside lake. He then proceeded to drop three more shots into the same body of water before picking up his clubs (which were clearly to blame for all 12 of his bad shots on that hole) and tossing them into the very same greenside lake. My friend watched in amazement as the man then turned and briskly walked away towards the clubhouse. He said he was thinking about fishing the clubs out of the lake when all of a sudden the man reappeared, walked back, took off his shoes and socks, rolled up his pants and waded into the water and retrieved his golf bag. Then, upon extracting his water logged wallet and car keys, quickly picked the bag up and deposited it back in the murky depths from whence it came and took off once again towards the clubhouse. My friend laughed so hard he decided those clubs were right where they belonged. The lake was appropriately renamed 'Bag Drop".
Justin 'Rose' to the occasion firing a Sunday 66 to win Jack Nicklaus's Memorial golf tournament. Anyone who posts a 66 on Sunday deserves to win but what makes this especially great is that he shot the round he needed when he needed it. What are the odds? Also he was the only one with a real chance of running down the 21 year old Rickie Fowler. Bravo Justin.
As for Fowler, what an exciting and refreshing young player! However, as my pops used to say, if you are going to dress like that, you had better have some serious game like the late great Payne Stewart. Fowler had 3 days of great golf, then the 73 and orange crushed him. However Puma must be pumped as their youthful golf apparel finally got some attention nationally. Don't feel too badly for Fowler as he will collect $648,000 for his 2nd place performance.
Golfing in the Rain
It's raining on your only day to play golf. The nerve of Mother Nature! Who does she think she is? Fear not my diehard golfers; the only reason you ever have to stop playing golf is because of lightning. If you hear Thunder or Lightning, head for safety ASAP and live to play another day.
How do you play your best golf in the rain? Simply put, preparation is the key.
- Adjust your expectations. Rain golf is more challenging, but that is why we play the game, for a good challenge. With the greens softening up, it is actually easier to hold greens with your approach shots!
- Buy an umbrella! When the first drop hits you, its God's fault, the second drop is your fault.
- Wear your cap. It will shield your face from drops and allow you to see what is ahead of you.
- Have a rain jacket handy. I personally don't own rain pants, because if it is raining that hard, then I am probably not still playing. Plus they are bulky in the bag. However, rain pants are essential for cool and wet golf, so pack them for your golf trips to Ireland.
- Get a dry towel and keep it that way as long as possible. Hang your dry towel off of the inside spokes of your umbrella.
- Keep spare gloves in the bag in a zip lock bag.
- Too lazy to keep your towel dry and use an umbrella then buy a pair of Footjoy Rain Gloves and keep them in your bag. The wetter the better for these gloves and the club will never slip. They are awesome!!!
- Avoid Winn grips in rain and sweaty conditions... they are awesome for good weather, but lack tack when you need it most. I advise the New Decade by Golf Pride.
- When the turf is really soggy, grip down on your club a half inch. It is okay to hit it thin, but a fat shot oh so painful to the scorecard. Thin wins in this scenario.
- It's all about carry. When the ground is wet, roll disappears. Thus, plan your game according to your carry distances. You don't know your carry distances? Head to the range and figure it out fast.
- Play golf courses like the Village Links of Glen Ellyn that offer exceptional rain check policies, ensuring your green fees will not be wasted.
If you are even considering golfing in the rain, then I am already a fan of yours. Go ahead and tee it! Odds are the course will be wide open and you can cruise around the golf course in record time.