Worth the Wait and Better Than Work

I finally got out on the course. It was an awesome day. It had been pretty cold, for southern California. I had the day off, the kids were back in school and my wife was at work. The weather man said the next day the temperatures would drop again. So, I really wanted to get a round of golf in. Besides, I had got a new approach wedge that I was itching to try out. 

First, I went to Alondra Golf course because I thought it would be easiest to get on as a single. Sure enough, they were having a tournament. So, I went to Los Verdes Golf Course and put my name on the list. It was about nine when I got there. I got a small bucket of balls to warm up. Then I went to the putting green and tried to work on long puts and three footers. The thing about Los Verdes is that it's on a bit of a peninsula. Well, you know the saying that the ball will break toward the ocean. At Los Verdes the ocean is on three sides! Yes, putting can be an adventure.

Ten o'clock and eleven o'clock and everyone seemed to be showing up. I was about to go home when they finally called my name. Just before noon, I was finally on the first tee, trying not to slice the ball into the next zip code. 

I judge my round of golf by my Better Than Work score system. Although I was a little frustrated with my putting, it was a pretty good day on the links. I ended up with three very good parters. One was a lawyer who was representing a few guys earlier that morning. I guess he got done early. The other two gentlemen were retired and wanted to know why I wasn't at work. No one took themselves too seriously. That said, I'd have to say my playing partners score was a 3. The weather was just about perfect, so that's a 3. The course was in excellent condition so I go with a 3 there too. My total number of good shots was about 30. I didn't quite break 100 which is sort of my goal at this time, but, outside of one hole of chipping back and forth over the green and some putts that broke with a mind of their own, it was a very fun round. I parred the last hole as the sun was setting and darkness was closing in. It's always nice to end well. My total Better Than Work score was 39. Better than last time, and better than work. 

The view from the 18th after pulling my ball out of the cup for a par.

Partners: 3
The Weather: 3
The Course: 3
Total number of good shots: 30
Total Better Than Work Score: 39






The 19th hole: The only soar note of the day was that I locked my keys in the trunk of my car while talking with one of the fellas I golfed with. I had to wait for my wife to come with her key to my car so luckily I was only about 20 minutes from home. 

Review: Diamond Tour Golf Inazone Belly Putter

Inazone Belly Putter

I have wanted to try a long putter for quite awhile, so, when Diamond Tour Golf  had a great deal on a belly-putter I jumped on it. Normally their Inazone Belly Putter usually goes for $49.99, but it was on sale for $19.99. 

Colin the representative called me back after I placed the original order because the grip I had was a normal grip and would be too short. He recommended a Wynn long grip. He even ran down to the club maker's room and measured it for me. Absolutely outstanding service! 

When the putter was delivered, right on schedule, I tried it out around the house.  It was a little longer than I thought it would be, about three inches past my belly-button. But, I just hold the grip thumb up, resting it on my belly and use my right hand to swing the putter like a pendulum. I don't have to bend over at all, and on a true belly putter I would. Since I hurt my lower back many moons ago, bending over to putt eventually is just painful. No more bending over to putt for me.

Since I don't think I'll be turning pro any time soon so I am not worried about the no anchoring rule. I just want to enjoy playing golf.

Fresh Out of the Box!

Now, back to reviewing the putter. I played a game and it played better than I had hoped. Very good feel, feedback and playability. On the long putts I was able to hit consistent and smooth puts. On short putts it performed awesome. Being able to stand in the same position consistently, pain free, made it easier to hit better shots. My buddy said, "You're deadly from two, three feet!" I think I three putted twice all day. I holed one long putt, about twelve feet for a birdie. The rest were a lot of long putts to get it close and then bury it! 

The only putt that it didn't perform well on was putt just off the green. I wasn't able to manufacture a chipping swing with it. I still could hit it and hit it hard, just not with a chipping motion. 

I will give the Inazone Belly Putter five stars for looks, playability and value. If you are tired of bending over and adjusting your stance to deal with your back, this may the club for you. 

Here's a link to Diamond Tour Golf http://www.diamondtour.com/golf-sale/clone-golf-club-sale/golf-club-putter-sale/inazone-belly-putter.html.

Sand and Skylinks, Better Than Work

It was a beautiful day and a great day for golf. I had a new putter and some new irons that we're itching to be played. I met up with a buddy of mine from work at Skylinks Golf Course in Long Beach. We played the whites with another couple of fellas. 

Like the name of the blog implies, I am not a scratch golfer, so my goal was to break a hundred. I blew up the first hole with an seven on a par four so it didn't look good. The second hole, a par five got me for a triple bogie eight. I needed to calm down and just have some fun. I got into a rhythm and except for another triple on four  I shot a string of bogies, which is good for me, to end the front nine. 

I normally do ok getting out of the sand but that day I couldn't get out in less than four! So, four times in the bunker was a bit painful and tough on the old score card.

I am going to post reviews for my new putter and irons, so I will only say that I am very pleased with both. As my lovely wife likes to say,  I chose well.

Now let's get down to the Better Than Work score. http://notascratchgolfer.blogspot.com/2012_09_01_archive.html is the link to my original    Better Than Work post. It's short but explains the concept well. My partner was great even trying to steer me away from the bunkers I just couldn't seem to stay out of. And the twosome we played with took good natured ribbing and artful sarcasm to new levels. "Great shot! Nice par!" dripped with "sincerity". For partners I call it a three.

The weather was just shy of perfect, warm with a little breeze, I give it a three. For the course I'll throw down a three because it was well kept, challenging and not too crowded.

My total number of good shots was about 23, not bad. I think I need to do a better job of noting how many good shots I was able to pull off. So here goes...

Partners: 3
The Weather: 3
The Course: 3
Total number of good shots: 23
Total Better Than Work Score: 32

I can't wait to get out and play again, it's Better Than Work.

Farewell to the Shamrocks

It was about twenty years ago I decided it was time to move up from the entry level of clubs I had been using. I went to a place in Pasadena that I am not sure even still exists. I think it was called Shamrock golf. The staff was helpful and let me try several different iron sets.  I ended up with a set of their own set with graphite shafts. I used those "Shamrock cavity backed irons" up till today. I regripped them once with Ping whites.  They have served me well. But, it's time to pass them down to my son and buy some news ones for myself. 

My wife used to work at a medical equipment distributor in town and they had a little 3 par company tournament. I was paired with

the President of the company which made my wife nervous because she is never sure of what's going to come out of my mouth.  We ended up winning and I was closest to the hole on one of the prize holes and won a nice hat. It was a nine iron if my memory serves me right. 

After my youngest pair of kids were born I didn't get much golf in for a few years but every time I was able to get out the course those irons were there ready to take a shellacking as I hacked my way around the course. And as I have been able to get out on links and hook and slice my way around they just keep going. Now as my youngest son is able to go out with me on the smaller courses I think they will nurture him along.  

Sand, Geese and Still Better Than Work

My ability to turn a birdie into a bogie and a par into a double bogie       is nothing short of mediocre. I haven't been able to be out on the links for a few months, so I was happy to squeeze in a round. 

The weather was OK, in the high 60's, and a bit windy, and I was happy to take a whack at that little white dimpled ball. The greens were being aerated so there was a few alternate greens and sand all over the most of the others. It was a bit like putting on the beach with a few less dunes. I suppose I can use that as my excuse for turning so many opportunities for par putts into bogies and double bogies. 

The course is located next to a park that borders several holes on the back nine. Apparently a small flock of geese decided to make the park their home. I love nature and all, but, the sounds of geese honking while you are teeing off can be a bit annoying. Remarkably they seemed to honk just as I started on my back swing! I don't notice any rules prohibiting a gun in your bag...

I did decide to make a purchase after this little day on the beach. It wasn't a gun nor was it a shovel and I am happy with my current sand wedge. That will be another post.

Now for the Better Than Work Score ( http://notascratchgolfer.blogspot.com/2012/09/better-than-work-score.html ):

Partner(s): 3 ( Very nice gentlemen who played with a nice pace)

Course: 1

Weather: 2

Number of good shots: 12

Total = 18

Better Than Work

Yesterday was the first time I was able to get out and golf in way too long! The weather was awesome here in SoCal. My condolences to those of you who live in a climate where golfing would of required airfare. Which leads me to my playing partners, one of which was from the mid-west and getting in a round this time of year can involve many layers of clothing if the course is open.

I had just enough time to hit a half of bucket of balls, which was good because I was a bit rusty and no one likes to hit a worm burner on the first hole. So when I pulled it to the left and accidentally cut the dog leg out I was pretty happy. It's better to be lucky than good, right?

I had a modest goal of first playing under double bogey ball and second being breaking one hundred. As is my custom I had two blow up holes where I just could find the cup. I saw a great post with the Dos Equis most interesting man in the world. the caption was, "I don't always get on in two, but when I do I make sure and three putt." I kept to the creed and turned a few birdies into bogeys. In the end I played under double bogey ball but didn't quite break one hundred.

Now for the Better Than Work Score (see early post):
Partner(s):  3
Course:  3
Weather:  3
Number of good shots:  12
Total = 21

All and all it was a great day of golf!

FATHER AND SON TIME, BETTER THAN WORK OR SCHOOL

This my friends is what life is all about! I've been looking forward to this moment for awhile now. Yesterday, my youngest son and I went golfing and it was great! The day was beautiful, mid 70s and a slight ocean breeze. The Sea Aire Golf Course in Torrance is a short little pitch and putt that is good for young golfers who can take their time trying to figure things out and it is an excellent place to work on your short game.

I've been trying out the Callaway Warbird 2-piece golf balls. I tried them because I am not a scratch golfer and I don't need balls that will spin. The last thing I need is balls that will increase my slice or hook! I could use a little extra distance though. I normally hit about 50 some odd yards with my 56⁰ wedge. I tried to move my hands quicker through the middle of my swing and I hit it over the fence into somebodies house at least 80 yards. I can't wait to try it on a regulation course with my driver and 3-wood. 

Back to my son. A few years ago he participated in the LA County Junior Golf program. We bought him a set of clubs and he's only used them a few times so it was nice that they still fit him, especially since he's a lefty. The first few holes were a bit rough but he worked his way through it all and started to make a few good shots that he was really happy with. You know that feeling when you hit the ball just right? It sounds good, feels good and looks good. That's what make you come back for more. That's what I saw in his eyes and the little fist pump with a smile. 

Now for the Better Than Work Scores! For my son I will call it the Better Than School Score. 

My son: Better Than School Score

Partner:                                      3

Course:                                      2

Total number of good shots:     5

Weather:                                    2

Total Score =                           12

My Score: Better Than Work Score

Partner:                                      3

Course:                                      2

Total number of good shots:    10

Weather:                                    3

Total Score =                           18

All in all it was a great day on the little links. 

HAPPY INDEPENDANCE DAY GOLFERS!

Happy 4th of July! Thank God for freedom.   

Slices & Hooks from the Golf Twittersphere @CaptSlice 6 28 13

Here's a few post that I found amusing! Leave you own in the comment section or post on Twitter @CaptSlice

Golf Pigeon ‏@golfpigeon15m

What would your golf superpower be? Get in on the convo here: http://1gp.co/d4

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Where are you spending your life this weekend Facebookers? pic.twitter.com/xox2uvFis8

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MyGolfSpy Staff Bags - Final Prototypes Let us know what you think?? @vesselbags ... pic.twitter.com/wYtIFcbux8

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Dude on the 17th tee is getting kind of a big head... pic.twitter.com/EaBlSYRbsL

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"The greatest challenge to any thinker is stating a problem in a way that will allow a solution."

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Went to the falconry this morning. What n amazing place! #greenbrier pic.twitter.com/VfL9kkdqxw

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JUST A LITTLE GOLF, PLEASE

I haven't been able to play for about six months. Time has been a factor and today was no different. First I planned to play a Los Verdes, a nice public course with a great view of the Pacific Ocean. But, I had to deliver my daughter's cookie dough order to people from work. Next I thought I'd have time to play Harbor Park Municipal Golf Course, an executive par 34, nine hole course that you can use your driver and 3-wood on seven of the holes. But, again, time wasn't on my side. So, I ended up at Sea-Aire Golf Course in Torrance. 

I've heard about the course from several of my friends. It's a short , 9-hole pitch and putt. I got out of my car, put on my shoes, took my woods out of my bag, paid the man and 45 minutes later I was done. I was +8 and enjoy it all.

My "Better Than Work Score":

Partner: 2

Course: 2

Total number of good hits: 10

The Weather: 3

Total Score: 17 

Not a bad score considering I played alone and it was only 9 short holes. The great thing is I was able to squeeze in a little bit of golf into a small window of time. I think I'll take my 11 year old son here this summer. 

WHO WILL WIN THE US OPEN AT MERION?

The U.S. Open. What a great tournament! Watching the U.S. Open  I think the word to describe play is precision. There does not look like a lot of room for error. It is amazing to see players get in and out of trouble. 

Who do I think is going to win? It is hard to say. Phil Mickelson looked great yesterday and Luke Donald was playing equally as well until that bogey on 10. Tiger is struggling and missing by just that little bit that so often has made him great. 

Watching great golfers struggle to make par can lead some to believe they could play the course almost as well because at first glance the tee shots and putts don't look like hero shots. But, the greens look fast as lightning. The lightest tap seems to send the ball off on an endless adventure. 

So, let's set back and enjoy the pleasure of watching great golfers play a great course.

THE ICON LIVES ON!

An fun little course is gone the way of the bulldozer. Hitting the driver will be replaced by a "driving experience". The local pitch and putt is no longer there. But, the icon still stands.  I hopped on the 405 freeway the other day and saw the giant golfer holding his driver. I thought back to the many times I played the Dominguez Hills Golf Course. 

On one particularly fine Sunday afternoon I decided to take my two oldest sons and their cousins golfing. Five preteen youngster and me. My only warning was to not walk in front of the person hitting the ball. Sure enough, my oldest was talking with his cousin while walking in front of his other cousin  hitting the ball. She nailed him smack dab in the middle of the back of the head! She couldn't of hit him better if she tried. We actually never asked her if it was an accident.

I will really miss the hands free driving range. You just put in the card and the balls rise up on the tee. There was a little handle you could press with your club and no more bending over. I hate going to the old fashion kind now. Plus now I have to rent a practice tee if I don't have my own! My favorite memory of the driving range was when I bravely  took my wife.  I know Harvey Penick advised me against this, but... Anyways, I was trying to show my wife the basics of the golf swing, as best as a not scratch golfer could. My lovely wife was worried about hitting the ball poorly and looking bad. I was trying to explain my theory on golf and driving: there is ALWAYS someone worse than you on the road and on the range any given time. In the middle of my speech the announcer comes on and asks everyone to stop hitting balls for a moment. Everyone stopped and a gentleman ran out about fifteen yards, grabbed his driver and ran back (I think he was Japanese because he he did the  head-bow about 27 times on the way back)to the tees. I couldn't resist and yelled, "Come on man, you could've thrown it farther than that!"  I turned to my wife and said, "See, what did I tell you!" She laughed and swung away. 

I will miss that little golf course. But, the memories live on!

THE MASTERS, GOLF AT ITS FINEST

It's the Master's baby! You can't ask for a more picturesque course and a better field of golfers. 


Sergio had a great day yesterday yet struggles a bit today. 

Tiger's battling and keeping himself in contention. 

Where's Bubba? Looks like around +2 ask I write this. 

There's a 14 year old hovering around par! FOURTEEN! 

Freddy Couples is looking good and representing the "mature" crowd very well. Go Freddy!
http://www.augusta.com/masters/leaderboard

I would love to  golf that course! Who wouldn't? I am sure that putting those greens would be like putting on a polished cement floor, but, it would be fun trying. I am not sure I would like one of the jackets, but, I'd probably find a place to hang it. I think what is compelling about watching pros struggle is it lends to the illusion that I could possibly make a shot or two myself. That is what watching great golf does, it makes you want to go out and hack away. A scratch golf I may not be, but, I still love the game. 

A Little Humor Until I Can Putt

I am getting the serious itch to get out and play some golf. In the meantime here are some humorous videos that I hope I don't end up on.

http://www.chucktheputter.com/off-the-wall-golf/ultimate-golf-fails/

Until we putt again.

Tiger, Phil and Brad?

OK, so far this year we have had Tiger Woods winning at Torrey Pines for his 75th PGA win. Then we had Phil Mickelson win the Phoenix Open by six, going wire to wire. Now, Brad Snedeker won the AT & T Pebble Beach National Pro-AM. I know Tiger can dominate and Phil can be a lot of fun to watch because he seems more like a regular guy than Tiger.  Brad? I  don't know what to think. He handled himself really well and plays with great pace. 

What I would like to see is some real rivalries take shape. I think the world of golf needs a dominate American to keep things interesting. One thing I like about Snedeker, besides his name, is he gets that he needs to win some majors. He realizes he is playing pretty good, but, to be considered elite, he needs major titles. The question is does he have the drive to win at that level? 

Why do I care? I don't know. I like golf. I like competition. I like the drama of great players vs. great players. I think what made Jack Nickalus great was not just that he won 18 majors but that he was second 19 times and third 9 times! He was top five 56 times and top to 73 times! That is one competitive man. Think about that. In 46 major tournaments he was in the top three. There are only four majors. That means for like ten years of majors he was close to winning. I think his competition was pretty good too. From Arnold Palmer to Tom Watson, Less Travino and Gary Player. 

Now that I've got my golf juices flowing again. I can't wait to get out and hit that little white ball. That's what great golfers do. They inspire you. I may not every play pro. But, I'll enjoy myself knowing that I can play the same great game. 

Three Things I Learned from Tom Watson

My oldest son read a book about how to play chess once because he wanted to have a plan to win. I’m usually not to successful at chess because even though I know how to play, I haven’t really thought about what I want to do. There are three lessons I learned from the book Tom Watson’s Strategic Golf.  The common thread between them all is to think about what I’m going to do. In the book Tom Watson discusses several game improvement strategies. The three chapters that help me the most are Club Selection and Judging Distance, and Attacking Par 3, Par 4, and Par 5 Holes and Lay Up Like a Pool Player.

“Judging distance and picking the right club for the shot are prerequisites for scoring your best.” – Tom Watson. I don’t struggle too much with judging distance and there are apps for your smart phone now that can actually tell you your distance to the hole. Swing by Swing golf has one that is pretty accurate. Apps like that do eat up your battery though so you have to be selective or bring a charging device. To score well you need to know how far you hit each club under normal conditions. Either keep a journal or record it on an app. Under clubbing when the air is damp, hitting into a strong headwind and shooting at a raised green, are common problems for those of us who are not scratch golfers. In these situations you should go one, maybe two clubs stronger. Choosing where you want the ball to go if you hit it bad may also affect your club choice. Go with what you know you can do.

Learn to think your way strategically around a golf course. To play strategically Tom stresses three dimensions to attacking each whole whether par 3, 4 or 5. You need to understand your personal capabilities, you have to understand the trouble spots of the course, and you need to play every shot with the next shot in mind. I think I fear par three’s more than par fives sometimes because it seems like I need to be so accurate. What Watson’s stresses is that on par 3 holes there is usually a safe part and a fat part of the green. The safe part may be smaller and include a little rough but that is where you want to try to play the ball. Play for the safe part that avoids the water and sand. For par 4’s and par 5’s you should angle for the next shot. Stay away from danger. Give yourself a chance to attach the pin. Remember, this is where it is a thinking man’s game.

Finally, Tom says that laying up to a pro golfer is a science. He uses the illustration of laying up like a pool player. The bottom line is to always plan ahead and leave your self in a good position for the next shot. He gives these four tips for laying up. Lay up to your favorite club. Lay up so you can shoot up the slope of the green. Lay up to a flat lie. Lay up to a full shot. The idea is to give your self the best chance to score.

Learning to think my way around a golf course and plan what I want to do can make a round of golf much more enjoyable. Remembering to choose the right club for the distance, give myself a chance to attach each kind of par and to lay up like a pool player helps me enjoy this wonderful game of golf. I think they can help you too. 

Dear Santa: My Christmas Wish List

I love Christmas and my wonderful wife and I have been trying to find a few nice things for our children while still reminding them that giving, like Christ gave his life for us, is the real reason for the season. 

If I could take a moment and  just indulge myself with a wish list of things I wouldn't mind finding under the tree. 

One of the following Drivers:

The Ping Anser

The Taylor Made R11S 

The Callaway Razr Fit

Any of these Iron sets:

Ping G20s

Taylor Made Rocketballz

Callaway Razr Xs

I would like to try out the Cleveland RTX CB Black Pearl Wedges (52, 56 & 60).

Maybe I need to get a belly putter before they are illegal.

Remember the real reason for the season...