Rory Sabbatini Has Tizzy fit at Bidgestone Invitational

Rory Sabbatini had a fan ejected after the man yelled out "Hey, Rory. Still think Tiger's beatable?" on the 9th hole. This in reference to Sabbatini's stupid remark after the Wachovia earlier this year that Tiger was "beatable as ever." This after Tiger beat him by 5 strokes

AT&T National

I went to the AT&T National on Friday and Sunday. Fantastic event. This thing was organized in under 180 days and boasted a world class field with 10's of thousands of wannabe's.
The weather was miserable the souveneers, food and drink over-priced but for $25 for all day fun (parking included) it blows the bloated and miserable Redskins away as the sporting event of the area.

Golfing at Lansdowne

I took a break from my usual municipal golf course excursions and went to Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg va. It was a Father's day present and at $150 a bit on the high side. I went out alone and for the first 9 holes I played behind a rather slow foursome. Guys would spend 10 minutes looking for balls. They let me play through at the second 9. There was no one behind or in front of me. It was like one of those Armageddon movies. It was eerie.
I shot a 108.

Once Again PGA Golf in D.C.

PGA Tour Commisioner Tim Pinchem announced Tuesday Feb. 27th that a PGA Tour event will once again come to the Washington D.C. area. Even more impressive is that it will be a Tiger Woods event. The event is scheduled to be held the 4th of July week. A venue has not been chosen, but smart money says it's The Congressional Country in Bethesda, Maryland. That's great news for the D.C. area. Of course no Duffers will used in the staging of this event.

The Benefits of Being a Volunteer Starter

Although officially frowned on finding and keeping the errant balls of others is one of the fringe benefits of being a volunteer starter. Some guys collect hundreds of balls. At my Sunday shift in the freezing cold and sleet I went with one of the more infamous collectiors. There was ice on the pond and we could see the balls laying on bottom near the shore . But first we had to knock a hole in the ice with the tip of the retriever and then slowly scoop the balls and gently bring them out through the hole we just created. Jason was a mster, almost like an ice fisherman. the things we do for free stuff.

What a Way to Start the New Year

Once again golfing in the tropical temperatures of 55 degrees yesterday.
I played with slacks and a long sleeve shirt but my partner played in shorts and a golf shirt. Granted when the breeze picked up he put on a light jacket, but still January 2 and playing golf in the tropical paradise known as Annandale Virginia?

Global warming and Golf

Thank God for those fossil fuel burning Republicans. So far this December I played golf 8 times. Most recently yesterday with my son at Jefferson District Golf Course in Falls Church. I also played the day before at Pinecrest.
Is this the heat wave of the future for golf in the north?

Last week in 70's this week Freezing

I played twice last week both times the temp was a balmy 72. Climbing the great 4th hole mountain produced sweat. But this week temperatures are in the 30's. Is golf over for the season?

Was it the New Grips?

I regripped my clubs yesterday. Today Iwent out and played 9 holes. I shot 3 pars and a birdie on a par 4. But the big indicator was - I lost no balls; zip, none nada, zero.

Playing with Seniors (Very Seniors)

I played twice last week - with mature golfers. On Thursday I played with 76 year old Jerry. He was a fit 76 and played with personalized yellow golf balls he got from his family at his 75th birthday bash. They were engraved with "Happy 75th Birthday Pop-pop. Which was kind of neat - except everytime he lobbed one into the woods we spent a lot of time searching for those little treasures. I said "Jerry don't worry I have plenty of balls - I'm a starter, I find dozens." This was a bit of an exaggeration but I wanted to get the game moving.
I was afraid the group behind us was getting antzy until I saw who was playing behind us. It was a foursome-some including the famous, and old, Mr. Soon. Mr. Soon was 93 years old and 5 foot nothing. He played everyday and walked while carrying his own clubs. I knew we would be ok.

I played again that Friday morning and I was paired with, who else, buy Mr. Soon. We were put with 2 other golfers. The one other golfer was not the most accurate of hitters. He would place the ball on the tee and whack at it sending it off almost perpendicularly to the right of the tee. Mr. Soon would wait patiently, at the right of the tee, oblivious to the dangers an errant ball could have to his continued longevity. A hit by one of these missiles would reduce Mr. Soon to a puff of yellow dust. After more near misses and no inclination from the errant golfer to change his swing I convinced Mr. Soon, with sign language that if he didn't move he would not be playing golf for a very long time.
He survived.

Play Golf and Stay Warm Too

Think the golf season is over? You can still play golf for free basked in the glowing warmth of your computer monitor. The Fedex Invitaional is open 24 hours 7 days rain or shine. It's actually fun too.

I Shot My Age

If I was a 113 years old. The Fairfax County Park Authority had its Starters/Marshals tournament at Twin Lakes. It was eighteen holes. I shot a 113. Not the best way to finish a season.

The Final Match of the Season

The Pinecrest Men's Golf League played its final match today braving bitter winds and frosty temperatures. I couldn't feel my finfgers until about the 3 rd hole and then of course it was too late.
The event was followed by a delicious and boisterous lunch. I was the most boisterous having been screwed out of the Flight "C" championship by a club president who can't count.

Tomorrow the Fairfax County Marshal/Starter Tournament at Twinlakes

Guide to Area Golf

Yeah I know it's getting cold and difficult to see the ball hidden under fallen leaves, but there's good news! courses are less crowded and it's easier to get a last minute tee time. Here's a link from the Washington Post on area golf and golfers.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/health/specials/golf/2006/index.html

Just Like Scotland

We had our volunteer starter/marshall tournament yesterday at Pinecrest. The temperature was about 55 with a steady ready rain. Clubs flying from hands combined with wet feet made it a less then desirable ending to the volunteer year. We actually go year around.

It was scheduled for 18 holes but was mercifully called after 9. We had free breakfast/lunch with a 10:00 a.m. beer thrown in for good measure. Maybe we were in Scotland

Defeat Snatched from the Jaws of Victory

In the Pinecrest Men's Golf Champioship last week I ended with a 61 for series. This was the best two 9 hole rounds of 3. I got an Email that said I was the Flight C(Duffers ladder) champion. I was ready to Email my mocks and taunts to my golfing buddies but I decided to hold off a bit - just in case. And of course the next day there was an Email from the Club president that said - Mistake in "C" ladder scores. There was a math error (this is just simple adding) and I was not the champion, but came in 2nd.
My opportunity for a trophy and my name immortilized in the Pinecrest Hall of Fame (a wall) were dashed.

I Shot a 64 and Yeah I really did Lose

What else can I say. One more chance at a respectible finish in the Pinecrest Men's league Championship. It's best 2 out of 3.

I Shot a 44 and Still Lost

At last Wednesday's start of the Pinecrest Mem's League Championship I shot a 44 (net 27) and soome guy beat me with a 26 for the "C" ladder (the Duffer's ladder.) Must have been sand bagging (not me of course.)

I Could Be Losing My Duffer Card

I decided to practice last Thursday for this weeks Pinecrest Men's Championship, and shot a 44 for 9. This is the lowest I've ever shot. But with that said I golfed this past Monday and shot a more appropriate 54. We'll see how it goes in the first series of the Championship.

Photos from the Charity Tournament

I tried to bribe the 14 year oold kid gaurding the integrity of the hole-one prize, but it seemed the little punk didn't like my offer of $200. He said someone offered him $1,000

Charity Golf Tournament in Lusby

I played at the first annual Neurofibromatosis Golf Tournament for a neighborhood friend this past Friday. It was a great day for golf. We played at the Chesapeake Hills Golf Club in Lusby Maryland - a stones throw from Solomon's Island. We had a good tourout for a great cause. The greens were not in the best of condition though. In fact the greens were like sand traps - mostly sand with pathes of grass here and there. The reason given was a fungus had attacked the grass and they're working on it.

It was a Captains Choice and my foursome shot a 65. But it wasn't good enough to win. Groups came in with a 56, 57 and a 62. So we were fourth and out of the money.
The tournament had some intersting rules. Because of the desert like conditions of the greens you could move your any distance within a club length not closer to the hole. A real interesting rule was that every member of a foursome could throw the ball forward without penalty. Yes throw without penalty. Each member got one toss for the front none and one for the back nine. You couldn't toss on the green though.

Even though our foursome didn't win I did win a door prize of a cool golf clock. Maybe I'll get it engraved and say its a trophy.

Number 26,890,019 On the Money List

At last week's Pinecrest Men's Legue captai's choice competition my partner and I finished first with an average 29. Yes folks a 29 (for 9 holes of course and with our extremely high handicaps.) We win cas money. I would estimate $6.00. We've had a lot of rain around here lately I hope I'm not accused of sand-bagging.

How I spent My Summer Vacation

At least part of it. I played 2 fine courses in Pennsylvania. The first was the Hershey Country Club. Hard to believe that maybe 30 years ago a guy with a name like Borowski would probably be sucking out the septic tank with little hope of playing the course. Hershey was a beuatiful and challenging course. My son and I played and of course we were not up to the challenge. The thing I liked about it there was no one in front of or behind us. So we could hack away in glorious isolation.

We also stayed at and played at Skytop Lodge in Canadensis. This was another place that would have relegated my relatives to waiting tables. My family and I have been staying at Sky top on and off for 18 years or so. The prices have gone up quite a bit but rooms are on the American Plan so meals are included.
The golf course is fairly straight forward with few surprises. I played 9 holes in an hour and 15 minutes. It's nice to be alone.

Our Outing at Twin Lakes

My son and I played golf at the Fairfax County Park Authority's Twin Lakes course in Clifton, Virginia. We played the Lakes course which was beautiful and much superior to the new and very expensive Laurel Hills course in Lorton. The course was well maintained and the staff were knowledgeable and friendly. The $35 rate was a deal.

After playing my weekly 9 holes at Pinecrest it was a big leap to play a full 18 holes. But I was up to the task playing twice as crappy as I do on 19. David didn't wear work shoes.

A Father and Son Golf Outing

David's going back to school for his senior year next week and he suggested a golf outing. So tomorrow we're going to try Twin lakes. Hopefully David will not repeat the golf outfit he wore on our Father's Day tournament - work boots and jeans. But we'll see!

More Marshaling Adventures

I switched now to Sunday Morning instead of Sunday Afternoons. At my first outing I experienced the Pincrest A-hole. This guy was bitching and moaning from the get go. He was about 65 and is a well known pain-in -the-ass at Pionecrest. In fact one golfer begged me to delay his game just to avoid him as a partner. I gave him his wish. This guy was complaining that he wa 5 minutes late to tee off (there was a bit of a delay at the hole.) his comment was "I have a 9:30 and by God I'm teeing off at 9:30."
He didn't of course but it was trying.

Extreme Golf

I played in my golf league this morning. The marshal comes around in his cart and there’s a guy just splayed across the passenger seat. The Marshall said “Someone call 911 he was stung by a bee and he’s in shock.” I called and the guy was taken away in an ambulance. Not a good round.

Golf Fireworks

I played in the Catholic Charities golf Tournament yesterday. It was at Belle Haven Country club in Alexandria. It was hot and sticky and true to my duffer roots shot pretty bad. At around 5:00 pm with just 4 holes remaining it started to storm - big time. The horn sounded and like ants streaming to a sugar cube carts raced to the club house waiting for the storm to clear. After about half an hour we were given the all clear (although it didn't look too clear.) We started up again and just as we landed the last putt lightening flashed and the horn sounded again.

The storm was so intense that the clubs lights and AC went out leaving us eating and grousing about our play in darkness and heat mercifully the speeches were shortened by the conditions. Charity - no good deed goes unpunished.

Father's day golf

My son and I played in the Pinecrest Father's Day Tourmanet. David and I played against a 60+ year old dad and his 36 year old son. My 21 year old son played in heavy jeans and work boots. It was only his second time on the course. We beat the other twosome. They were the defending 2005 Father's day champs. But last year they were the only players in the 18 and over division. This year there were 6 teams. The father kept telling us that being over 60 allowed him to play the red tees (????) But we still kicked their ass. Can't wait till next year!

Getting Ready for a Father's Day Tournament

My son and I are in a Father's Day tournament so we went out to practice on Saturday. David hadn't played in several years (actually he only played once and that was about 12 years ago when he was 9. He did pretty good. He shots were mostly straight but his form was more hockey like then golf(he always did like Happy Gilmore.)

Nothing like a beer - First thing in the a.m.

I had a tee time this morning at 7:30. Walt and I were set to play when 2 guys joined us. The one I knew as a starter the other I hadn't seen before. He was around 35 and drunk. He popped open a can on the second hole and started drinking. He also started complaining about his wife and infant daughter. It seems his life had changed since his daughter's birth. He proceeded to finish off 2 more cans and at the last hole asked Walt if he could show some of his colleagues his resume. Hey - why not.

More Marshall Stories

This past Sunday wasn't as eventful as my previous tour. There was on event though. A father and a young son (maybe 8 or 9) were playing a round of golf
The son was evidently hitting the ball, having it go several feet, picking it up bringing it back to the tee and doing it again. The people behind them weren't happy. One of the players was also a volunteer and went up to tell the guy to please try to speed things up a bit. The man was irate. I watched him at the last hole and of course the kid was hitting the ball a few feet, picking it up etc.) When I drove by he let me have it and also he waited for that to finish then started to berate the guy in front on the course manager and his 8 year old son. What a great role model. I know the volunteer and he would never raise his voice of do anything untoward. It takes all kinds.

Confessions of a Golf Marshall

Ahh the joys of volunteer work. Last Sunday was my day to be a Starter/Marshall at Pinecrest Golf course. I do this for free golf.
It was an interesting day. A group of three young men with 2 bags showed me a ticket but with only one paid round. I told them to go back and pay for another. They said only 2 of them will play. I reminded them that you need a bag for each player and all players must pay. they said "no problem." Well of course there was a problem. I drove around and sure enough three of them were hitting balls. Once again I reminded them and they said "sure we're sorry we didn't understand." Right.

Another interesting scenario. I was driving the cart around and I saw 2 people climbing over back hoes, and dirt, behind a sign that says No trespassing. A few weeks ago during a severe rainstorm the pond backed up behind a dam formed by beer and soda bottles and other debris. The dam gave way and the rushing water swept away a walk way. th area was closed for safety until it could be fixed.

When I saw these two (it was a man and a woman well dressed and with an attitude.) I asked them "do you belong there?" The man said "I live here!" I said "You live behind that cyclone fence?"
"I live in those town houses" he pointed to the townhouses surrounding the course.
"But you don't live there so get out?"
He was irate " I pay $500 a month mortgage to live there."
I left those 2 dummies and there $500 mortgage climbing the dirt and informed the golf course manager.

Once Again - Laurel Hills

On our last adventure to the new Laurel Hills Fairfax County golf course, I complained about the over priced municipal golf course. Well my golf partner and 2 friends revisited the course last Saturday. Walt and I had a 9 hole rain-check from 3 weeks ago. I have to admit that the course is a bit better in the sun. Pro's and Hacker's called the site "one-of-a-kind" and "visually stunning." If by visually stunning they mean the shock of seeing guard towers and razor wire as you ride along the course - yeah. The problem is the price. It's just not worth $72. The fairways are poc marked with divits and the drainage leaves a lot to be desired. For $72 golfers should not have to look at mounds of fill dirt, porta johns and an unfinished clubhouse. A fairer price for these conditions is $50 at most. Even after all the construction mess is cleaned up, they'll need to streatch to make it a value for golfers.

I shot a 31 Today

Actually it was a 2 man scramble with handicap. (my HDCP is 14.) My partnet and I played against the retired pro at ArmyNavy Country Club and a retyired dentist who is a PGA instructor - so on the face of it it was a real lopsided battle. But that's the magic of handicaps. Even the shitty golfer can compete.

Golf with a 500 Year Old Man

Actually Mr. Sun was somewhere in his nineties. It seems that the chilly weather kept away many of my fellow Men's League golfers yesterday. There was no one but me for the 7:40 tee time. I had to go to work so I couldn't wait around for stragglers to come by. Mr. Sun came by and the starter said "you can go out with Mr. Sun if you'd like." So I did. Mr. Sun is about a 5 foot nothing Korean gentlemen who plays pretty well.
He carried about 5 clubs - driver, putter, 3 wood 5 iron and 9 iron. No power cart for Mr. Sun he just picked up his clubs and walked the course. Communication was at a minimum - he didn't speak much english and I, of course, spoke no Korean. We were able to communicate on a rudimentary level. He asked me how much I paid for the cigar I was smoking. I said "five dollars," using hand signals. He laughed and shook his head that being the universal language for "what an A-hole."

Mr. Sun did out drive me on 2 holes.

Volunteer Starter and Marshall

The things we do for free golf! I started my volunteer duties at Pinecrest this past Sunday afternoon. I was a starter which meant I managed subscribed tee times and also parceled out times to walk ups and call ins. Marshaling is fairly easy. You maybe light up a cigar hop in a cart, drive around and tell people to "pick it up" if the pace is to slow or great job if so deserved. The one thing you don't do is say things like "I've seen better swings on a playground."

Now starting is a bit different. You actually need to be organized. You need to be able to associate a name with a face and that's not my strong suite. There weren't massive backups at the first tee or golfers waving clubs and chasing me on foot and with carts, but it was close.

The Weather was Nice, But My Golf Was Sooo Ugly

For the second week of golf in the Pinecrest Men's golf League the weather was beautiful - sunny and warm. Unlike last weeks snow and cold temperatures. I shot a 54. I'm going to put my hands in the snack bar's freezer before I play to get them cold up.

Once Again - a Little Bit of Snow

On the second match of my Pinecrest Men's Wednesday league the festivities were interupted by inclement weather. I had a 7:50 tee time, but I could see dark clouds rolling in. As we practiced at tee 1 the wind picked up and the rain and sleet came chasing us manly golfers back to the clubhouse like school girls. It did finally clear and we did play. It was a bit chilly though and at times it was hard to grasp the club what with the cold.

And actually I did very well I shot a 45.

Welcome to Laurel Hills - Yuch!

My partnet Walt and I played the new "upscale" Fairfax County golf Course Laurel Hill yesterday (Saturday) in Lorton Virginia. This course is built on the site of the old D.C. Lorton prison. The gaurd towers and dormitories are still standing. The towers no longer keep people in, but should be a warning to those fool hearty enough to enter this God-forsaken golf course.

I knew there was going to be trouble when we arrived and saw mounds of fill dirt dotting the property and an unfinshed clubhouse greeting us. The clubhouse has been heavily advertised in local publications as opening in "Spring of 2006." Now granted it's early in Spring of 2006 but it looked no where complete. When I asked the starter when it would be finished he said "we were told today September." Ah the joys of government building projects.

The clubhouse now was a trailer with some golf related products scatterred around and no bathrooms. The only recourse for the bladded challenged were porta pottys. When we went to pay the lady behind the counter she said "that'll be $79 dollars."
"But my receipt from Teetimes.com said $60 when I made the reservations 2 weeks earlier. "
"Sorry teetimes was having technical difficulties and we're not responsible."
Yeah, no kiddin'.

We paid our fees and started our round. We just couldn't see the upscale in any of this. There were no par markers on the tees and the fairways were in terrible condition with divots dotting the fairways and mounds of unsightly dirt scatted around like bunkers. Now granted this was early in the season, but with cnsitions like this the grenns fees should have been lower.

Mercifully it started to downpour on hole 10. We waited to see if it would pass but it seemed intent on turning those mounds of dirt into chocolate pudding. We dove back to the "clubhouse" for a raincheck (yeah I know, but this cost us a lot of money.)

Bottom line - Save your money and go to Greendale!

Finally the Games Begin

No snow, no rain no dark of night. With screams of "four" filling the air full contact golf began as The Pinecrest Men's Golf League finally strated its season Wednesday morning. I tee'd off at 7:50 a.m. My team shot a 37 for 9. This was a 4 man scramble or "best ball." Next week we start gross scores to build handicaps.

Golf or Basketball

I went to the NCAA Sweet 16 in D.C. on Friday and watched George Mason kick Wichita State's ass. We got home about 2:00 a.m. Just couldn't get up to tee off at 7:50.
BTW I went to the Elite 8 game last night and watched Mason clean UConn's clock.

Go Mason!!!

Game Delay

Yesterday was the kickoff of the Pinecrest Men's League. Unfortunately the weather had an earlier tee time and bumped us. Temps were in the low 30's with a dusting of powder on the greens. Sherpas were lined up to carry our equipment but were not needed. The photo is one Sherpa tending the flag at an earlier match.

Dave and Walt's Artic Adventure

Ahh the first real match of the season. Unfortunately it's the winter season. My partnet Walt and I were the first ones out at Pinecrest t his morning with temperatures in the 30's and a wind chill to blow the stink off ya'. I was amazed there wasn't a frost delay since the greens were like tundra and I felt I could have competed in Olympic Curling. Walt and I would slap each other to keep the blood flowing. I shot a 54. I tried to remember my golf instructors urgings to keep my head down and all the other machinations I learned over the last 2 lessons.

Not a Promising Start

I went to my Pinecrest Men's Golf League meeting last night at 6:00. I had the right place, time and day, but was a week off on the date. Once a duffer always a duffer.

Gettin' Ready for League Play

I have 2 golf lessons under my belt and I start in my men's golf league Wednesday March 22. Tonight is an organizational meeting for the Pinecrest Men's Golf League. I'm sure we'll discuss the size of the trophy and how big my name will appear.

Lessons Paid Off

I took my first of 6 lessons at the Top-Golf center in Kingstowne. It's interesting to see your swing on video. Interesting - not good. My instructor Steve Moskal showed me this one very interesting segment. I hit the ball and my club face was actually moving in front of the ball. He wants to use this for instruction purposes. I'm so proud. But all in all I started to hit the ball better - that's further and straighter then ever.

Golf Lessons

I've joined a men's Wednesday Golf league. Golfing starts March 22. In an effort to make myself look at least somewhat like a golfer I signed up for lessons. Tomorrow's lesson number 1.

Golf Collectors Society

I joined the Golf Collectors Society a few months ago. I'm interested in the history of golf and this seemed like a good way to get some good information on golf's beginnings. I also collect balls, clubs and old ball markers so it was a good fit. They had their Mid-Atlantic Chapter meeting at the Woodmont CC in Laytonsville, MD. and it was fun. A lot of interesting discussions and nice people.

My Greatest Game Ever Played

I shot a 42 for 9 holes this past Saturday at Hilltop Golf lub in Alexandria. Everything just flowed, it was great. Do I hang up my Duffer label - nah, but it's nice to shoot a good round once in a while.

The Greatest Game Ever Played

I recently finished "The Greatest Game Ever Played" by Mark Frost. It's the true story of the 1913 US Open, where 20-year-old Francis Ouimet defeated reigning champion Harry Vardon. It was great read and gave a lot of insight into the early game and the dedication of those early pros and amateurs. I wondered if anyone yelled "Get in the hole!" when Francis sunk his winning putt. It was also made into a movie taht should be released fairly soon.

The Future of Golf?

There's an article in today's Washington Post on a place called Top Golf in Alexandria. It has balls with chips that measures your distance and swing and is totally computerized. Fun for the whole family.

Golf with Strangers

My usual golf partner couldn't play so I went alone and was hooked up with a guy named Charlie who was a software developer for law firms. You meet the most interesting people at Pinecrest. I played great. I'm convinced I play better with strangers. Is that because of the lack of pressure?

Battle at the Bridges

I watched the "battle" on Monday with Tiger/John Dale vs. Mickleson/Goosen. What a snorefest. I didn't really care about the trials and tribulation of being John daly. I wanted to watch them it balls. But with just 2 2 somes it's a long walk to your ball and they had to fill the time somehow.

Golf in The Kingdom

Watching a bit of the British Open today reminded me of Michael Murphy's existential gold mine "Golf in The Kingdom." This is the story of a young man's special round of golf at Scotland's Burningbush golf club and his extraordinary golf partner Shivas Irons. It was an interesting read, but has taken on a role as a life changing book. They've been trying to make a movie of it for years and now may be close. http://www.findshivas.com/html/home.html

Hilltop Today

We played at Hilltop (converted landfill in Alexandria.)

From the left; your humble webmaster, Tom Paxton, Walt Sanders and Kevin O'Brien.

Sushi Chef and AOL Chef

Once again I played at Pinecrest (I think I'm in a rut.) Anyway the one interesting thing about Pinecrest is you meet fascinating prople. My usual golf partner Walt couldn't make it so I went alone and was hooked up with 2 other guyss. One was a Sushi chef who plans on opening a new restuarant next month and the Executive chef at AOL. The Sushi chef was pretty good. The AOL chef was a duffer like me. The conversation was great and made me very hungry.

Nineteenth Hole

Some interesting facts and trivia on the game we love - or hate depending on our scores.

Country Club for a Day

Well I took a $100 out of the Borowski Family Food Fund to play golf at the self-proclaimed "Country Club For a Day" - Westfields in Clifton, Va. this past Saturday. Don't get me wrong the course is well maintained and the staff is very helpfull, but the one thing us duffers want is pressure free golf. Westfields does stack tee times like Friday afternoon flights at National Airport. I knew there was going to be some issues when the only tee time available a week in advance was 7:09 a.m. It seems like there was a foursome out every few mintes. This does take away the country club experience a bit with guys behind you lobbing shots 15 yards from your head. We were also joined by a member (a guy who pays an annual fee for unlimited golf privileges. For $100 I was hoping it would just be Walt and I. Would I do it again? Once is probably enough.

Dave

Rain finally ended

I played last Saturday May 7th and Monday May 9th. The weather finally cleared and I also have a new favorite club. I bought a hybrid off of Ebay. But this is a bit different kind of hybrid - a Louisville Golf Hy-Lofter. It's a wood club. A traditional wood club made of persimmon wood. I don't know if it's the hybrid part or the persimmon part but I really cranked them out of the fairwy.

I'm playing at Westfields this Saturday. Westfields is billed as a "Country Club for a day."

Missed Golf last Saturday

and it looks like I may again this week. Rain!

Hilltop Golf

We played at Hilltop Golf Club in Alexandria, Va. Hilltop is a former landfill converted to an executive 9 hole. Hilltop bills itself as having a "Scottish links flavor." Not actually having been to Scotland I can't attest to the flavor test. It is pretty though. Unfortunately you can't walk the course unless you bring a Sherpa. It's quite hilly. The fairways are short but challenging with errant balls landing in the high grass. The views are spectacular with the Potomac and the Maryland shore line visible. There are signs of the courses recent pass with fenced vents and signs warning not to smoke within 50 feet. All in all a nice experience and I recommend it to all my fellow Duffers.

I played golf today and all I got were wet feet

It was nice, but a bit wet. Again it was Pinecrest, but next week we're going tty Hilltop in Alexandria. It's built on a landfill (yes landfill,) but bills itself as havong a "Scottish Links" flavor. We played there last year and did enjoy it. It's short, but there is heather out there.

Played Golf - First Time This Year

I played at Pinecrest today. The weather was fantastic. Didn't play too bad for the first time this year. I got 2 pars. On number 3 I got par the hard way. Two strokes to the apron then putted a 50 footer and made par. Not bad for a Duffer.

Tee Time Today - But Rain

My golf buddy Walt and I had a tee time for this morning, but rain kinda' put a damper on that. The forecast is for heavy rains with flooding. I really wanted to get out there too - maybe next Saturday.

Golf in the Year 2000

Got an Email from a one R. Steven Smith about a book called Golf in the Year 2000. This was written in 1892 by a Nostradamus like duffer named J. McCullough under the pseudonym J.A.C.K. You can read it on his site for free at the above link.

Dave

New Years Eve Golf

Who needs sunny warm Florida when you can have cold and dank Annandale. I went to play 9 holes at Pinecrest this morning. I was one of about 4 duffers who braved the chill for a round. One of my best. I shot a 45. I had my first eagle on the par 5 number 4. I went out alone and finished in about an hour and twenty minutes.

Virtual Mini Golf

If real golf is too taxing try the virtual mini golf