Finally start of season with low 80's temps and wind most of the day, fairly strong at times and just a breeze sometimes.
DOWNS
Course was sorry to say in terrible shape, worst I have seen it in years even with last years 1st month issues. Greens got aerated 2 weeks ago but because of 2 snows in between then and now, they haven't bounced back or healed. 90% were very bumpy and sandy and super slow (can deal with that but disappointing).
With warmer weather here hopefully course will respond overall.( they are working their butts off) but still a lot of in the fairway hits with driver left me hitting a lot of shots off hard pan in middle of fairway!
But to quote Bobby Jones, "Golf is the closest to this game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots. And good breaks from bad shots. But you have to play the ball where it lies"!
UPS
I got there a little earlier than usual to hit large bucket (my usual warm up is small). Worked on @Tom Saguto recent tip to shallow the swing with the thin string visual. Decided to incorporate it in to todays play. Yes, like he said there were some thin ones on the range. But only 2 all day out on the course and not killers, and one hit KFC after that and saved bogey. Still have a ways to go with it being fully second nature but felt good and stuck with that feel all day and hit mostly KFC shots all day.
Even though this is the up section, had a few push fades with driver but drove the ball well, Also I have made a decision to do all pitching with my 54 degree wedge from 60yards in as I am dialed in with swing to control distanced form there in. 58 degree served me well out of par 5 greenside bunker for a sand save.
I stuck with the "meat" of green approach all day and worked well. Like I said in downs, the green were in terrible shape. That being said putted well 16, 2 putts on those mine fields 1, 1 putt and 1, 3 putt which was a rush job. Absolutely staying with 2 & 3 crossover irons and no fairway woods as I crushed those clubs all day long.
The wind was rough on a couple of holes and on 1, a usual 6 or 5 iron into the green after a laid it out there with the drive. Was right into a gale, where I hit the 3 crossover not doubting my decision and dropped it right on the "meat" of the green and just missed a 45 foot birdie and took a tap in for par.
SIDE NOTES & RESULTS
46 / 45 respectively best 91 I ever shot being 1st 18 since early Sept. and only one 9 hole round 3 weeks ago with a 43. Even though been in the "garange" that is for muscle memory which has paid off. But honestly a bit tired and sore, but in a good way.
Again a BIG THANKS again to @Tom Saguto .
That last tip for getting the downswing more shallow added another layer on top of the delayed hip turn and moving weight forward. Had me today even this early in the season hitting KFC ALL DAY! Although the score didn't reflect it with lower number, it was directional and dealing with wind and condition issues that was the true culprit.
That's why I am able to say was the best 91 I ever shot, ball striking wise!
Another piece added and will stay focused on mastering these for now!
Thanks for all you do!
Great start to your season and a fabulous summary, @Steven. Well done in very difficult conditions!!
My only question: How did you do in your match??