I’m Going Backwards

I am actually managing to go backwards. I wasn’t sure that was possible after starting with a 96. It appears it is more than just a possibility it is now a reality.

At the beautiful Sirocco golf course (great greens) I walked off with a scintillating 97.

Front: 42

Wait for it…

Back: 55

The summary:

• Decent front 9 that included 6 pars, 1 birdie, and two ‘others’ for a reasonable 42
• Horrible back 9 that started poorly and got worse
• Multiple provisionals on multiple holes, I hit it all over the yard off the tee on the back side

Why the collapse on the back side? Could it have been that after shooting 42 on the front with a couple of ‘others’ and knowing full well I should have easily shot in the 30’s that I got a bit ahead of myself? Could it have been that I was banking on shooting at least a 42 on the back and recording an 84 that would better my last round by 12 shots? Could it have been that I was thinking that at this rate of improvement I would be shooting in the 70’s in no time? Would I actually get too good too fast and not have enough material for my book?

It’s okay, I’m laughing too. Apparently the explosive and linear trajectory to the world of professional golf that I momentarily envisioned may play out just a little differently. Surprised?

The best:

A cart path assisted 370 yard drive that left me 160 yards in to a difficult (#1 handicapped) par five that is guarded by water. I carved a hard seven iron out of the first cut of rough and floated it into about 18 feet for eagle. I hit a great eagle putt that burned the edge of the high side before finishing inches behind the hole. Tap in two putt birdie. Sweet.

The worst:

So difficult to come up with just one here! Probably the par 5 13th. In my frustration and effort to turn my fortunes around after a very slow start to the back nine I lashed wildly at the ball on the 13th tee with the intention of trying to get it home in two. Actually, I lashed at it 3 times going five off the tee and ultimately recording…again…wait for it…a ten (10). Yes indeed, the ‘Angry Moose’. I can say no more.

Most poignant moment:

This one is difficult as I was highly engaged with my own inner turmoil as my world collapsed around me and I felt like a black star imploding in on myself. If I dig deep though this moment was once again provided by my wonderful playing partner Marni. After nearly quitting on the front nine she brought the learning’s of the book she is currently reading ‘The Peaceful Warrior’ to the golf course. With her new positive attitude she was actually drinking Coors light on the back nine and laughing as she shanked one hard right into the cabbage. I love her.

This made me contemplate changing the name of this blog to ‘Golf Warrior’ as this round was definitely a battle. There will be countless more to come.

Charge!