Getting under 90
This weekend I played at Hawaii Country Club which is located towards the west side of the island. It was sunny and partly cloudy but very windy, up to 25 mph gusts. The course is a nice island course with alot of dog legs, trees blocking the greens and a few narrow fairways.
My driving was on, hit most fairways, as well as my chipping. My putting was decent, 1 or 2 putts on every hole except for 3. One I 3 putted for a double bogey, I was on in 3. Two other ones I choked on. For the first time in my golfing career I had a chance to be under 90, SHOOT IN THE 80’s. The first choke came on 9. It’s a 272 yard par 4 with a really large sprawling tree blocking the green about 40 yards short on an uphill slope. The wind was blowing from left to right and my thought was to aim left of the tree in hopes to be close to the green. I hit a great shot and played the wind beautifully, just over the tree and on the green. A birdie would have given me a 44 on the front 9. I was within 20 feet and was 2 putting from this point the whole day. First putt I read horribly and put it 7 feet from the whole, bent left. The next putt missed just left of the cup and I was in for par. Not bad, didn’t bother me too much.
The next choke was on the last hole, another short par 4. 250 yards, straight uphill, I mean like 50-75 yards elevation, to a small green. I need par to shoot 44 on the back 9 for an 89. I hit a nice 3 wood which stayed up and didn’t come rolling down the hill. 15 yards from the fringe. Took out a 7 iron and chipped up the remainder of the hill and onto the green 15 feet from the cup. 2 putts, easy, under 90. Same thing happened as on 9. 3 Putts, bogey, over par.
This brings me to a great point that is pointed out in the book I use for my swing mechanics, Swing Machine Golf. When you get to a score you’ve never been to before don’t worry, don’t think about it, just act like you’ve been there before. I didn’t do this and it showed. I had ample chance to shoot under 90 and every time I got in position that’s all I thought about. Next time, just think “I’ve been here before.”
Aside from the mishaps I think my score is coming around. I need to get the short irons more consistent to land more greens in regulation. I will continue to work on staying loose and just letting my arms fly free. The last two times out (90 and 90) have brought me a lot of confidence and I hope to keep the steam going into my next round.