Monday's Round

After a long two day layoff, it was back to the grind with the usual Monday group.

The heat has broken and the termometer is down 10 degrees.  We teed off at 9 behind the senior league, who have all of the early tee times on Mondays.

We might be old, but these guys abuse the priviledge.  They play slowly and walk slowly.  However, they are out there playing and I can't find fault with that.

I find that a little slower pace is better for me.  I tend to just get up and hit the ball and with a slower tempo as part of the play, I'll use the time to be more thoughtful about the upcoming shot.  With a more consistent swing, there are more aspects to think about.  The game is becoming more complex!

No great scores to report.  I managed a 40 foot putt on the first for a par.  I lipped out about 4 others.  A chip in on 12 for birdie -- it wasn't that tough a shot.

My driver continues to improve.  Now my misses are pushes and I found myself in a couple of bunkers on the right.  This is much better than the old bush on the left, so I'm content with that.  But it is something new to think about.  When I do pay attention, the center of the fairway is available.

Irons were their usual happy selves.  I continue to tinker a bit.  I'm paying attention to my backswing and making sure I don't slide backwards.  The driver misses were due to my sliding forward during the start of the downswing.  Since that's not happening, I have to be more careful on the take away.

I topped a shot on the short 17th, then hit a hybrid 200 yards with a gentle draw to 12 feet of the pin.  Sadly the putt lipped, but the hybrid turned a poor tee shot into a good birdie opportunity.

Scoring was a bit uneven with new swing thoughts going on.  I think I shot 77 or so, which is pretty good since I was 5 over after 10.  

The game is, as said, more complex.  I've got more tools that I can depend on.  It changes what I can do and try.  I'm finding my focus shifting from making pars to making birdies.  The new swing is easier on my body as I'm where I should be when generating speed.  There is less conflict and more athletic "dance."

Executive summary: It's all good and we'll talk again!