Conference 7.286::golf

    Sounds like a great year to me ! When I reflect back on the past year,
    I think about things like the nice folks I've played with (Take a bow,
    Rich O'Connor, Dave Whitten, George Pendleton and Ken McGuire and
    others too numerous to mention), the great courses, great shots
    (getting easier to remember 'em - not many), and the memorable rounds.
    To me, that's golf - but I don't compete anymore, so my frame of
    reference is more limited.
    
    Just my opinion, but 25 handicappers are a fact of life - no getting
    around it. If they play well, and you're a low hcp - you're gonna lose.
    Lots of 'em are a joy to play with, just like the low hcp guys. And ALL
    of 'em would rather play like you than have a 25 and win some net
    tourney. They're just doin' the best they can. It always amazes me how
    many of 'em don't take lessons, though...
    
    I try to play with a bunch of guys whose hcps vary from 3 to 12 (just a
    coincidence) and we play informal team matches with "no candy
    (strokes)." Our course is tough, so things even out, bookkeeping is
    simplified, and the higher hcp guys love to contribute and beat the
    lower guys. Finally, I'd say that as long as you're playing a guy with
    a LEGITIMATE hcp, just accept it. As for the sandbaggers with phony
    hcps, I avoid 'em. By playing with the guys I mentioned, strokes aren't
    a problem, using our format. Again, if you want to play in club
    competitions, you have to accept the hcp disparity. Less talented
    golfers deserve a chance to compete too.
    
    __Jack 

    
    Hi,
    
    	The title to my season should be end of a blue season !
    
    	My handicap went from a 2, to an 8... and after shooting
    	+20 and +25 the last two outings , at two beautifull golf
    	courses  (worcester CC and Ferncroft )... and I know how
    	beautifull they are, cause I spent time looking at the
    	fairway and green from all kinds of places !This has truly
    	been a memorable year I'd gladly forget . Someday I hope
    	to return and actually play the courses  ;) .
    
    	The only good thing about his year has been , that I know
    	that I helped put a friends kid through college ... :)
    
    
    	I'm praying that taking the winter off and getting away from
    	the game will get me back on track.. it has been VERY ugly.
    
    	End of season blues?       ....               NOT !
    
    	I can't wait for the snowfall !
    
    	Walta

    i had a pretty good year.
    my league handicap (9 holes) went from 16 to 9).
    i had the best 9 of my life, 40 (+5).
    
    and the best of all:  I took $8 from my brother and $8 from
    his buddy last sunday, after losing $3-5 a week all summer!
    
    looking forward to next year, even though there are weeks of
    golf left this year.

    Hello,
          I've had a good year considering its my first year back at the
    game since I was 15(now 23). I'm playing off 16 but could improve
    fairly drastically on that with more practice (especially on the
    greens) I reckon/hope/wish/dream. 
    
           I've been lucky enough to play some wonderful courses here in
    Scotland mainly due to our section at work.
    
           The main thing I've learned is how golf keeps you humble.
    
     Example - playing Lesmahagow in foul weather (gale-force winds) I hit
    my second shot to a 435 yard par 4 with my three iron. I played the
    shot of my life, controlling it under the wind, shaping the shot & the
    ball ended up six feet from the hole. Walking very cockily onto the
    green and feeling great I proceded to 3 putt. Walking very sheepishly I
    walked off the green to the next tee.
    
        It's been a good year all in all & I should look forward to next
    season with great relish.
     
    
           John.
    
       

    For us west coasters, you can tell it is getting near the end of the
    year...the fairways are all cross-cut and overseeded for the winter
    season.  The rough is getting tougher and the ball doesn't stay on the
    fairways so the rough is a real problem.
    
    I still have big plans for the rest of this year but as for now I would
    put my high points as playing at The International (8000+ from the
    tips) and playing Poppy Hills.  That makes for a great round of golf on
    both coasts.
    
    SCD

    	Hi,
    
    	I had a pretty good year of golf.  Although, I didn't golf
    	as often as last year due to motherhood.  
    
    	I broke 90, came in 2nd in my club's scotch tournament and 3rd
    	in the club's B flight championship.  I had the skills to 
    	come in first, but I lacked the mental attitude.  Not sure
    	how to get rid of that negative or giving-up type attitude...
    
    	I was hoping I can get in a few more rounds before snow since
    	my hubby Walta looked like he's given up for the year.  But,
    	all of a sudden his game came back on monday and he's been
    	golfing everyday since!  Gee, I wonder howcome fatherhood 
    	doesn't affect his golf schedule ;).
    
    	Eunhwa 
                                 

    This past year was not so good for me. My handicap went up due to tee
    shots going down (and to the left). I did not play in any leagues this
    past year. I wanted to get back to having fun playing golf, not
    grinding it out all the time. The two highlights for me this year were
    playing twice with my 15 year old nephew (losing once and halving the
    other) and getting out to Crumpin' Fox with Jack Varley. Jack, you are
    a pleasure to accompany around any course and a gentleman to boot.
    I think that the economy and the company's situation has had something
    to do with the mental mistakes that have been occuring on (and off) the
    course this year, at least with me anyway. I am planning to play all
    fall and all winter down the Cape, as long as the snow stays away.
    I will be working on Harvey Pennick's (sp) "tucking the right elbow in"
    move this winter, it seems to be helping my problem with the hooks.
    Any way, I have enjoyed myself more this year than the past few and
    am looking forward to continuing the fun.
    
    Rich

    Thanks, Rich - my pleasure as well ! If you're going to the Cape, I
    heard Ballymeade is a "must see."
    
    Strange year for me too - especially with the putter. Played at The Fox
    the other day and shot 48 !! Hit 15 footers 5 feet short, 8 footers 6
    feet by - it was like I never played. In addition, I attended a
    "Teaching Summit" for area Pro's that my Pro invited me to. Lots of
    great info, but it got me ALL screwed up ! I started to hit it better
    (finally !) after the "9 holes from hell," but I'm still not scoring
    worth a damn. I'm gonna go back to a basic concept I got from our
    Assistant Pro this year and stop messing around. I'll find out tomorrow
    at New England C.C. if it works...
    
    --Jack

    
    Well my season started out a bit disappointing. I was stuck on 81 for
    a long time. At one point I shot 81 six consecutive rounds. More than
    once I would be on the last tee looking at a 78 and triple bogey the
    hole. Once I shot 36 on the front and hacked the back for 81. It got
    to be a joke at the club. They would post my score before >I went out
    and not have to change it. I was hooking everything and not putting
    very well. Made a couple adjustments one with my grip and the other
    in my putting routine and bang. Last three scores have been 73,75,72
    and I haven't played in 2 weeks. 

    I better get it all off my chest before I forget and this note gets all
    the replies it's going to get.
    A very strange year in that I virtually forgot how to hit a ball and
    had multiple 50+ outings.  Mainly I simply could not hit driver and
    eventually could not hit a wood a all.  A swing flaw had progressively
    got worse and I consistently hit across the ball from outside in. My
    swing plane was 2-3" outside where the ball was teed.  I hope to work
    this out with a new set of woods and long hours of range work.
    
    Ironically something good came out of all this as in working to correct
    the problem my irons came back big time.  Then when I arrived at GM
    range and found my usual spaulding execs in the other car and only my
    old wilson sam sneads I used them and was hitting 4 iron virtually
    pure.
    
    I had my days in the sun at  the scramble outings though being a victim
    of the old tie breaker on two, most recently a team event at
    heatherhill in which our 9 under wasn't enough.  I drove all day with
    4 iron, strange , strange strange when I can hit that club 225
    consistently all day and simply not be able to hit a wood at all.
    
    Finally on the putting.  Jack you have proved what I already knew. 
    Putting is mental.  Once you have figured it out, in your case many
    moons ago I am sure, then building mental confidence, ability to focus
    and concentrate is 99%.  You gotta BELIEVE.  Don't let reality rear its
    ugly head.
    
    Bill
    

    
    
    Well, I think that I enjoyed golf more this year than anyother.  In the 
    middle of the summer is I was hitting in the mid 80's pretty
    consistantly, I broke 40 for nine several time and improved my putting
    tremendously.  It's probably just as well that the season is slowing
    down (not ending ;-) because I'm running out of golf money.  I got to
    play a lot of golf this year at some nice courses, bought new irons and
    am kind of looking around for woods.
    
    The worst part of the season for me was the weather,  I'm so sick of
    golfing in the rain!   If it snows as much this winter as it rained
    this summer we will be skiing until July!
    
    The goal for the winter is to keep the swing from getting rusty and the
    goal for next year is to break 80.
    
    Laura

    Re:.10 - I think you're right on the money, as far as putting goes !
    Come to think of it, when I see better players with the putting
    "blahs," I tell 'em to work harder on their green reads - and then
    trust 'em ! you can go nuts working on putting mechanics during a
    round, and by concentrating on reads, they get better alignment, and
    the stroke comes back. Probably an oversimplification, but I've seen it
    work too many times to ignore it. I'll try it tomorrow...
    
    --Jack

    As the Sun slowly sinks in the North, our real golf season is just
    beginning.  No more 90+ heat and humidity to contend with, the last 
    afternoon thunder storm has come and gone.  And tomorrow as I stand
    on the first tee at 8AM sharp with the weather outlook at 85 and sunny, 
    I will think of all of you waxing your skis and tuneing up the
    snowblowers.  Please nobody grill me for the above comments, I'm just
    jokeing around, for I too as many floridians have escaped the north.
    
    But for the true golfers who will be visiting the greater Orlando area,
    this is an open invite, to give me a ring and lets play a round.  I've
    enjoyed reading this notes file and would like to show you all some of
    my favorite courses in Orlando.
    
    Mike Sivret @ORO

    Well, the blues have not arrived yet, and when its not raining, going
    out this time of the year is  great:    beautiful  nature wih all the
    foliage colors, less people in the courses, etc.
    
    This year has been, weighting everything in, pretty  good (for golf).
    I didn't sign to play in any league because  I was going to relocate,
    so  I signed as an alternate.  You can't imagine  how  that  help  my
    game!!!  I was getting calls to play 3-4 times a week!    so  job and
    time permitting, I managed to play 2-3 times a week this year.
    
    My biggest improvements was to be more  consistent with my driver and
    longer tee shots.  The moment I was putting more balls on the fairway
    my league handicap went from 8 to 6 (9 holes).
    
    I only hope that when I start a new season I am able to play close to
    that level, but it's going to be tough.
    
    Tavo
    

     Joined a new league, made some new friends, won a few matches 
    with my outstanding partner, and played half-decently.  What
    more could I ask for.  Would like to play more than 9 holes 
    per week though.  8^)

     Offseason work on chipping and putting led to a dramatic improve-
    ment of the short game which made me happy.  Concentration on the
    short game led to inconsistencies in the long game which did not
    make me happy.  Increased visits to the range led to a much improved
    long game, but then the short game suffered.  Oh well, the snow is
    coming, time to start the short game practice again and the cycle
    continues.....
  
      See ya next spring!
    
    -rick
    

    
     This year I didn't play all that much. I usually shot around 90. This
    year I went to the range alot and worked on several clubs that were
    gathering dust in my bag.
     Once I started to play again I found myself not overpowering to hit
    a favorite club as opposed to a club that was in the bag for the 
    ride. 
     The result is in the last 7 rounds, I have not shot above 85!
    I have had rounds between 78 - 84 consisitantly (if you call the
    consistant). I have alot of confidance now because I can hit ALL the clubs 
    in my bag. Sure would like to play a match against Walta before the 
    snow flies!
    
      - Dave
     - Dave

Well since moving down here to Pa, I play MAYBE 6 rounds a year.  The part 
that's frustrating is that I hit the ball very well when I play but the putter 
is brain dead.  Jack, IF I get a chance to play again, I'll try your advice and
concentrate more on the read.  When I read that, it occured to me that 
I had flashes of the old stroke, when I was sick and tired of putting like 
a blacksmith and really tried to make it.  Of course putting wasn't the only 
part of the game that went sour.  A typical round this year went like
this.  The
putter wasn't too bad maybe 6 or 7 3 putts through 16 holes (which is about a 
summers worth before I moved)  Anyway I made a 9 on 17 (up and down for the 9 
no less) to end up shooting 82.  Can't win from loosing in this game.

GAWG I love/hate this game!!!!


							KO

     reply .16
    
    	Hi Dave,
    
    	If you want to play me? You'll need to take a number ! I
    have people calling my house all hours of the night/day for a match...
    Most especially on thursdays after I get paid, hmmm   why is that?
    
    	Can't be that I'm currently shooting scores MEGA shots over
    my handicap??? :)
    
    Desn't anyone have sympathy for me?   Lately everytime I mention
    my golf swing troubles,  I get more and more invites to play !!
    I hang with a tough group :)
    
    	Walta  
    
    
    ps  No phone calls please

    
    Note the change in personal message above . I haven't made many pars
    lately,  but I have made a few bars  :) .
    
    	Walta

    
    I bet Eunhwa will have something to say about the new personal name...
    
    ;-)
    

Guys and Gals (and that's about the only American English I know)

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me, its fun reading them.  
The season hasn't quite finished yet, although there was 8 inches 
of snow at Aviemore over the week-end.  I played on Friday, two 
rounds.  I ended up in six bunkers, and unbelievably took 3 shots 
to get out of each.  Ouch.  If you think putting is mental, what 
say you about bunker shots ?

Also, can someome clarify two things for me ?  What are the 
leagues that people mention, and secondly why do so many people 
talk about handicaps and scores for 9 holes ?  Are there a lot of 
9 hole competitions in the U.S ?

Randall

    I thought I'd enter this to tell y'all about a great place to end the
    season - New England C.C. ! It's in Bellingham, south of Milford, Ma.
    Played it Fri., and loved it ! It's new, so the greens and tees are
    still thin, but the fairways are very nice (bentgrass).
    
     The back 9 is full of great holes - including a U.S. Open caliber
    finishing par 4. 2 of the 4 3's are very good, all 3 par 5's are very
    good, and most of the 4's are good with several in the "great" category
    - IMO. Cost is $25 including cart, for as many holes as you want to
    play. I think the place is in money trouble, so jump on this one quick.
    I like it better than Sky Meadow, and the real good holes are (again,
    IMO) as good or better than anything at Sterling. Notice I said the
    real good holes - I like Sterling a lot (just dislike the bearded
    ranger...). This place is a must !
    
    --Jack

>Also, can someome clarify two things for me ?  What are the 
>leagues that people mention, and secondly why do so many people 
>talk about handicaps and scores for 9 holes ?  Are there a lot of 
>9 hole competitions in the U.S ?

   Randall, 

     Here in the States, DEC helps sponsor weekly after work leagues. There
    are a few large ones (Maynard Mass. @Stow, Merrimack NH @Passaconaway & 
    Amherst to name a couple)  and many small ones.  Because they are after
    work and because play is usually agonizingly slow, 9 holes is all you
    end up playing.  Many folks are members at clubs or play on weekends
    where 18 holes are the rule rather than the exception.  My personal
    situation (married_with_young_children_and_wife_works_nights_and_weekends)
    requires golf to take a back seat.  That will change in a year or two
    when the kids are old enough to hit the links with dear old dad. I
    hope, I hope.

   Regards,
     Rick
    

Well my season unfortunately ended 3 weeks ago for some reason... mostly due to
a new significant other that doesn't partake in the game 8^(  I know, I know, 
poor choice 8^)  I've improved from a USGA 20 to a 14.  I have to attribute it
to becoming a member at GM here in Maine.  I played many a marathon (126 holes)
weekends that I didn't have my 5 year old.  Also a reason for the 6 strokes
is that I learned how to draw/hook the ball... how did this help my game you
might ask... well from this I was able to understand how the swing is suppose
occur, and I found that I was swinging outside in and not down on the ball with
my irons.  Before the season I would always fade/slice only.  Like Jack, Bill
and Kevin my putting game has suffered immensely to the point where I have a
sever pessimistic feeling when I approach the green... why is it when one part
of your game comes around the other parts go south?  The other problem that has
surfaced my last few outings and perhaps what Rich alluded to is a symptom
(stress around us)... slow play and cart play drives me up the WALL!!!!  I'm a 
"Cart Mandatory" basher!!  Perhaps I should start another topic for this
one but does anyone have any tips for the slow play aspect and one for playing
out of a cart when your forced too...?

With regards to playing N.E. CC, do it!  For those of you that have and liked it
and didn't play it in the Corp Cup, Shame on you 8^)  I know it's hard getting
6 golfers 8^) together to represent your facility, but the turn out for this
event is dwindling and were getting a little tired of Mike Longchamps and his
sandbaggers winning the D#m% thing... Right... 8^)  I didn't play well there as 
we had to play from carts but the last 9 I walked the fairways and rode from
green to tee.  Do mandatory cart type courses frown on that??  I didn't care at
the time and didn't run into a ranger from that point on anyway.

Regards Kevin,

    IMO, it ain't the carts, it's knowing how to use 'em effectively and
    considerately. People have to take responsibility to play more
    considerately - and know how to do it. Most offenders just think it'll
    hurt their "games" - but don't have a clue how to speed up. If they
    did, they'd play faster and not even notice. Hell, they might even play
    better...
    
    __Jack

    
    Well from the Hacker side of the scale, I hd a great year.  I
    established my all time low in July, (93) then broke that 4 times
    including and 86!!!!!!   Now I know that may not be too terrific for
    some but for me it was like winning the Masters.
    
    My biggets improvement this year:  Accepting the fact that I hit woods
    terrific, and can't hit a barn door with irons.  After I stopped trying
    to force the use of irons my game really picked up.  Besides, it really
    causes the other guys pain when they see me hitting my 9 wood!
    
    Shane
    

    
    
    The year is coming to a close here in arizona too.
    
    The weather is cooling down into the eighties and
    the nomads are starting to arrive. 
    
    It was a fun year...
    
    And as you all say....
    
    
    " What in the world is Dave saying... "
    " That Dave is a real @$$... "
    
    The prices will double, triple and quadruple in 
    the next few months. Courses that were $20-$25
    will go to $80-$120. So don't feel so bad, i have
    to watch the vacationers. The public courses are
    almost impossible to get tee times on and don't
    even think about a walk on, not even as a single.
    Yes, even as a single, I was desprate last year,
    waited 2 hours, being third on the list I didn't 
    think it would take to long, after the 2 hours I
    was so pissed that I decided that I was going to 
    play and I did, after an additional 2 hours.
    
    This winter it will be different, practice and nice
    rides on the harley, rides out to watch the vacationers
    play.
    
                               
    Dave
    
    
    ps. if you come to town and decide to play golf, 
    make your tee times through the resort or hotel.
    The hotels and resorts may make tee times a week
    in advance, whereas residents may make them only
    2 or three days in advance.
    
    

    The season is definetly over.  Last Friday I took a customer to the
    Harding Park course in Griffith Park and they were overseeding and the
    rough was terrible.  I had to put away my shorts and wear long pants. 
    It also rained on us as we played the 18th, but it did clear so we
    could putt for aces after a couple of beers(that must mean it was like
    Indian Summer).  I guess I'll need to find my windbreaker...
    
    Big Mac

    Wait a minute !! You took a customer to a publinx ?? What kinda company
    is this ?
    
    I know Harding Park is a good 'un - but, have budget constraints hit
    that hard ?
    
    __Jack

    Wife packed tuna on whole wheat, chips, apples and a red checked table-
    cloth we spread by no. 8, under the trees and by the lake.  I was able
    to get a long hose so we had drinks, too.  The tough part is public
    transportation with clubs and picnic basket, but I didn't get my 800
    miles last month so the car is gone.
    
    Big Mac

    Heck, I even had my boss tell me that that sort of enterainment was not
    expensable even if I was doing it with true business in mind.  Now we
    just sit around and talk golf until the customer invites us to his/her
    club.  The sad faces and puppydog whimper we used to use when
    negotiating budgets can now be used to get free rounds of golf.
    
    SCD

    It's amazing how unimaginative the high tech business (or, more
    specifically, DEC) is. Almost no one belongs or plays at shrines, which
    is weird, considering how many folks we have. Plus, a relatively modest
    amount of business is done on the golf course - probably because the
    products require intense scrutiny and protracted conversation.
    
     I tell people (used to, anyway) that I'm in public relations for DEC,
    and they say "wow, you must get to go to neat places, play great
    courses!" Yeah, right ! If I'm lucky, I might go to an area once or
    twice a year that is near a great course - but if I want to play it,
    you can bet that being a DECie doesn't help. I've been building a
    network for a long time - but so far, it's all external. Hey, have the
    fun is getting on these places, and the way I've been playing, maybe
    more than half...
    
    __Jack 

    Just a thought about this.  Where else can you lock up a client for
    about six hours of his time and have him/her in a positive, receptive
    mode?  We discussed Polycenter Tools, a one year on site consultant, a
    performance review consultancy and some hardware upgrades.  All for the
    $11.00 green fees and $8.50 for the golf cart (I also expensed the
    tuna, chips and apples, but separately).  But, I am getting more
    pressure not to do this sort of thing with the client.  I guess the
    fact that he wants to play again at his club is bad for our business. 
    And, the fact that his wife called mine to find what she put in the
    tuna is probably bad for DEC also - you certainly don't want rapport
    with your customer!
    
    I get pis....
    
    Big Mac

    Awhile back, the folks in Corporate PR asked for suggestions for events
    and activities that would provide us with opportunities to upgrade our
    press, analyst and customer activities. I suggested a Corporate
    hospitality tent at both the U.S. and British Open. When you think
    about it, most of these tents require an invitation and credentials to
    access, and the folks who normally attend these events include a lot of
    key "movers and shakers" that we'd like to talk with.
    
    Another thing that I suggested was to target a few groups of top
    customers and set up a day of golf with someone like Peter Jacobsen
    (who is supposed to be legendary at functions like this), Fuzzy
    Zoeller, etc. However, if we can't do a better job at the front line
    (i.e., individual salesman) level, what chance do ideas like this have
    ? Then again, perhaps these just aren't great ideas...
    
    __Jack

    I agree that company PR through sports events is a very good idea. Your
    suggestion about hospitality tents at the US and British opens, is a
    very good one in my opinion. Of course we are all golf nuts, so it
    would appeal to us. For your info, DEC Ireland sponsors all
    international rugby matches played by Ireland. So at Windsor Park
    Dublin, when Ireland are playing at home, the stadium is festooned with
    digital signs. In addition they invite all their best customers and
    potential customers to the games, and wine and dine them. I've always
    felt that this was EXCELLENT PR, and I wish DEC would do more of it.
    There must be approx 10,000,000 viewers for these matches, as all games
    are televised by the BBC. Also I just read to-day in the papers that
    the European golf tour will continue to be sponsored next year by VOLVO
    cars to the tune of 20,000,000 pounds sterling, in spite of the fact
    that with the recession VOLVO, like most companies, is suffering.
    However they state that they feel that the incredible television
    exposure they get with this sponsorship, more than makes up for the
    costs involved. As they say 'if you don't speculate, you won't
    accumulate'.
    
    
    Norman  

Jack,

	I used to think that having an event like that (hospitality tents) would
help us out here.  Maybe just maybe I wouldn't hear "Digital? Oh yeah I have one
of your watches"!!  But the truth is that we get product speeds and feeds, and 
105 powerful and consistant messages to help confuse us and our prospects. If we
could get a clear message about our strategy, products, directions.......
maybe we would have to lay off 5K people per quarter to make expenses meet 
revenue.

	Sorry about venting my spleen, but not playing golf and watching the 
reps not make budget is taking its' toll.



							KO

    
    
    The Phoenix open should be televised this year. If so, look for the
    digital tent, it is usually directly across from #17's green. Looking
    from tee to green, the corporate tents are to the left, across the
    water. The open is the weekend of 23 & 24 January.
    
    Dave

I think this is the last season of digitals sponsorship of ireland's rugby games
and its not being renewed, so there goes more PR....

Mick with some useless info

    In case you havn't noticed I'm sitting in front of the terminal talking
    about golf instead of playing. The weather here in TX is still good
    enough to play so we can't really call it end of year but it's kind of
    overcast this morning so I decided not to tee it up. 
    
    Will build up a few "kitchen passes" by staying home with the clan and
    watch the Cowboys. I know there a few closet Cowboys fans fans out
    there. Tough to break free from the Pats but it's OK.
    
    Actually had a pretty good year. Didn't score quite as well as planned,
    matter of fact hdcp went up to 10 but had 1 win, 3 seconds and a third
    in the events I played. Runner up in the club champ (2nd flight) and
    plenty of pro shop credit. Next year I'll be looking for a new two ball
    partner so I can contend in the two ball events. 
    
    Most events only took playing to your hdcp to win a prize. Don't know
    what it is but folks can't handle the bogies. My attitude in the club
    champ was "your going to make some mistakes" so grin and bear it. Over
    three days I watched player after player make double and give up. In
    the 8-11 hdcp range your going to make a double. My waterloo was the
    dreaded snowman (8) on the last day back nine 5 par. Came in second 2
    back.
    
    All in all a pretty good year. Plenty of new shirts. Hitting the driver
    solid again, and got to play some new courses around TX - Okl. 
    
    Ken
    
    Will probably hit some balls, maybe play nine after the 'Boys game. 

    For those  of  you  in the greater Maynard area,  who  are getting  a
    little bit rusty and with still several inches of snow out your front
    door, just drive 1 hour south and you'll  find  open  courses  and no
    snow.
    
    I took the day off and drove  to Poquoy Brook in Lakeville off exit 5
    of 495.  The course is still somewhat  green  and there is absolutely
    no snow.  They have 4 temporary greens and due to the wet weather the
    fairways and the greens are very soft, i.e.  the  ball was staying in
    its ball  mark  on  the  greens  with  any lofted club shot, and very
    little roll  on  the  fairway if any, but, as maxi-repeated, it beats
    almost anything else.
    
    We lucked out  and managed to squeeze a round with little more than a
    light drizzle in the last four holes in less  than  4  hours.   There
    were several other groups, but moving well.
    
    The swing pretty rusty, started with a triple due to a lost ball and
    the  rest of the front didn't get any better making the turn  at  48.
    The back, more in  tune, saw some improvement, I managed one bird and
    a 44 for a total of 92.
    
    All in all was good to be out.
    
    Tavo

    Another course that's open is Lakeville CC, which is a couple of miles
    from Poquoy Brook.  This course is not as demanding, but drains well,
    has no temporary greens, and was in very good shape last Friday.  BTW,
    for anyone who is familiar with this course, they are turning no. 18
    back to it's original layout, which was a short but very difficult par
    4.  I guess there were enough complaints about finishing with three par
    3's, but after the new 18th is finished, I'll bet most of them will
    wish they kept the par 3.
    
    Gary

    	On advice from this note, I played Poquoy Brook on friday.
    
    	Only 4,6,8 had temporary greens, scoring was tough with those 
    	temporary greens, but the front fairways played well otherwise.
    	I played only a couple holes into the back, as time ran down.
    
    	After 12pm, price is $15.00, nice place, first time I ever played
    	there, I enjoyed it and will look to play again sometime soon.
    
    	So where is Lakeville C.C. in relation to rte's 140, 18, and 79 ??
    
    	T_C

    Directions to Lakeville CC:
    
    Rt. 495 to Rt. 18 south.
    
    Proceed about a 2 miles (past signs for Poquoy Brook on right) to first
    set of lights.  Turn left at lights.
    
    After app. 200 yds. take first right (look for sign for Lakeville CC) 
    
    Entrance to Lakeville CC is about 1/2 mile on right.
    
    
    Helpful hint:  Leave the driver in the bag for the first three holes,
    where accuracy is more important than distance.

    Just found out I can rent at cape cod holiday estates duing off season
    for $45/night and this can be 2 bedroom townhouses fully equipped if
    anyone is interested in a golf weekend.
    
    Rick, Bob....?
    
    I have an off season week at this resort.
    
    Rick, this could be interesting for some new seabury play in april or
    may.
    
    

    Believe it or not we have a tourney this weekend. The Frostbite Open.
    140 of us crazies will challange the Hackberry Creek CC layout in 40^
    weather. Now granted we get nice days in throughout the winter but
    tommorrow is supposed to be a bear. Rain, wind, cold etc.
    
    The rules are simple. two man scramble, no cart covers, all weather
    goes (except for the risk of damage to the course). The fun part is the
    pin placements. 5,6,and 7 putts are not out of the question. I watched
    a group of ace players reach a par 5 in two and leave with 8. It's more
    for fun than for the outcome. There are prizes but no one pays
    attention to winning. It's more survival!!
    
    We have a night glow on Halloween night and the frostbite in Jan. Both
    are great fun. With some of the combat gear you need to wear for the
    frostbite, you can't tell the two apart.
    
    If I'm thawed out by Monday, I'll tell you more.
    
    Ken 
    
    BTW: Go Cowboys!!

                <<< EMDS::$1$DUA10:[NOTES$LIBRARY]GOLF.NOTE;2 >>>
                             -< The Game of Golf >-
================================================================================
<    pin placements. 5,6,and 7 putts are not out of the question. I watched
<    a group of ace players reach a par 5 in two and leave with 8. It's more
    
    MUST HAVE BEEN BLAISDELL AND BURKE
    
    :-):-)....

    
      ouch....   Bill, that was long ago and in a galaxy far far away.
      Nothing more than 2 putts a green from now on.
    
      Should be noted that Jeff Burke has left DEC and is happy and
      content in Rochester NY working as big shot VP at Xerox.  8^)
    
    -rick
    
      ps.  I am interested in that Cape package btw.  Been berry berry
           busy lately to respond.

    I am interested in the Cape trip also.
    
    Rich

    Just thought I'd mention to those going down to the cape...
    
    I went to this same facility during Mother's Day week last year (it was
    a very nice place).  Although this is the "off season" time down there,
    I was very surprised to find New Seabury had its "in season" rates in
    effect, which if I remember correctly was about $58 per person
    including cart (carts are mandatory).
    
    I played the ocean course on a cool, windy, drizzly day.  Hit mostly
    woods into the par 3's, and needed the long johns, hat and lots of
    layers to protect myself from the elements, but it was worth it!
    
    Have a great trip!
    Gary

    Here's a recap on the Frostbite. 
    
    Started out raining all night and things were delayed due to water on
    the greens. Couldn't clear the greens till 10:30. We finally tee of at
    10:45. Play the front nine in 4 hours. (Not a typo) 4 *&#$%^ hours. The
    pins were in some unbelievable spots. This year the pro decided to
    impose a four putt limit per team. Thats 8 attempts in order to speed
    up play. NOT!!
    
    Turned the back nine at 2:40 and things didn't improve. The weather for
    most of the day was bearable. 50^ or so. Once the wind turned out of
    the north, it got nasty cold. 30ish. 
    
    To make a long story longer, I coach my daughters basketball team and 
    we had a game scheduled for 6:00. Needless to say, we didn't finish the
    round due to darkness at 5:15. 
    
    I had to quick early after being there all day to play one round of
    golf. We finished 14 holes, as did the rest of the field.
    
    I have played in my last frostbite open.
    
    Miserable_in_Dallas
    Ken   

    
    Does anyone know if there is snow on the cape?  With the weather
    warming to the 40's this weekend, I am looking for a course that may
    be open for play.  
    
    
    Jim

    
    Hi Jim,
    
    	There's snow on the ground up until Hyannis area... from there
    	east it's bare.
    
    	As of 18-Jan-93 .
    
    	Walta

    Walta, does that mean from Hyannis to Ptown is bare?
    
    						Regards Phil

    
    Hi Phil,
    
    	Yes sir... I drove down to West Yarmouth on Sunday. There was
    	snow up until Hyannis.  It was actually bare in Yarmouth...
    	there may be some cover in Hyannis, I'd call the course and
    	check before heading down.
    
    	thanks,
    
    	Walta

    Below is a listing of golf course telephone numbers that I have
    compiled over the years. Many of them are on Cape Cod.
    Call and go play.
    
    
Amherst CC              603 673-9908            Cape Cod Weather Forecast  
Ballymead		508 540-4005		WQRZ Weather	508 771-5522
Bass River		508 398-9079		
Bayberry Hills		508 394-5597		
Bay Pointe		508 759-8802		
Braintree Municiple 	617 843-9781		
Brook Meadow		617 828-4444	
Cape Cod CC		508 563-9842
Captains G. C.		508-896-5100		
Cedar Glen		617-233-3609		
Chicopee C.C.		413 594-9295,4156	 
Cranberry Valley	508 432-6300		
Crumpin' Fox		413 648-9101		
Dennis Highlands	508 385-8347		
Dennis Pines		508 385-8347						
D. W. Fields		508 580-7855				
Easton CC		508 238-2500		
Exeter CC		401 295-8212		    
FalmouthCC 		508 548-3211
Far Corner G. C.	508 352-8300,9838	
Foxboro CC		508 543-4661		
Franklin Park		617 265-4084		 
George Wright		617 364-9679		
Glen Ellen		508 376-2775		  	
Heather Hill		508 695-0309
Juniper Hill		508 393-2444
Indian Meadows		508 836-5460
Iyanough Hills		508 362-2606
Leo J. Martin		617 894-4903
Lost Brook		617 769-2550
Marlboro CC		508 481-5340
Millwood Fram		508 877-1221
New England CC		508 883-2300
New Hampshire CC	603 927-4246
New Seabury		508 477-9110
Norton CC		508 285-2400
Ocean's Edge		508 896-5911
Orchards		413 538-2543
Pembroke CC		508 826-4994
Pocassett CC		508 826-7171
Ponkapoag		617 828-5828
Poquoy Brook		508 947-5261
Portsmouth CC, Joel	603 436-9719
Quashnet Valley		508 477-4412
Rehobeth CC		508 252-6259
Rockland		508 878-5836
Round Hill		508 888-3384
Saddle Hill		508 435-4630
Sandy Burr		508 358-7211
Sky Meadow		603 888-9000   
Stow Acres		508 568-8106
Strawberry Valley	508 878-9747
Wachusetts CC		508 835-4453		Wayland		508 358-4775
Walpole CC		508 668-7184		Willowbend	508 477-8888

    
    Reply -1
    
    	Awesome !  
    
    	Thanks Rich

    Rich, only a CONSUMMATE "golf junkie" like you would have all this
    data! You're the BEST - our "Golf House..." Sounds like you need a golf
    "fix."
    
    Birdies & pars,
    
    __Jack

 Just called Bay Pointe oin Wareham. They will be making
a decision at 2:30 today if they'll be open tomorrow...

 It's getting closer...

 - Dave

    
    
    I played Bay Pointe a few weeks agao, I was very pleased with the
    condition of the course for the time of year.  It was even partially
    green still.  It had only 1 temp green then, I am not ure what it will
    have now!
    
    Jim

    There will be a group of us (6-12) teeing off at Quashnet Valley on
    Sunday at 10 a.m. If you read this before then and want to play. Be
    there by 9:30. Take 495 south to 25 and go over the Bourne Bridge and
    continue on 28. Turn on to route 151 and down about 5 miles turn left
    on Old Barnstable Road. It is supposed to be 45 and NO rain. We will
    find out!!!
    PS You have me pegged, Jack.

    It was great at Quashnet Valley. A little soggy but the greens were
    open and it was 45-50 degrees.   It is a par 35-37 and I went 41-43.
    I was pleased. One birdie and one double, the rest pars and bogeys.
    For the end of January it was super. Even played an extra nine, by that
    time we were all tired and and slap-happy!
    Rich

    I just got back from two weeks in fla. and 18 holes total.
    
    Spent first week in St Pete area (Reddington Beach) and managed to get
    to Bardmoor for 9 and the Tides.
    
    Bardmoor is $48 incl. cart for 18 and I only had time for 9 anyway.
    Nice enough condition but flat.  Nice driving range < 3 for balls
    
    Took advantage of late teeoff at tides to get 2 for $24 inc cart but
    only could get in 11.
    
    Then I headed for Daytona but never got out there at all.
    
    Bought a graphite driver at Walmart's for $48 (lefty) but never got to
    try it.
    
    Played with a fellow at tides who averaged 260-270 off tee and used
    Walt Wriniak method (one handed follow thru).  Of course no drive
    stayed in the fairway but with open course he wasn't overly penalized.
    
    Those 265 yrd second shots got him in trouble :-)
    
    I couldn't really strike the ball well enough to make me push for more
    golf and with one car it is tough on wife and young son.
    
    Believe it or not spent most of two weeks in flea markets, malls and
    k-wal-marts chasing Phil (3) while wife shopped.
    
    When Phil gets a little older all three of us will play.