|
Russian Open
- Postscript I thought
you might enjoy some funny stories and other items that occurred during the week. Stuff that probably isn’t
in Golf Digest next month…. (In all fairness, I may not get every detail correct, but then who really cares, they’re
great stories) You didn’t say please: John Daly missed the cut. But don’t feel sorry for him.
He’s a big boy (literally) and pouts like a 5 year old too. After the second round was up,
he went back to the hotel and shut the door. And wouldn’t let anyone in. Not even
when Steve Conway, Irish lad extraordinaire and the world’s best pub chef had special Mexican food made for him (from
La Cantina on Tverskaya, one of my favorite places to eat, when I can get it without the bouncer trying to kick my a…
another story for another time). I think the story goes that Nigel brought it over to him and knocked and
he wouldn’t let him in. Told him to get lost (and used a few other words). So
he left the food outside the door. No word on if that is what caused…. And my tooth
hurts: In addition to a sore wrist,
Daly also has a bad tooth. Real bad. Infected bad. So our resident
dentist Doc (aka Giovanni Favero) said he would see him. Doc was announcing the players most of the week
but was leaving for the US on Sunday. But this was Saturday so he switched out with someone else on the
tee (Johnny or Nigel, don’t remember) and went to the hotel. Turns out the tooth was real, real bad.
So bad that he had to take him to his office in the city and do some surgery. Not sure what kind
so don’t ask but regardless next time you see Doc, ask him about his bedside manner. I’ve
got a headache, can I go home: Standing
on the 7th green, I’m with the lead group on Sunday. My PDA (used for remote scoring)
is not getting a signal. Kevin (of 2 stroke penalty fame) is trying to get it fixed. But
the problem is that the lead group is on the 8th tee and I need to get over there to see the shots.
He says I’ll meet you on 9 so off I go. Johnny Ox is on the tee waiting as the group ahead
is still on the green. The group leader ahead is Caspar (yes, my former caddie). Over
the mic he says “can someone please have another person available at #10, the sign boy has a headache and he wants to
go home”. Johnny and I burst out laughing. Of course no one else understands why
so we get some strange looks. Guilloume is caddying for Mikael Lundberg and looks intrigued.
Johnny tells him and then we all start laughing. The next thing you hear is Jim saying “well
get him a couple aspirin and a bottle”. Classic. Bed buddies: Ask Johnny and Steve where they slept all week. Test, Test,
Test: Would everyone please check
their mic. Someone has their mic pressed and it is keeping the line open and we cannot communicate.
Repeat 37 times. Just keep the wheels straight: If you are going to help find the tournament leader’s ball in the trees left of the
15th fairway, super. But don’t park the cart in front of him. Especially
when he almost hits it with the 2nd shot. Yes, you Nigel. But at least you
listened to me and kept the wheels straight so you didn’t run over the ball when backing out of the trees. While the
amateurs are away: I chose to not play in the
Pro-Am. So I ended up lounging in the clubhouse for a while and then going out to hit balls and just enjoy
the time. Some of the players were doing trick shots and games and other stuff. One of the guys (don’t
remember who) would bounce the ball on his wedge, behind the back, between his legs, and then off the ground and hit it down
the range. Way cool. I got drawn into a putting contest, horserace style.
10 guys would putt. Furthest from the hole would go first for the second putt. But
we were playing stimes (ask Conway what that means). And if you hit the other ball, you were out.
Made it very interesting. They didn’t tell me what they were playing for since they didn’t
think I would last long. And I think they have done this before. Last one in lost each
round, strict order of play so you didn’t want to be too close for the second putt. Well wouldn’t
you know it but down to 5 and I’m still alive. Then comes the conspiracy. It’s
my turn to go first. Then each guy hits his putt towards my ball. Just in front enough
that I can’t putt without going around. They are all getting a good laugh but I took the putter,
turned the leading edge down and struck down on the ball. It popped in the air over one of the balls and
went in the hole. They couldn’t believe it and a couple of guys burst out and fell down laughing.
Of course I was out on the next hole when they chose a 5 footer and all made it before I even had a chance to putt.
Damn. But a great memory. The prize? They wouldn’t tell
me. Not another ride in a cart: My new friend and playing partner Michiel Bothma is in the trees on the left on the 12th
hole from the tee. So he hits a provisional, also in the trees. The provisional is found,
but not the first. But 3 others are found (none of them Johnny O balls, sorry). The first is found in time
but unplayable. My radio is dead so I’m not hearing what is happening. Then here
comes Michiel in a cart. Now this is just too much. Here’s the player I’m
with on Thursday that saw my caddie in the cart (your still fired Caspar) now riding. Of course he is with
a rules official and it’s not a problem (paying attention Kevin?). But it’s just an ironic
example of how two things that seem the same are completely different. Unfortunately he made double bogie
with the joy ride, just like me. And what is your ranking: Hey Jim, my world rank improved. Number 1418. Cool! Want some
lessons: After everything
is over, we’re on the clubhouse patio for the closing party. Great time. Mikeal
Lundberg is all smiles. Especially when a very lovely girl comes up to talk. Apparently
she either asked for a lesson on how to hit a ball or he offered. He disappears for not more than 5 minutes
and comes out with a 7 iron. From his bag (I think at the time). So off they go to the
range. But now have attracted a crowd and about 20 people follow. I look out and see
him hitting shots to the range, everyone clapping. This is why the pros come back to Moscow.
It’s such a good atmosphere that how could you not have a good time. Mikael, congrats, you’re
a great guy and a great champion. And thanks for returning my 7 iron (I had left my bag out to take it
on vacation). No joke!
Russian Open - Sunday July 27 2008 - Day 7 - Tournament Day 4 Final day. The weather is much colder. Maybe a few degrees
but you notice the difference. Today we are to wear blue shirts. But the size is at
least a half size smaller. Fits a bit tight, like a Speedo. Not something you want me
wearing if I’m on TV most of the day. A quick run to the sponsor and we have it solved, a white sweater
(thanks AMS).
Since I’m posting this after the tournament, you probably know what happened.
But let me tell you about how much work marshalling the group and keeping score is. It’s a
lot harder than you think. Trying to keep track of the crowd (about 200-300 people at any given time),
record the score (did he take a drop or not) and organizing the march thru from green to tee. But I had
a great team with a super partner in crime (thanks Bob). A bit about the course today. Fast
and furious. You could hear the balls bouncing off the grass. And the fairways were
throwing the ball forward. Not easy for us amateurs and also testing the pros. But these
guys are good.
Mikael Lundberg won the tourney with a score of -21. He played consistent
most of the time but didn’t let the bad shots bother him. And I got a nice thank you after from him
and his caddie after the round. They really appreciated being able to only have to focus on golf and having
all the volunteers around to keep things in order. So good job everyone.
At just past 5pm they opened
the course to the marshals that were members. Of course some Koreans and Russians that didn’t help
were already out there. It wouldn’t be Russia without someone breaking the rules.
Russian Open - Saturday July 26 2008 - Day
6 - Tournament Day 3 Since I didn’t
make the cut, I was finally allowed to fire my caddie (just kidding). But I was put to work to be the walking
scorer with the final group. I get to walk with the players, keep track of their score and report it back
to the clubhouse so they can put it on the leaderboard. But basically, it means I get to feel important
and watch some really good golf. Both players are good, but Mikael Lundberg made more putts and more birdies
to move into the lead. He also holed out from the fairway on 15 for eagle. That was
supper to watch. What you really don’t see when you watch on TV is how fast these guys walk between
holes. It’s not a slow stroll like most amateurs, they are moving fast. So keep
that in mind the next time you are playing a round. So you may see me on the broadcast
from Saturday. If not it’s because the cameras are looking at all the beautify girls in the crowd.
Not always in golf attire I might add. Unless you have been to Moscow, it’s hard to explain.
But they all wear clothes that are not what the US would deem appropriate for public and let’s just say it was
a warm day so the layers and thickness of the clothing meant that there was lots to see. For Sunday,
I may get an interview with the broadcasters. That will be cool. If it doesn’t
happen, sorry to get your hopes up but listen for me on the show. I won’t be able to say hi to everyone
but know that I am thinking about you and glad you have been a part of all of our adventures. I’ve
got a lot more to tell you about but I need to get to the course for the final day. I’ll do a lengthy
recap on Monday so look for more stories about John Daly, Simon Hurd, Robin Swane, Nigel Roscoe, Johnny Oxenham, Steve Conway,
Don Craig and many others!
Russian Open
- Friday July 25 2008 - Day 5 - Tournament Day 2 So I am a few days behind in my blog. It’s been a busy few days.
For my Friday round, I went to work in the morning to sort out some issues and then went to the course at 12 noon.
I know a lot of people would like to hear the detailed shot by shot description, I’m just going to say I shot
76. I made 2 double bogies, both because of bad tee shots. Really my only bad shots
of the day. The first was on 7. I hit into the trees to the right. Had
to chip out sideways. My approach caught a flier lie and went over the green. I chipped
up but missed the putt. The other was on 11, one of the best par 3 holes in the world. In
my opinion, maybe only the 15th hole at the West Links in North Berwick could be considered better.
Anyway, the wind was up and swirling so I was going to hit a punch 6 iron but right as I was hitting the wind stopped,
went off the back of the green into the trees. Took two shots to get back on the green and missed a 10
footer for bogie. But I made birdies on 12 and 13 to get me back and then made par on the holes coming
in, with birdie putts on each hole and a good up and down on 18. So in short, I am very happy with how
I played. Not bad for a part-time weekend amateur golfer! Friday night
was the cut party. Great time! There was a live band, food, drinks (lots of drinks)
and most of all the players that were there had a great time. They don’t do these sorts of parties
for regular tour events I was told. The other tournaments are mostly corporate deals and they don’t
have the outside stuff. This is what makes the Moscow stop so popular. If they find
a way to increase the money to $4 million (currently $2 million) then you should get all the best players from Europe and
many from the US. Go to $6 million or $8 million and then Tiger would likely show up. The money is here
for that, it’s just and matter of wanting to do it. Got a ride home after the party
because I had too much to drink (thanks Peter). Went to sleep around 3am. Just another
day in my Russian Open life.
Russian Open - Thursday July 24 2008 - Day 4 - Tournament Day 1 My tee time was 10am so Casper who is caddying for me picks me up at 7:45am. We’re at the
course by 8:30 and it’s immediately more noticeable that this is a serious day. Very quiet and everyone
is keeping to themselves. Really something to experience.
After some warm-up and putting, we are
on the 10th tee. My good friend Giovanni (Doc) is announcing the groups. Thanks
for pronouncing my name correctly Doc! At that moment, I’m nervous. It just hits
you. First tee, professional tournament, people watching, what is this in may hand? A
golf club? What is that? How do I use this? Which end do I hold?
And a thousand other things run through my mind but the one that makes me realize its all ok is the last thought I
have before I hit the ball. This is fun and no one really expects much (the thought before that was don’t
hit it in the trees left). Step up, take a deep breath and swing. Dead straight……
down the middle, a slight draw and stops about 290yds in the middle of the fairway. I turned at that point
to Casper and told him how nervous I was. He chuckled and said something that can’t be put in here,
it’s a family program.
Par on 10, par on 11. On
12 hit a good tee shot but the approach fell short of the green on the fringe. Grabbed the putter and Casper
says knock it in. So I do. Birdie from 50 feet. Nice.
But on 13 hit my approach into the bunker. Just got out and chipped on, made the putt, bogie.
Drive on 14 into the bunker, hit short, bad chip, bogie. Drive on 15 (par 5) in rough, laid up a
bit too close and tried to hit a lob wedge. Big mistake, skulled it over the green into the trees.
Got lucky that it found a narrow strip of grass on a path but made double bogie. Calmed down after
that (thanks Chris) but hit left on 16 (par 3). Had a good lie but up against the trees. Got
good contact and got the ball on the green towards the hole. It stopped about 6 feet past, made the putt which I needed.
Par on 17. On 18 pulled the ball left (a theme most of the first 9 holes) into the trees.
Let me say again, I was in a tree. Had to chip out but made poor contact, missed the green near
the leaderboard, chipped on but missed an 8 foot putt. Double bogie. A score of 41.
Not so good.
I sent Casper off to see if he could find a Pepsi
and walked to hole 1. Decided at that point that I would just let it go and play aggressive and go for
it. i've really got nothing to lose. Definitely the right decision. Huge drive
down the middle, pitch to 15 feet, birdie. On 2, huge drive down middle that just found the bunker, hit
out but to the right that hit some trees but came out. Lob to 6 feet, birdie. Big drive
on 3 to fairway, approach to front, just missed the put, par. Great up and down on 4 for par (thanks Casper,
you're earning your pay for sure). On 5 (par 5) hit left into the water where I have been many times.
Take a drop, hit to fairway, approach to 10 feet but missed the putt. Bogie. So
I’m feeling ok and starting to play well. The TV is on 6 and the shoot us driving the ball.
I hit a huge drive right down the middle, easily 320yds. The marshal says to pick it up we’re
3 minutes behind pace. So we quickly head down the fairway. Then, it happens…….
In the fairway, I look down and see my WSU putter cover is missing. Must have been dropped back
by the tee. I said to Casper to go back and get it. (FYI: He’ll
say that I used some colorful language but I did no such thing). I grab my 52deg wedge and hit on the green.
I then take my putter and walk forward. When we are on the green I hear a cart pulling up and turn
around. Casper is being dropped of by one of the volunteers (Kevin, sorry bud, got to name names).
I immediately think there is something wrong with this. Michiel Bothma (nice guy who shot 68) who
we are playing with explains that he can’t do that and it’s a penalty. Use of unauthorized
assistance. 2 strokes. Shit. But I will say I wasn’t going
to let it bother me, and I didn’t. Made 4 pars to finish with a 35 but had to post a 37.
So that is how you shoot a 76 but actually get a 78.
And can you really fire your caddie if you are not paying him?
A couple
things on this situation. I’m really not mad and Casper or Kevin. They
didn’t know the rule and I take responsibility for what happened. But damn if I’m not going
to get every bit of use of this out of them! But when you think about it, how many people know the rules,
and how many even play by them. It is too easy to cheat in golf. Everyone does it, especially
in Russia. It’s the “oh, that’s just a little thing, no big deal” mentality is
why this place is screwed up. So if you’re going to play the game, play by the rules.
Or maybe you shouldn’t play. Ok, off my soap box.
After the round I did the only thing you could do. I got drunk. Stumbled home
at 2am. Pretty much passed out in my clothes (I got my pants off). But tomorrow is a
new day. And I’m still having lots of fun.
The Legend of John Daly Tuesday night was the Pro-Am party as I wrote but there have been a number of very interesting stories surrounding
everyone’s favorite golf professional. After the party, a number of the pros went out for some drinks
and entertainment. Apparently (I say that because I was not a part of this activity) the main group went
to 2-3 bars and clubs. At 3am they were leaving a popular night club in Moscow when there was a bit of
a commotion. Turns out John and his group were just arriving. Well, this location is
at least an hour drive back to the hotel at the course. Not to mention we’re all not exactly sure
how long he was there. So the next day at the Pro-Am introductions, he’s not there.
30 minutes before the start, he’s not there. So they call his room. No
answer. They call again. He answers. I don’t know what was
said but I’m sure that is was something like “get your ass out here or you don’t get the appearance fee”.
His starting hole was 14. This by coincidence (or design?) was close to the hotel. They
get him in a cart and take him out there. Steps on the tee and hits one right down the middle.
Classic.
Russian Open - Wednesday July 23 2008 - Day 3 Today is a very special day. Today is Cheryl's birthday. I've been thinking
about it all day as this is the second year in a row that we have been apart on her birthday. So I want to thank her
for being so kind and considerate to allow me to be away from her on her day to do something for me. It's very selfish
and I know that we would both prefer to be here doing this together. Do you think the 5 dozen flowers I sent might help
ease the suffering a bit? Played
another 9 hole practice round today. Paired up with 2 English players, Andy Marshall and Richard Bland. Nice guys
and good players. Both have been on and off the European Tour and Challenge Tour. They gave me some tips on my
game and it was nice watching them play, they are very consistent. Went around in 1 over par again. But I'm
not making any birdies and saving lots of pars. The real test is tomorrow so I'll keep being positive. Not much else to talk about today, the Pro-Am
was without a big name celebrity but John
Daly played and a number of other top pros. They put the amateur tees on the white tee boxes, essentially the
back tees for the women. The members never play these tees so it was very strange to do this. Probably some Russian
worker screwed it up and put them in the wrong place. Oh well, just another distraction. But the weather is super!
Warm and sunny with a light breeze. Perfect for golf. Especially since we've had so much rain lately. On the range, the players have to sometimes invent
things to do. There are lots of card tricks, practical jokes, off-color jokes and just all around good fun. I can see how they are able to concentrate
on the course because they have to focus when practicing. I met up with a couple of friends tonight, had a quick drink then off to sleep. Tomorrow is
a big day. My tee times for
this week are (Moscow is 11 hours ahead of Seattle in case you are wondering): Thursday - 10:00am - Tee
#10 Friday - 3:00pm - Tee #1 I'll let you know what time I play on Saturday later.... ;)
Russian Open - Tuesday July 22, 2008 - Day 2 Another practice day. So this
morning I had the grand plan of getting up early and going to the course. Playing golf around 8am and getting
in 18 holes, back to work and then to the Pro-Am party. Alas, my body wasn’t willing.
Woke up stiff and sore, needed to get some laundry done and didn’t leave for the course until almost 8pm. Got caught in traffic and made it there
a bit later than expected, after 9am. Decided to hit some practice shots to warm up and ran into the TaylorMade
rep. He let me try a few of the new Burner drivers. The head is big but the face is
smaller and wider than I expected. I liked the TP with the stock shaft. He may or may
not get it back after the week is over….
So after hitting some balls, I decided to
join a guy on the 1st tee for a round. His name is Robin Swane and he is from Holland . Plays
on the Challenge Tour, minor league circuit in Europe . Nice guy but not a long hitter. Not
short but it made me feel good to hit the ball farther than him. Didn’t hurt that I birdied the first
hole. He brought a caddie with him but I couldn’t pronounce his name so I obviously don’t remember
it. Gordon or Gregor or Garret or something. It could be Bob for all I could tell through
his heavy accent. Played ok, hit a couple of bad shots but nothing I couldn’t have survived if it
was a serious round. It’s more about learning where and how far to hit a shot for each hole. But
I need to keep the ball in the fairway, the rough is getting very thick and deep with all the rain. I’m
still feeling confident though.
No John Daly yet. Word was he was in the hotel but didn’t
feel like coming out. I feel for the guy. Everybody likes him so he’s always being
asked about stupid stuff and being handled by managers, promoters and sponsors. Maybe I’ll just walk
up and ask him what everyone wants to know: Boxers or briefs? Coke or Pepsi (but we
know that one)? Red Sox or Yankees (don’t even think you could possibly like friggin’ pinstripes)?
But I digress. It’s getting unlikely that I will play a round with him. So
I’ve got Nigel (head golf professional) setting me up with some of his South Africa boys for tomorrow. From
what he tells me, I better bring my wallet. Maybe they will give me strokes?
After 9 holes I realized how late it was
and I needed to get back to the office. Thanks again go to everyone at BVD for supporting my effort. The
drive back took longer than expected (traffic in Moscow sucks) but made it in at 2pm.
Tonight is the Pro-Am parings party at the Grand Havana Room in Moscow . Look it up, it’s
real cool!
[Part 2 after the party]
Part 2 - Tuesday The party was good. Very crowded since it was a small venue
and the air conditioning didn't work very well. All the pro-am teams were announced. A lot of my friends are
playing. Turns out the guys that are playing with John Daly paid $15,000 to make sure they got him as
their pro. Not sure if that amount is true or a rumor that they are spreading but they are playing with him. There
were a lot of side bets going around, it was fun to watch. I met John and we talked a bit, all the guys I normally play
with were talking me up, but I stayed out of it. Daly noticed and we looked at each other and winked. He's
great, just a regular guy who became famous. I also spent time talking with Luke List. He's a new pro who played
golf at Vanderbilt and came over with Daly to play. Turns out he was born in Bellevue! It really is a small world.
We talked and had a good time. I hope he does well. The event only lasted for a few hours so off to get some sleep.
I'm not going to use this as an excuse,
but my finger is starting to hurt. It's become more swollen and a bit colorful over the past couple of days.
I'm worried that if it gets any worse, I'm going to need to have someone look at it. I keep putting ice on it
and will have to just keep tying to be careful. But this sure is fun!
Russian Open - Monday July 21 2008 - Day 1 Today was another day at the office. Well almost. Went in to work today to
get the week started. Everyone at my office is really great. Very supportive and interested. Golf is not
a very popular sport in Russia but
it is growing more and more. Most people can't afford it but maybe someday it will reach more of the country.
I got most things in order by 1pm and went out to the course to register. Once there I got my parking passes (thanks
Hans) and got settled in. About that time they started bringing in the BMW courtesy cars. Somehow they forgot mine (thanks
Hans). That's ok. I'll just have to get by with my Nissan.
When I got to the course, most of the tents and stuff are still being set up. They
are behind. But that is because of the bad weather. Can't assemble metal grandstands and towers in a lightning
storm very easily. But nothing works smoothly in Russia. You have to work at it. I get to use my own locker
but I'm thinking of changing to the old locker room with the players. Last year was the same way and I felt a bit
separated. But the member's locker room is much nicer, so maybe I'll just accept it. It's like having
my own personal space, so quiet without the other members there. Yeah, much better. Anyone who really knows me
would know by now that I have already picked out what I am wearing each day. I know that is a bit, well weird is not
the right word, but the word I would use is not very appropriate. It's a family blog. Anyway, this way I don't
have to think about it and only go play. I'll be wearing red on Sunday if you are wondering....
So I've said it, but not in so many words. My main goal this week is to make
the cut. Ok, not completely realistic but not completely out of the realm of possibilities. The last 3 years the
cut has been between +2 and +5 for the frost 2 rounds. That means if I can shoot a couple of 74s I've got a chance.
I've done that before (yes from the black tees Johnny), just several weeks apart. But if I didn't think I could
do it, I wouldn't be thinking about it. I know, saying these things usually mean it won't happen, but I want
to be honest. I'm going to try my best and give it everything I have. If that isn't good enough then so
be it. I'm comfortable with whatever happens. Well, maybe not everything (please don't finish last he
thinks out loud).
I spent about an hour on the range. Hit SW, 8i, 5i, 2i, driver, 7i,
PW. In that order. It's a variant of a ladder drill where you go up and back down the clubs to get a rhythm
going. I like it and do it often to get warmed up. No chipping today. Did that on purpose. I wanted
to have a positive thought process that I would hit every green (it almost worked by the way, see below). Next I went
and hit some puts. Wow, the greens are fast. Much faster than the normal weekend speed. So I putted for
about 20 minutes and decided to go play. No one really around so I went by myself to the 1st tee. Only going to
play 9 holes and wanted to do some distance checking so it's no problem.
I could go thru each hole and each club but that would be not so
interesting, but then again I told you that I already picked out my clothes for the week so it wouldn't be that far off
to say dr, sw, pt, pt, dr, 2i, lw, pt, pt, dr, 6i, lw, pt, pt, 8i, pt, pt, dr, 7i, pw, pt, pt, dr, 8i, pt, pt, dr, 7i, pt,
7i, pt, pt, dr, pw, sw, pt. If you are counting at home, that's and even par of 36. I'll take it.
After the practice, I hit some puts and watched one of the maintenance guys try to ride
a machine that rolls the greens. He was real nervous and everyone was laughing at him. When he started getting
close to me I got nervous and decided o get off the green. Went in and had an ice tea with Nigel (head golf professional
at the course) and then showered and went home. Not very exciting but I get the impression that that is the normal routine
for a golfer. Of course I went to the pub and met a couple of friends for some "after work" drinks.
Now that is the life of a golf pro!
Spoke to Cheryl about home stuff (house is almost painted) and got to listen to Megan
tell me "miss you", "ouch", "bye-bye toys" and "glugever". Not sure of that
last one but if I have a few more drinks it will become very clear. Off to the course at 7am tomorrow, going to meet
up with one of the guys I met last year and play a practice round. Let's see if he wakes up as early as he said.
So now to bed at 11pm. I'm
still having fun and feeling like this is going to be a good week. At least it hasn't rained today.
Russian Open - Sunday - Day 0
Not
much happening here. The course is closed for set-up and repair. The weather has been terrible, heavy rain and
lightening have the bunkers all washed out and the course unplayable. The forecast is for better weather starting Monday
so it shouldn't be a problem like last year. And I'm relaxed this year. I know what to expect and
am looking forward to seeing some of the guys I met last year. Simon "Hurdy" Hurd is playing again, we played
the first 2 rounds together. I don't know yet about James Morrison (also paired together) but he might
make it in because he is playing well this year. Yes, Jim Morrison. Great name. Hurdy would say when he
hit a good shot, "come on kid, light my fire". Or some other Doors reference. Great stuff. And
maybe see Lasse Jensen again. We played a practice round last year. Just had to meet someone with a first name
that is so familiar. And I'm sure I'll find more characters again this year.
Going to meet up with some friends to watch the final round of the British Open
today. Greg Norman, truly awesome. When I started to really play golf, he was my idol. I wanted
to hit the ball just like him. I played the same ball as him, ordered special Maxfli Shark number 0 balls. Seeing
him do what he is doing at age 53 is just super. Ok, fine, 53 isn't old but hell, he's doing things that just
are not supposed to be done at that stage of your career. So maybe he is old.
I'm also going to go shopping today. I've been threatening to wear some outrageous
pants or shirts this year, try to get on TV. But mainly just to get under the skin of some of the boys here, sometimes
you just need to go to extremes. So look for the plaid pants and bright colors. Or maybe not. One friend
who I might just listen to said that the last thing I want to do is draw attention to myself when I'm hitting from
the trees. Maybe some good advice there. We'll see.
This is all great and I'll keep up everyday with a post. One sad note is that
Cheryl won't be with me to experience this. Last year we were apart at this time also. But with her and the
kids in the US, it just doesn't want to work out to fly her back and find someone to watch the kids for 4 days.
Unless something changes before Tuesday (anyone willing to lend a hand and watch the kids????). So this week is dedicated
to the love of my life and no matter how the week goes, my thoughts will be with her and I'll do my best to
make her proud of this great opportunity I have. But most importantly, she's be using the DVR to record the
Golf Channel broadcasts for me! The truth be told!
First practice day is tomorrow. Exciting but not nervous. I'm really looking
forward to all the fun this week!
Russian Open - Pre Tournament Recap If you remember from last year (of course I do), that I didn't find out that I was in the Russian Open until
the day before the tournament. This year it was decided that the winner of the club championship would once again be
in the Open. So those of us that met the entry criteria were thinking about it for weeks ahead. Which in golf
it is never good to dwell on something too long, you should always play in the moment and one shot at a time. Well,
yeah right. I've been thinking about last year since last year so the stress of knowing that winning would mean
another shot had me all tense and knotted up. So when the club championships started, my game wasn't at it's
best. Not to mention it was 90deg, humid, windy and the course was playing very hard. I was one shot back
after playing ok but not scoring as well as I hoped (a triple bogie on the 10th hole in the first round didn't help either).
Then had a major Van de Velde moment on the final back nine of 42 (2 double bogies, 3 bogies and 1 birdie) but
I managed to hold the lead, not completely fall apart and survived a brutal 2nd round in the club championship and
win by 2. I was in the fairway bunker on 18 with a 1 shot lead and hit the flag with a 6 iron. That shot is something
I'll remember the most, my nerves were just off the chart but somehow hit the shot.
It's been a busy summer. In May I dislocated and fractured my right ring finger
playing soccer. The doctor said I should wait 2 months for it to heal. I waited 3 weeks, if you don't count
the round of golf I played before I actually saw the doctor... And don't tell Cheryl, I told her the doctor said
I should only wait 3 weeks. It's still sore and the size of my thumb (only longer) but the grip change I made actually
corrected a pull hook problem. Blessing in disguise? In June my mom and Arlene (my uncle's ex-wife) came to
visit. And Cheryl, Riley and Megan left Moscow for the summer and are back in Seattle. So lots of golf for me.
No soccer, I'm now officially retired. For now...
So I'm in the Russian Open again. Real cool. No word yet on if I'll
get that practice round with John Daly
but I'm going to try to meet up with him, offer to introduce him to the course and maybe with some help
from the promoter and tournament director it will happen. We'll have a little long drive contest during
and a drinking contest after! Or giving his current ways, a drinking contest during the golf game might be his style
now. I hope not though, he's someone I will always be cheering for to do well. But maybe as one
of the only other Americans in the field, I'll just be someone he can ask questions to without the pressure of the sponsors
and promoters. Should be good fun.
|
