We had another freeze/frost delay of about an hour and a half. But our group was able to play today. We were sent off the back nine first since they were spraying the front nine. The 10th is a 154 yd downhill par 3 protected in the front by a deep pot bunker.

It seemed strange to start on the back nine, particularly with the par 3. I did hit the green but followed that with an inexcusable three putt. I hate three putts. Sort of set the tone for the entire round.

Recap: Scored 96 today (50 back/46 front). I played inconsistent today. Had trouble concentrating for some reason. Only made 2 pars. Three putted for bogey twice when I had a make-able birdie opportunity. Whenever I hit a good tee ball, I messed up the approach or the putt. I attribute the spotty play to concentration lapses. Obviously I need to work on my mental game a bit.

Highlights:

1. Again this week my driving continues to improve. Drives on 11, 13, 14, 18, 1, 2, 4, 7 and 9 were good ones. I was in good position most times. That is all you can ask for, right?
2. The 486 yd par 5 4th was played just as I’d planned. The tee shot was long and straight which left me 230 yds to the green from an uphill lie. Lay up shot was hit well too leaving me 60yds from a downhill lie. The pitch shot landed right on the number and finished within 4 feet. A very make-able left to right slider.
3. The two pars were the best I could muster today. The first came on the 5th hole. A longish uphill par 3 of 181 yds. Tee shot hit the green and 2 putts later I walked off with my first par of the day. The second came on the last hole today which was the 486 yd par 5 9th hole. This was a scrambling one putt par. The best putt I made all day.

Low lights:

1. Three putted multiple times. Started the day with one. Another on our 3rd hole. I want to forget about the others. The difference between last week’s 89 and this week’s 96 is mostly putting.
2. I left a few short pitch shots short today. A lot short. Felt like I had put a good swing on them too and was surprised to see them come up short. Think it was the cold air and soft ground.

Summary: I would describe this round an poor, sloppy and uneventful. I should have scored much better today. Golf can be fickle. This round I just couldn’t get anything going. It works like that sometimes.

I will continue to work on both the new set up position and the putting set up position until I am consistent with both. I am still determined and confident that I can soon begin to break 80 consistently enough to earn a single digit handicap. Proper set up position for each shot including putts is the first step to a consistent, repeatable golf swing. After that good scoring is more about club selection and course management.

Are you working on a plan to reach your scoring target? What is it? I have a plan to break 80 this year. Stay tuned, I will post that plan here for your benefit.

Enjoy life. Play golf. Be happy.