She Putts

New Clubs?

2012-02-04T17:49:00.001-08:00

New clubs. Gotta have them. I am convinced that despite my lack of play that I will play infinitely better with new fairway woods this year. So they are on the list. I want a 3 and 5 wood with the baffled on the bottom. Tried it and hit the snot out of it at the end of the season. It was one of those end of season shots that left mewanting more.By Spring those clubs will be old news so they will be in my price range zone. eBay here I come. Let's face it, as we grow older, it is important to do anything possible to increase distance on the fairway. Can you say, "on in regulation?"

Adam and Stevie

2011-08-07T19:27:00.000-07:00

Quite an interesting weekend on the course. Tiger fires Stevie, who takes up with Adam Scott. Tiger, as we all know, hasn't won anything in a long time, let alone played.

Low and behold - at today's Bridgestone Invitational, Adam Scott, with Stevie on the bag, takes home first place - his first World Golf Championship title. Steve must be feeling a tag bit smug. He's obviously a good caddy; so good for him. Good for Adam; who is charming and adorable.

Tiger is still figuring things out. He finished 18 shots back with his long-time friend on the bag. Who knows underneath it all what compelled Tiger to fire Steviie - but they sure had a good long winning run. Tiger's losing streak had nothing whatsoever to do with who was carrying the bag for him. It was probably the one thing in his life that didn't seem broken; but hey, what do I know.

I thoroughly enjoy Tiger Woods doing well in golf, don't get me wrong. It will be good for golf for him to return to the golfer he once was. When he's "on" he is a thing of beauty to watch. I look forward to seeing him play and once again enjoying his time on the course; and yes, winning. But I'm also happy for Stevie and Adam.

(Getty image-PGA)

The Open

2011-07-17T04:29:00.000-07:00

Two years ago I was mesmerized on the couch as Tom Watson amazed the world with his grace and stamina. The last hole and succeeding playoff had me in despair.

This year, I haven't watched much of it at all, but am cheering of course for the Americans. Dustin Johnson has a powerful swing and never seems to quite make it to the finish line - but he's been in the top 10 for many tournaments. Is this is moment? Can someone please get him another style hat. Just once I'd like to see him with a more traditional hat; although I suppose it is what helps me instantly recognize him.

Rickie Fowler, still so young, and yet, a force with whom to be reckoned, is playing fantastically. For a young man with style - both in swing and in his daily garb, he is a joy to watch.

Lucas Glover has a shot at one of 3 Americans ending the day under par. Martin Kaymer has surprised us before. And you can never count out Davis Love III. He may be the Tom Watson of the group by virtue of his experience. Speaking of Tom Watson, he ended Saturday at +4 - actually one stroke ahead of darling Rory McIlroy. Go figure. With Mickelson at even par - and my favorite American - you just never know; the man might catch fire today...but probably not. It hasn't been his year.

The favorite of course is Darren Clarke - whom I had never even heard of before this tournament. The local favorite from Dungannon offers the crowd a blazing smile and an unassuming air. But his odds are slim. According to an article on The Open site, the 54 hole leader has gone on to win a Major in the last six championships only twice. Tough going, but you never know.

It should be a great day for golf. Because in golf and especially The Open; you just never know.

LPGA and The Founder's Cup

2011-01-30T10:02:00.000-08:00

Great the the LPGA is doing something charitable. Who can fault anyone for donating a purse to charity, right? But wait, it's not the entire purse. The inaugural RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup, to be played at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa the week of March 16-20, 2011 has a total "mock" purse of $1.3 million. RR Donnelley isn't coughing up the purse; they are covering tournament operational costs.

Here's where it gets tricky, though. Players aren't going to pocket any money winnings, but they will be credited for official winnings in their annual talley. The winner will be "credited with" $195,000 in official money, and a big handshake. All the other players who make the cut will be credited with whatever their portion of the winnings are, too.

However, total tournament proceeds, which are projected to be $500,000, will be donated to the LPGA Foundation. So what happens to the other $800,000 of the "mock purse"? So RRDonnelly is covering the behind the scenes operational costs and they are donating all "proceeds" to the charity. As of their last publicly reported quarter (9/30/10), the company had over $780M in cash and cash equivalents on their balance sheet, a current ratio of about 2:1, and projected annual revenue of $9B. The company earns a profit and pays a dividend to shareholders. They could squeak out another $800,000 to support the LPGA here, dontcha think? Or perhaps they could rally some supporting players to the table.

This disparity is not lost on or sitting well with the players either. Creamer, Kerr, Wie, Petterson and Pressel have not yet committed to the event. While supportive of honoring the great champions of golf that founded the game, Creamer and Kerr have been vocal in their concerns about format and handling of the proceeds and the fact that player input was not requested.

Aside from all that, in my opinion, you never see the PGA players doing these type of events. Why should the women? Men would never play for a "mock" purse. The PGA players send their wives out to play for charity events. And raised $100K in doing so at the Honda classic. Oh sure, their PGA hubsies caddied for them, but it was all in fun, as you can see, with Will MacKenzie assisting his wife on the green. The guys didn't play.

LPGA Founders Cup Information

What's with my irons?

2010-09-26T06:37:00.000-07:00

Played it before and wanted to shoot myself. Played it this week and it was like the real me showed up and I posted a 93. Okay except for some iron shots; well a lot of iron shots. Not bad considering I've played seven times this season.

I always try to get to the course and hit the range before I go out to play. I go to the range and I am hitting picture perfect nine iron shots one after another. I nail the imaginary range green every single time. Transfer that same distance shot to the track and out comes a shank, a pull, a dribble, and any other form of miss-hit you can muster. ARGGHGHGH! Why does this happen? It has to all be in my head.

This mostly happens on the par three holes where I truly want to score - or at least get the ball near the green for a chip and putt opportunity. But most of the time, I psych myself out and it's not to be.

The reality is, I am a long ball hitter. Give me a par four or a par five and a big fairway and I can plunk one out there at least 200 yards with my driver. Hell, I was 30 yards off the green on a 265 yard par four, and thank Zod, I made par. But give me a short hole and lately I collapse. If there is water, sometimes I don't think there's a club big enough, because I'm in it.

I know it's all in my head; okay maybe some of it is in the execution, but this has got to stop.

What to Wear on the Course - Dressing Well and Cool

2010-07-15T05:53:00.000-07:00

When it's hot what do you wear to keep cool? Less is better, of course, but don't forget the sunscreen and hat. Wick, wick, wick! Remember when we all thought 100% cotton was the only thing to wear and polyester and spandex were evil? Not anymore. Wearing high tech breathable fabrics on the course is the way to go. How did I live without spandex in pretty much every piece of clothing I own?

Women's golf apparel offers women so many choices when it comes to dressing well and comfortably on the course. No matter what your preference you can find something interesting or flattering to wear on the course. Personally I like skorts or shorts, especially those with deep pockets so when I sit down in the cart, the balls don't pop out and roll out of the cart as we drive off.

If I'm walking, I like a back pocket, too, for my score card. While they are very stylish, I'm not a fan of cute little flaps on those pockets with buttons. First, they make it impossible to use the pockets for anything practical. For example, if you want to stick your score card or your glove in there while you putt, you don't want to have to mess with a flap and button. Besides that, flaps and buttons just make your derriere stick out more. Who needs that?

I love the idea of a golf dress, but I keep wondering what people wear underneath these adorable little things. Do they come with matching undies so when you squat down to read a putt, people don't see your leopard print bikini or your polka dot thong. Not that I wear a thong mind you - not even off the course; I'm just sayin. I'll have to ask fellow golfing blogger Heather Jones what she does about this, since she is a big fan of the golf dress.

My favorite things to wear are either long straight Bermuda shorts or a tailored golf skirt. I love brands that offer European styling like Lija. Their style and their color palettes are so appealing to me. If I'm being honest, I'll also tell you they are a little bit above my budget, but having at least one Lija outfit in my closet makes me feel like I'll play better on the course. I can save it for a great golf date!

Even the names are appealing. I was instantly attracted to their catchy design names like, "Dare to Dream" with its sporty plaid skort, bermudas, tops, and more all in shades of sky blue, toffee beige, black and white. Just my colors. I own a pair of the toffee knee length shorts that are super comfortable on the course (they stretch!).

And how about "Daring Damsel"! It is so smart, with its aqua, grey and yellow styling (yes, I know they gave the colors fancy Pantone names, but for us girls - I'm giving you the basics). LOVE that plaid. The best part is that everything is coordinated so you can mix and match. Will set you back a few? Oh yeah, but you will love how you look. And your golfing gal pals will all be asking where you got the adorable duds.

Check out all the lines on their website and see how great the colors and the lines look. Super feminine without being frilly and very sporty.

The Open in Retrospect

2010-07-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

Yes I know I'm a little late getting here with my thoughts and you've all moved on to other tourneys but I've been busy. It was fantastic golf to watch - so much so that at the end of the work day - and yes I work weekends, I'd come home at 5 and sit in front of the tube until it was over, rooting on my guys from the couch. Of course, my guys didn't win, but that's okay. How 'bout it - Europeans take spots 1 and 2 in the US Open - not in 40 years has a European taken this crown. Pretty awesome golf, too.

I admit I'm a Phil-fan, but he just couldn't get it done. I was thrilled to watch Tiger's return to some semblance of his former self on the course. There were so many ups and downs during the the last two days it was a roller coaster and so exciting. I couldn't even imagine having to putt those greens. I take that back - it would be fun to try, but I cringe at the thought of having to do so in competition. Those greens broke the day for many a player - hole number 14 in particular. You probably keeled over on your own couch just like me and died a thousand deaths for all those players whose ball rolled back off the green just when they thought they stuck it.

Graeme was simply amazing. He held on with steely reserve throughout the tournament. It took a lot of focus and concentration to make his dream a reality. He came into Sunday 3 shots behind Johnson and held on tight while Johnson faltered. Despite four bogeys - three on the second nine - Graeme; didn't make any round-killer mistakes, sliding into the finish with a 3 over par 74 to win. His win was made even more perfect as his father dance across the dance floor to congratulate him on the final green. Nice Father's Day gift, eh? I'm not sure who was more "gifted" here. By the way, Graeme, you've got one killer smile.

The big surprise was Gregory Havret, who ranks 391st in the world. Harvet, who was quoted as saying in one interview, "I just do my job, because first of all it's a job. And I want to do it fine. Whatever ‑‑ it's good or bad, I just want to focus shot after shot and do the best I can." And he surely did one heck of a job - rounding out the tourney with scores of 73-71-69-72. Paired with Woods and having to listen to the Woods "throng" for four days, Havret was reportedly a bit taken aback, but he held his cool. Used to quiet, respectful British golf, he bucked up and turned in a spectacular performance. That said, he'll also probably replay that missed putt on 18 for the next ten years of his life. Get 'em next time.

I was thoroughly amazed by the coolness with which Dustin Johnson approached his game through Saturday. Sorry dude, but I also kept saying, Dustin who? With three near perfect founds over three days of 71-70-66, Dustin woke up Sunday morning with a three-shot lead and a spectacular 6-under score going into the championship round. I have to admit I was waiting for what became the fall on Sunday. To hang on to his focus under that mounting pressure on Sunday would have been a spectacular feat. Beginning on the second hole, he fell apart then proceeded to lose six strokes over three holes. He never got his mojo back on that hard and fast playing track. I was impressed that he did as well as he did through Saturday so kudos for three amazing rounds in those difficult conditions. Keep up the good work, but lose the soul patch. It looks ridiculous.

Whether you like Tiger or not, he's one hell of a golfer and I think for the first time in his five starts since returning to golf, we got to see some of that during the Open. Was he his old self, heck no, but he's getting there. Woods nailed only eight fairways and nine greens during the final round on Sunday, bogeying five of his first 10 holes and taking himself out of contention with a 75. The ol' boy was in there somewhere on Saturday when he carded a 66 on the day. Hang in there Tiger. You'll find it.

Phil tied Tiger for fourth. Phil, couldn't get it done. With a slew of missed putts and mental mistakes he went down trying hard. It just wasn't his day. There were moments when I thought he could pull it off, but it wasn't round one, when he didn't card a single birdie. On Friday, he turned back into the Phil we know, birdieing six of his first 11 holes, ultimately caring a best-in-the-tournament 66 that left him tied with others in position just two back of McDowell. But that was it, really. With Saturday and Sunday's rounds of 73 and 73, it wasn't enough. By the way, the US Open site, says Phil is a stately 6'3" and weighs 200 pounds. I know 200 pounds when I see it, and well, Phil isn't. Phil is still my favorite golfer, though, because of his fantastic short game. Although where that was during the Open is beyond me, and I suspect beyond Phil, too.

Sorry to be so late with the article for those of you reading my stuff. I had fun watching and tweeting from the couch.

Redeemed Playing With The Girls

2010-06-15T04:39:00.000-07:00

Phew. I thought I had lost it completely. My game that is. I found it golfing with the girls. At least it was back temporarily. Last Thursday Vicky, Mary, Kelly and I drove up to Copake Country Club in beautiful Copake Lake, New York to play their public course. It was spectacular.

The views were gorgeous, the track was in great shape, although I have to say I think the fairways were cut a little long. The greens were fast. We all played pretty well. We played skins. Vicky and Mary against Kelly and me. Kelly and I finished the day with 6 skins.

Shots of the day included Kelly driving the green on a 218 yard hole, never thinking she was going to get there. Prior to her stepping up to tee, I said, "You can drive this green, it's 218." Either she didn't hear me, or didn't believe me. She stood up and knocked one down there, hitting the cart parked to the left of the green (and pin high) of the stunned foursome of men in front of us. Mortified, when we got down there she raced off in the cart to apologize, only to have them congratulate her on "one helluva shot."

Vicky chipped in a beautiful shot off the green on the back nine to exclaim, "I always could putt best from that distance."

All in all we had a great time and everyone played good golf. I shot a 92 for the day and was thrilled. My drive worked, I putted well. My short shots could have been better but hey, it was my third time out so I'm really thrilled with my score. Not only that we beat the torrential downpour by about 10 minutes.

I look forward to playing with the girls more often. We're trying new places. We're targeting Casperkill and Centennial for our next outing at a different club.

Beautiful Day for Golf, Had Only I Actually Played

2010-06-05T04:28:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous day it was on the course. The sky was blue, the course was a lovely, albeit tight track. Tight, was not a word I would use to describe my game. Actually "game" was not a word that should even come into play to discuss what I had going on yesterday. But I had fun with a very patient (awfully cute and very good golfing) partner on the course who smiled, cajoled and looked for my frequently lost miss hits. The man was a saint.

I learned three valuable lessons yesterday: First, all work and no play makes me a very bad golfer. Second, just because I can hit great shots on the range does not guarantee I will be able to hit anything on the course. Last, I should never tell anyone my handicap setting expectations that are going to crush me. The only thing working yesterday was my putter. Thank goodness for small favors.

Somers Pointe, aka Heritage Hills Golf Club, is a beautiful course with ups and downs and challenging lies. From the blue tees it tops out at 6,050 yards with a slope of 129. The women's red tees cut it down to 4,923 with a slope of 123. I played from the front and needed every yard of that gift. My driver worked all of twice. I had one decent fairway shot. It was those shots that reminded me my game was still there somewhere hiding under no practice and golf date nerves.

I will make time to find my game again. When I do play I remember how much I love it and why. The physical and mental challenge, the camaraderie, the sheer beauty of being out in a lush environment on a spectacular day. Heck for that matter, I've never even minded being out there on a crappy day. I've played some of my best golf in a misting rain.

Perhaps Cameron Diaz can give me club throwing lessons? I think I might have been able to throw the club further than I could hit the ball yesterday.

All work and no golf makes for a cranky girl with a bad swing.

Making Time for Golf

2010-06-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

So far this golf season, work is overtaking my game. Okay how about obliterating it. I promised myself that even though I was taking a golf hiatus from my regular club that I would make the time and effort to play at all the other public courses in the area that I had neglected to play due to my membership in a private club. Just to name a few: The Links at Union Vale, Centennial, Richter Park, Baird State Park, Ridgefield Golf Club, and many others are calling my name! I can even practice my short game at Dutcher in Pawling - one of the oldest golf courses in the country, dating back to the late 1800's.

For a girl who played four times a week in my competitive years, my number of rounds tallied and scores posted this year is pretty pathetic - as in one. But my real estate business at Houlihan Lawrence is starting to pop, so investing in other areas of my life right now like making my clients happy is worthwhile. Perhaps some golfing clients will find me and will want to tour all the local courses before making a home purchase decision! That will help me improve my game and help me bond with my clients!

My goal of playing all the other local courses should also help my game. I really believe that playing the same course over and over is a disadvantage when you do finally go play somewhere else. I always score much higher at other courses because I can't accurately predict the distance to the green or how much club I'll need to get there. I know every inch of my own golf course, even how most putts will run. Of course, that doesn't mean I'm shooting in the 70's there, but I do know what I'm supposed to do, all skills and execution aside.

I've played one round at my own course and gone to the range twice. Pathetic really. I am playing tomorrow at a new course and hope to play well but am not expecting much except to have fun. That's the point, right?

I left the office at 6:00 pm last night and spent two careful hours on the range. I've still got most of my swing, although it's rusty. It took me a few swings to find it for each club - and I went through my entire bag. Driver needs work. Mid-irons need a few balls hit to get the swing going. On a positive note, I lived up to my blog's moniker and was putting lights out, sinking three 25 footers across the green and nailing multiple short putts with ease. There was no way to practice chipping and it's the short shots make or break the game. Those careful shots from off the green require so much precision and practice. These are the ones that leave me when I don't play. Good thing I can putt.

A Day at Sybase Match Play-My First LPGA Event

2010-05-21T05:33:00.000-07:00

They were this close. Probably accessible too if you approached them at the end of their match, but I wouldn’t have dared disturb anyone’s focus during play. I could have reached and touched Julie Inkster as she walked past me off the 12th green at the Sybase Match Play Championship yesterday. Morgan Pressel was talking with folks in front of the club house after round. She was ten feet away from me. Standing in line to get a five dollar hot dog, one of the volunteers proudly exclaimed that Ms. Pressel had signed his hat.

One thing that immediately struck me was that the women were allowed to lift, clean and place their balls on the fairway. One of the volunteers exclaimed (with some trepidation) that the fairways were still wet from the prior day’s rain. Didn’t look that bad to me, but hey, I wasn’t out there. Rules are rules and why not take whatever advantage comes your way.

I followed Morgan Pressel for a few holes when we first arrived as she hit the 10th hole. She was down 3 and steely faced, focused on her task at hand. She rallied got the job done in extra holes over Jimin Kang.

We stayed put on the 10th hole to wait for Juli Inkster. Juli is one of my all time favorite golfers. She is a fierce competitor and I love watching her play. She was pitted against Suzann Petterson. Petterson has had 4 top 3 finishes in 2010, so clearly she stands out as a golfer, but from what I witnessed on the golf course yesterday, she has a long way to go as a true competitor. After missing a putt on the 11th hole, she stormed off the green, walking up the hill towards the cart path while Juli was still putting out. In an “oops” moment – probably realizing the giant camera was watching - she paused half way up to turn around and see if Juli made the putt (she did not). Petterson’s prima donna persona didn’t win her a fan base yesterday. Would that it were the only incident – but she did the same thing a couple of holes later. Maybe a long conversation with Butch Harmon is in order before clubs start flying. In the end, Inkster made a 10-foot birdie putt on the par-5 18th to force extra holes, then finished off Pettersen with a 4-foot par putt on the par-3 third. I was rooting for Inkster before seeing Petterson’s antics, but that just sent my Inkster fandom into overdrive for the day.

I really wanted to see Christina Kim, since I follow her on Twitter, but by the time I caught up to her she arrived at the 16th green down 3 to Jee Young Lee. A missed putt sent her packing for the day.

I next caught up with Christie Kerr on the 10th tee. She was exciting to watch. Interestingly, she was followed by a police officer her entire round. She has a beautiful swing and can really hit a long ball. Putts well, very focused and takes her time over every shot. I followed her through the 14th hole, where she maintained her lead over Meaghan Francella. despite Meaghan’s spectacular chip in on 14. Kerr topped Meaghan Francella 4 and 3 to win the match.

While I was off following Christie Kerr, my friend, who had had enough walking, was parked at the 10th green and thrilled at seeing Michelle Wie sink a birdie putt to win the hole. Wie birdied 11th hole to birdie to regain her lead against Prammanasudh. Wie pulled off another birdie at 16, sinking a 30 foot putt on the par-3 hole, and went on to win the match with another birdie at 18. Tough stuff.

The spectators were mostly spectacular. Extremely polite, although there were a few talkers who needed extra shushing during putting. One thing about golfers is that when you’re with others who enjoy the sport, you can strike up a conversation with them even if you don’t know them. Love of the game, the players and the magic associated with success on that big green field is a common bond. Everyone was so friendly.

Standing at the 18th green, my friend and I chatted with a man who attended with his 12 year old daughter, who proudly boasted her 25 handicap. She got to take advantage of Michelob’s Front Row Experience – which offered 10 Minute Lessons with the Pros. She was beaming over the experience.

Walking up to the 16th green, I watched Nicole Castrale sink a putt that kept her alive for another hole (she lost on the next to Song-Hee Kim). It was there that I met a 14 handicapper fellow up from Virginia who had played the day before in the ProAm with Ms. Castrale. He regaled at the experience, the accessibility, and the warm heartedness of the LPGA players during the round.

It was a great day. My first day ever seeing the professionals play. I overheard one of the men commenting that if this were the PGA, you’d never get this close to the players. I feel lucky to have been there and to be that up close and personal to some of golf’s greats. Thanks Sybase Match Play folks for the ticket gift (Twitter win!). It was superb. I’d do it again if I didn’t have to work today.

They've arrived! From Fore! Courtesy of RealWomenGolf.com

2010-02-28T12:12:00.000-08:00

So cute! And all the way from Sweden, too!

Trump Trumps Hudson Valley

2010-02-25T16:50:00.000-08:00

About fifteen minutes West of me is a gorgeous 18-hole course that used to be a public course called Branton Woods. Then it became a private course called Branton Woods. Several of my fellow golf buddies joined the club in addition to Quaker Hill CC for an 18-hole alternative to our little 9-hole gem (see previous blog post http://sheputts.blogspot.com/2010/02/quaker-hill-country-club.html).

I played BW a couple summers ago with one of my friends. It's a tough course and absolutely beautiful. It is now known as Trump National Golf Club-Hudson Valley. Donald Trump knows a beautiful course when he sees one. As early as the beginning of November last year, unconfirmed rumors in the press were swirling that The Donald was sniffing around. As prospective purchasers were required to sign confidentiality agreements to acquire any information about the property, the word was mum.

By December 21, 2009, The Poughkeepsie Journal quoted Dan Scavino, executive vice president and general manager of Trump National Golf Club Westchester, as saying The Donald had "extreme interest" in purchasing the course. A mere two days later, on December 23rd, Scavino informed the Journal that Trump finalized the deal to purchase Branton Woods as well as Pine Hill Golf Club in New Jersey. Trump promptly renamed the Stormville Road, Hopewell Junction course and is said to have plans to upgrade to the 14,000-square-foot clubhouse and possibly add a swimming pool and tennis courts to its amenities. Trump is now the proud owner of 11 golf properties.

How do the members feel? Most of the people I know who belong to golf clubs belong to them to play golf. Period. They don't much care about tennis courts and swimming pools. They want a golf course that challenges them, delights them and sometimes shows them a little love, and is in amazing condition. They want easy access to and availability of tee times, great service, a good lunch after they play, cart food and drink, and not to have to put up with slow play, lack of golf etiquette on the course and to have to put up with playing behind hackers who hit the ball 150 times a round and who don't belong on a "real" 18 hole course. I'm just sayin'.

The first thing Trump did when he took over the course was to raise everyone's dues by $900 a year and the food minimums by $400 per year. He did this right smack in the middle of winter when people aren't able to take advantage of the golf. It would appear to me that the timing wasn't so great on that increase - he might have been smarter to wait until they were lulled into a sense of idyllic serenity in the midst of golf season. I know it's standard to send out the bills in January, but who thinks up these ideas to increase golf dues when the the course is ensconced in snow and no one can remember that last great shot that keeps them yearning for more while rolling over to the increase because they simply can't wait to get out there and hit the links again?

On the brighter side, Trump National Hudson Valley members get to play at all of Trump's other courses in Westchester, NY; Bedminster, NJ; Colts Neck, NJ; Washington DC; Los Angeles, CA; Palm Beach, FL; Coco Beach, Puerto Rico; Canouan Island, the Grenadines; Pine Hill, New Jersey and, ultimately, Scotland.

So, in all, it's a pretty good deal. Maybe you'll even get to rub elbows with The Donald if you're lucky or not, depending on your preference. At least when he's wearing a golf hat, it eliminates the need to gaze upon Donny boy's ridiculous hair! But holy waddle Batman - what happened to his chin?

Here's hoping for a repeat invitation to play this track 2010's Spring and Summer!

Golf Jewelry Contest Winner Yay Me - Thanks Heather

2010-02-15T14:27:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to announce that I am one of the lucky winners of Heather Jones' http://realwomengolf.blogspot.com/2010/02/fore-winners.html FORE! jewelry contest Valentine's giveaway. Woohoo and thanks Heather. Heather has a great blog and always writes fun and interesting things about golf, golf fashion, and her on course fun - including her quest to get her handicap below ten this year; which she did (okay well almost) and it was inspiring.

I am looking forward to getting the golf inspired pony tail holders in the mail and encourage everyone to check out the rest of FORE!'s golf inspired jewelry collection at http://www.fore.com and don't forget to read Heather's blog for fun.

Cheers to all!

QHCC Among 25 Best Nine Hole Courses in America

2010-02-15T14:00:00.000-08:00

Word has it that in this month's issue of GolfWorld magazine, my little oasis on the top of the hill, Quaker Hill Country Club, was recognized as one of the "25 Best Nine-Hole Courses in America." Now, as a player, I have long known it to be a stellar track, with spectacular views and a rich history that sets it apart from others.

The course was founded by the late Lowell Thomas, a world-renowned traveler, adventurer, collector, broadcaster writer and editor. Oh yes, he also founded Capital Cities - later formed Capital Cities/ABC. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowell_Thomas) In the early 1940's, Mr. Thomas asked his friend Robert Trent Jones to design a course because he wanted to learn to play. The clubhouse, known as The Barn, has now been redesigned, but it is the location where the famous broadcaster, Mr. Thomas, once performed his weekly broadcasts from a little control room that now houses Thomas memorabilia.

Not only that, it's one tough little course, with a slope of 131 from the men's tees and 127 from the women's. I've taken many a very strong, low handicap golfer there as a guest to hear them scoff at the nine holes expecting to crush the course. A few holes later, without a flat lie in sight, as they try to stick our tiny greens, they start begging me for tips, shot strategies and club suggestions. The course is much the same as it was designed by Mr. Jones (except for a lot of tree removal to improve the condition of the greens) and our golf superintendent, Gary Lattrell is a master at keeping the course in superb condition.

With nine holes, but two very different sets of tees so you can play 18 and change it up on the turn, the course plays out at 6,110 yards with a par of 70 for the men and 74 for the women. Although let me tell you, on most holes the women don't get much of a distance break. The greens are most golfer's nemesis on the course and if don't have local knowledge, you can really get in trouble. [Photo left: Club Champ Cindy Rosa tees it up at the women's 6th tee box (138 yard, par 3) during the last Sunday supper scramble event of the season.

The par (men/women) par 4/5 403/394 yard 5th hole boasts an elevated green that must be reached over a pond after a long fairway that slopes right the entire way. A strong woman can reach it in 3. In the spring, you can stick your shot to the green pretty well. By mid summer, everything rolls off. If you are putting from the top left trying to hit the hole in the middle of the green, it will roll off like a rocket if you barely tap it.

The par 4 372/356 yard par 4 7th hole is the toughest hole on the course for me. I think I've sunk par on this goldarn hole maybe 5 times in 12 years. It's a long driving hole, and I just can't seem to get on in regulation - usually short by 10-20 yards. Putting a chip close on this green can be next to impossible. It's got a bowl in front with a double break in the back that slopes off to the left. Every putt breaks. Period. It's the hole I am determined to conquer. This shot is a sideways view of the 7th green. Looks tame from here, but trust me, it's a killer.

This is a view of the 9th green from the women's tee box (118 yard par 3 over the water - and where I had my singular hole in one!) with the club house in the distance. The men's tee on this hole is a spectacular elevated tee with a narrow 170 yard shot to the green.

So when the magazine comes your way, check it out. It's a great course, in a fabulous location. We're seeking new members and the cost is ridiculously low for the ability to play on this amazing gem one hour north of New York - with no tee times. (Full golf dues per family are $4250/year plus tax, plus low initiation which can be spread over several years) It's never crowded - you can almost always walk on. You can literally drive up on a Saturday morning at 8 am and find 10 people on the course. I kid you not.

What's not to love? Come on and join the fun.

Tiger Who?

2009-12-05T18:32:00.000-08:00

So much has been written about the events surrounding Tiger Woods' transgressions with other women that it is impossible not to comment. Does the family deserve their privacy, yes absolutely. However, it is impossible to offer them the privacy they deserve when their lives have become so public.

First, I have to agree with those that have written that the public does not know Tiger Woods, the man. Reminds me of the title of one of my favorite songs, "You Don't Know Me," sung by Jann Arden. We don't know this man. The public at large knows "Tiger Woods, Inc." The public personna and brand that has been developed, molded, marketed and televised for our viewing pleasure. This "package" if you will (of even if you won't) has been in the making since he was but a wee boy. When has Tiger Woods ever been able to be just a normal person? Imagine what that does to one's psyche, one's ego, one's sense of power and entitlement?

Who knows what he is like behind closed doors. Who are we to judge? There are probably very few people who actually know what kind of person he truly is inside. What does the public really know about the true personality and psyche of this incredible athlete who has spent his entire life preparing for the spotlight, who is a master at remaining in control, who has been taught never to allow himself to falter. I can't imagine how that might have affected these types of choices he's made. To just feel free enough to do something so uncharacteristic that no one would have ever expected of him. Hmmm.

If one is to believe the press reports, it would appear that Mr. Woods (I dare not take the familiar tone for I do not know him) had an entire secret life filled with other women. That said, one might wonder where he found the time to have relationships with four different women in addition to having a family life, not to mention the amount of time he spends practicing his craft. It's not like he's at the bottom of the golf heap! Whether he did or didn't, in my opinion, these women should not profit from the moment - and the more that pop out - the more I think their intent is to do just that.

If he stepped outside his marriage, he was wrong. Men in power (okay yes women, too) seem to find this an irresistable temptation. Yes, he may be a golf-God, but he is in fact, just a man. A human being with all of the frailties that go along with that. We don't know him. We don't know what his life is like when he steps off the 18th green and goes home. We don't know what goes on inside his head. We only see what Tiger Woods, Inc. the brand wants us to see: a manufactured personna for sponsors, the PGA and your television and in person viewing pleasure: one of the greatest golfers in history (if not THE greatest).

Somehow I believe that fans' memories are short. As long as Tiger continues to play great golf, the world will move on. Sadly, it is Elin who will have to decide if she can face the world with her head held high and live with her husband's transgressions on and off camera in the years to come.

Ah Golf

2009-11-13T21:48:00.000-08:00

I played a new course recently. Centennial in Carmel, NY. It's been in my back yard for several years, but I've never ventured onto the course. I had won a round there in a tourny a few years back, but couldn't take advantage of it because it was for weekday play only so I gave it away to a friend.

On this particular Saturday in November, the sun was shining and the air was crisp. So was my drive. This was a good thing on this long course. I can't say as much for my short game, which left me disappointed much of the time; but it was not unexpected given the amount of time I've spent on the course the past two months.

The course is beautiful, the layout very nice and it offers women a nice advantage from the red tees; something I'm not used to at my own course where the women's markers are often right next to the men's. It's also what I like to call "mountain goat golf" - in other words, it's not a course I'd want to walk with lots of ups and downs and a somewhat confusing layout. I had no idea where we were most of the time.

It was a great day on a beautiful track with gorgeous views. I didn't score well, but it didn't matter. Can't change my handicap at this stage of the year anyway so who cares, right?

Living Vicariously Through Others

2009-10-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

I haven’t played golf in weeks. Please bear with me while I whine just for a few sentences. My handicap inched up back up from its low of 16.0 to 16.3 in its latest incarnation thanks to my honest posting of some rounds at the peak of my horridness late this season. From a low of 88 - yes there are a lot of combined scores in there - to a high of 101, I started going downhill fast in August and lost a lot of time to play as I was building my new real estate business. A higher handicap does equal more strokes in competition, so I’m just going to suck it up. After playing in the handicap competition this August and giving 32 strokes to an earnest fellow competitor (to whom I lost), it’s all good. That's the point of handicaps, right?

On the flip side, I’ve been living vicariously through fellow blogger, Heather - http://realwomengolf.blogspot.com/ - who regularly cracks me up, and who, last I checked, was on the cusp of succeeding in her quest to reduce her handicap to single digits before the 2009 “regular” season ends. Go Heather! (for all I know she might have done it by now and I might have missed it...) Her blogs are always entertaining and interesting and she always has interesting products mentioned on her site. I should be so persistently interesting and regularly posting. Note to self – get on here more often and do what you do well: which is write. I encourage all to check out her site.

In the Northeast, the weather hasn’t much cooperated this season with way too much rain and an early Fall onset that impeded much of our golf season. The club had to cancel several of the largest revenue producers – the Sunday Scramble events – which are couples events that involve golf and dinner and are usually sell-out events – due to rain. Interestingly this year, the Men’s member guest tourney had almost half as many participants as in the prior year. The question is was it money or lack of interest. Remains to be seen – surveys are out and expected in later in the fall with the newly elected officers.

Unfortunately, our golf club – I believe like many other in the Northeast, cancelled more events than it actually held. due to weather. Revenue was down, cart usage was down and attendance at events was down – predominantly due to weather, although I’m sure the financial health management of the overall membership was also a factor in many members’ minds.

In fact, it played a role in how we ran our “closing” club event. This event has traditionally – for 30 years – been a black tie dinner dance. For the first time that I know of, we held a casual cocktail party event with just hors d’ouvres and open bar. No band, no dancing, no dinner, no black tie. The times, they are a changing.

Our Own Ryder Cup - The Women’s Quaker Hill Cup – New York vs. Connecticut

2009-10-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

In an intense, yet fun day, Connecticut bested New York by two points to snare the first annual Women’s Quaker Hill Cup. The women showed up in their team colors: New York in royal blue and Connecticut in blazing red, albeit most with layers underneath to fight the 2 club wind. Team captains Kelly Monaco and Cindy Rosa rallied the teams for battle and off we went in sequence from the first tee.

The day started out with a brisk wind, making those “on the ridge” holes ever more challenging for the contestants who were trying to land a shot on the green from mid fairway on the first and tenth holes. That ol’ ridge wind again came into play impacting the women’s drive on the eighth and seventeenth.

The format was fourball for six holes – with the best ball of each twosome from NY and CT scoring the hole; alternate shot for six holes, with teams of twosomes from NY and CT competing; and finally singles match play for the final six holes of the round.

Although there was much good-hearted bragging and lots of “we’ll get you next years” in the bar at the end of the day, a great time was had by everyone who participated. The Quaker Hill New York men haven’t lost to Connecticut yet, so the women have some catching up to do. As one New York, Mary Utter, put so aptly put it, “Hey, why should we lose to Connecticut? After all, we’re New York!” (A die hard New Yorker if I ever heard one!)

Here are the results:

Competition	New York	Connecticut
	Points Won	Points Won
Fourball-Best Ball	1.5	2.5
Alternate Shot	1.5	2.5
Singles Match Play	4.0	4.0
TOTAL POINTS SCORED	7.0	9.0

Cindy Rosa said, “As captain of team Connecticut, I am very proud of our team and how well they played. Our philosophy was to stay loose and have fun. New York, led by Kelly Monaco, played great and were terrific sports. It was a fantastic day. Let's hope there are many more years of competition to come.”

Kelly Monaco, New York’s team captain added, “Congratulations to Team Connecticut for winning the first Annual Quaker Hill Cup yesterday. Everyone had a great time and the competition was fun. Thank you to everyone who participated. I hope next year more women will be able to participate as well.”

Sailors Sink Pirates

2009-09-08T06:27:00.000-07:00

Women's Field Day was a huge success and it was clear that the last "official" Tuesday women's golf day was enjoyed by all.

We began Tuesday at 8 am all decked out in pirate and sailor regalia. It was a chilly 58 degrees on The Hill. Many of the ladies downed mimosas on the patio and everyone filled up on warm apple blossoms, quiche, fruit and yogurt parfait and hot coffee.

Pirates donned red, black and white, and sailors blue and white. I arrived sporting a black and white striped shirt and shorts and skull socks and my black and white striped Footjoys (they look like referee shoes and feel like slippers). I had tatooed my forearms and calves with temporary Pirate tatoos (thanks Michael's craft store!).

The best part was remembering that in the bottom of the stuffed animal bin that was in the back of my almost 18 year old son's closet was a Parrot beanie baby. Every pirate needs a parrot, right? Having him sit on my shoulder would surely impede my swing, so I fastened him onto the brim of my red Titleist ball cap with clear packing tape. This worked well until about the 6th hole when the weight of the little bugger finally got to me and he had to "fly" to adorn the front of the golf cart instead. [Photo: Liz, Mary, Melissa, Me, and my partner Alice]

Our format was match play, one point per hole won, no points for ties. We played 9 holes, with each 18-holer being paired with a 9-holer for the round. Some of our 9-holers and their families have been members of Quaker Hill CC since the days when the club's founder, Lowell Thomas, radio broadcast journalist who also founded Capital Cities Broadcasting Company, was still doing his broadcasts from the club house, once a simple cow barn. You get the idea.

The 4th hole par 3 offered an opportunity to hit your ball into the "Bermuda Triangle" on the green - one of the toughest greens to stick. This was one hole where you could earn raffle tickets for skill. Two tickets for landing in the triangle in one shot, one ticket for landing in the triangle in two shots. Fortunately, the pin was situated on the only truly flat spot on the green - right up front. Still tough. If you failed in your mission, you could down a rum and fruit juice shot to earn a ticket instead...in fact, you could drown your sorrows in as many shots as you liked...earning many tickets and perhaps a more relaxed swing on the next hole for those that chose to imbibe. I had only one - it was 9:30 in the morning, and this was a little too much frat party golf for me.

We had a closest to the line skill prize on a par 5, and closest to the pin prizes on two par 3's.

My delightful partner, Alice, had crackerjack wit, was dressed to prod someone off the plank, and still proudly plays with her original clubs - including gorgeous, "real wood" woods. She sank two fabulous long putts for us while we all cheered. Unfortunately, between us, we didn't score a point, try as we might, but Alice and I had a blast.

The sailors sorely trounced the pirates all around, by a huge margin, too. But it didn't seem to matter. Everyone had fun and everyone was a winner in some fashion.

Championship Golf

2009-09-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes things work out exactly as you expect them to. In the final outcome of our club championship, we finished in the exact order of our handicaps. I finished fourth and had a great time. Fortunately, I played far better, by six strokes, on day two than I had on day one. I still scored higher than I had on recent rounds by myself, but it was a gorgeous day and we all had a great time.

Kudos to Club Champ - the "other" Cindy - who won both the handicap and medal play events this year.

Club Championship Medal Play

2009-08-27T06:14:00.001-07:00

This weekend I will compete in our club championship in medal play. I believe I am there as much to round out the foursome as to compete. I am the highest handicapper of the bunch, although I am still among the four lowest handicappers at the club. In medal play, it doesn't matter, I get no strokes, so it's everything I've got and I have to be at my best for 36 holes over two days.

On the upside, I have been known to shoot some pretty good golf. I've won the handicap championship twice at our club. When I'm on, I'm on. When I'm not, I can be horrid. On the downside, I've spent the last month plagued by a bizarre left shoulder pain that has kept me off the course more than on. Mostly, these gals score in the 80's. Mostly, I score in the low 90's. I need to break 90 for the first time in my career to even have a chance to win. One shot at a time.

My strategy will be to prepare for the championship rounds practicing my putting and chipping leading up to the event and saving my shoulder for the big day. Especially on the crazy seventh green, a hole pictured here that is tiny, drives golfers crazy and is very difficult to par. I need to get there in 3 and 1 putt this green.

These girls can all hit a long ball - as can I - but as we all know, it's drive for show and putt for dough. When my putter is hot, I've been known to sink a lot of putts; long and short. Now that's what I'm talking about.

Wish me luck.

Dedication

2009-08-13T16:53:00.000-07:00

First day out at the 91st PGA Championship at Hazeltine National paired Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington together again. They had just left each other last Sunday at Firestone where Tiger took the crown, after rallying from behind to win the tournament for the seventh time. The two prior years’ winners were teamed up with Rich Beem, who won at Hazeltine in 2002.

Woods, posted a 67 for the day. He hit 12 of 14 fairways and knocked in 4 birdie putts. Woods was clearly pleased with his performance according to the PGA website and his interview with Helen Ross, PGATOUR.com Chief of Correspondents. "It's always nice to get off quick," Woods acknowledged. He also knows it’s a long way from Thursday to Sunday. “But the first round, you can play yourself out of a golf tournament. Certainly cannot win the golf tournament on the first day. And it's something that I've always believed in, is just keep yourself around. You don't have to be eight ahead after the first round. That's not it.

"Just gotta just keep plodding along, and major championships are set up so they're difficult. They beat you into making mistakes. And the whole idea is not to make that many mistakes. All the majors that I've won, made very few mistakes for the week, and I think all of the other guys can say the same as well for the championships they've won."

Defending champ, Harrington finished the day one stroke behind Woods and is certainly not to be counted out. In fact, I believe he may just be the one to watch this weekend. Tiger better be on his game. Tiger may have one the day, but as he said, it’s only the first day and Paddy looked sharp. Aside from his first hole bogie – the 10th hole they played on the day, he carded 5 birdies overall - just like the Tiger man.

People talk a lot about Paddy’s swing. Yeah, critics claim he’s probably changed his swing more often than Jack Nicholson changes girlfriends, but whatever he’s doing, it appears to be working for him. From tuning up his mental game with Bob Rotella to working on his swing in the with “Swing Whisperer” Bob Torrance in an eight stall practice range in Inverclyde in southwest Scotland, Harrington is focused.

According to Harrington in an interview in Golf Magazine, he goes there for one reason: "Bob Torrance," he says. "If Bob wasn't there, I wouldn't be there." http://bit.ly/akamA

Woods is a golf machine, but me, I’ll be rooting for the man who is willing to stand in the gale force wind in the driving, cold rain off the Firth of Clyde to work on his swing. That's my kind of dedicated golfer.

Go Padraig!

Third Time, No Charm

2009-08-07T05:29:00.000-07:00

This week I lost my match in the first round of the Handicap Club Championship. I deserved the loss. I did not play well; in fact I carded what was my highest score of the summer - 10 strokes above my average. My opponent proved superior in match play and I lost on the 15th hole. She was an absolutely adorable, long-hitting, sweet, twenty-something young woman with great future potential in the low handicap range. Now I'll be cheering her on with gusto.

I couldn't find the sweet spot on my driver and I hit too many chip shots short of target, leaving myself with long putts that I had to make to save the hole. Five of those long, putts lipped out while I groaned in agony. I just never found my game for more than fleeting moments during the entire 18-hole round and made a few costly mistakes. That's golf.

I was a late entrant this year, and decided at the last minute to join in the fun. I haven't competed for the past few years because of other life priorities. Competition golf requires diligence and drive. Perhaps I've lost that edge. I didn't feel the same energy to compete that I was conjured up when I won this tournament back to back a few years ago. Back then I used to hit the course at 5 am 3 days a week to practice during the competition season. Perhaps I was more daunted by the 17 strokes I had to give up than I thought I would be. Who knows.

In the end, I was bested by a better player on that day, but I had enormous fun playing with someone new. I thoroughly enjoyed watching my young opponent hit long drives, scramble from trouble and play some pretty darn great golf to win.

Cheers to my spectacular opponent. I'm going to enjoy the rest of my summer golf without the worry of my next match.

Wet Weather Women’s Whackers

2009-08-03T04:30:00.000-07:00

As a light rain began teeming down on the 21st, I called the club to find out the status for Tuesday morning women’s golf. It was just before 8 am. Bobby informed me that Kelly, the head of our golf league, said we were on. I dressed for the weather and drove on up to the club.

It was raining lightly, but it was playable. When I arrived, it was clear the rest of the Tuesday women’s league had an aversion to playing in the rain. The parking lot looked like a ghost town.

Only one other woman, Cindy with a “y”, was getting out of her car and going into the club, but she had no interest in golf. Kelly was dressed for the weather. “Well?” she said. “Are you game?” “Why not,” I responded. “I’ve played some of my best golf in a light rain. What’s a little rain?”

Don got our cart ready and we took a few extra towels and off we went. We both blistered our drives down the center of the first fairway to about the 200-yard mark on the par 4 first hole, with Kelly outdriving me by about 15 yards or so. We were off.

We had the course to ourselves. How often does that happen?

Distance Envy

The first four holes went along fairly well and we were both playing at about our normal game. My friend Kelly can hit the snot out of the ball. She can easily hit her drive 210-220 yards and her fairway clubs almost as far. I hit the ball far, but not that far. I have distance envy every time we play.

When we teed off on the Par 5 fifth hole, Kelly blasted her drive to about 190 out, and her hit her second shot over the pond and just below the green. Although my drive came up at about 210 out, I was not willing to risk the long shot on this “always plays 20 yards longer than the yardage says” hole. I knew I couldn’t make it, and laid up in front of the pond. I stroked a sweet third shot to the green and made the tough downhill 6-foot putt for birdie four. Kelly chipped up and on, but had an impossibly long and difficult putt on this heartbreaker of a downhill sloping green. She left with bogie.

This green is a killer. In the blazing heat of late summer, you might barely tap a putt at the top of this green, only to have it roll clear off the bottom at the other end it gets so fast.

Our Par 4 seventh hole is 370 yards from the women’s tees. Easy right? Most of the women view this as the number one handicap hole – no matter what it says on the scorecard. In my eleven years as a member, par has found me here maybe half a dozen times.

The entire fairway slopes downhill to the left, so no one gets a flat lie unless you’ve made it to the fairway bunker at about 120 out. The right side rough is flanked with a nice row of trees. I don’t think I’ve ever made this green in regulation – even with two perfect shots. It simply plays long. The best approach shot comes from the left to help avoid the bowl.

The bowl? The green is small, as are most of our greens, and the tip of its oval shape faces you on approach. The front half of it is shaped like a small bowl. If the pin is up front, landing a shot and getting it close requires landing it on the top right and praying you get good roll down to the pin. The middle of the green has a giant hump on the left hand side protecting the back left – a favorite tournament pin placement. The back of green is one big downhill slope – same as the fairway. No matter where your putt is on this green, if it’s longer than two feet, it breaks; some have double breaks.

Not only did Kelly hit a monster drive on the Par 4 7th hole, but she was on the green in regulation and hit a long putt to get close, then dropped it in for par. I hit drive, rescue 4 to get close. On in three shots, but two putted for bogie on this crazy green. I was happy to leave with bogie.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Still lightly raining and we’re about to approach the ridge again. Our golf course runs along a ridge where the first and eighth holes run parallel to each other in opposite directions, and then on either side of those two, the rest of the seven holes are tucked into little valleys. We get a lot of wind.

As we made the turn the to play the back, it started to rain a little harder. We finished the 10th hole pretty wet, despite the cart, the towels, and our rain gear.

But Enough was Enough

As we made our way down the 11th fairway after watching our drives get pushed about 20 yards West from the “driving” wind, it started raining too hard even for us. We diehards we gave up the rain and the wind in favor of a dry and warm clubhouse.
Kelly was hot all around, carding a spectacular 39 for our 9 hole round to my 45. Wet weather golf – gotta love it.

Post Mortem

In an effort to finish the round, we went out the next day in stunning sunshine and hooked up with Dana to play the back nine.

With two holes left, we all teed off on the 17th. Dana hit a picture perfect drive down the fairway. Kelly and I both hit our drives into the pine trees 17th hole. This was the Happy Gilmore moment of the day. I took out my rescue and huddled under the pine tree branches to take a whack at the ball.

I couldn’t see a thing – just smacked and prayed. “Where did it go?” I called out to Dana. Dana was doubled over laughing and hollered out to Kelly, “You’ve got to see this!”

No, I did not jam the golf ball in with my hands. It’s a two-stroke penalty for hitting your own equipment in tournament play, but the girls let me off easy.

You just can’t make this stuff up.

Who Wasn’t Supporting Tom Watson for the Win?

2009-07-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

I don’t know anyone, that’s for sure. For two days I was glued to my television set like a fool. Laundry went undone. Business work went undone. I didn’t go outside on a beautiful day. Heck, I didn’t even play golf until the Open was done. I woke up and turned it on, made coffee and sat staring, shouting, cheering, and “awing” with the crowd. I had the TV on in every room in the house.

My teenage son said to me, “Mom, we have golf on every television! You give me a hard time for leaving my X-Box on and you have every TV in the house on the same channel!” I told him this was this was potential history in the making and I didn’t want to miss a thing. It couldn’t compare to whether or not he beat the next level in Guitar Hero.

Tom Watson mesmerized me. His humble smile, that twinkle in his eyes. That steady resolve. Sinking those amazingly long putts. I was, and remain, incredibly impressed by the strength and skill and distance that Watson delivered off the tee at 59 years old. Watson confirmed for all of us long hitters – male and female - that as we age gracefully into the later years of golf we can still bomb one down the fairway off the tee. At 53 years old and still hitting long, Tom was pure inspiration for me.

I almost fell off my couch in despair when Watson missed that putt on the eighteenth hole. It seemed as if he didn’t even make a proper stroke, pushing the ball with uncertainty towards the cup. That was not the Watson we saw putting for the prior four days. Perhaps that missed putt shook his mojo, as four more holes and many more miss-hits offered many opportunities for Stewart Cink to capture the win.

Jack Nicklaus, who was bested by Watson at Turnberry in 1977 in what history refers to as the famous "Duel in the Sun” has been in Watson’s shoes. He offered: "I don't think Tom was tired. But emotionally, he was spent. All his emotions were spent in those first 18 holes. When Stewart made birdie at 18, and then Tom made bogey, it just goes right through you.”

Imagine being Cink. He has the opportunity of a lifetime to capture his own first major, but to do it; he has to beat the man everybody wants to win. Is he the good guy or the bad guy? Does he play his heart out and pull the rug out from under the man about to achieve a history-making moment? Both men played their best in those last four holes. Cink played phenomenal golf and captured the win with obvious tears in his eyes. Tears of unmitigated joy at his own success, but mixed with a few bittersweet tears of sorrow for wresting this historic moment away Watson, who had enchanted the world with his skill and tenacity the prior four days.

"It's been a surreal experience for me," Cink said. "Not only playing one of my favorite courses and a wonderful tournament, but playing against Tom Watson. This stuff doesn't happen. I grew up watching him on TV, hoping to follow in his footsteps, not playing against him."

The world wanted Watson to win. Emotionally drained, he simply couldn't get it done. While he didn’t make history for picking up the sixth claret jug twenty plus years after his last win, Watson won the deep respect, admiration, joy, and love of the world this past weekend. Perhaps that's enough? Only Watson can say for sure.

“This ain’t a funeral, you know!” Watson chided at the press conference after the long and somewhat painful four-hole playoff ended all hopes of his capturing the event. Watson wanted us all to feel better. We wanted to feel better, too. We believed in Tom. It’s the tournament people will talk about for years to come. I wonder which they will talk about more? Watson’s famous Duel in the Sun where he beat Nicklaus by one shot in 1977 or the 2009 Open where at 59 years old he held an almost non-stop lead for four days, only to lose the tournament in a four hole playoff against Stewart Cink? Tough call.

When asked what his favorite memory of the event was afterwards, Watson responded, “Coming up the 18th hole again. Those memories are hard to forget. Coming up in the amphitheater of the crowd and having the crowd cheering you on like they do here for me...the feeling is mutual. And that warmth makes you feel human. It makes you feel so good." It looked like he had to pause a bit to get the words out without choking up. Tom spoke from the heart, especially to those in his adopted country, who calls him their, “Toom.”

Stewart Cink may have won the trophy and deservedly so, but Watson won the heart of the world. And mine, too.

Tom Watson is the Story of the Day. He Putts!

2009-07-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

What an incredible day at The Open.

Tom Watson sunk a monster putt for birdie that was my favorite the shot of the day. Yes it was a fabulous putt, but the joyful expression on Watson's face as the putt rolled into the cup, giving the elder statesman of the Open a share of the lead, was priceless. The golf Gods were smiling on Watson yesterday. He wasn't a odds on favorite to win, but you can be sure he's a fan favorite now. After a blistering 65 on day one, Watson banked a 70 today, finishing at five under par with Steve Marino. Who?

Yes, Steve Marino. Twenty-nine year old Marino shot two awesome rounds of 67 and 68. Carding a 68 in today's winds was an amazing accomplishment. Marino, in his winter hat, was focused and spot on. But no one seems to know who he is. According to the Open website, Marino had never even been to England before Tuesday and had never played a links course before he came to Turnberry. We’ve got two underdogs to root for!

Not to be outdone, Mark Calcavecchia nailed a shot to the green, narrowly missing an eagle 2 on the par 4, 14th hole, clipping the hole and pin. Calcavecchia finished the day one behind the leaders and again has his dedicated wife Brenda on the bag. Now that's teamwork.

Meanwhile, the world’s greatest player, Tiger Woods, with a score of 74 and five over par bowed out knowing he'd miss the cut, shocking fans, and headed for home. Woods has only missed finishing a major one other time – when his father passed away. He had a tough day with the wind; his angst visible on his face.

My man Daly is hanging in. The man famous for his long shots recorded a 72 in today’s howling wind, managing to make the cut to play for the weekend. He stands at even par at the end of day two – just five shots off the lead. Pretty incredible for the wild man of golf, that the world had dismissed as a contender. Daly in, Woods out? Who woulda thunk it. Head down, stay focused, John.

Golf Fashionista at the British Open

2009-07-16T20:20:00.001-07:00

You've just got to hand it to John Daly and Ian Poulter. These men not only know how to hit the ball, but they add life, excitement and yes patterns and color to an otherwise BORING pageantry of golf wear on the course. John Daly's girlfriend even sported a matching skirt to show support for her man, and support him she does.

It takes a confident man to wear these clothes. You go for it, John and Ian!

Although neither man finished in the top five today, they were the top two in my book in style points.

She Putts

2009-07-16T20:02:00.001-07:00

I had always wanted a vanity plate. In fact, I spent years thinking about what it might be, coming up with all kinds of goofy and fun ideas.

When I first got divorced, I toyed with the idea of "FNLYFREE", but with two teenagers, not to mention their father living across town, I wanted to be a little more respectful and mature about it.

I briefly considered using my last name on the plate since I had reclaimed it after my divorce, returning to the name I felt most comfortable with, but it didn't seem like it would be much fun to have "CRONK" on the license plate of my car.

So I was down to a beach theme or a golfing theme.

My close friend Linda and I share a love of the Delaware shore. She even bought a place there. We both spend at least a week there (she considerably more) every summer. Dewey Beach has become like a home away from home. Linda's place reads
2D OCEAN as it seems she is always headed to the ocean in the summertime - every weekend she can.

My answer to that was "DEWEYGRL" - as I was thinking about my favorite beach. It was available and would mean something to me, but to everyone else, it would raise an eyebrow. As a New Yorker, I suddenly realized that perhaps it would leave people thinking I was perhaps old enough to be a Thomas Dewey groupie, especially since the former Governor and one time Presidential candidate spent considerable time in my current home town of Pawling way back when. Scrap that.

My passion for golf had me thinking about all kinds of ideas. Golf ideas, however, usually include the word "ball". Not good. I tried for, "SHEGOLFS" but it was taken. "TEEITUP" was taken. "GOLFGRL" was taken. My creativity was waning and at last I thought of "SHEPUTTS." It was mine for the taking. I also happen to be a pretty good putter and enjoy it, so I was feeling like this might be the right plate for me.

My new plates arrived and I excitedly put them on the car. My teenagers thought I was a total dork. Two weeks later, I couldn't sink a putt to save my life. It was like I was jinxed. The slump lasted for a good month before it wore off, which thankfully it did.

I've gotten a lot of compliments on the plate - golfers always get a big kick out of it. Then one night a couple of weeks ago, I was waiting at a light in downtown Danbury. I hear a horn lightly, but excitedly beeping next to me. I turn to look left and there's a group of about four twenty-somethings with their windows rolled down motioning me to roll mine down too.

I roll down my window, thinking they are going to ask me for directions. Not so. One of them asks quizzically, "She puts? As in she puts out?" I almost doubled over laughing. "No," I chortled. "She putts - as in GOLF!" Out of the mouths of huh?

We all had a good laugh as we drove away.

The LPGA

2009-07-15T05:10:00.000-07:00

Women’s golf is in trouble. The first positive step was taken, in my opinion, with Bivins stepping down after four years of turmoil and a players’ revolt. From the beginning she alienated players and then sponsors, resulting in the loss of 7 tournaments from the tour since 2007. Bivens had big ideas (better pension, health coverage and higher purses) but her style and execution ruffled too many feathers and added too many overhead costs associated with tournaments. The most visible was in requiring all players to speak English in an International world. The Tour has changed and added delightful breadth and depth to the roster, but her xenophobia was startling.

There was so much player angst about her long time actions that it almost threatened to overshadow the recent U.S. Women’s Open. A group of key players called for her resignation and got it on July 9th.

The LPGA named Real Admiral Marsha J. Evans, a retired navy officer and a member of the LPGA Board as interim commissioner while it searches for a permanent replacement. Hopefully Marsha can steady this sinking ship, create some positive media opportunities and drive viewership, and protect the brand while they search for new long-term leadership.

Marsha has had her own share of “command and control” issues as evidenced by her step down from the CEO position at the Red Cross in 2005. But right now anything is better than Bivens. Go Marsha. Even if you’re just temporary, you can have impact.

Another smart move? Appointing LPGA Hall of Famer and recently retired (say it isn’t so) player Annika Sorenstam as an Advisor to the Board of Directors. According to the LPGA, the challenging events of the last ten days prompted Annika ito reach out to Dawn Hudson, Chairman of the LPGA Board of Directors, who took her up on her offer of help and created the position of Board Advisor. Between this, her personal charities and events, and a baby girl soon on the way, Annika will have her hands full.

Interesting that one idea that was floated was for the PGA to take over managing the LPGA tour. The biggest obstacle was seen as the VAST disparity between the pension plans for the tours. Why shouldn’t the LPGA members have pension plans that are equivalent to that of the PGA members? Seems like fair and equal treatment to me. Am I missing something here?

Perhaps if the PGA were managing the tour, the resources that have figured out how to deliver all that great marketing and viewership would be on tap, too.

One Time Only

2009-07-12T20:08:00.001-07:00

It was the last hole of my dawn patrol golf run. As I came through the woodland path from the eighth green to the open area in front of the ninth tee box, I looked left towards the green to check the pin and towards the club house.

It was only 6:45 am, but Bob, my favorite pro shop assistant, was already standing on the practice putting green with his coffee and a smoke. He waved when he saw me. I noticed someone walking up to the men's first tee, but couldn't see his face. I was on a mission at this point with one hole to go. It was a work day and I had to finish my round.

The pin was up front about fifteen feet off the front of the green, right in the middle of this elongated green. The right side of the green is a bit of a bowl that doesn't really flatten out until you get far left, then it drops into a sand trap on the left. With this pin placement I knew I had to aim a little short and right.

I stood on the tee with my eight iron, 117 yards from the green. I took a couple of practice swings, set up behind the ball and swung for my mark. The ball left the tee sailing up in a perfect art over the pond towards the green. It landed just off the right side of the green and bounced on, making a smooth left hand turn and rolled towards the pin.

"Oh my God," I said to no one. "It's gonna go in!" And it did. I shrieked loud enough for them to hear me at my house two miles away and made a beeline for my bag. Bob was already coming towards the green to meet me with Mark Janssen in tow. Now I knew who the guy about to tee off was.

There were hugs all around after I pulled my ball from the hole. Suddenly my eyes welled up with tears with the headiness of the moment. I just couldn't help myself. The person I most wanted to share this moment with, my Mom, was gone, having died of cancer three years before. Smiling through my tears, I knew Mom must have witnessed this spectacular shot from above.

Dew Busting

2009-07-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

Working full-time left little time for golf; not to mention, I had gotten the competitive bug. My game was in decent form and I enjoyed practicing, especially on the course. The best time to practice was early morning when I had the course to myself. My dad's words constantly echoed in my ears, "If you want to be a good golfer, go hit balls until your hands bleed." I didn't really want bloody hands, but I'd usually got a pretty good left hand callus going by June.

The depth of my passion for golf had become legendary among friends and family. Unfortunately, it had also grown in direct proportion to the decline in the passion in my marriage. Oh sure, we both played golf, but we didn't "play" at much else together. I was winning tournaments, but not hearts. I was working out a lot more on the course than my game.

Several times a week when summer provided long days, I crept out of bed before the alarm went off at 4:45 am, slipped on my golf shorts, shirt, socks and hopped in the car with my shoes and drove the two miles in semi darkness down the road to the course. In that brief time, the sky would lighten up just enough to tee off.

I can still remember standing on the first tee, still half awake with the diffused grey light all around, the Eastern sky revealing the rising sun, while the pale moon stubbornly refused to give up the night to the West. It was almost completely silent, except for a few chirping birds and the sound of the commuter train 's signal echoing in the distance.

No time to waste, I teed up my ball, stretched and took a few practice swings before letting a good full swing rip. On impact, the sound of the sweet spot of the club face hitting that ball let me know it was a good clean hit. The trajectory of the ball flight was smooth and straight down the center of the fairway, leaving me with a 185-yard shot to the green. My second shot three wood left me slightly short of the green, but I chipped on and sunk a nice long putt through the dew for par. This was a good start.

Escape? Absolutely. Peacefulness? No doubt. Some people meditate; some people run or just walk. I prefer to walk with a golf club in my hands whenever possible.

My morning sojourns on the golf course helped me work out a lot of thoughts, life issues and make plans. Those mornings also helped me win two Women's Handicap Club Championships. Busting dew is a fabulous way to start the day.