Finally... a 79.

[deafheaven]

Getting into the 70's just once was a major goal for me.

As some of you may be aware, it's been a pretty tough year for me. Some health issues, laid off from work, trouble sleeping, and a lot of really bad golf. Got so bad I pondered quitting the game at one point.

Anyway, I've been feeling much better lately. A change in diet did wonders for how I was feeling physically. My new Speedline driver has given me just enough added distance to really make a difference. I slept the best I have in a long long time last night... 7 hrs of uninterrupted sleep.

My playing partner canceled on me so I wasn't going to go out but I felt so good and rested that I went out by myself.

Kind of struggled through the front 9 but mitigated any damage by just playing smart and taking what was there... not pushing or trying to do anything beyond my capabilities. Shot a 41 which for me is very good but the front being easier than the back, shooting a 79 would be unlikely so I never really though about it.

Then on the back 9 everything started clicking. Put my approach shot into the sandtrap on the 10th hole but chipped it out of the sand to within 4 inches. Continued playing really well (for me) and I get to the 15th hole which is a really long par 5. I'm not a long hitter so this is a tough hole for me. At this point i've added up my score and a 79 really doesn't look possible but I figure I can shoot low 80's and I'll be happy. Well I hit 3 nice shots in a row and then chip in from off the green. BIRDIE!!!! I'm hooping and hollering and punching my fist in the air. YES!!!

Now it dawns on me that I have a real chance here. There are three holes left, a par 4, then a par 5 and then another par 4. 15 strokes will give me my 79. So I'm thinking 5 on each hole.

16th hole
Adrenalin is pumping so rather than laying up short for my approach shot I decide to use the driver and try to go over the lateral water hazzard that is about 200 yds out. THWACK!! It fades a little but I'm safely over and have a perfect view of the green from about 140 yds out.

I shoud say HAD a perfect view because before I can hit my approach shot the grounds keeper goes onto the green to move the hole. And he moves it behind a sandtrap!! AAARGH!!!! Not only can I no longer hit directly toward the pin because I'm worried about hitting the trap, I also have to wait for him to finish which messes with my tempo and rhythm

So I hit towards the centre of the green (where the pin used to be) and it was beautiful... right where I was aiming. With my adrenalin pumping I hit it a little further than I wanted but it was just on the fringe at the back of the green. Hit a pretty good chip shot but missed an easy putt which would have given me a 4 and really set myself up nicely for the final two holes. Oh well... I was planning on a 5 anyway so it's all good.

17th.
Hit a poor shot with my driver which slices right. Fortunately it was just long enough to go past the swamp lining the right of the fairway. I'm a long way away though. I have no alternative but to use my 3 Wood, a club which is very inconsistent for me. THWACK!!! Perfect.. well hit down the right hand side. Because my tee shot was so short though I have to use my 3 Wood again for my next shot. THWACKADOOM!!! Another perfect shot directly at the pin, it lands just in front of the green and rolls up onto it just 4 ft from the pin. I actually have another shot at birdie. A birdie here all but guarantees my 79. At this point, as you can imagine, I'm squeezing my putter pretty tightly and I miss the relatively easy putt but make the next one for my par... a 5.

18th
Negative thoughts are creeping into my head. I could easily be another couple of strokes better. I force those negative thoughts out of my head. On this hole, I most often shoot a 6 but a 5 isn't impossible. My second shot will be the key so I tell myself, "just keep your drive in play". THWACK!!! Pretty good drive... not the longest I've ever hit but it's going straight.

I'm about 200 yds away which for me is a 3 wood. Decision time. Do I risk hitting yet another 3 Wood or go with a more consistent club? I decide that I've been pushing my luck with the 3 wood so I grab my FYbrid which is a club I'm very consistent with. I can't reach the green from where I am, and I know I'll be putting a lot of pressure on my next shot which will be a chip shot but... it seems to me that it will give me my best chance.

SHWING!!! nicely hit and lands about 30 yds from the green, as I anticipated.

I rarely 3 putt so now I'm thinking if I can just not flub this all I have to do is 2 putt and that precious 79 is mine. Played a bump and run with my 7 iron.... nice... really nice... I'm about 5 feet away and I'm feeling it's in the bag. Gripping the putter pretty tightly and I come up short but it's just a tap in for my 5.

What an awesome day.

It's good to know that at 47 I can still improve. BTW... 29 putts. I did make 3 long putts but it was really my approach shots that led to a lot of 1 putts.

[shankapotamus]

I think this also gives hopes to those small hitters who can only hit their 3 woods 200 yrds that you can break 80.

Congratulations BTW!

[Dub]

Outstanding milestone.


For the average guy...I equate that score to a tour player who wins a major. Seriously, it's an accomplishment that nobody can strip you off. You know you've done what was needed.....fought off the pressures and personal demons and triumphed. Nice job. Now that you've been there you knjow you can make it back.

Sounds like the round came at a pivotal time for you. Don't give up the game now.....it could be a great source of relaxation and fun for you.


I like how you stood there with 3 holes left and calculated a number to go after...a realistic number. I can't imagine how I'd have dealt with waiting on the hole to be moved....arggghhhhhh. (one thing I've doing lately, when I encounter delays...is to pull out my LW and bounce balls off the face....just something stupid to do that kills time and keeps you feeling a club in your hand).


Sorry about your job...it has been scary times for so many folks. Hopefully you will rebound soon.


I have no idea the reason for your sleep trouble.....but if it's sleep apnea (snoring) then I can only stress how sucessful a brief sleep study and perscription for a C-PAP machine can be. It was such an immediate benefit.......


Good luck.

[deafheaven]

Thanks a lot guys. Really appreciate the comments DUB. The job thing is a great concern. It's pretty scary out there right now for a lot of people. I'm going to look into a government (Canadian) program called 2nd Career. If nothing else, at least it will buy me some time while I add to my skillset.

The health issues have been mostly diabetic related. That and of course the depression and stress that comes with being out of work. The sleep problem is pretty much directly related to the previous two issues. I owe my improving health mostly to broccoli salad lol.

[Fat Slice]

Congrats! That's a great milestone and one I've been chasing myself. Congrats also on the diet change and good luck on the job front.

[Dub]

Well then, Amen to broccoli salad and flush struck 3 woods.

[Hitman]

Congat's, I just got home from the best golfing day of my life. Got ask to play in a best ball with a few guy's I barely knew and we wound up winning at -12 with a chip in eagle, then played after the tournament and I also shot 79, best round to date, with 2 double boggey's. Make's me think that all the work is starting to pay off.

[normdamarine]

Congrats bro... Set a new goal... 77 maybe???

[Mr Eagle]

Always goes ping tong for me at the end of any decent round,dosnt matter what course Im playing 15,16,& 17 are where I get the wobbles. The pressure then being off 9 out of 10 I'll par or birdie the last.........poxy game.........wheres the bar?

[golfbarefoot]

Congrats! A great accomplishment. With your enthusiam and positive attitude, many more will come to you. Keep setting those goals, it's a great feeling crossing each one of the list and thanks for sharing.