Vintage

I've been taking golf lessons... Last night, I went golfing with my instructor on the par 3 course (the range has one - we started at the range). I shot a 33 (+6). My putting was god awful. I had back to back 3 putt bogeys. Ouch. I had no business shooting anything over a 30. But....stupid is, as stupid does sometime. De-accelerating when putting FTW! Cost me at least 2 strokes....and probably closer to double it. I don't know why I do it; but everytime I get on a sloooooooow green, I do. On faster greens, this problem ceases to exist. Concentration is key. My mind was wandering off.

Usually, no. I've only had beer on the course a handful of times. One time, though.... my friends and I did get intoxicated on the course. We still repaired ball marks, threw empties into the garbage, and adhered to proper golf rules/etiquette. The only thing that suffered were our scores. It was fun....but not something I plan on doing again.

I'll play in a little rain. But if its pouring, I head back. I'm not really fond of cold rain.

I also hope you read the following sentences, too. (The point being; while the odds are that someone better dressed is more likely to repair ball marks, etc... its not because they are better dressed. Take someone dressed "poorly", dress them up, and they aren't anymore likely to repair ball marks. Rather, its the individual, not how they are dressed that impacts this.)

I've got 2 that had me super-pumped last Sunday. On the 2nd hole, got myself into some trouble and had a 30' putt for par. I had to start it a good 10' right of the cup bec. of the break. I found the apex of the break, trusted my read, hit the putt. It lipped out. Tapped in for bogey. On the 8th hole, I had a 20' for par. Had to start it a good 6' right of the cup.... lipped out again. Two putts with a ton of break. Two lip outs. But I was pleased with the effort I made in those putts.

I went with a friend about a month ago....and we got matched up with a random 3rd. I always get nervous when this sort of stuff happens, and I play worse. However, this guy was pretty cool. He talked to us.... he joked with us... he was an ideal person to get randomly matched up with. I think he missed two fairways all day. That was pretty intimidating.

I'll echo the G10 plug. I've got the same thing, except mine is an 18* hybrid.

You obviously haven't had the pleasure of seeing someone dressed as a wannabe Tiger, drive his cart drunk almost on the green on a "stiff" course. Or have had the pleasure of some guy wearing cut off jean shorts and a t-shirt with his kid running you down to return a club you left behind the green. :) Yes, the odds are probably better that someone better dressed is more likely to take care of the course. But when I see someone dressed nicely/poorly, I don't assume anything. Odds may suggest one thing; but its just odds. It doesn't have an impact on the individual at all. The individual makes the choice. And I am fine giving him/her the benefit of the doubt until he/she proves me wrong.

10.5* Driver 15* 3 Wood 18* Hybrid 3-PW, 56* SW, Putter I really need to get a gap wedge. My PW is 46*, IIRC.

$200 for my Odyessy 2 Ball SRT putter. I really like it, though. The other day, played 9 holes, and had 4 putts between the 20' and 30' range with some nasty breaks. Lipped 'em all out. I think my putting is finally coming around. I actually am more confident putting from 20' out than I am from the 8-10' area.

I think it should be up to the individual courses (and it is, for the most part). If you want to join a more "strict" set of dress code type club, then join that. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, join a club that allows for that. And if you join one or the other...adhere to it. You should know their rules regarding dress before you join. And if you don't like it, FIND A NEW ONE. I personally have no problem with what anyone chooses to wear. I've played some courses that are pretty strict; and I've played some courses that are more relaxed. I have no problem with either. I actually like wearing polos when golfing. I prefer to wear khaki shorts (in summer, when its humid), but I am ok with khaki pants. I do tend to enjoy the looser atmosphere more though. I like talking to people. At the course I've spent most of my summer golfing this summer (last summer was more of a "yuppie" type atmosphere in comparison)...its looser. I've had people approach me, talk to me. I've been offered a beer. I've heard roars of happiness on good shots. And yes, I've had my golf ball roll through some unfortunate ball marks on the green. And I am ok with that. I love golfing; but I also love encountering the different people on this course....rather than the same, old, stiff people that I usually encountered last summer. And for whomever complained about sandals... I spent $70 on my footjoy sandals. I'm wearing them. Yuppie course or not. :)