Tuesday Men - Come on Down!

Looks like another absolutely beautiful day is in store for our area. The course has dried out and drained substantially from the rains of last week (I know, getting ready for the rains of this week). The greens are back to their former selves - the greensmower returned to the fold last Friday after a change of the fuel injectors. You shouldn't have to be as aggressive with your putting today; still want to get your ball to the hole though. The surrounds are still devilishly high - good way to avoid them is to get those GIR's - you know, do like Darren Clark says: fairways, greens and make a putt every now and then. Otherwise, get out your wedge and pop your ball onto the green - come down on the ball, make solid contact, and, of course, apply just the right touch. Sounds simple but isn't. Do want you to know that there have been suggestions on how to eliminate 80% to 90% of greenside problems? About a year ago, on a slow mid week day with not all that many people on the golf course, Ken Graehler came up to me after playing his round and said - Mike, I got a suggestion for you on speeding play - double the width of your collars (the seven foot area adjacent to the green). Of course, I knew right off what he was talking about - get rid of some of that long, grabby grass in the surrounds. And he's right but that would also reduce the opportunities for players to show their expertise with their wedges and their touch. Personally I think we need to make some of the greensides even more challenging, especailly around the easily reached holes like number two and number four. In any case, today we have much drier conditions, some sun and some warmth, and faster greens. Should be fun.

A little history: ten years ago, Jack Cook was the leader in the Individual competition with Gary Burris and Don Nolan nipping at his heels. Scott Hickman had the low gross with a 35 while Skip Ackerman had the low net with a 32.

Our leaders today: Terry Butcher and Jeff Doyle (he was out yesterday for a little practice wanting to improve by a bunch on his shanky performance of a week ago) in Team competition and Tony Wease in the Inidvidual competition. Should see some better scores today - most of the rust of winter should be gone and conditions are favorable. Come on down, guys, and enjoy the day and the golf.