Golf!!!2!

[DoubleK]

Highwood yesterday. Course is in pretty decent shape, best by far of anywhere I've played this year.

But 5+ hour rounds are inexcusable, especially on a course that easy and short.

[Derek Sutton]

Played four rounds so far plus one 9 hole league night. Scoring really consistent but getting there in different ways; 89,91,90, 90 and a 45 at league. I'm a 17.1 on Golf Canada which is my lowest ever. The thing is I had been just finding different ways to bogey around the course with the odd par or double sprinkled in, until yesterday. Yesterday was both satisfying and frustrating, as I made six pars but also 4 doubles as well as two 7's and an 8 with an OB and one in the water.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

I got home though and for the first time I seem to have golfer's elbow on my right arm. It's not all that painful, just a bit tender, but has anyone had this and any thoughts to prevent it in the future? I'm just not sure what I must have done, I was trying to take a bit more of a divot than I typically do and that worked out OK for me, maybe that additional turf interaction was enough to do it? I only hit like 10-12 balls on the range beforehand, too, so it's not like I overdid it.

I had a similar thing that turned into a bursa sack issue requiring 20cc of liquid being drained. The sports medicine ortho recommended this.

https://www.amazon.com/Copper-Fit-Pe...68231694&psc=1

Wear it religiously and haven't had a problem since. Makes for an ugly tan line, but if it keeps the elbow together and eliminates pain I can deal with the ridicule of the tan line.

[Dion]

We were on the 14th hole when a few drops rain started to fall. Quickly came the thunder and a huge downpour. As we headed back to the clubhouse it began to hail. By the time we got to the clubhouse it was full of golfers escaping the weather and having lunch. Just a bunch of drowned rats trying to dry off.

[Rutuu]

Originally Posted by Lanny_McDonald

Awesome Rutuu! Golfing Australia is on my bucket trip list. Need a full debrief at some point.

Have another golf junket planned for next month. Two weeks of golf on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama. Last time I played it was in early spring, so some of the courses were not fully transitioned. This time everything will be pristine. Can't wait!

Well the rain stayed away long enough to get our rounds in on Mornington Peninsula.

Played 5 rounds over the 4days that we were in the area. For those that are not familiar with Mornington Peninsula, it is a strip of vacation towns south of Melbourne (1-1.5hrs) where you can find wineries, beach, spas and of 15+ golf courses in close proximity. If you stay in Rosebud, like we did, you have a 10-15min drive to each course, and it is 1.5hrs from Tullamarine which is the main airport in the north of Melbourne.

The courses in the area follow the links style, the holes follow the natural contours of the area, with deep bunkers scattered amongst the layout. The lies are tight, and you can putt from 70+m out from the greens. The greens themselves are pool table slick and run true everywhere. Weather is of course in play with these layouts, with wind changing how you play each hole.

Moonah Links (36hole complex – Green Fee $125): The crown jewel of the area, at least according to them, as they claim to be the “Home of Australian Golf”. The courses are “The Open” and “The Legends”. We played both 18’s on the same day.

(#1) Legends is the more playable of the two courses, with larger greens and some memorable holes (16th green is the size of a school field and has significant elevation changes). The course has ample tee box options, and reasonable landing areas for those that spray it. It does get tough at the greens like all the other courses in the area, but it is fair and not overdone. It will likely be your favourite course, as it was mine on this trip.
(#3) Open Course is tighter, and more difficult at the greens, with more bunkers. It is a challenge, but still fair and enjoyable.
The accommodation in the area of Moonah Links is amazing, but you are further from the action.
(#2) Dunes (27 holes – Green Fee $105): The most popular course on the peninsula, it churns through 200+ golfers per day. The clubhouse is beautiful, the course condition is magnificent, and there are numerous memorable holes.

(#4) St. Andrews Beach (18holes – Green Fee $95): They need a better club house, but the golf is great. The #1 index hole is tough, and there are a few blind shots, which can make it difficult for first timers. In general, the layout is decent, but it can get a little overdone at the greens. A good score here is an impressive one.

Accommodation: There are a number of purpose built vacation homes in the towns around the Peninsula. We had 8 in our group so the 3 night stay from Thurs – Sunday worked out to $450 each, so $1200 per night.

Travel: We rented a big van from the airport which you can drive with a normal drivers licence. It fit everyone comfortably with our golf travel bags and a carry on. When in Rosebud we used the odd uber to get to venues.

Eats: Lots of nice restaurants and bars in the area. We went to the St Andrews Brewery for the big night out, live music, indoor/outdoor venue, great menu, and good crafts / wines.

[KOU]

Anyone have suggestions for good evening deals? A group of us have been playing a decent amount after work, and with the days getting longer it should be possible to squeak in evening 18's soon.

We play Rivers Edge just outside Okotoks a lot and find it hard to beat for an overall price/course package. Are there any others you suggest trying?

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Originally Posted by Slava

My wife had this a couple years ago, and she wore one of those bands. It worked and she recovered and doesn’t have any issues now.

Thanks. How long was the recovery? I'm in this weird situation where the swelling has now mostly gone down, pain in my forearm is almost nil, and the elbow itself isn't sore unless I lean on it, but I'm concerned it'll come back / worsen if I head back out there. I'm taking the week off (next tee time Monday morning of next week and will skip the range), and I got a kind of band/compression sleeve combo that I'll wear along with a theraband flexbar because apparently using that helps. But I don't want to be in a situation where I'm unable to play for a longer period because I made it worse by not giving it enough time to heal.

[DoubleK]

Originally Posted by KOU

Anyone have suggestions for good evening deals? A group of us have been playing a decent amount after work, and with the days getting longer it should be possible to squeak in evening 18's soon.

We play Rivers Edge just outside Okotoks a lot and find it hard to beat for an overall price/course package. Are there any others you suggest trying?

I play in the men's league there. Hard to beat it for value around Calgary.

[Slava]

Anyone here using Aimpoint? I’m thinking of trying it out, but I’m also not planning on paying for a clinic. I’ve watched some videos and it seems fairly straightforward. Anyone have any insights?

[AFireInside]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

Thanks. How long was the recovery? I'm in this weird situation where the swelling has now mostly gone down, pain in my forearm is almost nil, and the elbow itself isn't sore unless I lean on it, but I'm concerned it'll come back / worsen if I head back out there. I'm taking the week off (next tee time Monday morning of next week and will skip the range), and I got a kind of band/compression sleeve combo that I'll wear along with a theraband flexbar because apparently using that helps. But I don't want to be in a situation where I'm unable to play for a longer period because I made it worse by not giving it enough time to heal.

Mine lasted well over a year. I tried everything. I played through it which probably didn't help. I also have a bone spur which makes it worse. I ended up getting PRP, and initially I thought it didn't work, but the pain in that elbow disappeared a couple months later. Mine was so bad that I had difficulty holding a coffee cup for awhile, then the tip of the elbow became incredibly sensitive, and that lasted for a long time.



The good news is I don't know anyone that had the issues I did.

[DoubleK]

Originally Posted by Slava

Anyone here using Aimpoint? I’m thinking of trying it out, but I’m also not planning on paying for a clinic. I’ve watched some videos and it seems fairly straightforward. Anyone have any insights?

I think there is only one Aimpoint instructor in town and the individual is not someone I care to give money to or spend any time near him.

[Dion]

Played in a 2 person best ball tournament at my club. In the Men's Division a buddy and I finished with a net 67 with the winners shooting a net 59. Weather was awesome and we had a great turn out.

[Rutuu]

Originally Posted by Slava

Anyone here using Aimpoint? I’m thinking of trying it out, but I’m also not planning on paying for a clinic. I’ve watched some videos and it seems fairly straightforward. Anyone have any insights?

I've been using it for a few years. Originally I paid $50 for the video from the official site, bought a digital spirit level and hit the practice green.

At the same time I was tracking my putts with Arccos. Saw a dramatic improvement in a short time frame, +2 SG. I reduced three putts as the technique gave more confidence for the line on short putts. Before aimpoint I'd play too much break and my speed was too tentative.

Just reading greens with your feet is a huge step forward for most golfers that ask me about it. Most greens are a 1 or 2 then it's speed control.

Aimpoint also makes you a faster player as you don't have to be one of those folks that looks at it from both sides, and then looks baffled when the ball breaks the opposite way. Plus you make more putts so you're putting less.

The 90second video with Adam Scott is enough to learn it to the level you'll need. Then before a round I'll calibrate by going to the putting green, feeling a slope that feels like a 3 and hitting a few putts. Ready to go.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Rutuu

I've been using it for a few years. Originally I paid $50 for the video from the official site, bought a digital spirit level and hit the practice green.

At the same time I was tracking my putts with Arccos. Saw a dramatic improvement in a short time frame, +2 SG. I reduced three putts as the technique gave more confidence for the line on short putts. Before aimpoint I'd play too much break and my speed was too tentative.

Just reading greens with your feet is a huge step forward for most golfers that ask me about it. Most greens are a 1 or 2 then it's speed control.

Aimpoint also makes you a faster player as you don't have to be one of those folks that looks at it from both sides, and then looks baffled when the ball breaks the opposite way. Plus you make more putts so you're putting less.

The 90second video with Adam Scott is enough to learn it to the level you'll need. Then before a round I'll calibrate by going to the putting green, feeling a slope that feels like a 3 and hitting a few putts. Ready to go.

I guess that was sort of my plan. I watched a video and I get how to do it. They’re offering a clinic at my club, honestly I just don’t know how necessary it is. It’s $250, and I’m just too cheap to do that I think. I’m not sure what you’d get for that kind of money that isn’t just online?

Maybe I’ll buy a digital level and try this on the practice greens, and see how it goes.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Looking at memberships this coming week. It's simply too difficult to get tee times in Vancouver without one & my schedule allows me to play weekdays so could stand to meet some new golf colleagues with similar schedules.

Any things to look out for that I'm maybe not keeping in mind?

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

Looking at memberships this coming week. It's simply too difficult to get tee times in Vancouver without one & my schedule allows me to play weekdays so could stand to meet some new golf colleagues with similar schedules.

Any things to look out for that I'm maybe not keeping in mind?

I think you want to look into the types of memberships that a club offers, and tee time booking privileges. Some clubs have certain limits for certain members, and some members can’t book at certain times. If you have a spouse and they’re going to want to play, you might want to keep that in mind. Then, of course, you want to get a feel for how accessible the tee sheet is in general. Through Covid, and with people “working from home”, golf courses have been busy and that is the same with the clubs. Combine that with corporate tournaments, leagues and the availability to just play a round can be tight!

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by Slava

I think you want to look into the types of memberships that a club offers, and tee time booking privileges. Some clubs have certain limits for certain members, and some members can’t book at certain times. If you have a spouse and they’re going to want to play, you might want to keep that in mind. Then, of course, you want to get a feel for how accessible the tee sheet is in general. Through Covid, and with people “working from home”, golf courses have been busy and that is the same with the clubs. Combine that with corporate tournaments, leagues and the availability to just play a round can be tight!

I'm 39 and looking to take advantage of intermediate buy in rates which are under 40 here.

Some courses like Point Grey have actually stopped offering that since they were up to a 7 year wait!
They are 70k buy-in at full play rate and still a 2-3 year wait which is insane.

I figure it's only going to get worse with a growing & aging population and no land to build new courses here.
Doing a tour & trial round at Quilchena this week which is $7800 buy in for my age + monthlies.
Far more reasonable.

My wife is not going anywhere near a golf course; except maybe sipping mimosas at the Club house

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

I'm 39 and looking to take advantage of intermediate buy in rates which are under 40 here.

Some courses like Point Grey have actually stopped offering that since they were up to a 7 year wait!
They are 70k buy-in at full play rate and still a 2-3 year wait which is insane.

I figure it's only going to get worse with a growing & aging population and no land to build new courses here.
Doing a tour & trial round at Quilchena this week which is $7800 buy in for my age + monthlies.
Far more reasonable.

My wife is not going anywhere near a golf course; except maybe sipping mimosas at the Club house

My wife thought she’d “try out” golf when I got a membership. She loves it, and it’s great that her and I can play together. The drawback is there have been a couple times where I’ve had terrible rounds and she’s played really well and beaten me. Somehow, that scorecard was immediately sent to my golfing buddies and I’ll never hear the end of it! I guess what I’m saying, is having her not play isn’t the worst idea!

[Rutuu]

Originally Posted by Slava

I guess that was sort of my plan. I watched a video and I get how to do it. They’re offering a clinic at my club, honestly I just don’t know how necessary it is. It’s $250, and I’m just too cheap to do that I think. I’m not sure what you’d get for that kind of money that isn’t just online?

Maybe I’ll buy a digital level and try this on the practice greens, and see how it goes.

Yup. It's a good plan.

Tips:
1. The longer the level the better read you'll get on the % slope.
2. You'll want to learn Aimpoint Express, as there is a more involved aimpoint system that is more complicated that predated express.

• Short putts (0-7ft) you take one reading and line your finger up with the low side of the hole.
  
  Medium putts (7-20ft) you take two readings, one from where the ball is and one from the half way mark. Use the largest value, then you line your finger up with the middle of the hole now.
  
  Long putts (20ft+) you take three readings, one from where the ball is, one from a third of the way to the hole, and the last from the last third. Use the largest value and line your finger up with the middle of the hole.
  
  Double breaks: Take a reading from the mid point of the putt and the starting line, use the largest value and line your finger up with the middle of the hole.
  
  Trouble shooting: I mentioned before that I calibrate on the putting green before, what you do is change how far you hold your hand out until the fingers you are holding up matches the break aimpoint that the greens are rolling. Faster greens will have you holding your hand closer to you and vice versa (faster = more break for the same slope).
  
  Sometimes if there are funny things in the putt along the path I'm choosing I'll take readings outside of the standard and work them into the calc (e.g.: take the biggest value). Readings closer to the hole also count MORE, since as the putt slows down the grade of the green will have more effect on the path than when the ball was travelling faster.
  
  Finally, the aimpoint you get from your fingers is the starting path of the putt. It is calibrated for a putt that travels 18" past the hole. If you putt faster, less break, or slower, more break. So I build that into how I employ the system. Also grain is a thing down here, as can be wind, so I'll add 0.25% for each if they're helping, and take 0.25% away for each if they're hurting.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Slava]

Awesome, thank you!