The Golf Match

Yesterday was a really good day. I left work early. Went to play golf with M, Tees & Dan at the Links at Spring Church. I played really freak’n well!!! It was the first time I played Dan, and he talks the about all the great courses he plays all over the country, so it was a little intimidating at first. He had me by 1 stroke after the first hole. But, on the second, he crushes a ball out of bounds and I take him by 2 strokes, now I am winning by 1!!! GAME ON!!!

We went back and forth for 3 holes, and then I played him even for 2. I was down a stroke when we tee off on number 8, he pars the hole & I take a double bogy. That was the way we finished the front 9, I was down by 3.

Dan comes out smoke'’n on the back. After 3 holes he gains another 5 strokes on me, I am now down by 8 with 6 holes to play... not looking real good for me at this point. But, as they say: Don'’t give up!!! don't ever give up!!! I par number 13, he double bogies, I get back one more stroke on 14, then we hit the "teeth" of the course.

Number 15 is a long par 5. This hole is 520 yards, and plays every bit of it. We both bogy. Number 16 is a massive par 4, 410 yards. I get back another stroke. Number 17 is another long hole, a 190 yard par 3, I get one more back. So, when we tee off on number 18, I have gotten back to even for the back 9 & down by 3 strokes overall.

Now, number 18 is my favorite hole on the course. A 503 yard par 5, all down hill, with a pond right in front of the green. I pop my tee shot up in the air & need a great second shot to have a chance. I CRUSH the ball, right down the middle. I am sitting sweet in the fairway about 145 yards out. Dan sliced his second and is in trouble. He had to punch-out for his 3rd. I am half tempted to take an extra club, so to be sure I clear the water... but then I say F-it!!! trust the club. I nail the green in regulation, pin high, about 10 feet away from birdy. Dan misses the green, he scrubbs his first chip, then has a weak chip for his 6th shot & is look'’n at double bogy, possibly worse. Dan sinks a 12 footer for double, now I need this putt for the birdy, just for the tie. I had the line... the speed was good... it just lipped out!!! It was a good par, but I end up losing by 1. ONE FREAK'’N STROKE!!!

What a fun match. I enjoyed the hell out it.

(Edit... I added a picture of the approach & the 18th green)

Everyone have a great & safe day.