A Golf Blog

Heavyweight Spring Maintenance

The cooler early spring weather is behind us here at the 'ranch' and with that, it's time to kick into some heavyweight spring time maintenance.

Last week, our 'super' aerated the greens complex. The temperatures have held and the greens are starting some vigorous growth. In the next several days, we won't even be able to tell that they'd been aerated.

As last year, we're also getting the fairways 'punched'. But, unlike last year, the ground is much softer due to the cooler and wetter spring. The aerator is getting anywhere between a 9 and 12 inch punch. This will really help reduce compaction and we should expect positive results through the entire season. The plan is to have it done once more when our turf begins to go dormant late this fall.

The best part is that play has not been suspended and the job leaves only neat manicured holes in the ground.

The down side (today) is that we've got gusts to 45mph - no golf for me. That's just not fun!

By the way, many thanks to our benefactors in AZ at Robson - they've bent over backwards to help us keep ahead of the maintenance curve. For those of you that might be local to the DFW Metroplex, you can find the 'ranch' on GolfNow.com - look at courses in the Dallas area and select Robson Ranch. Or, if you'd prefer, ping me via a comment on the blog and I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Keep it in the short grass.

Charity Golf

I played in a charity golf tournament yesterday - you know the format; 4 man scramble. Winner's carded a 59 and that was after 6 random holes ( 3 on the front and 3 on the back) that were declared pars regardless of what the score actually was. That meant they had to have a couple of eagles in the mix. Played at Tour 18 Dallas and the course was in pretty good shape. A direct result of cooler, wet weather.

The tournament benefited RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) of Denton. They had a great turnout and 'the ranch' is a big supporter and sponsor.

Too bad the round took 6 hours - ugh!

Something's Working

Just after the first of the year, I wrote about a 'Winter Golf Project'. I must say that I had some reservations about announcing to anyone that could read I was ready to tackle a 3 pronged project to improve my golf game. Part one was to get fitted with custom clubs, part two was to address the physical part of the game, and part three was all about what's in the 5 inch space between my ears.

It's time for a progress update.

As for custom clubs - I'm having something of a quandary here. My drivers have been in 'time out' for about 6 weeks. I've been using an old stock Callaway Hawkeye VFT 3 wood for tee shots and I must say that I'm pleased with the results. Distance wise, I'm averaging about 265 and easily hitting 80% of the fairways. Yesterday, one tee shot came to rest 296 yards down range - a slight miss to the right but only 40 yards to the pin.

Fitness wise, I'm stretching and walking. I've noticed that I don't tire after 15 or 16 holes. That's a good thing - it makes focusing much easier.

As for the mind thing....I'm still trying to find something positive to take away when playing in the Texas wind. I'll keep working on that.

Yesterday was a relatively calm day, not a lot of sunshine, and the temperature was in the high 60's. Had my career best on the back 9 yesterday - 35. Three birdies and two bogies. If I happen to bump into you, I'll tell you all about it. Actually, I'm telling anyone that will listen - for me, it was pretty special.

Keep it in the short grass.

Free TaylorMade Driver

The catch is that Sergio has to win the Masters.

If that happens and you purchase a driver between March 19th and April 11th (and send in the correct forms) GolfSmith will refund your purchase price.

It may be a long shot but you have to give TaylorMade credit for the marketing initiative.

Hey, it's possible; who had Trevor Immelman last year?

Newest Go Daddy Girl

Could it be that the newest Go Daddy Girl is a familiar name on the LPGA Tour? Why else would Go Daddy CEO Bob Parsons choose the site of next weeks J Golf Phoenix LPGA International, Papago Municipal Golf Course, to make the announcement.

Any guesses who will be joining Danica Patrick, Vanessa Rousso, or Candice Michelle as the next Go Daddy Girl?

Look for the announcement on March 24th.

Green-Up

More liquid sunshine today and very uncomfortable temps for chasing the little white ball.

Yesterday I chatted about the course beginning to green-up. What I didn't talk about was the effect that cart traffic might/will have when we hit the magic 150.

Back in November I wrote about some of my peeps here at the ranch that are 'cart path challenged'. I even posted some pictures of what one might call unusual wear.

Well, as it warms up, it will be interesting to see how cart wear affects turf.

At the behest of our Green Committee (of which I'm now an at-large member) the piece I wrote was submitted for publication in our communities news paper. The article appeared without the photos - guess they didn't want to risk the ire of some of our residents.

That's what it's all about - awareness. Unfortunately, this is pretty much a regular occurrence here.

Spring is Springing

The course superintendent here at ‘the ranch’ uses 150 as a benchmark for ‘the growing season’. I’m sure there’s more to it but when the combined high temperature during the day is added with the overnight low and the sum is equal to or greater than (+/>) 150, it’s officially growing season.

We’re not there by any stretch but the past week or so has seen some wonderfully sunny and warm weather – it was great to break out the shorts but very hard on the eyes. Speaking of shorts, I want a pair of these. The glare from all those untanned legs was similar to hitting a tee shot due east about 15 or 20 minutes after sunrise. No sunglasses made can adequately protect your eyes from either.

While it’s not growing season, the grasses are starting to green up. The greens will very soon need regular mowing and work has already begun on the fairways, rough, and native areas. We saw significant turf improvement last year and we are expecting more of the same. Later this month, we’ve scheduled fairway and rough aeration. When this course was built, some fairways got sod and some got sprigged. The sodded ones thrived and the sprigged one’s not so much.

Like any new development, most of the top soil was excavated out and what was left has taken the better part of five years to rejuvenate.

Next up, we will likely be grousing about green verticutting, core aeration, and top dressing. One things for sure, I can’t wait.

Bring on the old 150!

Match Play

It’s been warming up nicely here at ‘the ranch’ although you couldn’t tell from what it’s like today. Our competition committee (and me) have finally managed to get most all of the t’s crossed and kicked off our match play tournament on Monday, the 9^th. We would up with 4 flights of 8.

Feedback from the masses said they’d like to play more matches so we opted for a double elimination format. The players will be responsible for scheduling their matches and each one has a time limit. We’ve targeted April 4^th for each of the final matches (provided we don’t have to go to a sixth match) then we’ll have a burger burn on the patio at the grill with an awards ceremony.

My expectation was that more would sign up. Maybe next time?

Play Them All

Lee Trevino thinks that today's tour pros should play every tournament at least once every three years.

I like it but I doubt that we'll get the walk with the talk.

Playing in the Wind

I'm told that playing in the wind is something you have to work at and if you're going to become a better wind player, there's no place like west Texas. That's where Chad Campbell and Sean O'Hair honed their games.

For me, west Texas isn't an option and why should it be? I was sitting here the other day looking out past the patio at 'Charlie Brown's Kite Attacking Tree' on the fifth green here at the ranch. A bird was hunkered down on a limb trying to keep warm.

A gust of wind blew the little bugger right off the limb. West Texas has nothing on the wind here at the ranch.

Did I mention that I hate playing in the wind?

Men's Golf Association

I don't know how involved your local MGA gets in gearing up for the season but here, at the ranch, things in our MGA are jumping. And, each jump usually translates to a 'go do' for someone.

Our member guest isn't until the end of June this year and we've already started planning. Fund raising started several months ago.

Then there's our MGA Handbook. One of my responsibilities is the annual update. Finished that a few days ago; but I know as I'm sure you do, it will need updating right after the '09 version is printed.

We're also adding a feature tournament this year bringing our total up to 4 - we'll be doing a Match Play. Should be fun.

The bunker renovation is just about complete.

And, it's time to get back on the 'winter improvement project' horse that I wrote about several weeks ago.

I'm beginning to feel like the MGA's designated glutton for punishment - granted, it's self-induced but our MGA is going to have fun or else!

Ramblings

Cold and Icy - it's only 21 outside and we had an ice storm last night. Looks like today will be another day indoors working on long overdue paperwork. I wonder that the commute was like today in the Metroplex?

Overdue paperwork - I have several MGA deliverables that include a Competition Committee Charter, a handbook update, and a write-up to the MGA membership about our new Golf Season Kickoff Spring Match Play. I'm just about done with that.

Workout and Exercise - haven't started full tilt yet but the walking and stretching seem to be working. At least I think it's working - while I haven't been on the course much, I am sleeping better.

Personal best - Shot my personal best last week - 75. I'm still smiling.

Winter Golf Project

I’m not much for resolutions; be them for New Years, Valentine’s Day, Arbor Day, or what ever. So when I started percolating an idea I figured I’d view it as a winter golf project and not a resolution.

Some background – I was going through some old email and came across several that were Acemakr golf blog related. One was about a book by Clayton Garland titled Golf Fitness for Men. Another was about a book called Law of Focus for Golfers by William Oliver. I was also contacted by a representative of Tom Wishon, a certified clubmaker with a passion for the right equipment.

Well, I am now the proud owner of books by each of the three. I’ve read each and am of the thought that together, these publications create the distinct possibility of a viable improvement plan. Right out of the gate, I thought tackling all three at once would get me to handicap nirvana three times as fast. Then reality hit – I’ve been playing for 12 years now and have only broken 80 twice. As they say here in gateway to the west – “slow down cowboy”.

These three disciplines; equipment, mind, and body if properly harnessed could help.

So, here’s the plan. I’ll be contacting Gary Pickle, one of the club makers featured on Tom Whison’s web site. His shop is not far from the ranch. Up to now, I’ve had one club fitting and it was nothing like the ones I read about in his book.

I’ve already started on the fitness/diet portion outlined by Clay but I’m taking it in small steps. I’ve started daily 30 minutes walks around the ranch. I will graduate to a bit more vigorous regimen outlined by Clay when I’m not winded after a gentle 20 minute walk.

Then it’s onto the space between my ears. William Oliver has a powerful message that’s going to take some training and re-training and unlearning some behaviors that I’ve learned over the years.

There you have it. A nice neat tidy package and a macro level plan for lower scores. You’re going to have to trust me here – I also plan to write about what works and what doesn’t (for me anyway) and I’ll keep you posted about my progress.

Wish me well.

Harold Potter – December 31, 2008

After many years with significant health issues my father passed away at 6pm on New Years Eve, 2008. He was 85. I’m going to miss him as are my sister in Fredericksburg Va., and my brother in Stuart, Fl.

I didn’t really get to know him until I hit my mid to late 20’s when I returned from a stint with the US Army in South East Asia. He loved to fish and he and my step mom had several seaworthy boats that saw time in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.

In his later years, he was particularly proud of his service to our country – he served in the South Pacific in World War II.

I’m going to miss him but I know in my heart that he’s in a better place.

Road Trip

A couple of us here at the ‘ranch’ have started banging around the idea of a road trip to Arizona for spring training. It’s about 1100 miles – the drive through west Texas is boring as the dickens but you can really fly when the speed limit is 80. Heck, nobody does 80. I’m thinking it’ll take a couple of easy driving days.

I’ve never been on a golf road trip so I can see this one doing double duty – half baseball and half golf. There’s no shortage of good courses out there. What we’re not sure of if there will be a shortage of good baseball. You see, here in the Metroplex, we have the Rangers and last year they finished 75 and 89 – 19 games behind the Angels in the AL West. But, with each spring comes renewed hope. Maybe Josh Hamilton will continue on his tear.

Now, the touchy part. I suspect you can’t just announce something like ‘time for my nap, let’s close the blinds and turn off the TV. But, you can pretty much accomplish the same thing with one of these beauties.

Don’t leave home without one. This model even has ear muffs. They block out about 60 to 70 percent of background noise.

Horn Me

Bear with me here; I’ll get to the golf tie in shortly….

One of the few things I watch on television before the sun sets is Around the Horn. It runs daily on ESPN between Jim Rome is Burning and Pardon the Interruption. The show is hosted by Tony Reali and one of the tag lines he uses as a transition to a commercial is ‘Horn Me’. The horn in the context of the ESPN show is kind of like the gong was in Chuck Barris’ The Gong Show (that takes me way back to 1976). Come to think of it, The Gong Show was something of a predecessor to even American Idol but I digress…..sorry

So I got to thinking – when golfers do really dumb stuff like this , are they subliminally asking to be horned? I could do that with this   but thinking about some of the stunts I’ve actually seen, I’m not sure a refill would last even a week.

Keep it in the short grass; just don’t drive there.

Santa's Sweet Swing

You know, the Jolly Old Elf is one busy guy this time of year. Even Santa gets wrapped up in deadlines (hint: he has one big one coming this Wednesday night) and a break from routine probably helps him from going a little crazy.

Hat tip to Brian Milne of San Luis Obispo for the pointer. More on Santa's Sweet Swing and some of Santa's other pre-Christmas stress relievers right here.

Natures Blanket

I've been here at 'the ranch' for about 5 and a half years. Loosely translated, that works out to be 5 winters.

In that time, the course superintendent only once had to actually drag out the greens tarps because forecasted temperatures were supposed to get below freezing for 3 or more days  in a row. I know for some of you, tarps are a regular happening at your course this time of year.

Because we rarely have cold enough weather for a long enough period, our 'turf titan' waters. That creates a temporary blanket that keeps the grass plants from frostbite.

Know what? After seeing this picture, it's no secret how this green drains.

Monday, Wonderful Monday

I know some of you are thinking that I’m slowly recovering from blunt force trauma to the melon but I’m not. My reference to Monday is not to poke anyone in the eye that has to return to work, it’s to herald the day after the winter solstice.

This is where the daylight continuum turns from shorter to longer – it also means that there’s more daylight each and every day to play golf. If you’d like to keep tabs on daylight in your city or town, you might consider starting right here.

Sweet, huh?

Speeding at the Ranch

I just got back from this weeks installment of stimping the greens here at the ranch. Today's wind speed is almost non-existent. The sun is shining and the temperature is a balmy 49 degrees.

Our course superintendent is throwing down quite a bit of water overnight and the greens are still a bit damp. I'll ask, but it's my guess the extra water is to guard against frost burn. We've had light frost dustings the past several nights.

Today's speed - 9.5; not bad, really. Stay tuned as I'm predicting the speed will increase as the days and weeks pass.