Enjoying the sunshine

Well, I am ashamed to say it but I've been in sunny California for a month and a half now and have yet to play a round of golf. One of my commitments to myself upon moving out here was to use the sunshine to bring a stronger golf game back to Canada with me in the summer. Today, that all changed.

As I planned on heading back to Ontario for a couple of weeks on Friday I figured I better get a round in on Thursday before I left! I gathered up a foursome and the friendly people at Santa Teresa Golf Course accommodated us with a tee time just before noon. Jeff Zywicki, Steve Pannerelli, Luke Wiles and myself headed out to work on our game. By no stretch of the imagination am I a great golfer, but I enjoy getting out and seeing if I can get any better, and if I don't I just keep reminding myself I am playing in 20 degree (remember I am Canadian) weather in the middle of February. Today I was in good company. Jeff and Luke are both very good golfers and Steve admittedly hasn't played much before, but he is a gifted athlete, golf should be no problem.

We set the stakes and away we went. By the end of the first hole and at least ten shots later by Steve, we decided we best exclude Steve from the betting and just allow him to work on his game and enjoy the day!!! Wiles took a three shot lead into the clubhouse, but quietly fell apart on the back nine leaving the money up for grabs between myself and Z. With 17 and 18 left we were tied for the money. I had battled back from a weaker/rusty front nine to put myself in a position to win, then just couldn't make a shot. Z nailed a 20 foot, phony put on 17 to pretty much seal the deal. I sprayed my 18th tee shot and scrambled to save bogey. At the end of the day, I ended up behind both Z and Luke, with Z taking all of the money. Believe me, that pains me to say it as much as anything!!!! I'd rather give my money to Steve for some lessons.

All in all I finished with a 91, but with tons of opportunities to be in the low 80's. Z finished 87 and Wiles 89 and Steve.........well lets just say he enjoyed the sunshine!!!!

Until next time,

Colin #7