Moonah Links - rain, rain and more rain

Golfers are an optimistic bunch.  So although the forecast was for rain, and the weather radar resembled a huge mutant swarm of zombies attacking the whole of South eastern Australia, golf was on!  Met Nige, Russ and Tim on the driving range at Moonah Links and even as we hit a few practice balls in the steady rain we were hopeful that by the first tee all would be clear.

The next nine holes were the wettest golf I have ever played, there was no break in the constant heavy rain.  By the time we got to the 10th tee, we were all soaked, everything and I mean everything, was soaked.  And with no sign of the rain clearing, the thought of another 9 holes drenched to the skin, cold and shivering,  was too much and we reluctantly made for the clubhouse.

Last week I was able to watch some of the World’s best golfers play in similar conditions at Royal Melbourne in the Presidents Cup.  Whilst they weren’t able to bail after 9 holes, they did have the services of a caddy and multiple sets of clothes, gloves etc, to stay dry – ish.  Rain adds another element of difficulty to an already difficult game.   And watching the Professionals deal with it shows their level of concentration and skill.

Our foursome also managed the conditions very well.  Before long grips become slippery, and gloves have the gripping properties of oil.  One benefit of this is forcing the swing to be more controlled to avoid the club flying out of your hands onto the next fairway.  This resulted in most of us sacrificing some distance but accuracy was improved.  Putting becomes an interesting lottery, with some areas of the green slower than others because of the rain.

Rain can be the golfer’s worst nightmare, but such is the nature of a game played thats exposed to mother nature.  Dressing and playing to the conditions can allow you to make the most of the conditions and not let the weather rain on your parade.

Golf Australia has launched an upgrade to the national handicapping system in Australia after a review of the revised system implemented a year ago.   As of today, the best 8 rounds from the last 20 scores will count towards handicap, previously it was 10.  There are also multipliers, bonus’s, caps and anchor’s, fellow golf blogger Aussie Golfer explains this in more detail on his blog. The changes mean that inconsistent golfers are going to play off a lower handicap.

I agree that consistent golf should be rewarded, as should lower handicaps,  and it can be very frustrating to be beaten on Monthly Medal day to a nett 61 from a golfer who ‘played the round of their life’.  But as an inconsistent golfer myself, its going to mean a lot of tough days on the course.    Ive seen the various changes to the handicapping system over the last year or so knock 3 shots off my handicap without me lifting a club (16.3 to 12.9)  .  I havent improved in that time, if anything Ive got worse.

One reason for my inconsistency is the limited number of competitive rounds that I play, as I average 6 or so competition rounds a year, so my best 8 rounds include a round from 2008.    Ive played to my current handicap twice in 3 years, and have never bettered my handicap.   Im proud to say I now play off 13, but its not a true reflection of my ability.   There is only one solution, play more golf!!!

Golf is my favourite sport, Aussie Rules comes a close second but its only as a spectator.  Golf is often compared to life itself and without getting all zen about it, some of my great memories have been on the golf course.  The booming drive with a slight draw, the crisply struck iron shot into the green, the recovery from nowhere or the sound of a birdie putt hitting the bottom of the cup are all wonderful, if not too rare, memories.

However its the moments such as last weekends game with Sam, my 10 year old son, that top anything else.  With an afternoon free, we headed to the local public course late in the afternoon to play 9 holes.  Sam has a small set of clubs, and has walked a few games with me taking the occassional shot, Ambrose style.  With the course virtually to ourselves, we decided that this would be Sam’s first stroke round.

Sam has no fear, none of the demons that invade my head and discuss the faults and flaws in my swing with much joy.  We discussed visualising your shot, which he did, took a quick practice swing and hit it down the middle as my drive cracked into some gum trees.  I carded a sad 7, Sam a proud 10.  My game improved as I took on more of Sam’s carefree attitude. A big moment came on the par 4 6th hole, as Sam hit two superb shots and finished with an impressive 6.  The another big drive on the par 3 8th and he tapped in for a 5.  Sam finished his first 9 holes with a 76, and was suitably impressed.  This was now his PB (Personal Best)!

As we walked the course we discussed golf techniques, strategy and how annoying sisters could be sometimes.  Sometimes we take golf a little too seriously, Sam shows me the fun side, and the side without fear.  This is what golf is all about.

Next weekend the golfing world turns to Augusta, Georgia and the US Masters.  The first Major of the year played on one of the world’s greatest and most exclusive courses places the Masters on top of many golfers ultimate experiences.  The best of the best will get the chance to walk the hallowed fairways, however for the mere mortals in Australia it involves early mornings watching the coverage on TV.  Big screens and high definition have improved the experience, but most dream of the chance to one day, walk the fairways as part of the gallery.

Corey McKernan once walked the hallowed greens of another sport playing 237 games as an elite ruckman in the Australian Football League for North Melbourne.  Corey was a dual premiership player and won best and fairest and all Australian awards.  Since retiring from professional football, Corey has developed his strong passion for sport into his dream job with the creation of Corey McKernan Ultimate Events.  Corey hosts sporting events to major events in Australia and throughout the world, and earlier this year hosted a tour group to the 2011 Super Bowl.

And for a lucky group of passionate golfers, Corey is hosting a tour to the US Masters this year which will also include rounds of golf at Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill.  I asked Corey a few questions about golf and his US Masters tour.

• Q: How does the Masters experience compare to other World sporting events?  How would you rank the Masters with Wimbledon, Monaco GP, Superbowl and AFL Grand Final? The biggest thing where it is totally unique to the other events mentioned, and most major sporting events, is that the US Masters has retained its sacred status, and is probably the same as it was back in 1932. There is no advertising signage around the course, no corporate hospitality marquees, it has not been modernised. Whilst other events such as Wimbledon regain tradition, they have made some changes in this degree, but the sacred nature of the US Masters makes it so special to attend.
• Q: How many golfers do you expect will travel on the tour this year? Because we want the tour to stay personal, and to be able to offer the best experiences and opportunities to all on the tour, we keep the numbers low. We are taking around 20 people with us this year, including taking Aussie Rules legend Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico. The tour get to play at Pebble Beach & Spyglass Hill, and even get to have a BBQ lunch with golfing stars John Daly and Jarrod Lyle on US Masters’ Eve.
• Q: What’s your favourite hole on the Augusta layout and where is the best vantage point to watch from the gallery? The great thing about Augusta National is that the numerous mounds make it one of the best, if not the best, viewing courses in the world. Behind the 12^th tee, looking over the Par Three, is indescribable until you see it for yourself. The 2^nd shot of the 15^th hole is up there, as is the 16^th tee. Overall, though, the panoramic view on the 13^th hole is probably my favourite. It’s immense, with a dog leg to the left of a Par 5, and if you stand on the right of the tee you have a brilliant view with a backdrop of 100 foot pine trees and azaleas, as well as Ray’s Creek. The view is breathtaking.
• Q: What’s your tip for the winner of the Masters this year, which Australian is most likely to break the drought? The same players tend to do well every year at the US Masters, making it unique as a golf tournament. Unless you have played well previously at Augusta, it is tough to be in contention, and some great players have not done well there, for example Robert Allenby. The likes of Fred Couples, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods have a phenomenal record and you would expect them to be right amongst it. All past winners are a chance; Bernhard Langer had 8 years between his two US Masters wins, and was not in great form heading into the tournament in 1993, but his experience of taming the course helped him secure a great result. If you are looking at laying a bet, have a look at who has produced consistent, good scores over the past five years. Australian players find a lot of similarities between Augusta and Royal Melbourne, our guys love sandbelts, and it is amazing that we have never produced a winner. Geoff Ogilvy has played well here, but has not been able to sustain his form for a four round consistent performance. If he puts his whole game together, he could be right up there, as could Stuart Appleby.
• Q: Everyone I speak to says that Augusta is flattened by the TV screen, how would you describe the layout? Over the last 15-20 years, as television cameras have gone digital and coverage improved immensely, the gravity of the steep course has become slightly more evident when watching at home, but it still doesn’t do it justice.  You get such a greater appreciation how hilly it is, the back 9 especially, by being there at the course. The drop from the 10^th tee to the green is the same height as the Empire State Building! The slide on the 18^th is grossly underestimated as well. You hit up a very narrow chute; it would not be a hole you would want to hit when you are nervous. Many very good golfers have come a cropper on this hole, looking at 300 yards up hill and then trying to use a six iron to the green and aim for a par.
• Q: What is the Masters gallery like compared to an Australian PGA Tour gallery? The gallery at Augusta National know all of the rules in no uncertain terms! Etiquette standards are very high, and Augusta also has a unique rule which would surely never last anywhere else. If you arrive early in the morning and place your chair down in a premium spot, nobody can move or touch your chair for the rest of the day. It is very traditional in the gallery, and it is one of the most comfortable golf tournaments to be a part of the gallery. They don’t let too many people in either, and the view from the elevated mounds is fantastic.
• Q: If you could play only one golf course for the rest of your life, it would be? From a complete golf experience point of view, Melbourne’s own Capital Golf Course is great. You arrive, have a bite to eat, have a practice drive and putt, play 9 holes, have something else to eat, play 9 more holes, and then go back to the clubhouse again. They don’t let too many people play so you can enjoy a leisurely pace. In terms of the best course, I would take a mixture of St Andrews, Augusta National and Pebble Beach; the best six from each, definitely including the 18^th hole at Pebble Beach. At St Andrews, the road hole and the 18^th hole for sure. Playing at St Andrews for the first time, you are overcome by extreme emotion and the extremity of the occasion when you are on the 18^th.  Walking over the famed bridge, the sense of history is overwhelming; golf was invented there, it simply couldn’t get any better, and your mind cannot help but wonder the immense experience of playing there in a major with a packed gallery watching your every movement.

The  2011 Masters tour jetted off this weekend and included:

• One nights’ accommodation in San Francisco
• Two nights’ at the Spanish Inn at the Monterey Peninsula.
• Play four rounds of golf including the world famous Spyglass Hill and Pebble Beach.
• Tickets to three days at The Masters, the Par Three Tournament plus the third and fourth Rounds.
• Internal transfers within United States
• Six night’s Accommodation Private House in Aiken ( 25 mins from Augusta).
• Private chef cooking our daily breakfast in Aiken.
• BBQ with a special golfing guests.
• A Callaway tour pack with travel bag, hat, shirts & golf balls.

For more information on the Masters tour and other events check out the Corey McKernan ultimate events website, http://www.mckernanevents.com.au/

Flinders is not a long course, but the layout is challenging when the wind blows, and the conditioning is excellent, fairways perfect and the greens fast. The stretch of holes from the 4th through to the 8th are excellent seaside holes with clifftop views out to sea. The storm hit us on the 5th green, driving rain and wind followed by the golfers worst nightmare, thunder and a flash of lightning. Carrying a bag full of steel and carbon fibre turns the golfer into a perfect lightning conductor! We sheltered the worst and then bravely continued on.

The quality of the golf was pretty impressive given the conditions, and proved that we were either hard core or just plain crazy, to play through the weather! Having not played Flinders before, was impressed with the course, the layout, the views and the condition. So spoilt for choice on the Mornington Peninsula!

Nige plays approach to the Coffin Hole, ominous sky!

Emma tees off on 5th, the storm approaches

Impressive views at Flinders - Hard core weather!

Joined my mate Simon, and Jamie and Michael, the Puregolfers who are on the final leg of their epic golf trip around the world. This would be their 327th and 328th consecutive rounds of golf. An early morning flight from Melbourne to Launceston and hours drive got us to Barnbougle Dunes for lunchtime tee off.

Jamie, Simon and Michael at Barnbougle

Barnbougle Dunes starts with a loosener but the layout quickly builds the momentum, the heart rate and the ‘wow’ factor. Carved between coastal dunes, the hype is quickly realised. We decided to play a ‘Bledisloe Cup’ match, Aussies Mike and Simon v the travelling kiwis Jamie and Michael in a two round fourball. The course can be brutal on inaccuracy, with my driver misfiring, a poor shot off the tee is almost always lost into the impenetrable coastal rough.

Barnbougle Dunes 5th Hole

The Kiwi lads finished the first round stronger taking the win, a few rounds of Boags was the perfect end to the round as we reviewed each superb hole in the clubhouse. Stayed overnight at the new accommodation at Lost Farm, excellently appointed rooms and a restaurant and bar with magnificent views over the 14th and 18th green of the Lost Farm layout.

Lost Farm 8th Green

Overnight rain had cleared as we teed off at Lost Farm Golf Course, another very easy opening hole but again the layout quickly builds to awesome. My game was strong early, but fell away luckily as partner Simon was starting to nail his drives, Jamie and Mike had some competition on their hands. The banter remained friendly, with an occasional sledge to keep opponents honest.

Playing the 14th hole at Lost Farm

Lost Farm has so many holes that are simply sensational, standing on the tee lost for words is rare, at Lost Farm its happens regularly. Again, anything loose of the tee is punished, many hole layouts present multiple options featuring split fairways, layups and strategic bunkering.

The Aussies maintained the pressure and won the second round of the Bledisloe Challenge to tie the series. Returned to Barnbougle for lunch, Boags and to discuss how to settle the tie. Heavy rain looked to have left the tie as a draw, however as the rain cleared we headed back out to decide the series as a two-team ambrose over the front nine at Barnbougle Dunes. Finally my driver woke up, Simon and I held on as Jamie and Mike setup some strong team birdies, however the Aussies played some great golf over the closing holes and took out the Bledisloe thanks to Simon’s birdie on the 9th.

A fantastic two days of golf on two brilliant world-class courses. Stay tuned for more detailed course reviews. Jamie and Michael raved about both layouts, having played 60 of the worlds greatest courses and 320 rounds this year around the world, the praise is very good indeed! Check out their blog for the latest on their amazing journey

My game struggled, and whilst not disasterous, one poor shot per hole was enough, luckily the short game was OK! Sam had his hybrid going well, and hit a couple of nice chips. For the young golfer, distance control on chips and putts is difficult, working out how hard to hit the ball to get it close takes practice, and Im still learning!

I could have used this club a number of times during my last round! Pretty funny, apart from the whole pile of Rules of the game getting broken here!

Picture courtesy of Twisted Sifter

The day was cool and windy, and after hitting a bucket of golf balls before the round (a rarity!), we started well. I parred 1,2,3,5,7 and with support from Nige, was even putting with confidence on the recently cored/sanded greens. Lipped out on the 8th and then Nige just missed on the 9th but went to the backnine +2.

The defining moment came on the Par 5 11th, Nige and I were well placed on the fairway, Rob had lost a ball and was out. Mick hit into a fairway bunker and we looked good for a win, but then Mick played a great recovery shot close to the pin. We sprayed our approaches and the game shifted again. I stood over a long putt from off the green and knocked it in! Mick then needed a birdie to halve, missed and we went +3. Nige turned on the A game from there and three holes later we had won, 6 & 4.

Bring on the next round…..