Golf Tilt

My first round match was set for last Saturday morning at 11:30. I had an appointment near my club that set up perfectly for me to arrive at the golf course a half hour before my tee time. I was seeded 5th and would take on the 4th seed in this bracket style competition otherwise known as match play.

I arrived at 11am as expected. I strolled up the walkway only to see my group already on the first tee! To say I was confused would be an understatement. I was blown away and could not understand why my group was teeing off a half hour early. I knew it was a mistake as I had not received a second email from the proshop stating that my original time had changed. I was confused but quickly reacted and ran to my locker to get my golf shoes. I had not time to warm up, let alone hit even one practice putt. Not the start I was planning on obviously.

I was equally pissed off at my group as I was at the proshop. I could not understand why on earth my group would put up with what was happening. Then I realized - this was to their benefit. The other twosome was the 1 and 8 seed. In other words, my second round opponent should I succeed and make it to the next round. Now I am not one to be a conspiracy theorist, but seriously - something was up... or so I thought.

I took my verbal jabs at them as best I could to try and level the playing field. I called them all sorts of names as I fiddled with my bag and struggled to grab the right golf ball, glove etc. I realized after I walked down the first fairway after my drive that I was playing with the only good golf ball left in my bag. More stress.

So how did it go? Birdie on one, and another birdie on two to go two up right out of the gate! I was happy and relieved that I had this small cushion as I continued to stretch and take some practice swings on the third tee.

Off into the trees it went. I lost the 3rd and 4th hole but birdied the 5th to get it back to 1up. I ended the front 9 one up after making birdie there too. 4 birdies and only a 1up front 9 to show for it. I remember saying to myself "I'll take it."

After finally feeling warmed up and focused I started to settle in. I didn't make too many mistakes save for the three putt on 14 for par. I tried to roll in the 40 foot eagle putt to really lay down the hammer but blew it by a good 6 feet and missed the one coming back.

I lost the 15th and won the 16th to remain 2 up with 2 to play, otherwise known as dormie. It wasn't over just yet because I dumped my shot into the water on 17 and was now only 1 up with 1 to play. My competitor didn't really lay on the pressure though and I knew I would be able to reach the par 5 in two while my opponent was a bit further back and was forced to go for it. This would be his demise. A par on 18 was all I needed to seal the victory.

Now I face my buddy whom I lost to last year in the finals. He is the #1 seed again this year and I intend on taking him out! It's time to continue my winning ways... in golf at least.

Poker - not so much. Scarce breakeven poker at best right now.