Blog Number 1 - 4/30/10

Hello and Welcome
This is BellinghamGolfer’s first ever blog. The web site has been a long time in the making which has meant several significant incidents all worthy of comment – a lot of comment -  have passed us by.

First there was the brouhaha surrounding TW’s extra-marital misadventures; a commotion that rumbles on but which should become less and less of a story the more he plays and the longer he can go without reverting to the indecent behavior that cost him tens of millions of Dollars in endorsement deals (watch as it all slowly trickles back), his once formidable persona (his persona still is formidable, but it was odd to see him appear so chastened, humbled and remorseful during the heavily stage-managed on-screen apologies), and possibly his marriage.
His performance at the Masters (on the course, not at the Monday press conference) was entirely predictable; his swing looked out-of-sync most of the week but he still ground out four under-par rounds to finish tied for fourth. Only he can shoot 68, 70, 70, 69 and finish in the top-five at a major championship on so demanding a course with his game so covered in rust (that said, he just missed the cut at Quail Hollow by eight shots). I mean, can you imagine Phil  Mickelson struggling with his swing to the same degree and producing four scores like that? His short game might enable him to salvage a 69 or two, but you can bet he’d throw in a couple of 74s as well. As it is, Mickelson played brilliantly, took himself a major above Ernie Els, Vijay Singh and Padraig Harrington and, as John Hawkins said on Golf Channel, probably climbed into the all time top-20.
What was also predictable, albeit slightly disappointing, about Woods was the occasional flash of anger. Those who thought/hoped the new TW would suddenly start shrugging off wild hooks into adjoining fairways and resulting bogeys with a rye smile and a nonchalant look to the heavens don’t understand what it takes to play at his level. How can we? We hit a wild hook into an adjoining fairway (actually a slice is more likely) and we shoot 97 instead of 96 or 95, or lose a $2 skin. We don’t miss an opportunity to win a green jacket or claret jug and make history. Woods' flames of anger are innate, inherent and intrinsic. If they are a part of what it takes for him to play at his best then he shouldn’t stamp them out, even if he could. Obviously though, he does need to suppress the anger sufficiently to avoid leaking F-bombs.
In January, we all enjoyed the Ping wedge controversy which bought to mind the words ‘storm’, ‘in’, ‘a’ and ‘teacup’. Ernie Els has won twice so far this year as has Jim Furyk, Ryder Cup talk is building, and Washington’s own Alex Prugh made an impressive start to his PGA Tour career, finishing in the top ten in three of his first four tournaments.Then there’s Seattle’s Fred Couples who not only took possession of the Champions Tour within a few short months of joining it, but also finished sixth at the Masters on 279, -9. As Englishman Paul Casey once said of him; 'What a stud!'
Lorena Ochoa announcing her retirment was a shock and a huge blow for golf fans, but no one could begrudge her the future she has planned for herself.
Yep, for one reason and another, it’s been a newsworthy, not to say thrilling, start to the 2010 season. And summer’s just around the corner which means it’s time to start gearing up for a few rounds on Bellingham’s beautiful golf courses.
Get yourself a ten-round punch card at Shuksan for just $199 walking or $329 riding (Mon-Thurs and after 3pm at weekends). Take out social membership for $49 which buys you a round of golf, subsequent discounts on green fees, GHIN handicap service and eligibility to member events and tournaments. And sign up for the two-person better-ball on May 30th. Just give the pro-shop a ring on 360-398-8888 to secure your place.

Welcome to the site and the blog. Hope you like it.

Add comment

Security code
Refresh