Friday, March 25, 2011
Carlton V Richmond "Footyhead" Round 1 returns season 2011
"Footyhead" returns for AFL season 2011 Carlton start the season off with a 20 point win against Richmond.
Still as one eyed as ever. GO YOU BLUES
Thankyou for your time and attention, Geoff
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Primed and ready to play...
YOUTUBE Golf Movie Trailer "Another Crack at the Title"
Thursday 24/3/11
One of the draw backs of my work is the seemingly endless hours of 'inactivity' in between doing anything. Which may be the reason why golf is a popular and do-able activity for the group of people loosely lumped together as 'entertainers'. As March draws to a close my extended golfing holiday is also reaching its demise.
Which is to say that instead of playing a lot of golf I will be talking golf as the interviews will begin in April. First set done will be with the golfers who have played and won the "A" grade Title of the Southern Ports Tournament. This includes some very talented people who have more to their achievements than single figure handicaps.
Next will be the professional golfers some who have played and won the title as amateurs, before starting their careers. Others are touring Professionals and club professionals who have a connection with the region and the golf played there still.
This will take the production through to May 2011, the schedule then has some more entertaining aspects for the film. In the prelude will be some technical preparations to begin the editing process of the footage already shot. A job that for several hours of film 'in the can' translates to multiple hours of sitting and looking at the vision in the editing suite.
Hence I have no guilt at all that playing golf has continued being a very dedicated pursuit for the rest of March to include the Masters Games. Initially the entry in the event was in case something unexpected affected my ability to play in the Southern Ports Tournament. I can say now that after the second round the next morning I soon discovered that my left hamstring and groin had 'gone', after taking the first steps out of bed.
It was a "bugga" moment as there was no way I could get a treatment that would be able to fix it until after the tournament was ended. Fortunately after many years as a crock and having to carry injury it was not a major drama. Sadly, it also was not an unexpected happening. Still managed to get through a partial practise round at Beachport on the lay day.
I was confident that my training would at the very least keep me in contention. Which it did and to lose in a playoff for first place and still come second in the "B" gross and nett (handicap) was very satisfying. Having finally got the required treatment on Monday just gone I am now much better in walking and flexibility and should be fine to get through the two consecutive days at Naracoorte.
In the mean time this week I am laying up again this week, pacing myself to be fresh. "Less is more" has worked before and is being used this week especially. Keeping the practise to hitting golf balls through the clubs in the bag. The Front 9 holes played at Naracoorte on Tuesday were terrific, the 42 off the stick has set me for the following week there. That is enough walking around except for picking up balls on the range, the rest is short game practise and no strain.
This weekend is the first qualifying round for the club handicap championships, which is my only chance to register in. The next round is during the Masters weekend and I am already omitted. Then into the dreaded four letter word - Work
Thankyou for your time and attention, "Hit 'em Straight all."Geoff
Thursday 24/3/11
One of the draw backs of my work is the seemingly endless hours of 'inactivity' in between doing anything. Which may be the reason why golf is a popular and do-able activity for the group of people loosely lumped together as 'entertainers'. As March draws to a close my extended golfing holiday is also reaching its demise.
Which is to say that instead of playing a lot of golf I will be talking golf as the interviews will begin in April. First set done will be with the golfers who have played and won the "A" grade Title of the Southern Ports Tournament. This includes some very talented people who have more to their achievements than single figure handicaps.
Next will be the professional golfers some who have played and won the title as amateurs, before starting their careers. Others are touring Professionals and club professionals who have a connection with the region and the golf played there still.
This will take the production through to May 2011, the schedule then has some more entertaining aspects for the film. In the prelude will be some technical preparations to begin the editing process of the footage already shot. A job that for several hours of film 'in the can' translates to multiple hours of sitting and looking at the vision in the editing suite.
Hence I have no guilt at all that playing golf has continued being a very dedicated pursuit for the rest of March to include the Masters Games. Initially the entry in the event was in case something unexpected affected my ability to play in the Southern Ports Tournament. I can say now that after the second round the next morning I soon discovered that my left hamstring and groin had 'gone', after taking the first steps out of bed.
It was a "bugga" moment as there was no way I could get a treatment that would be able to fix it until after the tournament was ended. Fortunately after many years as a crock and having to carry injury it was not a major drama. Sadly, it also was not an unexpected happening. Still managed to get through a partial practise round at Beachport on the lay day.
I was confident that my training would at the very least keep me in contention. Which it did and to lose in a playoff for first place and still come second in the "B" gross and nett (handicap) was very satisfying. Having finally got the required treatment on Monday just gone I am now much better in walking and flexibility and should be fine to get through the two consecutive days at Naracoorte.
In the mean time this week I am laying up again this week, pacing myself to be fresh. "Less is more" has worked before and is being used this week especially. Keeping the practise to hitting golf balls through the clubs in the bag. The Front 9 holes played at Naracoorte on Tuesday were terrific, the 42 off the stick has set me for the following week there. That is enough walking around except for picking up balls on the range, the rest is short game practise and no strain.
This weekend is the first qualifying round for the club handicap championships, which is my only chance to register in. The next round is during the Masters weekend and I am already omitted. Then into the dreaded four letter word - Work
Thankyou for your time and attention, "Hit 'em Straight all."Geoff
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Practise and 660 km to get it right........
Made the trip to Naracoorte on Tuesday, tied in a work trip (golf documentary) and played the front 9, putting to rest the concerns I have in playing there for the Masters Games. Three trips in two weeks for a total of 660 km has been the dedication to attempt to play as well as possible on the course. Even surprising myself at the commitment (lol obsession)to do the best possible in the event. Made easier with the previous effort for March’s, Southern Ports Tournament it has felt impossible to stop practising and playing of late.
The two 18 hole rounds had both included disastrous front 9’s as described previously, getting to the track and playing an unhurried front nine was a must. This was the right idea after yesterday and a 42 with 16 putts was the score compared to the 51 and 46 scored before. It was interesting to note that my driver control has improved markedly since playing Naracoorte. This combined with being a lot more familiar with the new iron configeration of blades and graphite shafts delivered the results. Putted significantly better, and the shots that went into the bunkers were no problem in recovering from. The greens were in the best condition of all in the three visits thanks to the steady rain fall since Saturday night. Softer surface for the ball to land on and lusher grass covering had them playing much better for my game.
Naracoorte Golf Club does have a description of the holes on their website. Which I have copied and pasted as follows;
1st Hole – Par 4 – Mens 358m Ladies 342m
Good opening hole to give the driver a rip, as the wide fairway shapes to the right with the only trick being the tee aiming in to the left hand trees. The approach shot is from slightly downhill to a green sloping back to front. Trouble over the back and to the right of the green with quite a steep fall away. The back left hand bunker doesn’t get much business but the front right hand bunker is a popular spot.
2nd Hole – Par 4 – Mens 318m Ladies 272m
The big decision is what club to use off the tee. The fairway narrows down dramatically 50 metres from the green. The further you drive the narrower the approach. The smart player lays up off the tee leaving about 120 metres into a long narrow green with no hazards surrounding the green. The fairway is wide at this point and is easy to hit. Downwind the long hitter can gamble and drive up through the neck of the distinctive gums and pines and set up an easy birdie, but watch out if you miss the fairway. No tricks on a smooth putting surface which is only 9 metres wide.
3rd Hole – Par 4 – Mens 312m Ladies 264m
Another hole with the key emphasis on the tee shot. The drive must travel 225 metres to get a look at the green of this dogleg left hole, shorter hitters need to drive right to get a look at the green but beware as both the fairway and the green slope from left to right throwing your ball further from the hole. After safely driving to the corner you will only be left with a short approach to the green. Once on the green the action isn’t over as it deceptively slopes front to back and left to right.
4th Hole – Par 4 – Mens 358m Ladies 283m
A blind tee shot to a generous fairway which slopes from left to right. The difficulty arises with the 2nd shot played to a green both sloping and angled left to right. The green is guarded by a bunker right and punishing grassy mounds on the left which often tricks the golfer as it looks the preferred side to miss. Putts always turn left to right and towards the bunker on the low side.
5th Hole – Par 3 – Mens 175m Ladies 163m
The most difficult par three due to its length and deep bunkers surrounding a slightly domed green which is rather small for its length and difficulty. Only safe miss is short leaving a easy approach. Many comps go by without the nearest the pin being threatened. The wind is difficult to judge on this tee and plays havoc with many a well struck shot.
6th Hole – Par 5 – Mens 503m Ladies 396m
Our longest par 5 and the wide fairway tends to lull you into a false sense of security. In reality you need to drive down the right opening up the second shot. Balls struck left of centre demand a lay up to the corner or a brave shot to take on the corner. Once the green is in sight the only problems are a bunker protecting the left hand side and a green sloping from back to front.
7th Hole – Par 3 – Mens 140m Ladies 125m
An innocent looking hole which claims an amazing amount of victims with its tricky features. Bunkers guard the left and front of the green and 2 gums 50 metres short catch anyone who curves the ball. The green is small sloping severely back to front and left to right. If you miss the green it had better be short as any where else demands nothing short of a perfect recovery to have a chance of saving your par.
8th Hole – Par 5 – Mens 458m Ladies 447m
A good chance to improve your score as although the drive is blind it is a wide and inviting fairway which throws your ball downhill and from the left. A great view awaits as you approach your drive and look down the wide green fairway to a flat green surrounded by deep bunkers short left and to the back and to the right. The green is shaped from left to right and is beautifully framed by a magnificent group of gums behind the green.
9th Hole – Par 4 - Mens 319m Ladies 268m
A Choice awaits you on the tee to the closing hole on the outward 9. A smallish green which sometimes is difficult to hit even with a short iron, tricks you into trying to get your drive as close to the green as possible. A hidden quarry awaits at 250 metres on the left and the fairway throws your ball from left to right and the fairway narrows down at quarry length. Best to hit your most trusty club on this shortish hole to the wide part of the fairway and trust your ability to nail your 2nd shot at the pin. The narrow green is guarded left and right by shallow bunkers and slopes slightly uphill.
Thankyou for your time and attention, Geoff
The two 18 hole rounds had both included disastrous front 9’s as described previously, getting to the track and playing an unhurried front nine was a must. This was the right idea after yesterday and a 42 with 16 putts was the score compared to the 51 and 46 scored before. It was interesting to note that my driver control has improved markedly since playing Naracoorte. This combined with being a lot more familiar with the new iron configeration of blades and graphite shafts delivered the results. Putted significantly better, and the shots that went into the bunkers were no problem in recovering from. The greens were in the best condition of all in the three visits thanks to the steady rain fall since Saturday night. Softer surface for the ball to land on and lusher grass covering had them playing much better for my game.
Naracoorte Golf Club does have a description of the holes on their website. Which I have copied and pasted as follows;
1st Hole – Par 4 – Mens 358m Ladies 342m
Good opening hole to give the driver a rip, as the wide fairway shapes to the right with the only trick being the tee aiming in to the left hand trees. The approach shot is from slightly downhill to a green sloping back to front. Trouble over the back and to the right of the green with quite a steep fall away. The back left hand bunker doesn’t get much business but the front right hand bunker is a popular spot.
2nd Hole – Par 4 – Mens 318m Ladies 272m
The big decision is what club to use off the tee. The fairway narrows down dramatically 50 metres from the green. The further you drive the narrower the approach. The smart player lays up off the tee leaving about 120 metres into a long narrow green with no hazards surrounding the green. The fairway is wide at this point and is easy to hit. Downwind the long hitter can gamble and drive up through the neck of the distinctive gums and pines and set up an easy birdie, but watch out if you miss the fairway. No tricks on a smooth putting surface which is only 9 metres wide.
3rd Hole – Par 4 – Mens 312m Ladies 264m
Another hole with the key emphasis on the tee shot. The drive must travel 225 metres to get a look at the green of this dogleg left hole, shorter hitters need to drive right to get a look at the green but beware as both the fairway and the green slope from left to right throwing your ball further from the hole. After safely driving to the corner you will only be left with a short approach to the green. Once on the green the action isn’t over as it deceptively slopes front to back and left to right.
4th Hole – Par 4 – Mens 358m Ladies 283m
A blind tee shot to a generous fairway which slopes from left to right. The difficulty arises with the 2nd shot played to a green both sloping and angled left to right. The green is guarded by a bunker right and punishing grassy mounds on the left which often tricks the golfer as it looks the preferred side to miss. Putts always turn left to right and towards the bunker on the low side.
5th Hole – Par 3 – Mens 175m Ladies 163m
The most difficult par three due to its length and deep bunkers surrounding a slightly domed green which is rather small for its length and difficulty. Only safe miss is short leaving a easy approach. Many comps go by without the nearest the pin being threatened. The wind is difficult to judge on this tee and plays havoc with many a well struck shot.
6th Hole – Par 5 – Mens 503m Ladies 396m
Our longest par 5 and the wide fairway tends to lull you into a false sense of security. In reality you need to drive down the right opening up the second shot. Balls struck left of centre demand a lay up to the corner or a brave shot to take on the corner. Once the green is in sight the only problems are a bunker protecting the left hand side and a green sloping from back to front.
7th Hole – Par 3 – Mens 140m Ladies 125m
An innocent looking hole which claims an amazing amount of victims with its tricky features. Bunkers guard the left and front of the green and 2 gums 50 metres short catch anyone who curves the ball. The green is small sloping severely back to front and left to right. If you miss the green it had better be short as any where else demands nothing short of a perfect recovery to have a chance of saving your par.
8th Hole – Par 5 – Mens 458m Ladies 447m
A good chance to improve your score as although the drive is blind it is a wide and inviting fairway which throws your ball downhill and from the left. A great view awaits as you approach your drive and look down the wide green fairway to a flat green surrounded by deep bunkers short left and to the back and to the right. The green is shaped from left to right and is beautifully framed by a magnificent group of gums behind the green.
9th Hole – Par 4 - Mens 319m Ladies 268m
A Choice awaits you on the tee to the closing hole on the outward 9. A smallish green which sometimes is difficult to hit even with a short iron, tricks you into trying to get your drive as close to the green as possible. A hidden quarry awaits at 250 metres on the left and the fairway throws your ball from left to right and the fairway narrows down at quarry length. Best to hit your most trusty club on this shortish hole to the wide part of the fairway and trust your ability to nail your 2nd shot at the pin. The narrow green is guarded left and right by shallow bunkers and slopes slightly uphill.
Thankyou for your time and attention, Geoff
Monday, March 21, 2011
Best score in a competition so far...
Monday 21/3/11 The past few weeks since the end of Southern Ports my scorecards have not been that good. The two trips to Naracoorte in particular had returned the worst scores in some time. Even though this was competitive competition, playing at Naracoorte is effectively to familiarise myself with a new track for the Masters games. As stated in my last post the benefit that has came from playing other courses always has been a refreshing of my approach to the home track at Robe.
This weekend was no exception to this, as I played on Sunday in the home competition after the poor score the day before. This was to see how well I could front up on two consecutive days of competition golf. This second day of golf resulted in my best ever score off the stick in a competition game. Finishing the day with a Front 9 - 40, Back 9 - 41, a Gross 81 with 30 putts. This score was good enough for third place on the day, that was a bonus. To have played this well and still have a 2-3 shot improvement possible is so satisfying after feeling a little despondent and considering a two to three day golf break to freshen up on recent results. Using the Handicap Predictor on Golf Link my handicap is going to drop 1 stroke to a 14.
The break is still an option for the start of this week. In the meantime replaying the shots that yesterday brought home the score and how much these are a result from the experiences at Naracoorte. Without the doglegs and being able to play long off the tee with out endangering my ability to play a clear second shot, I was off to a flying start. First benefit from Naracoorte in the shot playing, was the improved accuracy with the driver, the best in recent memory that can compare to my best practise sessions. Second shots were hitting the green in regulation and four chip shots in particular landed literally on the target spot chosen for the green. Putting was a revelation and in part a concern possibly, 15 on each nine and the reading of the greens was so easy with the familiar home course.
Today the sticks can be cleaned and no swings will happen at all. In the afternoon I have a Bowen Therapy appointment to fix up some muscle strains and realign my back. Tomorrow I am considering a trip to Naracoorte just to play the front 9. The rounds there have been away to good starts on the first four holes and then breaking down. Ambling around by myself I can take my time and get a definite sighting of the last five fairways and derive a playing strategy for them. At the minute the reshafted blades are proof that the choice was correct, having scored 82,83 and an 84 with the previous iron set in recent weeks, this new set have gone straight on with the job so they are definitely not a hindrance. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all”Geoff
This weekend was no exception to this, as I played on Sunday in the home competition after the poor score the day before. This was to see how well I could front up on two consecutive days of competition golf. This second day of golf resulted in my best ever score off the stick in a competition game. Finishing the day with a Front 9 - 40, Back 9 - 41, a Gross 81 with 30 putts. This score was good enough for third place on the day, that was a bonus. To have played this well and still have a 2-3 shot improvement possible is so satisfying after feeling a little despondent and considering a two to three day golf break to freshen up on recent results. Using the Handicap Predictor on Golf Link my handicap is going to drop 1 stroke to a 14.
The break is still an option for the start of this week. In the meantime replaying the shots that yesterday brought home the score and how much these are a result from the experiences at Naracoorte. Without the doglegs and being able to play long off the tee with out endangering my ability to play a clear second shot, I was off to a flying start. First benefit from Naracoorte in the shot playing, was the improved accuracy with the driver, the best in recent memory that can compare to my best practise sessions. Second shots were hitting the green in regulation and four chip shots in particular landed literally on the target spot chosen for the green. Putting was a revelation and in part a concern possibly, 15 on each nine and the reading of the greens was so easy with the familiar home course.
Today the sticks can be cleaned and no swings will happen at all. In the afternoon I have a Bowen Therapy appointment to fix up some muscle strains and realign my back. Tomorrow I am considering a trip to Naracoorte just to play the front 9. The rounds there have been away to good starts on the first four holes and then breaking down. Ambling around by myself I can take my time and get a definite sighting of the last five fairways and derive a playing strategy for them. At the minute the reshafted blades are proof that the choice was correct, having scored 82,83 and an 84 with the previous iron set in recent weeks, this new set have gone straight on with the job so they are definitely not a hindrance. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all”Geoff
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