It's amazing what five weeks will do to the spirit! In my last post - back on March 10 - I was lamenting the snow storm that was approaching yet hopeful of a good start to the 2009 golf season. It appears I got my wish.
We are basking in the glory of 70* temperatures for the second day in a row in over six months, and virtually all courses in and around the Twin Cities are open. Unfortunately, northern Minnesota saw 10" or more of snow as recent as early last week, so they may be a little behind, but that isn't tempering the enthusiasm of golfers here.
The Masters, another one of those "unofficial" signs that golf season is here, lived up to the hype. We had many early rounds in the 60s, including Anthony Kim recording an amazing 11 birdies during Round 2, and had many marquee players still in the mix on Sunday morning. Even starting seven strokes back, Phil and Tiger got everyone excited with their magnificent play over the first 11 holes. Unfortunately, their respective trains got derailed (Phil) or slowed (Tiger), and they were never factors the back nine. In the end, by virtue of a playoff filled with some unexpected heros, Angel Cabrera outlasted Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell.
Another sign that the tournaments are about to start is the fact that my rules workshops are almost over. The MGA Two-Day Rules & Officiating Workshop is next Tuesday & Wednesday at Minnesota Valley CC in Bloomington. I am fortunate to have former MGA & USGA President Reed Mackenzie as my co-instructor. This workshop is always fun and educational for me, even as an instructor. It also helps me to get my "rules mind" back - just in time for tournament season.
Another milestone - well, maybe not "milestone" but certainly a date to note - occurred this past Wednesday. April 15 marks the beginning of the handicap season in Minnesota. You should be posting your rounds from now until October 15. Make sure you sign up for e-Revisions, too!
Lastly, I will be a part of the
TeeMaster Golf (radio) Show and the
Golf Bound (TV) Show again this year. For the radio show, there is time and day change to the program. It will be on at
6:30-7:00 am Sunday mornings on "the talk station AM1500 KSTP." Listen in and win valuable prizes by answering the trivia question. If you're not within earshot of a radio that can pick up AM1500, listen on-line!
Golf Bound will again aire on KARE 11, but this year it moves up 30 minutes to
11:05 pm Sunday nights. I will be providing rules segments on most shows.
It is shaping up to be another great year. I'm even hoping to get out a little more myself. See you on the links!
Doug
