My Family

Minus me!!

Luas V Dublin Bus

Feckin mad this.
How in God's name can the drivers not see each other? It's not like they're driving small things.
A few people still seriously injured.

It's Been A While....

Well, Hello

I know it's been a while since I posted anything but well I really wasn't arsed.
I'll try and post regular ( well regular-ish) updates.

Went out for a run this evening for the first time in I don't know how long. I ran just under 4 k and made it home alive so all in all it was a pretty successful return.
Everyone seems to be out running these days so I said I might as well get on board.

Got my hands on a few new lenses so will try and get out this weekend and get a few shots. I'll post a few of the pics here.

Cillian & Caoimhe getting bigger and bolder - well not so bold - I'll stick a couple of pics up of them over the weekend.

Well, that'll about do it.

A Bit Arty

Westport

Hey,

I got to play Westport yesterday and despite all the weather forecasts - which predicted alot of rain - we managed to get around with only a couple of drops. And I mean literally a couple of drops.
Didn't get off to the best of starts and considering I have been playing well lately it was a little bit of a pisser.
I could only manage 11 points on the front nine. The bank nine was a different kettle of fish. Played very well and amassed 19 points. No where near enough to win but happy none the less.

Myself and two of the lads are heading to the Open next weekend in Turnberry, Scotland. Heading out in a camper so will be leaving for Belfast on Friday afternoon and will arrive at Turnberry for some time around 3 -we think. Am really looking forward to it.

Am playing in the Tuesday open comp this week so will try and get back to the way the blog was before and post a bit after I'm done.

Later

A New Post

Cillian out for a Swing!!

Class Weekend of Sport

What a weekend.

It started with watching Utd go down 2-0 at Fulham while having two players sent off. Continued onto discovering that Chelsea had also lost. That was followed up with the first Irish Grand Slam in over 60 years as Ireland beat Wales in nerve wrecking fashion. After this came Bernard Dunne's world title victory.
Then to my absolute delight Liverpool give Villa a thumping.

Class!!

Liverpool Today

I am absolutely delighted with today's result. To beat Utd at home at any stage is a great result. To score 4 goals in the process is unbelievable. Not to mention that the slim chance Liverpool had / have of winning the title could only continue with 3 points. I am over the moon.
Some commentators and fans will only be delighted to state that Utd slipped up rather than Liverpool totally outplayed them. They will say that it only goes to show how inconsistent Liverpool have been all season. But I point to the fact that despite not having the money to spend like Utd and Chelsea, and having drawn more games than we would like we are still hanging on in there. We knew a victory was what was required to keep the chance of a title alive. And a victory was achieved.

Utd's next game at Fulham is now huge. While they will most likely win at Craven Cottage, and most likely win the title it is not as much as a given as it was. If by some chance Fulham manage even a draw Utd then have to face a Villa side still hoping for a top 4 placing.

I can't wait.

Cillian's New Job

With all this news of a recession Cillian said he'd do his bit and help out with the bills.

Sports Photography

I gave it a shot last weekend at he Athenry B V CB Trotters match. I would really like to get into sports photography and am doing a couple of courses over the next few months - but there's nothing like getting some experience. When I get a few more matches under my belt I'm going to try and use a contact I have in Galway Utd to see if he can get me in for a couple of matches - could possibly be easier to get into a Mervue Utd match. There playing Division 1 now in League of Ireland and are playing their home matches in Terryland now as well.

Here's a few I took at the Athenry match...

Golfing This Morning!!!

But is pissing out if it.......Great

I Want It, I Want It, I Want It

NOW!!!

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!!

We didn't manage to get out tonight as we had parenting duties that couldn't be passed over for the night.
But a good night was had none the less.

The Moon over Athenry

The sky was very clear over Athenry last night and I managed to grab the this shot.

Poor Auld Keano

I was glad to see Robbie get a couple of goals this evening. He was very badly treated by Liverpool.
Although I do see why Rafa had to stick to his guns about his desire to have full control over who comes and goes at Anfield.
But never the less I did feel really sorry for Robbie when his dream move turned into a nightmare.

Now back at Spurs as captain and a couple of goals tonight - even though it wasn't his best performance in a green shirt - he'll sleep a bit happier tonight than his has done for a couple of weeks.

Fair play..

New Arrival

Rafa The Gaffa

I know people have been saying Rafa is starting to loose the plot but I think the "rant" at Fergie last week was exactly what was needed. He's coming out swinging. Fergie gets away with so much shite. Rafa could have done with beating Stoke though after laying into Slur Alex.

January 1st

Just wanted to say Happy New Year to one and all!!!

Liverpool for the title!!!
Harrington for the "Paddy Slam"

Stevie G

Tut...tut...tut...

Xmas '08

Well, Christmas Day has been and gone for another year. I think I'm going to have to build an extension for all the presents Cillian got!!
All went well on the day and Liverpool go into the new year top of the table.

So a very good Xmas it has been.

Bring on the new year.

Blogging

Have to get out of this. Blog a couple of times in a day or so and then disappear for a few months. Early new years resolution is to blog more often.

Have a look at this.

A Draw

After bossing most of the match it could be looked at 2 points lost rather than one pointed earned. But a point away from home against the 2nd best team in the group is not bad.
A win in Anfield in a fortnight's time will all but guarantee Liverpool's participation in the final 16.

Not so bad

Atletico Madrid 0 Liverpool 1

Another Robbie Keane goal puts Liverpool 1 up away from home.
Although there was a hint of off side we'll take it

Very Busy

Howya now!!

I know the posts have been lacking of late but I've been very busy between work, college, stag weekends, weddings - not to mention family life and golf.

I'm into my 6th week of the ACCA lectures and they're going well. Exams in the first week of December - so looking forward to them.....

A couple of friends got married - not to each other - which meant two Saturdays in a row. One local enough and one in Eniscrone in Sligo. Two very good days were had. Then after the two weddings there was a stag weekend in Sligo. We played the Darren Clarke designed course on Saturday morning. Very good course but as you'd expect the weather was awful and we came in after 18 holes wetter than wet.

So the last weekend and this one are relaxing ones. Nothing major to do so all good.

Hopefully this is the start of regular posts.,,,,,,.......

A Bad Round

After my recent good form on the golf course I took a couple of weeks off. Well, I say "took off", but in actual fact as to anyone who even looked out a window in the last 2 weeks, let alone go outside, will tell you it literally started raining and didn't stop.
So with a 2 week break from playing I headed out on Friday evening to blow off the cobwebs - as it was President's Prize weekend in the club.

As I hadn't played for a bit I was expecting the standard to be pretty bad. But to my surprise I played really well, shooting 2 over for 12 holes. So instead of dreading teeing it up in the Presidents the following morning I actually thought I had a chance - How wrong I was.

To be fair, I played reasonably well - but in patches. Now it definitely didn't help matters that it was bucketing down. I not going to go into the detail of it but let's just say that a 3 triple bogies and a 10 at the 10th was the death of my round.
Before yesterday I hadn't gone over 90 shots for at least 3 months - yesterday's score was a lovely 99.

Absolutely awful. Awful.......Awful..

Come on Paul Hession!!!

Athenry man Paul Hession runs in the semi-final of the 200m in Beijing today at 2.25pm.
With a small bit of luck he'll progress to the final - his gold medal.

Cillian

This picture was taken yesterday evening. He's getting big and tall. And he's now walking!!!

Yesterday

I managed to get out for 18 in yesterday's competition. Despite it blowing gales out I managed to keep under my new handicap, 16.
Shot an 85 which gives me a Net 69 - which should be good enough to feature.

2 weeks in a row - I feel my head getting bigger and bigger.......

New Driver - Taylormade Burner

Just a quick note on my new driver, a Taylormade Burner. I have the 10.5 with regular shaft.
I'm really loving this club, Bar an odd loose one I'm hitting it really well.

Long may it continue!!

A Good Bit of Progress

Over the last couple of weeks my golf has come on a lot.
While I was on a weeks holidays I managed to get out a good bit and it really paid off.

Last Sunday, in very bad weather, I had 39 points. While I was a little disappointed after the round mainly because of a blow out and three doubles in the last 7 holes, I was happy with the 39. It was good enough to get me second place - the winner also had 39 points but he had a better back 9.

Out I went again on Monday only to shoot my best round ever - a 78, playing off 16. ( I got cut down from 16.5 to 15.7 for my second place ).

Due to my unbeaten record for the club I was asked to play for the Connaught Shield team. We were playing Beana on Tuesday evening. Once again I kept up my unbeaten record winning on the 15th but unfortunately we were bet overall, 4 - 1. Disappointing but what can you do.

So I'm really looking forward to the next couple of competitions - The Christy Kelly Memorial tomorrow and the Presidents Prize in a couple of weeks. Hopefully my form will continue.

Taking it easy

A couple of decent results

After the disappointment of going out of the Pierce Purcell I was delighted keep my form in single competitions. While probably leaving a few points on the course I finished in 4th place in one of the golfer of the year comps.
Then last weekend finished joint 2nd, (3rd on a countback), in the Ballinrobe Golf club am-am.

Playing this evening so hopefully can keep it going.

Won the War, Lost the Battle

Well I managed to win my match yesterday 6&5. We played some great golf. We were only 2 over for the 13 holes. But unfortunately we lost our other match at home as well as two away, so the final result goes down as 3 1/2 to 1 1/2.

Disappointing to say the least.

Ready for off!!!

Don't ya just hate queues..

Look who just got their first car!!!

Match tomorrow

Playing next round of Pearse Purcell tomorrow. Zonal semi final
against Ouchtarard (spelling). Playing at home again. Match away at 2pm.

Fingers crossed...

It worked!!!

Just blogged directly from my iphone. Blogging on the go.

I know posts have been non-existing. But I will try and change it. If nothing else just to prove Donal wrong.

Golf's been going well over the last month or so. Made the Pearse Purcell team, national competition for 12 to 17 handicappers. Managed to beat Gort and Bearna (last year's Connaught Champions) so far. I won my two matches as well, 6&5 and 7&6 so all good.
Bought a new driver, the Taylormade Tour Burner. Hitting very well, so happy out.

Later

Test mobile blogging

This is a test to see if it works. If so maybe more posts.....

Later

Posts a bit slack

Hey,

Been a bit quite of late. Golfing for the year just getting going. Managed to get 5 full rounds in the last couple of weeks, with steady progress being made in each outing. Was asked to play for the Pierce Purcell team for the golf club. First practice is Monday evening. Am playing tomorrow morning as well. Looking forward to that, as long as the weather is decent. Played yesterday evening and the wind would nearly blow you over.

Have gotten into photography of late. Have always has an interest but decided to buy a decent camera over Xmas and am doing a good bit of reading into it - learning how to use the camera properly. Found a site if anyone is interested - Photography Ireland, The camera I have is a Canon 5D.

Anyway, that's it for now

later.

Saturday Fourball

Got out yesterday, despite the fairly terrible weather, to play 18 holes. Tees off at 8.40 and had to to contend with rain for the first 7 holes. But by the time we hit off on 8 it had dried up and remained rain free for the rest of our round.

Myself (16) and Ian (6) V Ronan (8) and Adrian (2). With not alot of golf played lately the odds were very much stacked against us. We had a great start when I stitched my second to about 8 feet, and while I missed the birdie put, the par with a shot was good enough to win the hole. With the second halved in pars, we won the third thanks to a birdie from Ian. We went on to loose the 4th and half the rest of the front nine leaving us 1 up at the turn - and also winning the first fiver.

We lost the tenth only to win the 11th and regain our narrow lead. Ronan had done well to get a par on the 11th after finding a bit of trouble off the tee. I'd had reasonably decent tee shot and had left my second just short of the front of the green. I went for a bump and run with my 8 iron but didn't quite hit it hard enough. I'd left myself a nasty 12 footer with a good bit of left to right in it. Ronan looked on in horror as in it rolled. With a shot it was good enough for the win.

It went back and forth until the lads took the lead on the 16th. After being up for most of the round we were now looking like we could be bet. On the 17th a par for Ian halved the hole and brought us to the 18th still alive.

All four of us hit, probably, our best drives of the day. All four were is great positions for their second. I was up first and pitched on. Over hit it slightly and it ran about 15 feet passed the hole. Not too bad considering I had a shot on this hole too. Ronan hit his in and it went short and right - but not much. He finished in the first cut about 10 feet from the pin. Ian hit his in and left it about 6 feet right of the hole. Great shot under pressure. Considering that Adrian was 1 under so far to think that we were still alive on the 18th green was a good achievement. He hit his in - came down about a foot from the pin but didn't check and ran about 20 feet passed.
I rolled my put up and narrowly missed the birdie but had hit it a little too hard. Ran about 5 feet passed. Ronan's put scrapped the edge of the cup but didn't drop - gimme par. Adrian's put was right on line but stopped about a foot short. Another gimme par. We had two puts to win the hole and level the match. Ian was up first. Hw didn't dwell on it too long. He decided on his line and hit it. In it rolled. I had the pressure free put and in it rolled too. Match halved.

Great result for us and very enjoyable day on the course.

Golfing Again

Got out for a few holes at the weekend. I really enjoyed playing. I've only managed to get out a few times since last September with the house move, weather and spending time with Cillian.

Only managed to get 9 in as the weather when we were heading out was pretty atrocious. Because it was so bad we started on the 10th but by the time we'd got to the 11th it had eased up a fair bit.

Didn't go too bad. Bogied the 10th, 11th. Doubled the 12th after knocking first ball out of bounds. Got another bogie on the 13th, parred the 14th, doubled the 15th, parred the 16th and 17th and finished with a bogie on the 18th. 8 over for the 9 holes so net level par.

Playing again next Saturday morning so am going to try and hit the range a couple of time before then.

Going Alright Again.....

After my last post I really didn't know what to think about Rafa. I would be known for my unrelenting loyalty to Liverpool regardless of whether it might actually be the case. I was one of the people who though Diouf was alright, I thought that Cisse would come good. I still think that if Kewell gets enough games under his belt he might actually get back to the player he was for Leeds. So for me to be doubting Rafa, even slightly, I wasn't sure where I was.

But this evening I think we're back on track. I put this down mainly to the fact that he hasn't changed the team much. The core has stayed. I still think he changes it too much overall, but he left Gerrard and Torres in the team. And we have reaped the rewards. We're 2 up against Inter, and have 4 league wins on the trot in the bag.

Long may it continue.

What to do???

Where has it all gone wrong? Has it gone wrong? I simply don't know what side of the line I stand on.

Rafa's arrival was heralded as the start of the return to the old days. Now I'm not saying that we should be winning title after title by now but we should be competing a hell of a lot more. Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea are them teams we need to be challenging - not Everton, Man City & Villa. But that's where we find ourselves.
It's hard know who to blame - Rafa, the new owners or the players themselves. The new owners obviously have an affect on the team. There loose comments can not have done much for morale at the club - but they have stumped up the cash for the players Rafa wanted. They have just sanctioned the £18m signing of Mascherano. But I do think the sooner they go the better. It' a pity Moores didn't have the cash to move the club along. There was a good chairman.

The players have to stand up and start to perform like we know they can. They've made a start - let's see if they can continue it.

I'm starting to loose faith with Rafa. I have a lot of faith in him but it is starting to diminish. While I admire him for sticking to his beliefs that squad rotation is the way to go he has to be able to see that Liverpool's best runs all occur when the team stays the same for as long as possible. I know keeping so many top players happy is tough but playing them for the sake of it is wrong. For me, the back 5 should remain the same. Pick your best 5 and let them play.
Trying to keep the 4 central midfielders happy is, in my opinion, Rafa's biggest problem. Obviously Gerrard is first name on every teamsheet. Changing the team to suit the others has cost us valuable points this season. I think Alonso should play. Mascherano and Alonso are of a similar type but I think Alonso uses the ball better. He can also put in a tackle as good as the Argie. Lucas is a talented player but ahead of the other three - I think not.

As long as Torres starts we will never do too bad up top but again I think he needs to decide who partners him and let them at it. The wingers, I suppose, are the most interchangeable but how can a player remain in good form if he plays well one week and then is dropped for the next game.

Rafa has to sort it out. Managing a top team is not easy - but if Liverpool don't improve dramatically by the end of the season then it most likely something he won't have to worry about.

Barcelona - Here We Come!!!

View Larger Map
One of my good friends, Donal, is getting married to Sofia in Barce later this year. Just got hotel booked so we're all sorted. All that's left to do is wait for it to arrive.

Gettin Big!!!

Soon be eating us out of house and home!!! Not to mention terrorizing the dog. Homer's gone into hiding.

Back in One Piece

We made it back without any casualties - well a couple of sore heads. Skiing conditions were great. Took a few pics with my k800i during the week. I left it till Friday to bring up the camera - and predictably the fog was out in force. Still managed a few decent pics. Here are a sample.

More posted on my Flickr page.

Later

Skiing

Nearly that time of year again, when we head for the slopes of St Johann en Tirol in Austria. Was sorting out all my gear last weekend and am now really excited. 9 days and counting!!!

Cillian

Cillian's been flying it lately. He's started moving under his own power - he's stared crawling backwards. Into any sort of divilment he can get into in. If there's something there that he's not supposed to be at then you can be sure that's where he'll be!!

Broadband

I got it. I ordered my broadband connection just over a week ago and was not surprised to be told I'd have to wait until 6th Feb for a connection.
By chance I connected my router to the phone socket to see if there was a light chance they'd have it connected early. And when I spotted it today the dsl light was glowing back at me. My 3MB line is up and running so I have no more excuses as to why the blog can't be kept up to date.

Got my golfing year off to a decent start Saturday week ago. 32 points - so overall I was happy. Played another 18 holes yesterday and to say the golf was up and down would be an enormous understatement. Playing again next week but am going to try and hit the range before then.

Skiing coming up. We head off the St Johann en Tirol in less than 2 weeks for our now annual ski fest. Am really looking forward to it. Maire is getting back on the skis this year and we have 3 first-timers so it should make for an exciting week. I've all the gear found so I'm pretty much set. Even collected the tickets last weekend. Austria here we come......

Update

Hey,

I know blog's been quite fir the past few weeks, ...eh months.
It's mostly down to the lack of broadband, but partly duw to a lack of 'couldn't be arsed' ness.

It will improve.

OK Donal?

Move Is On!!!

Finally....at last....we have a definite date.
The last of the work is being completed this weekend. We can start cleaning and moving stuff in next week.
It's been a long wait but we're finally there. It looked like another postponement was on the cards as the painter was late getting to house but he got there so all is good.

Links

my del.icio.us

Howya now

I know the posts have slackened off over the last couple of months or so but with good reason. I've been busy. That and the fact I've had no internet connection at home.

There's a few things I've wanted to write about. First, is my new house. It's nearly finished. After nearly 20 months of slogging at the weekends, of deciding what colour kitchen to what colour paint for each of the rooms. The last decision was made last week and that's it. No more changes or looking at something else, or being asked for my opinion on whether this unit would look better in this room or that room or will we change it altogether. I know I'm whinging and sound like I didn't enjoy being so involved the the building of the house but I actually loved it. There is something very rewarding about looking at some part of the house and know that I had something to do with getting it done, however small it may be. Hoping to move in Friday week. I'll post a few pics in a bit.

Next on my list is the Vodafone 3G Broadband modem. On their website they have a map of the coverage that they provide a service for. Athenry, where I live, is supposed to have their 3G broadband speeds. I say supposed. No where near broadband speeds. I've tried the modem in a few different locations around the town and I can't get speeds anywhere near what they say is available. I got the modem last week but only got it hooked up on Thursday last. I have to contact them regarding it, because it's not cheap.

Next up is my golfing. I got to play the Monty course at Carton House a couple of Sundays ago. Class layout, course a bit dull but very testing. If you have the misfortune of finding the bunkers you'll need a ladder to get in and out of them. I had only managed 18 holes on the course and 45 mins on the range since the Cecil Ewing final. The 18 holes I played were an awful mixed bag, ranging from ok to dreadful. So to be honest I actually thought about pulling out of the trip to Kildare. Was I glad I didn't. I managed to play pretty good for the day. I had 21 points at the turn, and although I only managed another 10 on the back 9 it wasn't solely because of bad shots. I did have a few bad ones, with my short game really showing up my lack of regular play. I hit alot of good shots only to find bunkers or a bad lie. All in all I was very happy with how I played and was glad I went. I'm really looking forward to when my time i my own again and I get get back out playing regularly. (House nearly finished so I'll soon have my weekends back).

Last but not least, if you know of anyone looking to buy a house in the West of Ireland you could do alot worse than the house I'm moving from. Up for sale now with Remax. If you know of anyone interested mail me at pleader@mac.com

Later

Been a While

I know it's been a while since my last update but I'm in the middle of moving to my new house.
As a result I have has to cancel by broadband connection while Eircom gets me set up.

Hopefully it won't be too much longer......

Connaught Champions

We went down to Carrick-On-Shannon yesterday for the 2nd leg of the Cecil Ewing shield. We had a 3-2 advantage from the 1st leg and were looking to win at least 2 matches to make sure we could go to a play-off.
Myself and Jim were up in our match from the 2nd hole. And bar 2 holes that we halved when we should have been lost them we were never in any danger of loosing the match. (We kept our 100% record together. The 5 matches I played with Jim and the match win in the first round gave me a 100% record for the whole competition. )
We were well beaten in the first 2 matches and were down in the other 2 after 10 holes. A come back in both of the matches before mine gave us a 3-2 win on the day, with a 6-4 win over the 2 legs.
It was a great feeling to win. Well worth all the time spent traveling and preparing for the matches.

Athenry Golf Club. Cecil Ewing Shield Champions 2007.

Class

iPhone gets launch date for UK

Apple and O2 have revealed that they are to release the iPhone in the UK in November. Apparently O2 are taking a big hit to be the ones who carry the iPhone. No word of when it will hit the Irish market yet, but with alot of unblocked phones readily available to buy on eBay and run on any network in Ireland it can't be too long before Apple cop that they are loosing money.

I've bought one of the new iPod Touch's so I'm not in as much of a rush to buy one of the phones but if it were to launch here next week chances are I'd be in the que to buy one. Can't beat a good gadget and the iPhone is THE gadget.

My New Ping Raptures

I recently aquired a set of Callaway X20 irons. I got them through my uncle. I hit them ok but wasn't really tempted to leave Ping irons.
The option came up to trade them in against a new set of Ping Raptures. I've been hitting my G5's really well lately so the raptures had to be at least as good before I'd consider changing. I hit them at the range and I could definitely see an improvement. At least 15 yards longer.
So the decision was made - the x20's for the raptures. Still have my G5's and I'm not sure that I'll start using the raptures till after the final next Saturday. I'm going to play 9 holes tomorrow evening and see how I get on.

Cecil Ewing Connaught Final

Well, we won the home leg 3-2. It gives us a slight advantage to bring with us to Carrick-On-Shannon next Saturday. I won my match and played fairly well doing so. Bar on duff chip and a couple of wayward drives I was very happy with how I played.
Hopefully we can get the result we want on Saturday and bring the title back to Athenry with us.

The Captain's prize presentation as held on Saturday also. For my 4th place finish I won a nice set of cutlery. Very fancy indeed!!!

New Taxi Service for Dublin

Cecil Ewing Connaught Final

We play the first leg of the final tomorrow against Carrick On Shannon. First pairing goes out at 1.30pm, with the first leg been played in Athenry. 2nd leg to be played in Carrick on the 22nd.

I'm out in the last pairing. Keeping the fingers cross we can bring a decent advantage up to Carrick with us next week.

Come on Athenry!!!

Time for Stan to Go

While I have always been a fan of Steve Staunton, both as a Liverpool and Ireland player, I couldn't believe it when he emerged the successor to Brian Kerr as Ireland manager. He appeared to me to be the cheapest the FAI could get that they thought the fans would accept. I know people will point to the run of unbeaten games that Ireland have gone on during the last 10 games or so as proof that we have made progress under Staunton. Some other people may ask that if not Staunton, who? But it is, plain and simply, time for Staunton to go.

While he was a good player he is not even an ok manager. It's hard to criticise him too much. Who wouldn't, if asked, not want to manage their country? The fault lies with the FAI. Delaney and Co. should also get the bullet. Look at the way the English FA run their association. They have a proper set up. Not people looking after their own skin. Delaney should have gone after the whole Saipan incident. Paid a fortune for the Genesis report and then practically ignored it. Typical.

We've fallen to about 36th in the world rankings and after the draw last Saturday coupled with tonight's defeat I'd say we're going to slide even further back. I think we have a decent enough squad - not great but good enough.

We need to get someone in who has experience - the more the better. And the sooner the better too!!!

I gave in!!!

I watched Steve Jobs' keynote presentation from last week over the weekend. The ipod touch looks so class I couldn't resist. I bought myself one of the 16gb versions today. I'm really looking forward to seeing how well the wifi works in the hot spots around town. The widescreen display really makes browsing the album artwork look class.

I was going to hold out for the iphone but with Ireland not likely to be included in the first european countries it's launched in I splashed out. They're shipping for near the end of September so should have it some stage during the first week in October.

Can't wait!!

Miss Teen South Carolina

This thing is doing the rounds on the net now. The video of Miss Teen South Carolina making an ass of herself.
Ben and Eric from benanderic.com have done a version of the Plain White T's Delilah. Absolutely brilliant.

Liverpool FC to Launch TV Channel

Liverpool are to launch their own tv station on the 20th Sept. All of Liverpool's matches will be shown on the channel (not live coverage, though I might add). What will be shown liver will be all the reserve team matches as well as some of the youth team games.

Along with the game coverage there will be interviews with the current squad of players and management. They will also feature some of the former Anfield greats.

All in all I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be included with the Setanta Sports channels. Got it in for the PGA Tour this year so I'm all set.

Bring on the 20th!!!

Dilemma

Apple have launched a new iPod called the iPod Touch. Very similar to the iPhone.
I have decided that I'm definitely getting the iPhone, whenever it makes an appearence on the Irish market.
My problem is that the new iPod Touch looks the business. Don't know if I can resist.....

New Direction

I've decided to take the blog in a different direction, well, many directions.
I'm going to post about whatever I want, from golf to football, from whatever is happening on the world that takes my fancy to whatever is pissing me off.

Stay tuned.

Captain's Prize. Day 2

Well I'm not going to go into as much detail as I did for last week's round as I don't have the time to write that much and it wasn't as good a score as last week's either. At saying that though, it wasn't that bad. I was out at 9.30 on Sunday morning. Weather was good and the course was again looking great. I started by drilling my drive right down the middle of the 1st fairway. I went on to par the 1st and the 2nd.

A pulled shot on the 3rd put me in the trees. And although I found the edge of the green with my second shot I ended up 3 putting for a double. It was the first of three par-3s that I would double bogie. Although I had alot of bogies and some pars I finished up shooting a net 73. That included a quadruple bogie on the par 4 11th. I wouldn't mind but I hit a good drive and came up just short of the green with my second shot. Ball ended up in a bunker, which took 2 to get out of. Ball ran off the back of the green. I then chipped about 14ft passed the hole and then proceeded to 3 putt. Not my finest moment.

The 73 combined with the first round score of 66, giving me a combined 139 was well good enough to get me in to the last 9-hole playoff. I was 4 shots back at the start of the 9 holes. I shot a net 1 over for the nine holes which meant I finished with a level par 175.

An that score was good enough for 4th place. Not to bad if I say so myself. Well happy with that. If I don't sound that excited about it, it's probably because I should have come 2nd. But that's another story........

Presidents coming up in a few weeks so looking forward to that one. Until then though I'm going to revel in my glory...........

Quick Apology

I just wanted to say sorry for the long winded post on my last update. I'm not sure how many people read this blog, if any at all. Mostly I write it for myself but if you do read it then hope I didn't bore you too much!!!

I found out today that I'm out on Sunday morning at 9.30. I'm playing in Newcastle Golf Club in an Am-Am on Saturday morning so hopefully it warms me up for Sunday and doesn't use up too much of my luck. Fingers crossed.

Later.....

Captains Prize 2007 Day 1

The Captains prize format this year is over 45 holes. Round one consists of 18 holes with the top 64 players qualifying for another 18 holes a week later. The top 27 then proceed to play a final 9 holes that afternoon with the winner coming from that.

The first round was played on Saturday and Sunday last. I had put my name down for 2 - 3pm on Saturday afternoon. Any of the names in that hourly slot were drawn out into groups of three. I got drawn with a guy I didn't know and Philly, one of my friends I regularly play with. Both of got out on the Thursday previous for a bit of practice and we both said we'd have a quite night on the Friday.

Our tee time was set for 2.56. Off we went. My first drive was not too bad but it put me in a spot where I couldn't go for the green. I had to knock it out about 60 metres. I was left with about 120m in. I hit a decent 8 iron right at the pin, but with the pin placed right behind the bunker I came up just short. With the sand very heavy I didn't get it out at the first attempt. A 2 putt followed. A 7 at the first. I thought it was going to be one of those days. On to the 2nd...

My drive on the 2nd was worse than the first. Into heavy rough, and behind trees. I took my pitching wedge and let fly. I got it out over the trees and onto the rough on the left of the fairway about 90m from the green. All in all, a good shot if not a bit lucky. With the wedge in my hand again I got it to 10 feet. I read the putt well and in it fell. Par. 3 over through 2. A bit happier headin to the 3rd.

I hit a good rescue club off the tee to about 25ft. Another 2 putt nets another par. I felt the confidence brewing.

With hardly a wisp of air blowing I decide on a 3 wood but I don't connect well and I pull it slightly to the left. I had a decent line into the green and went at it with an 8-iron. I hit the green but it runs off onto the first cut. I was left with a 25ft putt with about a 4 foot break - left to right. In it rolls. 1 under for 3 holes - 2 over through my first 4 holes. Not too bad at all.

A bogie on the fifth , bogie on the 6th and a bogie on the long par 4 7th followed. 5 over through 7.

With a decent drive on the par 5 8th I was in good nick for my 2nd. I was hoping to leave it about 90m short of green. I cut across the ball with my 3-wood and knock it in under trees. I had a bit of room under there to knock it out. I was in the rough about 60m out. A bad wedge shot saw me with a difficult putt. A rush of blood on the putt saw me knock it about 12 ft passed the hole. Another 2 putts saw me leave with a 7. 7 over through 8.

A decent drive on the 9th gave me a good chance of reaching the green in 2. A slightly pushed 5-iron left me just off the right edge of the green. I chipped to 12ft and 2 putted for a bogie. 8 over through the first 9 holes. Going good.

The 2nd 9 got going with a cut drive and more trees. I managed to find the fairway another 100m up. A 5-iron found the rough in the right hand side of the green. A chip and 2 putts result in a bogie. Going good.

My drive on the 11th ended up on the right hand side of the fairway. I was left with about a 5 or 6-iron in. I deceided on the 6-iron and let fly. It was hit well but a little off line. It ball rested on the left hand side of the green, down on the first tier. The pin was about 30 feet away with a nasty hill to climb. I sized up the putt, decided on my line and hit it. To my absolute delight it rolls in - another birdie. Back to 8 over.

The re-designed tee boxes of the 12th waited. I hit a rescue club off the tee. The ball stopped on the rough just at the back of the green. I tried a little chip shot but the ball caught the first cut and didn't release. A 2-putt followed which put me at 9 over through 12.

I hit a great drive off the tee on 13. A slight draw which suited the right to left dog-leg layout of the 13th hole. I was about 160m out so I attacked the ball with my 7-iron. Too much. The abll ran through the green and finished pirched up on the bank. I now faced a very tricky shot. I would have to hit down on the abll to get it up onto the green - too hard and it would end up in the bunker on the far side - too easy and it wouldn't make it out the rough. I managed to hit it somewhere in between. The ball came to a stop about 30ft passed the hole, but at least it was still on the green. I was thinking I could manage a 2-putt no problem. I picked another good line and hit it well. Par. Absolutly over the moon.

I cut my drive on the 14th. The ball ended up on the 15th fairway. I had a line in but with the pin on the right side of the green I had to get over alot of trees protecting that edge of the green. I hit in a 5-iron and caught it well enough - but not well enough to clear the trees. The ball came down in the trees. I had a shot through the trees and managed to get it on for 3. My par putt was decent. It had a look in but never dropped. To be honest a bogie on this hole was a good result. 10 over through 14.

The 15th tee box is well back in the trees so a drive too much to the left or right is in trouble. My drive was down the middle of the opening. The 15th hole bends to the left as you move down it. My ball was on the right hand side rough. In the first cut so I had a decent lie. I hit my rescue club to the back of the green. A decent birdie chance coming up. I gave it a good shot but it just rolled behind the hole. A tap in par. I'll take that any day on the 15th.

As I arrived on the 16th tee box I must admit I was feeling confident and maybe a little cocky. Down to earth I came. I pulled my drive into the overgrown heather running up the left of the 16th fairway. I was in trouble. This could be a card wrecker. I hit a provisional but something was off as I skied that one. As me and my two playing partners searched for the ball I couldn't help but think to myself that it was typical. 10 over through 15 holes. Too good to be true. But then just as I was beginning to give up all hope Philly finds it. Not in too bad a shape. I was hoping to knock it out onto the 15th fairway but with the way the ball was lying in the heather I could only come at it in one direction. I took my 7-iron, decided on my direction and with all my power. I let rip. I kept my head down on this one. When I lifted it up I could see it flying onto the fairway. Someone definitely had my back. Although I ended up taking a 6 on the hole I was very happy to be walking to the 17th tee at 12 over.

The par 3 17th has always been a tricky hole for me. I either stitch it or knock it into the trees on the right. And wouldn't you know it, I had to find the trees. I had a small gap to knock it onto the green and managed to get it on. Another 2 putt and I was heading to the final hole at 13 over.

The tee box on the 18th is further back in the forrest than the 15th. A slightly pushed drive puts me in the bunker on the right. With a 7-iron in my hand I thin it and knock the ball to the front of the green. I chipped it to about 15 ft and narrowly missed the par putt. A bogie gives me a finished score of 84, 14 over and with my handicap of 18 results in a net 66.

Unbelievable. We were met coming off the 18th green by the Captain. Philly tells him my score and to our delight he tells us that it's the leading score. After the rest of Saturday's play and all of Sunday no one could beat my 66. I win the first round and qualify for the next round of the Captain's prize. Best feeling I've had playing golf. Winning the comp last year doesn't come close. I'm really looking forward to next weekend now. I'll have to try and work on my pitching and chipping but if the rest of my game more or less holds then I should be ok. I'm not saying I'll win it. I'd be happy as long as I give it a decent go.

The score also gets me cut to 16.8 which has me paying off 17 now.

Class or what.......

Clubs

Here are a couple of pics of my clubs.
I've the Callaway FT-i driver. My 3-wood, 21 deg and 18 deg rescue clubs are Ping Raptures. My irons are Ping G5's and my putter is a Ping G2 Craz-E. I also 2 Ping tour wedges, a 60 deg and 52 deg.

Up and Down

Hey all!!

I know I said I'd put up a post about my round which got me cut to 18 but I think I've left it too long as I don't remember much.
It was a very windy day, it didn't look like a score much less than par would win. I was happy with my score and happy to get cut.

Alot of my recent good form is down to me giving myself a second shot. I bought the new Callaway FT-i driver, the square one, (I'll stick up a pic or two later) and my driving accuracy has really improved. I'm now hitting fairways, well most of the time anyway. Having a 2nd shot is half the battle. It's not good if you have to knock the ball out sideways 5 or 6 times a round.

I got out for another comp last weekend but I wish I didn't bother. Started off pretty decent. I was 5 over after 8 but it had started raining by about the time we got to the 3rd hole. When we reached the 9th tee box we were well wet. Rain gear is great but when your glove and grips are wet and you're umbrella is going up and down like it's going out of fashion it's not easy to keep a round going, especially when you've only managed to get out 2 times in 6 weeks - I should say that the reason I wasn't out playing for so long is that my wife was pregnant. Our son was born on the 14th May. A future major winner?!!
So from the 9th on things were ranging from decent to absolute rubbish to good. I finished with a score of 29 points. no where near good enough to be even near featuring.

Hoping to get out this weekend. We'll have to see how the new boss is.

The Cut

Just a quick update to let ye know that I'm now playing off 18. After a decent round in the comp last Sunday I got cut .6 which has me playing off 18 now.

I'll stick another post up later about Sunday's round later.

Till then....

We're Back!!!!

Well, now that the long evenings are back we can get out and play some golf. I had intended on updating the blog during the winter months but between one thing and another I didn't.

This is just a quick update to say we're up and running again.

We'll get a right update sorted tomorrow.

Sleep tight.

Bloody Weather

With the evenings now dark by 4.45 there has been very little golf. Even when we got out last week end at lunch time it was nearly dark by the time we finished.

I've been trying to get a bit of practice in when I can. Putting down the hall, swinging a club out in the back garden. Trying to get into the driving range during the week but with work, the house and other stuff that pops up i haven't had a chance.

The house is taking up most of my Saturdays. I don't really mind it too much though. To be honest I actually quite enjoy it. Kind of makes you want to go round the place grunting like Tim " The Toolman" Taylor.



The house is coming on grand. This picture was taken about 2 weeks ago. The slating has started and the plastering outside is all done. We've even started the painting. But all this work on the house, while enoyable as it is, does not do much for my golf game.

I'm hoping t oget out next Sunday for the Competition. I'll let ye know how I get on....

Very Little Golf

Well, it’s been very quite on the golfing front the last few weeks. With the house and the weather along with the evenings getting shorter and shorter there hasn’t been a whole pile of time to get many holes in.

What I have done is practice my chipping and pitching. I’ve been trying to improve my short game. I started this year playing off 21 so to have reduced my handicapp down to 18.7 and to have won a competition as well as progress a couple of rounds in the matchplay. The practicing I have been getting in has definitely benefitted me.

So the plan for the winter is to get a few of the winter comps played as well as keep the progress made so when next Spring comes along I’ll be better again.

Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup has finallt arrived. I didn't manage to get my hands on any match day tickets but I did get one for the Wednesday, a practice day.

I'm really looking forward to heading up. Cameras are allowed on the practice days so I'll post a few pictures during the week.

Come on Europe!!!!

Summer Coming To An End..........Sigh

I must admit I have not been playing as much golf as I wish. We started to build a house at the beginning of the summer and it's taking up alot of my time.


I can't remember the last competition I played in. I was supposed to play the last 2 Sundays but between staying out till after 6 one Sunday morning and the comp been cancelled the following all I've managed have been 3 halfish rounds, 9 holes, 11 holes and 10 holes, with the later this evening. We played 10 holes, of which I parred 6, bogied 2 and doubled the other 2.

Everything seemed to come together well. I lipped out the 2 bogies, as well as having 2 really decent birdie chances.

Playing in a 3 ball rumble on Sunday next. Looking foward it to it already.......

Two Days - Two Competitions

As it was a Bank Holiday here last weekend there was a competition on both Sunday and Monday last. Sunday's was a strokeplay while Monday's was stableford.

I was out early on the Sunday morning with two of the lads, Ronan and Brian. I had been up town for a few quite pints the night before and was feeling a little bit tired to say the least. It acutally turned out to be a good round. I opened with a par and followed it up with three bogies and a couple of pars. I was keeping myself really in the competition with pars and bogies. I even had a birdie. A couple of double bogies kept me from running away with it. As I had 19 shots wasn’t hurting.

I was about 10 over for 9 holes. I went on to bogie 10 and 11 and par the 12th. After a bad drive and a not so good 2nd shot on the par 4 13th I was still off the green after my third shot. I then proceeded to chip it in, to my obvious delight. I was now 12 over for 13 holes.

As I drove off on the 14th I was feeling rather happy. It was then that I got a call from Donal. He owns a share in a sailing boat. In the pub the night before we had discussed the possability of going sailing on Sunday afternoon. He rang to say everything was sorted and to head straight to the mooring after my round. Just before he hung up he asked “How ya getting on?”. I then had to say that I was going well. As soon as I utttered the words I already felt my luck changing. I went on to duff my second shot and only managed to knock it to the front of the green with my third shot. I chipped it in close and took a bogie, which wasn’t too bad.

It was then that Ronan and Brian said if I could manage to play the next four holes in 3 over I’d probably win the comp.

Needless to say, I took an 8 on each of the following 2 holes. Both are par 4s. Game over. What’s worse is that I parred the next 2 holes.

I’ll think twice before opening my mouth again.

As for the Monday comp - Same Bat Channel.

My First Win

I stated 2 weeks holidays last Monday. With herself working the frst week what better way to spend a few hours every day than out on the course.
I was out with my brother on Monday morning and the golf was very hot and cold. Some great shots and some, eh......not so great. I managed to have a few pars but lost the match 3 and 2. I must admit I was very dissappointed at how I was playing.

Every Tuesday in the golf club there is an open competition. Stableford. We, my brother and I, were on the time sheet for 2.20pm. We were joined by 2 other members. Everything seemd to go right. Drive after drive found the fairway. My iron play was as good as it's ever been and my chipping was flying it ( I chipped in for par on the 13th, as well as stiching 6 more holes). My putting could have been better but was ok.

I played the front 9 for 8 over. The back 9 is were it really got going. I was 4 over giving me 13 over total and 42 points. 42 points was good enough to win by 2. I won the competition. Fecking class. My first win. Handicap got cut back to 18.7 so I'm now playing off 19.

What makes it even better is that I followed up yesterday's 13 over with another 13 over again today. I bet my brother 9 and 8.

I just hope it continues.

2nd Round

Well it's been a while since my last post. I played the Captains prize, played in an Am Am in Galway's best course and nearly won a prize at it to boot. I also scored a net 72 in last week's competition and played in the 2nd round of the club matchplay.

Where to start. I'd been playing some decent golf, relativly speaking, in the week up to the Captain's prize. So I was more than hopeful of making it through to the following week. By the time I teed off it had started to rain. I didn't let up until we were called in after the 9th hole. I had started off shakey enough, having to hole a 10 foot put to keep it to a 6 on the first. Then after a couple of bad shots on the 2nd I was 3 over after 2. I stood up on the 3rd tee and caught the ball very heavy. It landed just in front of the womens tee. Bad. Very bad. What was worse was my second shot very short of the green. It started to turn then. I took out my sand wedge and hit it to about 8 feet which I duly knocked in. I felt a bit of confidance returning.

I managed to par one of the next 6 holes and bogey the rest, excluding a 6 on the 7th and a 7 on the par 5 8th, leaving me 10 over after 9. The rain when we were coming up the 7th and going dwn the 8th was unbearable. The course was also starting to flood. Some of the greens were unplayable. We got called in just as we were finishing out the 9th.

An hour later we were back on the 10th tee. I managed to bogey it along with the 11th. So after 11 holes I was 12 over which was going great, considering I'm playing off 21.

Then came the 12th and 13th. A 10 was taken on the 12th with two balls out of bounds. Round over. To compound that, I took a 8 on the par 4 13th. My playing partner was still in with a chance so I played on. He was finished after 14 though so we went in after the 15th.

On Friday last I played Galway Golf Club, in Salthill. Class. I had 35 points, with 36 points good enough for a prize. Loved playing in there though. Really enjoyed it. Driving a little erratic but I got around.

I played match yesterday evening. Teed off at 5pm and was in for 8pm. Got bet on the 16th. I'd been driving really well but it my drive on the 16th into the trees. My opponant saved his best drive of the match. Straight down the middle, and long. I had a decent shot out with only a small branch in my way. I hit it of course. A 1 in 20 shot. I gaurantee that if I tried to hit the branch 20 times I wouldn't do it. It finished up behind another tree. I was left with no shot but to knock it out sideways. I had a put for a 6 to put a small bit f pressure on - it would have left him with only 2 puts to win but I missed and conceded.

I was happy enough at how I played though so I wasn't too disappointed. But I had a couple of chances to win holes that I didn't take. If I had of made those shots............If..........

Captain's Prize

Well, in terms of my golfing life, it's been a great week. Winning my match last Sunday evening was followed by my best ever half round score. I got out for 9 holes on Tuesday evening. I played the 9 holes in 5 over, parring 5 of the 9 holes. I followed this with 6 holes on Wednesday evening - only got 6 played because the play was so slow out there. Played them 6 holes in 4 over.

Which is all boding well for this weekend's competition - The Captain's Prize. I'm playing on Sunday afternoon with 2 of my mates. The three of us were drawn to play together which is great. Teeing off at 2.10. I'm going to try and get a couple of hourse practice tomorrow afternoon. A bit of chipping and putting I think wouldn't do any harm.

Format for this year's comp is 18 holes with the top 64 to qualify for another 18 holes next week. The top 27 of the second round qualifies for the final round.

If I make it to the second week I'll be delighted. I'll let ye know.......

The Match!!!

I got a phone call on Saturday evening from the guy I was playing in the club matchplay. Because the Captain's prize is coming up next weekend he wanted to try and get our match played as soon as possible. We arranged to meet at the golf club on Sunday afternoon and see if we could get out somewhere.

I went out a bit early and hit the driving range. I hit a basket of balls and was just on the putting green for about 5 minutes when he arrived over and introduced himself, Tom. Sound man. That kind of calmed whatever nerves I had. My main goal was not to get walloped. I did not want to be coming in after 11 or 12 holes well and truly bet.

We set off. He was playing off 18 so he had the honour of teeing off first. He sent it pretty much down the middle. I stood up and hit mine into the trees on the right hand side of the fairway. The ball landed in a bit of a clearing. I had a good gap to aim through but the ball was resting about 1 inch from a rock embeded in the ground. I knocked it through the trees but couldn't hit it too hard. I was still short of his drive. I hit a 7 iron in. I was short by about a foot from it being a great shot. Instead it rolled back into the bunker. Tom hit his 2nd onto the green. I hit out of the bunker and passed the pin by about 10 feet. Tom putted to about 6 inches. I was 1 down.

After a couple of decent drives and good approach shots we shared the second with 2 pars. Onto the third. We both hit to the right hand side of the green. I chipped out but didn't catch enough of the ball. It stopped on the first cut. Tom chipped to 2 feet. I left the put short. 2 down.

The 4th was playing down through a big wind blowing left to right accross us. Tom hit a 5 wood down the middle. I hit driver. I was trying to keep it low but I got too much on it and it went out of bounds. I managed to hit my third down the middle. Both of us hit the green with our next shot, his 2nd and my 4th. Again he putted to a few inches to win the hole. 3 down. Not looking good.

The 5th plays the same direction as the 4th so again the wind was a big factor. Tom hit his too much to the right and went out onto the 8th fairway. Again I treid to keep mine low but caught it a little too much. The wind caught it and it ended up in the trees on the right hand side of the fairway. I took 2 to get out and then proceeded to hit my 4th into the bunker. Tom had managed to find the 5th fairway with his 2nd and rolled up his third onto the green. I chipped out well enough but still had a lot to do to make a 6. Tom putted to about 3 feet. I missed my put and conceded the hole. 4 down. 4 down through 5. Not looking good. Not looking good at all.

The wind was blowing against us on the 6th. I took out my 5 iron. Tom hit his to the right of the green. I hit mine a little to the right. It was also short. It stopped a couple of feet from the bunker. I chipped to 6 feet. Tom chipped his into the bunker, and took 2 to get out. He conceded. 1 back. 3 down.

The comeback had started. I went on to win 7, 8 and 9. All square going down 10. I put my drive on the 1oth into more trees. Bloody trees. Lost the 10th, and after another woeful drive on the 11th I lost that one too. Back to 2 down. I put my tee shot on the 12th out of bounds and proceeded to loose that one as well. 3 down. I thought I was done for. I'd be in by the 15th.

Tom hit his drive on the 13th into very heavy rough. I played it safe. Down the middle. And then hit a 5 iron to just in front of the green. Tom took 2 to get out of the rough and was still a good bit back. He hit his 4th to just below the bunker. I pitched onto the green. But well down from the pin. Tom pitched into the bunker and just managed to get out in 1. It was hanging on the edge. He conceded. 2 down.

Both of our drives on the 14th went ot the right. Mine was a bit bigger than Tom's. He was behind the trees and had to play out. He hit his third to the front left of the green. I hit my second to the right of the green. Just off the edge. I pitched in to about 2-3 feet. Tom putted to about 2-3 feet. I sank the put and won the hole. Only 1 in it now through 14. It would go to 16 at least now. No disgrace in that.

We both had disasters on 15. Tom won it with a 7. A bloody 7. 2 down, 3 holes left. Onto the 16th. Tom hit his drive into the trees on the right. I hit my best drive all day. A screamer down the left handside of the fairway. Perfect for a good approach shot. Tom hit his 2nd out but caught it too sweetly. It ran diagonally accross the fairway. It stopped just behind more trees. I hit my second to the green, front left hand side. It took Tom another 2 shots to make the green. I two putted to about 2 feet. Tom needed to make his put to keep hole alive. He missed. 1 in it now, 2 holes left.

I hit my tee shot short on the 17th. Tom went to the right of the green. I didn't do myself any favours when I pitched it 2 feet onto the green. About 40-45 feet shot of the pin. Tom chipped to within 10 feet. I lined up the put, hit it and to my utter delight watched it roll in. Tom missed his par put and we went to all square with 1 left to play. I couldn't believe it.

I then, to my utter dismay, hit my tee shot out of bounds. I skyed the ball left. I then had to watch Tom hit his. It went a bit right but he had a good shot in. I teed up again and hit a big drive down the middle, even better than my drive on the 16th. Tom hit his second to the bunker on the front left hand side of the green. I hit my 4th, out of a divot, onto the green. 20 feet short of pin. Tom caught his ball thin. It flew out of the bunker and nearly broke a window in the club house before bouncing around the balcony. He dropped in the bunker and hit his 5th shot to the back of the green. He then putted to 3 feet. I had 2 shots to win. All I wanted to do was get it close. The ball went about 4 feet passed the hole. I respotted the ball, took a deep breath and putted. In it went. I won.

I had been 4 down through 5, all square through 9, 3 down through 12, 2 down with 3 to play and I won. Absolutly brilliant.

I'm over the moon. I called all my golfing mates after the match. I was talking about it for the night.

Bring on the next match.

My Driving

This is me driving off on the 16th at my local club a couple of weeks ago.

This is the picture that, for the most part, has sorted out my driving. As you can see the club is way ahead of my arm. I basically wasn't swinging on my drives. I was hitting AT the ball.

The picture was taken by mistake. My mate was looking at my phone and just happened to take the picture as I was "swinging" through.

When I seen it I knew how I could improve my swing - and it did improve.

I'm getting the ball out there now. Straight and long. Every now and again it goes left. Straight left. But it's way better. I'm giving myself a great chance of being on the green in two which is half the battle.

I forgot to mention....

My handicap has gone out to 21. I'd been playing off 20.4 for a few weeks.
Now while it is a bit disappointing to be going out the way I always thought that I'd have to go out before I'd start coming in. Now that I'm getting out 3-4 times a week I'm playing more consistent. All I need to do is try and reign in a couple of the holes where it all goes to pot.
If I managed to have a 6 instead of and 8.

I must say that I'm only having an odd hole like this but it's definitely costing me. After playing 6 holes on Tuesday evening I was 3 over. After the 7th I was 7 over. Now I know that 7 over through 7 is actually playing under my handicap I still can't afford to loose 4 shots on one hole.

I'm confidant that by the end of the year I'll be back off 20 or below.

Going out to 21 is a bit of a pain in the arse but I'm enjoying my golf, I'm driving well, hitting my irons well, chipping not too bad and putting well. I just need to do them altogether.

Can't beat a bit of practice

I'm still waiting for my oppenant to contact me to organise out match. Only have a week left to get it played.
I managed to get out for a bit of practice on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening. Playing fairly well. Baring a couple of feck ups on a couple of holes I'm reasonably happy how I'm playing. I gradually getting some consistancy into my rounds.

Not much of a post, i know, but it's been a quite week.

In Addition

Well, I went out to the golf club today to check the board and make sure Philly hadn't made some mistake. He hadn't. I finished in 60th position with the top 64 qualifying. I'm delighted. 60th out of about 150 is not bad.

Have to get a bit of practice in though. On the range practice. Got out for 9 holes this evening. I'm driving the ball well but pulling some of them left. Had a couple of pars and a few bogies, but I also had a couple of puzzling shots. I sliced a couple with a 5 and 7 iron that I hadn't been doing in a long while. I suppose all the more reason to hit the range.

I'm going to try and get out once more before I head away for the long weekend.
I'm also going to try and sort a lesson.

Maybe a couple of lessons........

Update

I just found out this evening that I qualified for the club match play tournament. My net 77 was just about good enough. 77 was the cut off. I'll find out later in the week who I'm playing.

I just hope I don't disgrace myself.

A Bit Hit & Miss.........Revisited

I played in the competition yesterday. It was a stroke play event. Top 64 qualified for the club match play. A net score of 72-74, maybe even 75 would be good enough to qualify - usually.
It was a round of some ok shots, some good shots and some great shots, as well as, unfortunately, some bad ones.

There were pars, bogies, double bogies, 2 triple bogies and one awful 4 0ver. I had a 7 on the par 4 5th. I put my drive out of bounds and didn't do too good with my second. I took my punishment and was happy enough to get out with the 7. I managed to pull my self back into contention with a couple of pars and a run of 4 bogies. I had my second 7 on the par 4 14th. I hit a decent drive to the left of the fairway. I was about 155 metres out. I hit in a 5-iron but left the face open slightly and the ball shot out left into the trees to the right front side of the green. When I got up to the ball I wasn't too happy to see the ball in a drain. I took my penalty drop and landed it on the font of the green fourth shot. I was thinking that if I could manage to two put and get out with a 6 it wouldn't be too bad. I putted it to within 5 feet of the hole. To my absolute dismay I missed the 5 footer. Another 7 - GREAT.

What really finished me off was the following hole, the par 4 15th. I was pretty angry with myself for missing the 5 footer on the previous hole. The ball felt every bit of it. I drove it straight down the middle - a long way down the middle. I was about 145 metres out. I took out my 5-iron again. I'd been hitting it very well - except for my second shot on the 14th.
I seized up the green, decided which line I wanted to send it down. I shanked it. I nearly took the head off the guy teeing off on the 14th tee box. I was left behind a bunch of tall trees. Way too tall to get a lob wedge over them. I took out my 4-iron and decided on a punch shot. There is a concrete bin beside the 14th tee. I caught it so square that the ball nearly hit me on the way back. From there I lost it - ended up taking an 8 and definitely ruining my card.
I had a par and 2 bogies on the last three holes - just to rub in the fact that if I'd managed to only have two or three shots less on the 14th & 15th I'd probably have qualified.

Ah well, live and learn. I finished with a lovely 97 - a net 77. Come Thursday I'll be playing off 21, so I'll have one more shot to play with. I'm really going to try and get more practice in, as well as a lesson over the next week or so. Have to improve my consistency with my chipping. I know I can chip and lob well. But I mess up about 3 or 4 out of every 10. Have to improve that. I'm happy enough with my driving and my iron play but a bit of practice wouldn't hurt. Putting has improved something over the last couple of weeks. Very happy with that.

I'm away next weekend so I'm going to try and get out a couple of times during the week.

Later.

Last Saturday in Oughterard

I was invited to play in a CIF sponsered single stabeford competition with a couple of guys from work. It was held at Oughterard Golf Club. Tee time was 9.50am.

We all arrive out in good time so we got to go out a bit earlier than our tee time. The course was pretty wet. It had rained heavily on the Thursday and Friday. After a dodgey first drive, ( I sliced it slightly), I had a decent shot in. About 165 metres out - a 5 iron I thought. I steadied myself, had a practice swing and let fly. Ball again went right of target. I tought it was going to be one of those days, especialy as the two lads I was playing with both found centre of fairway with drives and were both just off the green after their second shot. I pitched in to about 15 foot and two putted. Bogey to start. But it was to get better. After a good drive I was about 145 metres out and I stitched the green with a 7 iron. Was about 12 feet out from pin. I seized up the put, hit it and to my absolute delight watched it roll in. My first birdie outside of Athenry. I followed up this birdie with 3 pars, 2 of which were puts over 20 feet.

After the golf I had been playing leading up to last Saturday I was not sure how I was going to play on a new course. I finished the round with 36 points, one point short of a prize. My round included 1 birdie and 7 pars. I finally held a score together in a competiton.

I was very happy with most aspects of my game. My chipping and putting were as good as they've ever been. Iron play was solid and Driving was not too bad. Hit a couple of slices but over all I was happy.

Playing tomorrow in a competition in Athenry. Here's hoping I brought my game in with me from Oughterard.

I should also point out that I've had a couple more birdies since last weekend. I got out for a couple of holes during the week.

Hopefully I have a couple more left for tomorrow.

Until next time......

A Bit Hit & Miss...

Well since my last post my driving as been a bit erratic. After playing last Thursday and hitting the ball so well I was eager to get out again on Friday for a few holes.

I couldn't find anyone to go out so I hit the range. I was pinging my drives. I was delighted. I got 100 balls and I think that was my mistake. By the time I got to 60 or so I had enough. I hit a few with my irons and again they were all going well.
An odd bad shot was creeping in though. When I was leaving the range a thought crept through my head. Had I used up all my good shots? Was I over-doing it?

I got my answer on Sunday morning. It was very wet and we were teeing off for 8am. It was a V-par doubles competition. Me and Ian, my brother. I started off well. First 2 drives down the middle and my tee shot with a 4-iron on the par-3 third was spot on. Even my drive on the 4th was decent. I lost it a bit going down the 5th. Drivewas very left, high and short. I had to knock the ball out from behind a tree, so I grabbed my 4 iron to hit a low easy punch shot, caught it too sweet and sent it into another tree. I only just about managed to keep the head.
What was really getting to me was that I knew only a couple of days before everything was going so well. I parred the par-3 6th to put us 2 up through the 6 holes. Then came 7 and 8. I'm not going to go into too much detail about these holes, but lets just say that I had taken 3 shots on the par-5 8th and I was only beside the ladies tee.
We went in after 9 2- up, mainly thanks to Ian.

I got out for 13 holes on Tuesday evening and played ok. Had 4 pars and 6 bogies, 2 doubles and a 8 on the par 4 1st. Driving was ok. My problem is now, pulling the ball low and left.

I'm supposed to be playing in an Am-Am tomorrow at 4 and again on Saturday morning. So I'm hoping I can keep it together for a full 18, twice. Fingers crossed......not holding my breath though.

Hitting It Well!!

I don't want to jinx myself or anything but since I decided to give it a lash on the 13th tee last Sunday I've been hitting the ball really well, both off the tee and from the fairwat and rough.

I played 15 holes on Tuesday evening and 9 holes this evening and I've not put myself behind a tree once. I've had a decent 2nd shot every time.

Playing again tomorrow evening and in the competition on sunday so here's hoping it continues.

Yesterday's Competition

I played in yesterday's competition with a couple of the lads. Having thought I'd sorted out my driving over the last couple of weeks I was greatly dissappointed with how I started out. One drive would be awful, one would be not so bad. Nothing really good.

By the time I got to the 13th tee I was fed up with the driving. My iron play was pretty solid, bubut I was putting myself in some awkward positions. So on the 13th tee I put the ball forward in my stance, took a slow and steady back swing and let rip. To my delight I hit it about 275 yards. And it continued for the remainder.

Before I was taking a cautious approach with my driving. I was keeping the ball in the middle of my stance and kept the full swing slow and steady. But I'm now going to keep trying to hit it as far as I can. If it means I slice the odd one and knock into the next fairway so be it.

I finished the round strong and ended up with 25 points, with 18 points coming in the last 6 holes. I'm looking forward to heading out to the driving range and really working on my driving. So here's hoping next Sunday will be better......