[usa1950]

Great idea for a thread.....


I recall being on vacation when I was 16. I had hit fairways and greens all day, and was playing well. My personal best was 38 at the time, and about 78 for 18. We're playing some resort course in Virginia Beach. Me, my Dad, Uncle and Cousin. I could beat the lights out of the uncle and cousin, but not my Dad, whom I had beaten just once before that.

18th tee I hit one into the right rough, he is center of the fairway. We are even at 4 over, he knows it, I know it. I have a tree right between me and the green, a big one, about 20 yards in front of me.

I have been a left to right player exclusively my entire life, and this tree has me stymied big time. My normal ball flight would be into the middle of the tree, and no way I can go left around it... to big of a cut even for me. I decided to try to draw the ball. My weak left hand grip and strong right hand grip I had as a kid made this a near impossibility. Even on the range, my draw attempts were merely pushes, or push cuts. My club path was down the line or even outside in just a touch... another strike against me.

I line up correctly, aiming my shoulders right, feet right, hips the same and keep the clubface square to the target, and let it rip with a 6 iron.

I flush it, and it starts to draw beautifully...... carving right at the pin. Light an arrogant 16 year old, I pick up my bag while the ball is still in the air, look at my Dad, and start walking.

It ends up about 15 feet. I still remember the immense satisfaction of having pulled the shot off. My Dad hits his to about 30 feet (a poor shot, but I say he was rattled!!!). He of course misses his put, I drain mine dead center for a birdie, a 37 on the back, 75 on the day, and the win over the old man.

This shot was TWENTY years ago, but I still have it vivid in my mind. Such is the one career right to left shot for a fader like me.