First real test...

[VtDivot]

After taking last year off and joining a new club this year, I had my sights set on a single digit index. Well, the VT season is half over and I'm about a 6 now, which in my opinion is probably too low. The HCP system is basically a load of crap in my opinion, I can go out and shoot a 74 one day and an 83 the next and my HCP goes down?? The system should be renamed the golfers potential index system.

Anyways, I entered my first tournament outside of my home club. My home club is a short 6000 yard modest golf course (I wouldn't label it a CC by any means). I have been able to get my index down because of this. The course we played yesterday in the tourney was the complete opposite. This is a Nicklaus design and the utter definition of luxury and posh. Longish (around 7000) with trouble everywhere and slick sloping greens. My goal for the day was to not finish last

The winner came in at even par 72 (the guys at the top were all 1 index or less.) I finished with a 76 (made 2 doubles dammit). The guys I was paired with both shot around 85. Needless to say I was very happy with my game especially since it was the first time playing this venue. I am getting some confidence now and maybe I deserve the 6 index that I carry... of course also this weekend I managed to shoot a blistering 84 at my home dogpath

 

[DaveE]

Well done Vt. Sounds like that index is pretty damn close to me. Don't want to become known as a sandbagger now do ya.

 

[parfect]

i wish i cud get on ur level
i want to get to an 8 handicap in the next few weeks and im about 12 right now
i miss so many easy par oppurtunities wen i play and i know im capable or playin single digits what do you guys practice most to get to lower numbers i hear chipping is best to practice and i have been doing alot of that recently
any other ideas?
thanks

 

[Bravo]

Shooting a 76 on a course of that quality is testimony to your skills...

Your index should be 4 - not 6...You are damned lucky it is as high as it is.

 

[VtDivot]

Thanks Bravo! This was a VGA sponsored event, so my score was put in for me.

The VGA has this series for players with 9 index or less that allows us to play on some of the premier courses in the state for 40$. I've got Vermont National out of the way. Next up is a top notch Private course, Country Club of VT (right across the highway from the Ben and Jerry's plant LOL)

More good Luck:

I am going to NS on Friday for 2 weeks and will be playing 3 of the top 50 courses in Canada.

Score Golf (Canada's version of Golf Digest ranks them as follows)

Highlands Links: 5
The Links at Crowbush Cove: 8
Bell Bay GC: 44

http://www.scoregolf.ca/rankings/2004-top-100.cfm

Bell Bay plays host to the Canadian Men's Amateur from Aug 12-19. I have booked a tee time there for Aug 10. The pro assured me that the Black tees would be open.

I am really lucky to be from a place that allows me to play these quality Candian courses.

 

[lameshooter]

what nicklaus course was it? i played a nicklaus designed course just this last week, i was over in glacier montana for vacation for a week, and i played a short course called Glacier View Golf Club, its a short par 69 course, i shot a 78, not the greatest i could play, but i was happy with it, and then i played Eagle Bend, the Nicklaus designed course and golfed 84.. i was upset with my first nine cuz i shot 48 on the front and a 36 on the back.. so if i could of played it well on the front i coulda shot really well

 

[VtDivot]

Vermont National - it's actually a Nicklaus/Nicklaus design. Jackie and Jack

 

[Stink Crack]

My parents are members at Stratton so I try to play up there a few times over the summer. I played in my father's member guest up there in July. It was a good time, eventhough I hate the layout of the course.