What is it about Opening Night that brings out the the worst in Mother Nature's game, yet still seems to bring out the best in some players' game? The way the cold rain was blowing sideways about an hour into the first CGA event of the 2008 season was the kind of weather that makes a man ponder if he should be doing something else at that very instant. Like having a prostate exam for instance.
A quick glance at the results from Event One gives no real hint that the elements created any additional challenges out there. Twenty-five percent of the field managed to shoot net par or better. But a full field of 20 CGA members knows that for at least a brief period, things were pretty much maxing out the Suck Meter. The funniest comment I heard all night was when Peter said, "Oh buddy. I think I got swimmer's ear on the fourth green!" But he was serious.
One week ago, Doug May could barely get out of bed having thrown his back out playing basketball. Somehow, he rallied enough to post a sterling 41/35 to take out Hos (45/39). But it was his partner who lit the fuse with a bomb for birdie (there's a good team name for somebody right there -- Bombs for Birdies) on the eighth hole. And Boom Goes the Dynamite indeed, as the defending champs go down 21 to 25 in a shocker. On the other hand, as far as losses go, this was just a flesh wound.
How much work in the pre-season goes into being a Living Legend? Apparently, not so much. After touching a golf club for the first time all year just 24 hours before his first CGA event of the year, Peter strolled to a a pedestrian 42/39, which added up to a stunning 15 to 0 shutout against a struggling Geo (last name being withheld to protect his family). His partner contributed a low net 38/32 to welcome FNG Steve Porterfield (48/42) to the CGA with a fine 12.5 to 2.5 how-do-you-do. Together High and Mighty flexed to a super-size 40.5 to 4.5 combo meal against Two Drink Minimum. (Maybe it should be Two Drink Maximum.)
Carry the Bag got off to a spirited title run with a big 37.5 to 7.5 win over Rob Burkley and Joe Barrett. Ayers fired a very smart 44/37 and Ryan Webb carded a low gross 35/33. Bob Evans had a wonderful grand opening against Brinkman and Swanson. Southie's 38/34 was all the ham and eggs needed, but Budzie's 47/40 was solid too and together they posted a big 37.5 to 7.5 victory. Undy's 42/36 led the way for Schoe Me Wood who caught a dazed and confused Rolling J's team by surprise with a 35.5 to 9.5 cough-in-the-face.
And so, golf league is back. It is hard to believe that we have been doing this for seven years, the last five at The GC of D. But the more things change in this league, the more things stay the same. Peter is in first in the individual, and Peter's team is in first place in the team standings. I for one take a lot of comfort in that fact. Have a great week!
