2012 British Open Wrap-Up

Outstanding finish to The Open Championship, complete with the the resurrection of Ernie Els after the Big Easy came so close earlier in the year at Transitions and the Zurich Classic, and dealt with his own crushing disappointment along with a missed opportunity to play in The Masters.  As sweet as this was for Els, you’ve got to feel for Adam Scott and the way he went down.  Major golf is such a mental grind and it definitely benefits those who try and fail and fail and fail, as the battle hardening and lessons learned can be used to toughen the resolve of the defeated.  Scott was tested and failed.  Hopefully he can bank the experience and benefit from it.  Oddly enough, Els wasn’t subject to the pressure of defending the lead, played solid and let the championship fall into his lap.  He seemed almost as surprised to win as Scott was shocked to lose.

I had Tiger Woods winning this event and Ernie finishing third so their top performances were expected but I totally missed on Lee Westwood (my runner up pick).  On Woods, I was surprised he tried that play in the bunker on #6 (the first one) because his approach had been totally mastery-based to that point, and suddenly turned ego-based as the challenge of showing off his skills to pull off the shot became irresistible.  I much preferred Graeme McDowell’s approach of spending a shot on a sensible play in the bunker and giving himself a better look on an easier out.  The triple bogey effectively ended Tiger’s chances.  No idea what happened to Westwood other than he probably tried too hard to win one ala Colin Montgomery.

The Open is a very cool event to watch because the uniqueness of links golf brings the players who embrace the style to the forefront every year.  Often it’s age defying and was again at Lytham & St. Annes as seniors Tom Watson and Mark Calcavecchia both made the cut.  Greg Norman seriously contended at 53 years old in 2008, and the way the round bellies continually show up for this event is amazing.  It’s simply not possible in the three other majors (or is highly improbable), and is a pleasure to watch.

So congratulations to Ernie Els, and we’ll see you at Augusta in April!

2012 British Open Picks

This year’s British Open Championshipwill go to the player who can mentally withstand the rigors and punishment of a tough links style golf course and embrace the experience for what it is.  History with the event is almost as important as good form, which is why guys like Tom Watson continue to contend late into their 50s and 60s.  Not saying Watson is a first pager but I would not be surprised if an old timer challenges through a couple of rounds.  The last time The Open was contested at Lytham and St. Annes

Royal Lytham and St Annes

was in 1996 and Jack Nicklaus, at age 56, was tied for 3^rd after two rounds which sent a chill up everyone’s spine.  Nothing changes much in Open golf from year to year and most of the usual contenders should be right there on Sunday.

The principals:

With his recent successes, Tiger Woods is the overwhelming favorite in most betting houses and warrants significant action.  Tiger last played at this venue as an amateur and finished tied for 22^nd.  His performance in the 2012 majors has been lackluster and his missed cut at Greenbriar perplexing.  Yes, with his tour leading three wins, we can say Tiger is back, but I’m not convinced.  The Tiger of yesteryear didn’t miss cuts in ANY events and Greenbriar will be the second in his last six tournaments.  The greatness potential and mental toughness are there, the consistency is not.  The best case for Tiger is that the rest of the world’s best are playing lousy right now.

Got a sneaky good feeling about Ernie Els this week.  He was in good form at the U.S. Open and finished in the top ten.  He finished second at this venue in 1996 so he probably likes the course, and the style of play suits his game and personality.

I’m off the Rory McIlroy bandwagon.  Show me some consistency before I’ll ride again.

Lee Westwood, clearly has inherited the title of Best Player To Have Never Won A Major.  Off his game at Alstom last week with a tie for 40th but will contend this week.  As usual, needs help on the greens.

Defending champion Darren Clarke had his 15 minutes of fame and will not contend.

On the rise:  Dustin Johnson is making a speedy recovery from his back problems, has been in good form as of late, and finished tied for second last year.  I like his chances.

How does bright orange contrasted against a bleak grey sky coming down the stretch with the lead on Sunday sound?  Yes, Rickie Fowler has a good record at The Open and was hot earlier in the year.  That final round 84 at The Memorial still bugs me, but I’m warming to his chances.

Mojo pick:  Justin Rose.  He’s finished 21st at the U.S. Open but last five European events have been top 10s.  Wish he’d play a little more but I think he could be ready.  Sensing a big week.

Final 2012 Open Picks:

It doesn’t take much courage to pick Tiger to win the Claret Jug but he gets it done on mental toughness and is back on the major chase.

Runner up:  Lee Westwood; title retained. . . AGAIN.

Third:  Ernie Els; Big Easy gets close but no cigar.

Need help with my golf swing! Any takers?

I developed a push-cut with my golf swing on my recent Myrtle Beach golf trip.  Here’s two videos of me face on and down the line with the driver (post-trip).  I’m willing to try something new and give the readers of this blog a crack at providing suggestions for my improvement so please add a comment on what you think is the source of the push-cut and / or provide any drills or swing changes you think might help.  Thanks for your willingness to participate; let’s get at it!

Driver Face On:

Driver Down The Line:

Tidewater – Course Review

Summary

Clubhouse at Tidewater

On Thursday, June 21, 2012, our travel group played Tidewater on a scheduled afternoon starting time.  Located in North Myrtle Beach, SC, we found Tidewater to be a rather ordinary course with a dozen almost unforgettable holes mixed in with six that are absolutely breathtaking and run along the Intracoastal Waterway, and at the end of the day, form a distinct and lasting impression.  This course is highly touted, and admittedly, when I recall my experience, I think of those great holes and the natural beauty of the area.  At the conclusion of your round you feel as if you’ve played two separate courses.

On the first tee at Tidewater

We found the course in excellent condition from tee to green with the putting surfaces running smooth and medium-fast.  Unfortunately, they had just began their summer aeration and were working incrementally.  There were four holes (two front and back) punched and top-dressed, but even the putts on these four rolled reasonably true, which was a bit of a consolation.

Playing Tips:

• The par-3, 12^this one of the most difficult and beautiful holes I’ve played in Myrtle Beach.  Be precise with your club selection.  With a stiff wind blowing in off the ocean and across the Intracoastal Waterway, three of the four players in our group actually hit this green and managed two-putt pars, which was the highlight of our day.

  

  Tee shot on the par-3 twelfth hole at Tidewater

• There are two great par-5s (#8 and #16) that run along the waterway that are difficult to manage for the first time player.  I figured most course architects don’t leave trouble at 100 yards from the green on a par-5 and this strategy worked well on these holes.  However, the fairway bunker on #8 runs out at about 110 yards from the green so take enough club to clear it on your second.
• #9 is a medium length par-3 that played into the wind and about two clubs longer than you’d think.  With marsh left and no bail-out right, the place to miss is short and in the closely mown approach.  Beware of a big right to left slope on this green.
• #10 is a medium length dog leg right par-4 with ample room on the left side of the fairway.  Use it.  I drove it behind a bush in the right rough and had enough room to clear it and go for the green, but I wrestled with a forced carry over water and took too much club, ending up in the hazard behind the green.  You need a clear shot to this green so favor the left.
• #18, when playing into the wind is a brutally tough par-4.  I hit driver-3WD pin high and left which presented a very tough pitch that I could not get close because the green sloped away from me.  Bogey is not a bad score here so don’t be a hero.

  

  On the tee at the par-3 third hole at Tidewater

Value (3.0 out of 5.0)

The course is considered a premium play and we did not entertain a replay, hence the afternoon starting time.  Greens fees are $94 in the height of the summer and $144 in the high season.  Despite the lofty amount, everyone traveling to Myrtle Beach should play Tidewater at least once.  The natural beauty of the featured holes somewhat justifies the cost.

Facilities (4.0 out of 5.0)

The drive into Tidewater feels exclusive and there is fairly tight security at the entrance gate.  Once inside, Tidewater has a nice large clubhouse with a pro-shop and full service grill.  The driving  range is all-grass and of modest size (about 15 hitting stations).  Adjacent is the practice putting green where they appear to allow chipping (we did), but they did not appear to have a designated short game area for pitching and bunker practice.  The highlight here is the course itself and the stunning memorable holes.

Customer Experience (3.5 out of 5.0)

The customer experience was a mixed bag.  The pro-shop staff were friendly and we felt unrushed because nobody was scheduled around us during our afternoon time.  They charge $5.00 for range balls which is unnecessary for a premium facility like Tidewater where everything should be included.  Golf carts were equipped with GPS but there was no cooler with ice, and the only drinking water on the course was at the restroom water fountains.  The driving range staff was professional and after mishandling (accidentally dropping) one of our golf bags, gave us some free range balls as an apology.  There is significant distance from green to subsequent teeing area on a lot of holes and directions on the cart paths were clearly marked, but we found it odd that there were no signs at the individual tee boxes denoting which hole you were playing.

For the record, I played the blue tees at 6,771 yards and carded an eight-over par 80.  If you come to Myrtle Beach, make sure you make it out at least once to Tidewater and enjoy half a dozen of the best holes at the beach.

Updated from a round played Monday, June 8, 2015:  The course has rebuilt their greens.  They are Bermuda, running fast, and very hard.  It was difficult to put a ball mark in and hold because the root structure hasn’t fully taken hold, but they look good.  The customer service has improved as well and the range balls are now complimentary.  Apparently the bad reputation Tidewater got from the problem with their greens over the last couple of years has spurred needed improvements.  I was impressed.

Overall Rating (3.5 out of 5.0)

Another look from #12 tee.

Tiger’s Eye – Course Review

Summary

18th green at Tiger’s Eye

My travel group played Tiger’s Eye on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 as an afternoon replay from a morning round at the premium course (Leopard’s Chase) at Ocean Ridge Plantation.  Located in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, if you are playing the Big Cats, make Tiger’s Eye your first and foremost destination.  It’s the number one course at Ocean Ridge and is in my top five in the Myrtle Beach area.  I played the course three times in 2009 and our return trip this year did not disappoint.  The course is a fabulous layout that combines large natural waste areas with some well placed bunkering and forced carries over water, and interjects a mix of very drivable wide open landing areas with careful meandrous routing among the tall pines.  No two holes are alike and you’ll be struck by the natural beauty of the landscaping and the unique challenge of some of the greatest holes in Myrtle Beach.  The bentgrass greens were rolling a little slow as the course was trying to keep them from getting stressed in the hot weather, but otherwise, our playing experience was perfect.

Clubhouse and 9th green at Tiger’s Eye

Playing tips:

• #1 is a short and seemingly benign dog leg right par-4.  Do not miss your tee shot right because the woods and fairway bunkers can turn this into a struggle.  There is plenty of room left in the fairway.
• The par-3 second hole plays uphill and long so take one to 1 ½ extra clubs; it’s all carry.
• #4 is a beautiful par-4 with a split fairway.  You’ll need about 220 yards to carry the water if you choose the left (shorter) fairway.  Otherwise, play to the right but avoid the approach from the large waste bunker in the middle; it makes the hole needlessly difficult.
• The par-5 seventh has room beyond the right fairway bunker on the tee shot, so pound the driver and get as much distance as you can.  Good scoring opportunity here.
• The par-4 ninth has a forced approach over water.  Avoid the right side on the tee shot because if you hit the fairway bunker, clearing the hazard on the second is difficult.
• On the back-nine, #15 is one of the best par-5s in Myrtle Beach.  Your second shot here is the key and must be placed on dry land.  When playing into the wind, this hole can be as brutal as it is beautiful.

  

  #15 Tiger’s Eye
  Photo by Mike DeOrio

• On the par-3 17^th, take the middle of the green which is a great play for any pin position.
• The green on the par-5 18^th is very undulating.  Two precision shots are required to give you the best chance to get it close.  If you don’t a three putt is very likely.

Value (4.0 out of 5.0)

We played in the afternoon on a $45 replay rate which was an excellent value considering the quality of course.  The regular summer greens fee is $72 is also an excellent value.  High season rates go over $100 but for summer golf, you cannot beat Tiger’s Eye.

Facilities (4.0 out of 5.0)

Tiger’s Eye boasts a huge and fully stocked clubhouse, pro-shop, and full service grill.  There is a practice putting green adjacent to the cart staging area which is ample enough for warm-up but they do not allow chipping.  There is a separate pitching area and driving range that is shared with Lion’s Paw and Panther’s Run that is accessible by cart.  The clubhouse is dedicated to Tiger’s Eye, as Lion’s and Panther’s share a separate facility.  We ate lunch on the clubhouse veranda overlooking the 9^th and 18^th greens.  The food was good, the service a bit slow, and the panoramic view excellent.  Oddly enough, the view was obscured a bit for those sitting at the tables by the large top railing, but in the grand scheme of things, this was inconsequential.

Customer Experience (4.0 out of 5.0)

Scheduling replays from any of the Ocean Ridge Plantation Courses at any of the others was a breeze.  We had 3:00 p.m. reserved at Tiger’s and when we arrived, they were cognizant of our standing and had us set up and ready to go on time after we ate lunch.  The pro-shop staff, starter, and beverage service attendants as well as the ladies working in the grill were friendly and accommodating.  We had the course to ourselves all afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed our day.

For the record, I played the blue tees at 6,628 yards and shot a five-over par 77.  For summer time golf in Myrtle Beach, Tiger’s Eye has my highest recommendation.

Overall Rating (4.0 out of 5.0)

Friendly cold-blooded lizard by the 18th green at Tiger’s Eye
Photo by Mike DeOrio