Lefty Makes Me a Loser

Phil Mickelson's masterful Sunday will hit my wallet this week. I owe Mac Man two lunches since Phil was one of his picks. I was looking okay through 2 rounds, with Els and Goosen both right there in contention, but they fell off the pace, Ernie especially. Better luck in the Open in June, I guess.

Watching Tiger and Couples 3-putt left and right (and short and long, for that matter) all tournament was surreal. That's about the only similarity between my golf game and those guys. For one weekend at least, they looked like a regular weekend hacker on the greens. 'Course it took Augusta's greens to make 'em look silly. I can't imagine what I'd do putting on those things. A 50 putt round, maybe??

After they finished Round 3 at the Masters Sunday morning, I took my 5-year old son to the Par 3 down in Indian Trail off Hwy 74 -- Pebble Creek. What a great place for a kid to play. Laid back as can be. $5 for kids under 6, $16 for me. You won't need anything longer than maybe a 7-iron. The namesake creek comes into play on several holes, but most holes are pretty straightforward. My son got his best thrill by hitting a shot over one of the ponds. He even skipped one across on #9. The place even has lights and stays open on a couple nights each week for their 2-man shootouts.

I used to play in a 2-man weekend tournament there with Mac Man. We used to see the same characters come out every year for that thing. We called it good, clean, redneck fun. And it was. The place has changed a bit over the past few years and they no longer do the weekend tournament, but it's still unique to the area and great for beginners or players looking for a fun, laid-back, quick round -- often, you can play 18 in less than 2 1/2 hours. Check it out sometime, if you haven't played it before.

Masters update: And they're off!

Wish I was there, but hey, I have my Masters.org on-demand leaderboard up and running so I can keep tabs on the scores until USA coverage starts at 4.

I feel pretty good about my Masters' picks. A friend and I pick 3 players and whoever has the best finisher gets lunch. If one of your guys wins, you get two lunches. If we pick the same guy for one of the spots, that player goes off the board -- thus, no Tiger, since we both went for him first.

B-Man's picks: Els, Goosen, DiMarco (fellow Gator alum)
Mac Man's picks: Mickelson, Sabbatini, Olazabal

Masters week

I don't get into the golf season until Masters week hits. The first major of the year. Augusta -- every golfer's dream round. Those azaleas. Amen Corner. The Sunday roars. I won't miss it. Last year I think I became one with the couch. I didn't leave it once the broadcast started. One of these days, I'll go watch in person. Sigh...

But hey, only 4 weeks until the big boys come to our town, here in Charlotte for the Wachovia Championship. I've already blocked off vacation days for that week so I can play in the morning and watch in the afternoon. I've got a pal coming down for the weekend. So I'll be playing competitive rounds as well!

Last year, I think I did Stonebridge (Monroe), Charlotte National (Indian Trail), and Springfield (Ft Mill) around tourney time. I haven't played any of those recently. So I may hit them again next month. Stonebridge and Char Natl are definitely two of my favorites around town.

Post a comment if you've played any recently or are making plans for the Wachovia.