Was planning to hook up with Bernie, but we never connected. So went out solo for a practice round. Was having terrible case of the hooks on range and pretty much took it to course. Started on the back.
Though didn't hook my first drive, it ended up in fw bunker, then hit a 5i into the pond right of the green. Penalty/drop, then a nice pitch to 10 feet, but 2-putted for a double bogey start. Just great. Then snap hooked next drive, resulted in bogey. Hit really good drive on 12th, but caught branches on the one tree just right of fairway and fell short.
Driver was inconsistent all day. Hooks and/or really good drives. But too many hooks. Started to figure things out and got score under control by the 13th. But still, missed a lot of fairways left.
Didn't hit too many greens. Course was playing long. It was soft and cold outside. Ball wasn't traveling. Hit what I thought were some great approach shots dead at the pin, yet they landed short of the green. I was playing an extra club, but sometimes needed two, even with light wind.
Though GIRs were a bit scarce, I did get up and down with some very good greenside chipping on a number of occasions. Thankfully that still worked. Nice up & down for par from bunker on 15th. Bunker play has been good again after a period of inconsistency earlier in the season. Maybe it's because I have been in the bunkers more. So, that's not good. Had 2 penalties today too, and 3 the last time I played. 5 in two rounds. Not to mention a few more shots that put me in trouble, penalizing me enough that there was little chance of recovery. Unlike me. Sloppy
Hit mostly good iron shots, but a few were a bit loose. Iron play from the fairway has been really good overall. Continue to hit 3W extremely well. Installing new Diamana S+70 blueboard stiff shaft in it next week to see if it helps or hurts distance. If I keep hooking driver, may need to start using 3W off more tees.
The bad news is, hernia nerve/hip/lower back issues were quite uncomfortable and are disconcerting going forward. Iced left side hernia/hip area after round. Never had to do that before. Right side hernia repair doesn't feel right either. I'm sure the more rotational hip turn aspect added to my swing has affected the areas.
The good news, with this more rotational swing, shoulders are hanging in there, with just slight soreness. Have only had to ice one or the other once or twice this year.
