I have to admit I was never a huge believer in the phrase “cooler by the lake” until this weekend. Once the wind shifted and the clouds came in on Sunday, it was like a completely different day.  That and hearing from my wife that it was still 72 degrees in Glen Ellyn as I was outside with Tony freezing, quickly made me a believer. I won’t even touch on the snow, as we have all heard enough about snow for a long, long time!!

Moving on to better things, it was nice to finally start meeting people and seeing more activity around the club. I will do my best with names, but if I introduce myself to you again, it is not intentional! We had 67 “Hardy Souls” on Saturday, and I have to imagine it was the first time Hardy Souls was cancelled due to hail. Following the cancellation, about half of the players stuck around and finished their rounds, and even 9 additional holes in a few cases.

 
I was invited to play on Friday, and it was my first experience playing at Conway. I had always heard great things, but to see them in person: what a great course! I will just say I am glad the heather on the front nine still hasn’t grown in. Not only did it save me a few tough shots, but saved my group from looking for my ball a few times. Thanks to Mr. Pope, Dr. McClellan and Dr. Rosen for making my inaugural round a special one (they even autographed the scorecard for me so I will always have it).

 
I am sure nobody really wants to hear about my golf game, but what about the golf we witnessed on Sunday afternoon. I have to admit I was rooting for Jordan Spieth, but to see little Caleb Watson walk out onto 18 green to greet his dad after winning was pretty special. It was a good battle between the two all day, and if a few more putts had dropped for Jordan, it might have been a little closer in the end. What really stuck out to me was the composure that Bubba had throughout the day. Watching your playing partner hole out from a bunker for birdie on 3, then stick it close on 6 and make birdie, then birdie 7 to gain a two shot lead—most might start to believe it’s just not their day. Bubba stayed the course, kept playing and ended up with another green jacket. It proves that no matter how a round starts, there is always a lot of golf left and you just have to keep playing against the course and not worry about what those around you are doing. I hope everyone was able to enjoy Masters Sunday, and, now that it’s over, hopefully we can start to enjoy our own beautiful course a little more often!

 
On a different note, many enjoyed the Rules Corner that was included in the ForeThought in previous years. While this won’t be brought back in the same manner, I am planning on my blog posts including something similar. Please, if you have any questions about rules or anything for that matter, just email me at mslowinski@conwayfarmsgc.com. I would be happy to address them in the next blog entry. There are often too many rules and interpretations to keep straight. I would love to offer my insight.  

As the blog is new for both me and the membership, I am always open to topic suggestions. I look forward to sharing experiences, both yours and mine, throughout the year.

 
Cheers to a great 2014 golf season!