When I Golf Grow up Part 2

I had the best time playing with Lisa and Sheri. We played Women Vs. Men /all play - best ball format. Uh? I wasn’t sure what it meant either. So basically Sheri, Lisa and I were on one team and we were playing against 3 men on the other team (Lisa’s husband, father and a friend of the family). You play your ball all the way through but you only put the best score on the score card.

I was excited. This gave me an opportunity to play my game but without all the pressure! The first hole I had the best score. That is basically the only contribution I made! Lisa and Sheri are phenomenal players so I basically found myself falling into spectator mode. I would rush my shot so I could watch them. Both of them were poetry in motion.

At one point Lisa asked me if I was still taking lessons. I told her off and on but not in about 6 months. She told me that she still takes lessons. That news shocked me. Lisa played on her college golf team. So it never occurred to me that she would be taking lessons. But when you think about it, technology of equipment has evolved, as well as, golf course developers have tried to make courses themselves, very competitive. Courses now have slopes, different foliage as hazards, dog ear left and rights etc. So absolutely I can see where continued lessons are still needed, especially, if I plan to take my game to the next level.

Yes, taking more lessons sounds good in theory but where do I find the time? The reality of the world is that we find plenty of time to do things we don’t like but have deemed a “have to do.” Meanwhile the things that bring us joy and feed our soul are cast aside. These joy opportunities are left in the corner to collect dust while the “have to do” is our constant companion.

Why is it? Why do we sometimes feel we are not living unless we are suffering? Not cool. Not cool at all.

So here’s my New Year’s promise to myself. I will time find time to wipe the dust off of my joy opportunities and take them out of the corner. I realize this process will be slow to get going. So starting in January I’m going to start by going back to my monthly massage (Oscar, here I come!), followed by at least one golf clinic or lesson a month. I have to play a minimum of 1 9- hole and 1 18-hole a month. And the driving range a minimum of twice a month.

I expect you all to hold me accountable and I challenge you to move your joy opportunities out of the corner!

Sidenote: Lisa was invited and participated in the Bob Hope Classic. Guess the lessons are really working out for her ;)

When I Golf Grow Up

Wow, did November fly by for anyone else or just me? Luckily for me I was able to get in a lot of Golf! As if getting in lots of golf was enough, it was made better by playing with some really good golfers. I’m the type of person that if John Daly were to call and ask to play with me, I would say yes without thinking. Then of course, the day of, I’d freak out.

I was very excited when a friend said he was travelling home and would stop in Orlando. He is a great golfer and very passionate about the game. I knew a weekend hanging out with him would provide opportunities to improve my game. During his visit we played two rounds. During these two rounds I learned the following things: I break my “V” on contact with the ball, I need to tee up more when using my driver, I need to record the distances I get with each club, get the range an hour before tee time and lastly, a bag full of irons and hybrids won’t cut it. I need to buy some fairway woods. The biggest thing I learned is I need to stop getting frustrated and start each hole with a new attitude. Ok, so I’ve learned a lot but where do I start?

Getting to the range an hour before tee time is going to take some work. It was easy to do during my friend’s visit because I cleared my schedule but usually I’m lucky if I get to the clubhouse 15 minutes before the tee time. The goal going forward is to get to the clubhouse no later than 45 minutes prior to tee time.

Ok, what to tackle next? The following weekend I had a golf date with Lisa and Sheri. Both Lisa and Sheri are lifelong golfers so I figured I better at least get a 3 wood. With gift card in hand (Thank you Davis Family) I headed to Golf Galaxy. In my mind I would get a 3 wood that matched my set. I thought I would be in and out of Golf Galaxy in about 15 minutes flat. Because I haven’t used my 4 hybrid and I can only have 14 clubs in my bag, I brought it along to trade in. I also wanted to get a decent sand wedge. No problem. When I told the Sales Associate what I was shopping for he pulled three clubs and started taping them up as he walked me to the demo area. He must of read the look on my face because he said, “ You’re not planning to buy a club without trying it right”?

So the great thing about trying out the club is the Sales Associate actually watched me while I hit balls and they have this cool machine that shows accuracy and speed. He too noticed I was breaking my “V” at contact. So he gave me a drill to work on. An hour later I had settled on an Adams Golf 3 Wood which I promptly named after the golfer Aaron Badderly. Next he took me to look at balls based on my swing speed. What? Ok, confession. Previously I bought balls based on price and our cuteness. Yes, they make cute balls!

So I left Golf Galaxy feeling really ready to play with Lisa and Sheri. So how did I do? Stay tuned to the next blog post to find out!

A Month of Great Golf

October has been full of great golf experiences! First I played the Chris Kirkpatrick Foundation Golf Tourney. It was a great way to kick off the month and my birthday week. My foursome consisted of Ginny, Sue and Tony. Ginny and Sue and I have been playing together for quite a while. Poor Tony had no idea what he got himself into but in the end he had fun.

There were many cool elements to this tournament. Many restaurants came out and did sampling at various holes. There was a hair salon that had you hula hoop for vodka shots. And then there was “Nerves of Steel.” This was a group of entertainers that tried to rattle you as you teed off. They tried to be distracting but they had never met Sue and I. I think in the end we rattled them! Also Medicus Golf was out there letting you try their new Overspin Putter. If you’re in the market for a new putter I suggest you check it out. And if you’re in the market to buy, you can save 10% by using coupon code CKF10210. Check them out at www.medicusoverspin.com.

My second tourney was EWGA Women Playing for T.I.M.E at Reunion Golf. This tourney was a "PINK" event in support of Breast Cancer awareness. My foursome consisted of Merrily, Debbie and Ginny. We had a great time even though we came in last place! Clearly we didn’t buy enough mulligans! Who knew there was a strategy to playing tournament golf.

In between my golf tournaments I played with my cousin Kiilu at Orange County National. I made the misfortune of talking lots of trash before our game which seemingly motivated Kiilu to bring his “A” game. I didn’t mind eating crow. It was a beautiful day and he gave great tips.

I also had a chance to catch up with my dear friend Billy. We played at Hunters Creek. A great course for long hitters. We really had fun and Billy was impressed on how far my skills have come in such a short time. I had an awesome day!

Lastly, I closed out the month playing the 2nd Annual Leads and Links tournament sponsored by the Central Florida National Black MBA Association. This tournament was at Celebration Golf. I played with Roberto, Mike and Mark. It was the first time we met even though we all work at the same company. This tournament was also a best ball scramble. I quickly found my role in this tournament. I was the long hitter from the forward tees. Whoo hoo!

Yes, October was full of great golf, fellowship and fun! I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings!

Ryder Cup Lite

October means tournament time! I figure while Team USA is in Wales taking the Ryder Cup, I too will enter in some tournaments stateside. Ok, so maybe not so much competitive in nature but in spirit.

The first tournament is the Inaugural Chris Kirkpatrick Foundation Golf Tournament. Chris Kirkpatrick is a member of the internationally known, award winning boy band *NSYNC. The Chris Kirkpatrick Foundation (CFK)has been established to enhance the lives of underprivileged children throughout the United States. Their focus is creating life changing opportunities geared toward enhancing the lives of children thru health care, educational and developmental programs.

The second tournament is the Executive Women’s Golf Association - Orlando 2010 Charity Golf Event. All proceeds will directly benefit Women Playing For T.I.M.E. (Technology, Immediate diagnosis, Mammography and Education), whose mission is to partner with M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando to defeat cancer as it affects women and their families and friends.

Both are very worthy organizations and great opportunities to have fun while playing golf. Emphasis on fun because I’m not sure about the game I’ll be bringing. Last post I was ready, so I thought, to get golf fit. I’m going to have to take a mulligan on that one. The truth is, although my head was ready, my body and spirit didn’t co-sign.

I’m slowly getting my body and spirit in agreement with my head. I’ve started working out but nowhere to the level I need. I am confident I’ll get there. ..eventually!

Wonder how much of my game I’ll be bringing? I’ll be tweeting my progress on the course so follow me @playforwardtees.

Getting Golf Fit

Recently I was having some medical issues and I sought out two professionals. My masseuse, Oscar, and my Doctor. Interestingly enough they both gave me the same word of caution, I need to take better care of myself. Whoa… wait a minute, granted, I realize I have regained my appetite for life and the summer of fun has caused me to pack on some pounds but hey….

Oops, turns out my extra weight wasn’t what they were talking about. I have been an athlete the majority of my life and while my inner age is 25, my physical age, is well, uummm, not! Both Oscar and my doctor both lectured me on stretching, eating well, and taking my vitamins. Both warned that gone are the days of just getting up and exercising. Whatttt???? Ugh!

So I’ve embarked on what I’m calling “Getting Golf Fit.” Getting Golf Fit is not about losing weight. It’s about getting fit enough to continue playing this game I love. Fit includes: increasing flexibility, arm, core, leg and mental strength.

So how am I going about Getting Golf Fit? Well, for right now I’m trying to make sure I am doing cardio consistently to get off the summer of fun inner tube that is circling my body! LOL! Ok, it’s not that bad but I do have a little extra pack to my 6 pack. Andia Winslow, professional golfer, is sharing some of her fitness routines online. So if you want to join me in getting fit check out Andia at www.youtube.com/user/ADUB365 .

Mentally, I’ve identified two spiritual, motivational guides, Joel Osteen and Bishop Vashti McKenzie. I subscribe to Bishop McKenzie’s daily audio email “Wake Up Call” and I’m currently listening to Pastor Osteen’s audio devotional “Take 10” Getting Your Life Back On Track. After listening to the morning inspiration, I then take time to journal.

Right now, I’ve given myself a preliminary date of Oct. 1 to complete phase 1 of Getting Golf Fit. If you have any tips please share them in the comments section. I’ll be sharing my progress on Twitter @playforwardtees, feel free to follow me and see how I’m doing. Also, I wouldn’t mind some words of encouragement ;)

I'm not getting older, I'm getting better!

Slaying Monster’s… Real and Imaginary

My Fairy Golf Father sponsored me in The Summer Groove Golf Tournament at the Doral Resort and Spa, hosted by Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade. The tournament was 3 days after the announcement that King James (LeBron) would be joining the Miami Heat. So my tournament debut at an already popular event has now turned into a media feeding frenzy. Ughh…

Admittedly, I was so wrapped up in my workload that I didn’t really get a chance to think about the tournament, that is, until that morning. As I was stuck in traffic on my way to Doral, it hit me that not only was I making my debut after months of trash talking, but I would be playing on a PGA course. And knowing my Fairy Golf Father, the way I do, I suspected I would be on the famed Blue Monster.

The Blue Monster features long fairways, undulating green, a deep Bermuda rough and a unique assortment of water hazards. The famous 18th hole, with its signature fountain, was ranked by GOLF Magazine as one of the Top 100 Holes in the World. 5,392 yards total from the Forward Tees.

Suddenly, the apple I was eating was making me sick. What was I doing? Who do I think I am? Really, The Blue Monster so early in my golf career? I could still turn around and save face. I just need to let my Fairy Golf Father know…I’m not coming. He’ll understand. Ok, so he didn’t understand the not coming part, but he did understand that I needed just a little encouragement.

From the moment I arrived at Doral, peace falls over me. Both the Doral staff and the Summer Groove staff were so welcoming. Ok, as many times as I have volunteered at event, I’ve never been in the “check- in” room. Also known as golf stuff heaven! It is in this room that I go from table to table choosing my hat, NIKE glove, polo shirt, golf balls, etc. I’m dizzy with excitement and then I see it. The wall of NIKE golf shoes! Oh my…I had to sit, catch my breath and say THANK YOU to my FGF for making me get at least this far! Alas, those shoes would not be worn today, as I brought my shoes styled by celebrity stylist Un Cutt!

Ok, so I knew my shoes were hot…but wow! I start to put on my shoes and I’m getting feedback from all corners of the room. Uh oh…ok, so I’ve officially brought attention to myself. Men are lining up to check out the shoes. I had no idea…eek…great, now they think I’m a golfer.

So I head out of the land of free golf stuff and head to find my foursome. Our foursome turns out more like six-some. I joined Rahime, Victor, Henry and Craig. Rahime and I are good friends who have known each other since his days at Georgetown with Alonzo. Our 6-some is rounded out with Trey, Alonzo’s teenage son. It’s a scramble, best ball format, so it’s all good and the pressure is not so bad.

We teed off at 18. Just for the novelty of it, I’m playing with a pink ball. I tee it up, take a breath and let it rip. Right down the middle of the fairway. We don’t play my first ball-that honor goes to Craig. But we played my second shot and ended up making par.

Despite several rain delays, (why did I get my hair done?) we had the best time. At various holes, there are the top restaurants in Miami along with adult beverage and ice cream carts. All free…so needless to say, a I got more and more loose as we the day got longer.

On the 9th hole, you can donate $25 to beat Alonzo closest to the pin for an autographed basketball. Unfortunately for me, the restaurant Prime 112 is at this hole cooking up their world famous fried Oreos. I donate $25 and go to order my fried Oreos. All of sudden, people are screaming my name. It’s my time, but my Oreos aren’t done. Crap, needless to say, my ball went in the water, and the oreos were mouth watering! However, I did beat Alonzo in our private best customized shoe contest! He had no idea I was coming that hard core!

I was pleasantly surprised how many times we played my ball! I was playing very well, extremely well. It helped that Henry and Victor are excellent players and even better teachers. Watching and playing with Trey was such a joy. He is growing into such a fine young gentleman. What an AMAZING day.

As I pulled away from Doral, I can’t believe I almost turned around. I almost missed out on an AMAZING day of golf, friendship, good food and drinks, all for a great cause.

Even though the imaginary monsters don’t live under my bed anymore, I’m glad I have friends who slay them for me wherever they turn up!

The Heat is On

This week I will make my debut in my first Tournament! I’m excited and nervous. I just hope the others in my foursome are kind and understanding! I am looking forward to playing a challenging course, making friends, and learning more about the game.

Admittedly, I thought by now I’d be 10 pounds lighter, 5 pounds in muscle stronger and my game a little better. The reason I’m not, is that life got in the way. But it’s all good because I was living life.

I took some time to go to Costa Rica with a friend. We basked in God’s beauty, ate great food, went zip lining, horseback riding and white water rafting. We took the time to sit on the balcony and watch a volcano erupt, monkeys and iguanas go about their day, all within reach (sometimes, too much in reach). I got a lot of reading done on the beach and just relaxed. I followed that trip with a business trip to New Orleans. More good food, company and I watched kids of all ages experience magic! So I can’t be upset that I didn’t reach my goal. Because I gained something better, peace and joy.

I did get in 2 rounds of golf last week. First, with the league at Disney’s Palm and then a round at Orange County National. I had good rounds and was able to tweak my game.

I also managed to get some golf shopping in. I scored two skorts and 1 pair of shorts at Tail Activewear, all for $42! I also found some pants at the Izod store that I will wear at the tournament.

Un Cutt, a celebrity sneaker designer, painted my shoes and they rock (picture to come) so at the very minimum I will look the part. To top off the outfit, I have a Miami Heat ball marker, it’s my way of honoring the hosts of the tournament, Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade.

It’s always a little scary to do something new, but that’s what life is all about. Getting out there and taking risks and the bonus is that in the end you end up having fun!