Oregon Golf was Beautiful!

I'm back from playing the south course of The Reserve in Hillsboro, Oregon. This former farm town is now Oregon's high-tech area. The Reserve is a slice of green-grass heaven amid the techno craze. Looking at each hole from the tee box was a beautiful site of trees, water hazards, bunkers, and never a home. So unlike courses in Northern California, I felt like I was playing in another world with no congestion or cell phones since they're banned on the course (Hurrah!).

As to the event, it was great to speak to the group. The sponsor wanted me to talk about what you can learn about a person while playing golf together. It was a fun and interactive group and everyone enjoyed learning and sharing their insights about others.

The two gentlemen that I played with were just that...gentlemen!!! They worked together and one offered to ride with me, so I wouldn't be alone in my cart. It was a generous move on their part and I appreciated the gesture. Like the other scramble that I played in and wrote about, we also never hinted at cheating. What a delight to not have to worry about that with your playing partners!

I hit Oregon during their week of fabulous weather. The temperatures were in the high 80's and low 90's. Thankfully, the host ordered large buckets of ice and bottled water throughout the course. I'm not used to that heat, and I could feel a brain haze come over me, so the water and our box lunches were perfect! It's a good reminder for everyone to drink plenty of water during the summer heat.

I hope to return to Oregon for other talks, more golf, or even a possible move!

Tiger Victorious!

Hmm...I know I made a post about Tiger's victory while he was still playing the 16th hole and I had to leave for the airport. I wrote: forget fiance/wife distractions or he's in the slump, Tiger is back with a new swing and another Major victory this year. He makes it look so easy (although those two missed short putts on the front nine made it even closer). Congrats, Tiger!!!!

Balls Are Up!

The British Open Championship has finally started and it's exciting to watch yet another major. Although I've never considered the courses in Scotland as beautiful, St. Andrews is steeped in lore, tradition, and considered the birthplace of the game I love. I've never gotten used to the barren look of the courses and doubt I'd fare well with the wind, pot bunkers, and fast fairways. But, one day I look forward to taking in the ocean air and taking the bounces as I get them at St. Andrews.

This week is filled with talk about Jack Nicklaus and his retirement from the game. As one of the greatest golfers leaves the game another is making her move into playing in the Masters. After nearly missing the cut in the USGA Men's Amateur Public Links, Michelle Wie has moved into the third round. She trounced her first-round match play opponent with a 6 and 5 victory. After missing the cut at the John Deere Classic, she has shown grit.

Weekend Golf Thoughts

Number 60 in women's golf, Marisa Baena, won the HSBC Women's World Match Play, which shows the fun of the match play format. The beauty of match play is one or two bad holes won't knock you out of contention, unlike stroke play. Baena is a first-time winner, who to get to the final match had to beat Candice Kung, who beat #1 women's player, Annika.

It was great to see Jim Furyk win. Clearly it was an emotional victory for Furyk after losing last week and coming back from his wrist surgery. Meanwhile Tiger earns more than $50 million in career earnings while playing on the Tour. That amount pales to the amount he earns as the highest paid athlete in endorsements.

What a fun way to make a living!