2019 USGA Mid Am

[gioguy21]

> @jll62 said:

> I got knocked out on the fifth playoff hole this morning. Had a 7 footer for birdie on the fourth hole to claim the final spot, but hit the low edge and stayed out. Oh well. USGA events are always special and this was a great week.

>

> From an equipment perspective, I got to spend some time chatting with the guys who were onsite collecting data for the Darrell Survey. That was a treat. To answer someone from earlier, there weren’t many unique old clubs in play from what I saw or heard about. For the most part, this isn’t an event with a bunch of grizzled veterans playing old clubs. Most drivers are last couple of years models. Irons are 3-4 year models. One of the Darrell guys called my RSi TP old, if that’s any indication.

>

> One exception: My buddy was the only guy in the field with an SLDR.

>

 

congrats on just getting there man. well played.

[EricWGolf]

> @gioguy21 said:

> > @jll62 said:

> > I got knocked out on the fifth playoff hole this morning. Had a 7 footer for birdie on the fourth hole to claim the final spot, but hit the low edge and stayed out. Oh well. USGA events are always special and this was a great week.

> >

> > From an equipment perspective, I got to spend some time chatting with the guys who were onsite collecting data for the Darrell Survey. That was a treat. To answer someone from earlier, there weren’t many unique old clubs in play from what I saw or heard about. For the most part, this isn’t an event with a bunch of grizzled veterans playing old clubs. Most drivers are last couple of years models. Irons are 3-4 year models. One of the Darrell guys called my RSi TP old, if that’s any indication.

> >

> > One exception: My buddy was the only guy in the field with an SLDR.

> >

>

> congrats on just getting there man. well played.

 

^^ this

[jll62]

> @gioguy21 said:

> > @jll62 said:

> > I got knocked out on the fifth playoff hole this morning. Had a 7 footer for birdie on the fourth hole to claim the final spot, but hit the low edge and stayed out. Oh well. USGA events are always special and this was a great week.

> >

> > From an equipment perspective, I got to spend some time chatting with the guys who were onsite collecting data for the Darrell Survey. That was a treat. To answer someone from earlier, there weren’t many unique old clubs in play from what I saw or heard about. For the most part, this isn’t an event with a bunch of grizzled veterans playing old clubs. Most drivers are last couple of years models. Irons are 3-4 year models. One of the Darrell guys called my RSi TP old, if that’s any indication.

> >

> > One exception: My buddy was the only guy in the field with an SLDR.

> >

>

> congrats on just getting there man. well played.

 

Thanks!

[golfortennis]

> @jll62 said:

>

> From an equipment perspective, I got to spend some time chatting with the guys who were onsite collecting data for the Darrell Survey. That was a treat. To answer someone from earlier, there weren’t many unique old clubs in play from what I saw or heard about. For the most part, this isn’t an event with a bunch of grizzled veterans playing old clubs. Most drivers are last couple of years models. Irons are 3-4 year models. One of the Darrell guys called my RSi TP old, if that’s any indication.

>

> One exception: My buddy was the only guy in the field with an SLDR.

>

But is it a case of newer equipment is better, or is it just a case of most of these guys are good enough they likely get their equipment for a song? Not to mention the fact with so many reinstated pros, they don't lose their contacts that quickly.

 

[scottyc15]

> @Bluefan75 said:

> > @jll62 said:

> >

> > From an equipment perspective, I got to spend some time chatting with the guys who were onsite collecting data for the Darrell Survey. That was a treat. To answer someone from earlier, there weren’t many unique old clubs in play from what I saw or heard about. For the most part, this isn’t an event with a bunch of grizzled veterans playing old clubs. Most drivers are last couple of years models. Irons are 3-4 year models. One of the Darrell guys called my RSi TP old, if that’s any indication.

> >

> > One exception: My buddy was the only guy in the field with an SLDR.

> >

> But is it a case of newer equipment is better, or is it just a case of most of these guys are good enough they likely get their equipment for a song? Not to mention the fact with so many reinstated pros, they don't lose their contacts that quickly.

>

 

I lost to Kevin O'Connell last year and he was still using a Titleist 909 3 wood at the time. Also, Brett Boner made it to the finals with a 909 driver. Hard to say if newer is better because everyone produces different numbers and want different things, but surely from a forgiveness standpoint in the woods department we've seen a nice progression.

[jll62]

> @Bluefan75 said:

> > @jll62 said:

> >

> > From an equipment perspective, I got to spend some time chatting with the guys who were onsite collecting data for the Darrell Survey. That was a treat. To answer someone from earlier, there weren’t many unique old clubs in play from what I saw or heard about. For the most part, this isn’t an event with a bunch of grizzled veterans playing old clubs. Most drivers are last couple of years models. Irons are 3-4 year models. One of the Darrell guys called my RSi TP old, if that’s any indication.

> >

> > One exception: My buddy was the only guy in the field with an SLDR.

> >

> But is it a case of newer equipment is better, or is it just a case of most of these guys are good enough they likely get their equipment for a song? Not to mention the fact with so many reinstated pros, they don't lose their contacts that quickly.

>

 

Do some of the guys in the mid-am field get equipment? Absolutely for the guys high up in the WAGR. I played with Garrett Rank (#45 WAGR) in the stroke play rounds and he had a sweet Cameron T10 1.5 (flow neck Newport Buttonback for the non-cameron junkies). That putter was sick. He's also really freaking good.

 

But is most of the field getting equipment? No, not even close. And just because someone was once a professional, that doesn't automatically mean they had enough status somewhere to be getting generous equipment handouts.

[golfortennis]

> @jll62 said:

> > @Bluefan75 said:

> > Does anyone have the count of reinstated pros? Is the Scott Fawcett that won his quali by 5 the same one as the decade Scott Fawcett?

>

> Yes. That's him. Good round from him today considering his crazy travel schedule this week and not playing any practice rounds.

 

Ok. So then what is it about him that is any different from my buddy who gives lessons that makes Fawcett eligible and my buddy ineligible? My buddy is a sucker for paying PGA dues? The man has people paying him hundreds of dollars for golf strategy and tournament success. He may be the greatest guy, Mother Teresa, and the smartest golf mind ever. But I think someone needs to perform serious mental gymnastics to say he is not a professional. If people can say Lucy Li's amateur status is at risk because of the commercial, or Tony Romo, how on earth does Fawcett get a pass?

 

And no my buddy is not trying to get into the mid-am, or regain status or anything like that. Just pointing out the fallacies at play here. This is quickly becoming about as legit as the Publinks was. I would be real curious to see what would happen if the Masters were to do away with the exemption.

[Forged4ever]

> @ThunderBuzzworth said:

> Both practice rounds complete and I think I hit the ball nearly as good as I could have for the 2 days. Putting will be a huge challenge as getting it close on these greens seems to be a chore. Greens at CGC we’re somewhat crusty and unusually firm yesterday. My first hole of the day - Hole #10 at CGC I hit a nipped 80 yard 60* wedge that landed on the front and actually released over the green. Never played a course with greens like that.. Both courses greens have massive slope to them and the ball seems to want to keep trickling so I’m betting there will be a lot of 6 footers for par depending on hole locations

 

> @ThunderBuzzworth said:

> i had a rough day at CGC today. Actually drove the ball nearly perfect again and had iron into every par 5, quite a few wedges in hand and I just hit my approaches like a complete **** today. I hit a lot of pulls, on those green complexes that means balls being nowhere near the hole if they even stay on the green. I missed the cut by 3 shots and I missed 5 putts from inside 5 feet. If my putter had been “normal” I would have been fine.

>

> At any rate if I did make it through I don’t think I could have walked tomorrow. I fractured my foot about 2.5 weeks ago and walking 4 days in a row on it was not pleasant at all no matter what I tried. CGC is a tough course to walk for me and I had to hits a handful of approaches out of breath because we were clocked twice with a guy in the bushes and I was dragging my foot along all day. When I played CGC in the practice round after having rested my foot for 2 weeks and feeling confident I shot under par for sure but I don’t keep score in the practice rounds, I kind of play my shots as I would and roll my birdie putts but mainly I look around the green to see where I think the holes will be placed and then putt from where I would like to be so I have a better sense of movement.

>

> Overall cool experience and hope to make it in again next year. Best of luck in the playoff and to any other WRXer that made it to match play. A few guys I play with a bit are still in so I’ll be rooting them on also

>

>

 

You'll be back Brother, no doubt!!

 

Great effort, live and learn?

 

Fairways & Greens 4ever My Friend⛳️

RP

[ThunderBuzzworth]

Quick update:: went to my foot specialist this morning and they determined I have a hairline fracture & a partially torn tendon in my foot. Got a light cast and air walking boot for at least the next 8 days. I hope it is playable by 9/28 because I’m qualified for our state team “Ryder cup” matches and I really want to play with my team.

 

[golfortennis]

So you're fortunate you hit from the wrong side of the ball. It's your back foot. Does it even matter? :)

[jll62]

> @ThunderBuzzworth said:

> Quick update:: went to my foot specialist this morning and they determined I have a hairline fracture & a partially torn tendon in my foot. Got a light cast and air walking boot for at least the next 8 days. I hope it is playable by 9/28 because I’m qualified for our state team “Ryder cup” matches and I really want to play with my team.

>

>

>

 

Oh man, that sucks. I can't even imagine having walked CGC on that. That place is not an easy walk on two good feet. Hope you're able to play your team event!

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

> @ThunderBuzzworth said:

> Quick update:: went to my foot specialist this morning and they determined I have a hairline fracture & a partially torn tendon in my foot. Got a light cast and air walking boot for at least the next 8 days. I hope it is playable by 9/28 because I’m qualified for our state team “Ryder cup” matches and I really want to play with my team.

>

>

>

 

You played a big tournament with a broken leg? I know a lot of players like to copy Tiger Woods, but that's taking things a little too far!

 

Anyway, thanks for the round reports from you and jll62 (and from Players who have competed before).

[Oliver Klozoff]

Awesome to see some golfwrxers did well. Playing on a broken foot? Can't blame you. It's hard to get to these things. No way I'd back out. Even more impressive you did it on a tough walking course.

 

As for some guys playing slightly aged irons - I think it's because changing irons and fairway woods takes time. And unlike pros that play all year, we're talking mid-ams of which 95% don't play more than once a week. It's hard to make that switch when you know exactly what your clubs do and how to best use them. And they aren't getting free clubs like the pros, college kids, or top juniors. Why pay for something that is only a slight improvement but takes a lot of energy to swtich to. (I mean I do it, but I've gotten desperate).

 

 

[sportingpc]

> @Bluefan75 said:

> Does anyone have the count of reinstated pros? Is the Scott Fawcett that won his quali by 5 the same one as the decade Scott Fawcett?

 

I know Jason Schultz is a former PGA Tour Player currently 2up in the quarters. Wish we could watch this thing on TV!

[physasst]

> @jll62 said:

> I'm playing. Had my practice round at CommonGround today, Colorado GC tomorrow..

Congrats on even being there....Awesome..

 

[golfortennis]

> @"Oliver Klozoff" said:

> Awesome to see some golfwrxers did well. Playing on a broken foot? Can't blame you. It's hard to get to these things. No way I'd back out. Even more impressive you did it on a tough walking course.

>

> As for some guys playing slightly aged irons - I think it's because changing irons and fairway woods takes time. And unlike pros that play all yea**r, we're talking mid-ams of which 95% don't play more than once a week.** It's hard to make that switch when you know exactly what your clubs do and how to best use them. And they aren't getting free clubs like the pros, college kids, or top juniors. Why pay for something that is only a slight improvement but takes a lot of energy to swtich to. (I mean I do it, but I've gotten desperate).

>

>

How cute you think these guys only play once a week.

 

 

[JakeW13]

> @Bluefan75 said:

> How cute you think these guys only play once a week.

 

Yeah... my friend who made the mid-am is playing 36 holes every weekend and often driving range plus 9 holes once or twice during weekdays.

 

[Doc420]

 

 

> @sportingpc said:

> > @Bluefan75 said:

> > Does anyone have the count of reinstated pros? Is the Scott Fawcett that won his quali by 5 the same one as the decade Scott Fawcett?

>

> I know Jason Schultz is a former PGA Tour Player currently 2up in the quarters. Wish we could watch this thing on TV!

I have played some with Joe Deraney, looks like we have the two oldest in the semis. I would like to see Joe win this thing, especially since he had to give up his invite to Sanderson Farms this week. Masters invite would be a nice substitute. Lol

 

 

[Doc420]

I know the winner gets into The Masters and the US open, but what does the runner-up get I thought they earned invites to some other stuff, just not pga.

[ThunderBuzzworth]

Crazy, I played with Lukas Michel in both Stroke play rounds. Besides saying I thought he was a solid player I’ll keep my opinions to myself but it is cool to know that I played with a finalist. If I’m being honest.. I didn’t believe he was a top ranked player in WAGR points because we have a handful of players in Michigan alone that I’d bet on first. At any rate I hope they have a good match and I’d like to see him win - I’d like to see what the “analysts” say. Tremendous wedge player

[ThunderBuzzworth]

> @Bluefan75 said:

> > @"Oliver Klozoff" said:

> > Awesome to see some golfwrxers did well. Playing on a broken foot? Can't blame you. It's hard to get to these things. No way I'd back out. Even more impressive you did it on a tough walking course.

> >

> > As for some guys playing slightly aged irons - I think it's because changing irons and fairway woods takes time. And unlike pros that play all yea**r, we're talking mid-ams of which 95% don't play more than once a week.** It's hard to make that switch when you know exactly what your clubs do and how to best use them. And they aren't getting free clubs like the pros, college kids, or top juniors. Why pay for something that is only a slight improvement but takes a lot of energy to swtich to. (I mean I do it, but I've gotten desperate).

> >

> >

> How cute you think these guys only play once a week.

>

>

 

 

I play 1-2 times per week (usually weekends) and small bucket range practice M-W-F if I have time after work. I’ve learned my own tendencies and found a way of achieving the highest quality practice with the least amount of quantity. I can’t wait to try and qualify again!!

 

[pandrijczak]

> @ThunderBuzzworth said:

> Crazy, I played with Lukas Michel in both Stroke play rounds. Besides saying I thought he was a solid player I’ll keep my opinions to myself but it is cool to know that I played with a finalist. If I’m being honest.. I didn’t believe he was a top ranked player in WAGR points because we have a handful of players in Michigan alone that I’d bet on first. At any rate I hope they have a good match and I’d like to see him win - I’d like to see what the “analysts” say. Tremendous wedge player

 

 

Well done for making it as far as you did Thunder!

 

Yeah, Lukas is a hell of a wedge player - but then, most of the guys who work at MGA (public driving range not far from Kingston Heath) are - having seen the various ways they used to practice, I can understand why, but I won’t divulge why other than to say that they are a little unusual. (Also him being from Metropolitan helps too no doubt.)

 

Would love to see him get it done in the final.

 

[golfortennis]

> @Doc420 said:

> I know the winner gets into The Masters and the US open, but what does the runner-up get I thought they earned invites to some other stuff, just not pga.

 

Don't think there is an automatic anywhere. If a guy is local he may get an exemption to an event, but other than that....

 

It really is a backdoor to the Masters for a lot of ex-pros.

[PuttLeftHitRight]

I thought you had to have a full-time job not in golf to be a mid-am?

[ClarkGrswld4]

incorrect. All you have to do is be 25+ years old and have a handicap low enough in order to qualify

[ThunderBuzzworth]

I may just be be salty or jealous but I don’t like that this other player is being glorified as a stay at home dad.. basically a professional amateur while his wife pays the tab. Kinda rubs me the wrong way that I’m working 50-55 hrs a week (in the golf industry), can’t afford a membership at a private and there’s guys that play for free on the daily. I can only speculate what kind of scores I could shoot if I were able to play 18 holes every day but I would imagine it would be 3-4 strokes lower avg than I do now. How do I get in with guys like this??!! Haha

[masamitsu]

I actually worked/volunteered Fri-Sun. Friday and Saturday I was part of the evacuation team (get people off the course in the event bad weather hit) and Sunday I was a stationary forecaddie on #4 at CGC. I saw a lot of the great play out there and even better people. I can't tell you how many players came up and thanked me on Sunday for being out there. It was a great experience and I'd definitely do it again.

[golfandfishing]

Amateur 25 or older. Plenty of jobs in golf for amateurs, and having a full time job isn’t a requirement of any tournament that I’m aware of.

 

> @PuttLeftHitRight said:

> I thought you had to have a full-time job not in golf to be a mid-am?

 

 

[NaBUru38]

https://www.usga.org/articles/2019/03/fox-sports-usga-golf-2019-championship-broadcast-schedule.html

No television coverage for the 2019 U.S. Mid-Amateur.

[gioguy21]

> @ThunderBuzzworth said:

> I may just be be salty or jealous but I don’t like that this other player is being glorified as a stay at home dad.. basically a professional amateur while his wife pays the tab. Kinda rubs me the wrong way that I’m working 50-55 hrs a week (in the golf industry), can’t afford a membership at a private and there’s guys that play for free on the daily. I can only speculate what kind of scores I could shoot if I were able to play 18 holes every day but I would imagine it would be 3-4 strokes lower avg than I do now. How do I get in with guys like this??!! Haha

 

lol you need a woman like that...