Greatest Golf Day Gone Bad (But still good)

[cmullin007]

Today started like any other day when I get up early on a Saturday to go play an early round with friends, excited and impatient. I couldn't get to the course fast enough. However today's round would be a little more exciting than others, today I was going to play one of the courses at Bethpage for the first time. While we had no intentions of playing the Black course today I was still stoked beyond belief and happy to play any of the courses that Bethpage had to offer. I was the first to arrive and even though I was well aware of the attraction that is Bethpage I was assured by a friend of mine who plays there regularly that we would get out early on one of the courses. Well today we werent getting out early because everyone is trying to get in the last couple of rounds that they can before the weather turns (October weather has been great this year). Our only choice to get out early was to play the back 9 on the Yellow course (obviously not the choice course due to the number of available tee times). We really wanted to play a full 18 and didn't care what course we played as long as we got in a full round. Then one of my buddies said, "why dont we start on the back 9 on the Yellow and then play the Black at 10:36?" I have to say that even at a 12 handicap I was still intimidated to play the Black. It didnt take much convincing and that is what we eventually agreed upon. We played the back 9 of the Yellow (not horrible but definitely left much to be expected of the other courses, Ive walked the black during the Barclays and knew just what was in store for us later that day). After our warm up 9 we inventory our clubs, return our carts (we rode on the Yellow), grab our push-carts in preparation for our next tee time and then head inside to have breakfast before our date with the black. After a very inexpensive, yet delicious breakfast, we headed over for our tee time on the black course. I was nominated to tee off first and let me tell you during that tee shot I have never felt so many nerves. There are plenty of people standing behind the tee box next to the famous sign that reads just how intimidating this course really is as they watch each group go out. Well lets just say it wasnt the normal 280yrd drive that I am use to. I was about 250 and left (but I didnt duff it, and that is all I was hoping for as I approached the ball). As the hole played out we approach the green and it is at that moment that I look into my back not realizing that after our round at the Yellow course, during our breakfast, my brand new Scotty Cameron GOLO was snatched out of my bag by some dirty rotten scoundrel. Now normally I would think that I most likely left it next to green on the last hole, but I distinctly remember pulling it out near the proshop and taking a couple of practice strokes next to the practice green before we went in for breakfast. Apparently some one needed it more than me I guess even though it was a club that I would never buy for myself. What really sucks is that it was purchased for me 3 weeks earlier as a gift for my 10 years of service in the Army. I had just got out of the Army and moved to Long Island to be here with my fiancé. To say I was bummed out at the 1st green of my golf dream is a major understatement. Not wanting to let this completely ruin my day all I could say is that it is what it is and that people are going to do stuff like that and unfortunately today was the day that it happened to me. I have to be honest it took about 3 holes but eventually I put it behind me and it became a something that I had to just make jokes about later on as I borrowed my buddies GOLO and drained multiple putts and didn't miss the opportunity to bust his balls and remind him that I was showing him up with his own putter and that mine was now probably being abused in a basement somewhere on Long Island (Sometimes laughter really is the best medicine). Well long story long, I broke 100 (which was my goal from the start, with a 96, and let me tell you it could have easily been a 89 or better) I look forward to my next round as I think the nerves will go away and I will remember where to start some of those blind tee shots on my next round. I never in my life thought twice about leaving my bag next to the proshop or the restaurant of any course. But I will from this day forward. I have to say that even though it sucks to have something stolen from you it was still one of the my favorites rounds ever and I wont let someone stealing my putter be the highlight of such an amazing day. Bethpage is a blast and I cant wait to play it again!! Play responsibly, keep and eye on your sticks.

[jlt73]

Sorry to hear about your putter being stolen but at least you didnt let that ruin your experience. Thank you for sharing your story

[Cwing]

Sorry to hear. Generic head covers can be a friend.

[cmullin007]

[quote name='Cwing' timestamp='1382278691' post='8029727']
Sorry to hear. Generic head covers can be a friend.
[/quote]
Yeah I will definitely have one on my next putter.

[Agent Jim]

Sorry to hear about the putter. Thanks for your service and I am glad you could still enjoy your time on the black

[cmullin007]

[quote name='Agent Jim' timestamp='1382280888' post='8029831']
Sorry to hear about the putter. Thanks for your service and I am glad you could still enjoy your time on the black
[/quote]
Those of us who serve appreciate your support. I'm a little more in mourning today now that I dont have the beauty of the black course to distract me. All in all I should have kept a better eye on my clubs. I'm curious just how many others out there leave their bag unattended while they eat a quick meal or check out the pro shop. I never in a million years worried about it, but then again I should have been a little more cautious at Bethpage because that place is crowded like an amusement park. You live and you learn.