July 10, 2013: Championship Eve

Weather much cooler today: 10 degrees on the thermometer and down to only 50% humidity.  Still sweaty when some activity involved. 

My left elbow has been bothering me for since the Chapter Championships.  It feels like an strained/inflamed ligament attached to the forearm muscles that are used to pull the club down through impact.  It has taken a much slower warm-up process to loosen up the left arm.  One thing it has done is prevented my from gripping the club too hard at address and may be making it easier for me to swing freely.  I went to the Champions Tour physical therapy trailer this morning for help.  They gave me a pressure band and told me to take Aleve, ice it when I am done for the day and apply a warm compress in the morning.

Finally ran into Jeff Wilson on the range and with Jeff Brehaut and was able to get a photo of the three UOP Tigers from the early '80's.

K. Coombs, Jeff Brehaut, Jaeff Wilson


 Headed out for nine on the back with James Camaione again.  A different wind made the hard holes harder.  I did not hit it well, tired swings, so I am glad only nine today.  The greens are beginning to get that USGA brown color and firm.  If the greens are allowed to get firm, it will be very difficult to get the ball close.  The best chance to get close will be pins with backstops.

 

Purple Greens mean firm and fast

 

So far during the practice rounds I have received three rounds of significant applause or oohs and ahhs: two wedge shots that skirted past the holes as they spun back (one today I was told should have gone in) and one shot out of the rough, under trees and rolled onto the green.  So hopefully I will get one a day.

 

After the nine went out on the range to reestablish proper ball position.  With so many uneven lies, it is easy to loose the basic address positions that are key for my success.  Then to the putting green to do my standard putting practice of making 25 in  a row from three feet and 20 of 25 from six feet.  Chose a left to right putt to build confidence on those.  Accomplished the 3 foot challenge in one try and the six foot challenge on the second attempt.  Concentration and commitment are key to making putts.  The greens are so good that the putts are much easier to make.

 

 

My friend Dan decided to come and will stay at Nancy' cousins house.  Mom, Dad and Minda are all arriving around 7:30 tonight.  Mom and Dad's flight is two hours late.

 

I have determined that par on this course for me is 74.  In thinking that it will take pressure off tee shots on the harder par 4's.

 

Received good advise from many sources over the past couple days.  The most uplifting was from my UOP Golf Coach Dr. Glen Albaugh to play to do the best I can, for if I am playing just to make the cut, I probably won't.  And knowing me, I would miss by one.

 

I tee of at 8:34 tomorrow morning.  For live scoring, make sure to have the Senior Open site available.