Pennsauken Country Club Golf Outing

Pennsauken County Club (formally Iron Rock Golf Club)
3800 Haddonfield Road, Pennsauken, New Jersey 08109
Yards: 5918, Par 70 (White Tees)
Course Architect: Unknown
Built: 1932
Website: www.pennsaukengolf.com
Score: Golf Outing (Scramble)
Date: June 25, 2008

I participated in a golf outing at Pennsauken Country Club for the Camden Schools Foundation. On a beautiful sunny day, our foursome shot a 6 under, which we thought was respectable, even through the winning score would be around 10 to 11 under. We had at least one drive in the fairway on almost every hole, only scrambling a few times after our drives or second shots. Our approach shots into the greens were on target and our putting could have been a little better, but we made some good long birdie putts. Except the one bogey on the first hole, we played par or under on every hole. It was a great day and a great golf outing for the Camden School Foundation.

From the web site: ‘The golf course at Pennsauken Country Club is characterized by its consistently excellent course conditions as well as its ease of play. The flat and fairly straight layout offers great opportunity for medium to high handicappers to make par. Of course this means low handicappers have the chance to really show their stuff and even set a personal record.’

The course was in great shape, which is saying a lot considering it is a municipal course and gets tons of play. The tee boxes were in good shape, the fairways were in fantastic shape with long second cut which was waiting to gobble up your errant shots, and the greens were in great shape and rolling a little slow which held a few chip shots a little short of the hole.

For all your local golf information, check out www.twooverpar.com!

Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club

Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club
7 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean View, DE 19970
Yards: 5817, Par 72 (Grizzly / Kodiak - Club Tees)
Course Architect: Rick Jacobson
Built/Open: 1999
Website: www.beartrapdunes.com
Score: 95 (47 out, 48 in)
Date: June 22, 2008

Played Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club over the weekend two days after my run in with the annoying pro shop employee. After two days of hitting balls with my new grip, I headed out with some new confidence in my game which soon came to an end. I shot a round of 95 on a sunny, slight breezy day (the wind picked up on the last two holes). My driving was a little better on the front nine but disappeared on the back nine. My chipping in general was good, had a few stupid shots that’s cost me a few strokes and my putting improved after the first couple of holes. I also lost a few strokes trying to be cute on a few shots, still have not learned my lesson.

From the web site 'Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club offers one of the area’s most unique and memorable golf experiences on the Eastern Shore. Winding bent grass fairways lined with native wetland grasses drift into natural sand dunes. Impeccably groomed oversized greens and four strategically placed sets of tees beckon golfers of every skill level.'

The course was in great shape, a few minor dead patches of grass on the edges of the fairways. The tee areas were in good shape, the fairways were in fantastic shape and the greens were in good shape and rolling nicely.

For all your local golf information, check out www.twooverpar.com!

Annoying Pro Shop Employee Playing by the Rules

I spent a long weekend down at the Delaware shore at Bear Trap Dunes. Looking to tune up the golf game, I drove by the range and noticed a few guys out there hitting balls in tee shirts. Well, wearing a Nike tee shirt and shorts, I decided to get out and hit some balls. I placed my clubs next to a stand on the range and walked over to the pro shop. On my way, I noticed the guys in the tee shirts were members of the club.

I walked in the pro shop and ask the lady behind the counter for some driving range tokens. She looked at me with this disgusted face and asks all cocky if I have a collared shirt. “Yes I do”, I replied. “Do you have it with you?”, she asks. Like most people in the world, I carry a collared shirt in my pocket all the time incase I run into someone asking if I have one. Before I could open my mouth to respond, she continues to inform me that she can not sell me any tokens since I have a tee shirt on, “collared shirts are required on the driving range, sir”. Are you kidding me old lady, I felt like saying there are two or three MEMBERS on the range right now in tee shirts hitting golf balls.

Whatever, I left, got a collared shirt on, purchased the tokens and removed the collared shirt as I walked slowly out of the pro shop. If you have a standard, I’m all for following the rules, but don’t single out people while your MEMBERS are out there breaking your own rules.

For all your local golf information, check out www.twooverpar.com!

Wheat Road Golf Shop, Vineland NJ

Wheat Road Golf Shop
2142 East Wheat Road
Vineland, NJ 08361
Phone: 800-273-0433
Website: www.wheatroadgolf.com
Owned & Operated by Richard Fiocchi

I decided to purge my garage of all my extra clubs and current driver. Having sold everything and in need of a new driver, I headed over to Wheat Road Golf Shop. While I was hitting balls on the range with a few different drivers, the on site golf pro Jeff, helped me with my driver selection and changed my grip at the same time. Within a few minutes he had me hitting the ball farther and straighter. Just that little bit of change in my grip by Jeff helped my fade, I still fade the ball but not nearly as much.

If you’re in the South Jersey area or buy golf equipment over the web, you should check out their golf store. I buy a lot of my equipment there since they are a small family owned golf shop competing with the big boys, with great prices. Everyone working there is friendly and helpful, they have tons of equipment and accessories packed into this little shop. They also provide lessons, driving range with mats or grass, practice green, sand trap area, and a par three course, nice little golf facility, check it out!

For all your local golf information, check out www.twooverpar.com!

Galloway National Golf Club

Galloway National Golf Club
270 South New York Road
Galloway, New Jersey 08205
Yards: 6274, Par 71 (Blue Tees)
Course Architect: Tom Fazio
Website: www.gallowaynationalgolf.com
Score: 112 (57 out, 55 in)
Date: June 5, 2008

I had the privilege of playing the ultra-private, 74th ranked course in America: Galloway National Golf Club. This course has some natural elevations changes, a few holes with forced carries, super fast greens, bunkers guarding the greens on numerous holes and trees, water and meadows ready to wreak havoc on wayward shots on every hole.

I have played this course about 5 times in the past, and the course still amazes me every time I get to play there. Shot a round of 112 on a beautiful sunny day which is within a few strokes of my previous rounds played here. I wasn’t hitting the ball fairly straight off the tee which makes this long course even longer, chipping was average since the greens were so fast, I couldn’t get the ball to stick on the green, putting was pretty good since I like fast greens.

From the web site: Galloway National Golf Club is a private, world-class, 18-hole championship golf course designed for the serious golfer. World renowned architect Tom Fazio, meticulously crafted Galloway National’s 6900 yards out of a 200 acre tract of heavily wooded, gently sloping bayside property. “Galloway is one of my best ever,” said Fazio. It is a dramatic and fair golf course designed to bring joy to the serious golfer. Natural contour changes, pine forest, sand and water are the “tools.” Tees with breathtaking views, inviting fairways, challenging hazards, and beautifully situated greens are your reward.

The inspiration behind Galloway National Golf Club originated with a group of dedicated golfers who share a deep sense of commitment to the game. Management of the Club is being approached in the same way. Our facilities rival the finest in the world and are designed to enhance not detract from your unique golf experience. Our members enjoy an elegant, yet understated ambiance of quiet comfort. Golf Digest recently named Galloway one of America’s best private golf clubs.

The course was in excellent shape, even a day after a horrible rain fall dumping inches of rain in the South Jersey area, no divots in the tee boxes or fairways, no pitch marks on the greens, and the greens were rolling super-super fast.

After the round (beating), we stopped in the club house for a drink and late lunch. The club house is modern and sleek with lots of picturesque views, the employees could not be more helpful, the food was excellent, the drinks were cool, the views of the course and Atlantic City skyline are unforgettable!

If you get a chance to play this South Jersey gem, do not pass on this course! We played with two – foursomes and we didn’t see any other golfers the entire round, it felt like we had the entire course all to our selves. The refreshment stations between every few holes filled with free refreshments and snacks is a nice touch!

For all your local golf information, check out www.twooverpar.com!

A Gorgeous Day at Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort

A Gorgeous Day at Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort – Blue / Red Courses
One River Road, Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania 18356
Yards: 6,290, Par 72 (White Tees)
Course Architect: A. W. Tillinghast
Website: www.shawneeinn.com
Score: 102 (57 out, 45 in)
Date: May 5, 2008

While attending the 2008 Victory Golf Show in King of Prussia, I put a bid on a foursome at Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort. Never dreamed I would win since the bid was for $170 and was placed early in the morning. We decised to play on May 5th, we played the blue and red courses and could not have asked for a better day.

I shot a 102 the first time out on this championship course designed by A. W. Tillinghast which has hosted the 1938 PGA Championship and the 1967 NCAA Championship. Arnold Palmer met his late wife Winnie at Shawnee.

Shawnee is graced with the same magnificent trees, picturesque mountains, beautiful river and the same love of the game of years past. With 24 of 27 holes located on a private island surrounded by the Delaware River.

My 102 round came on a prefect day, slight wind and sunny skies. What can I say about the course, championship course in close to championship condition. The course was in wonderful condition with only a few dead areas of grass in non essential areas, unless you’re my ball. The tee boxes were nice and green without any divots, the fairways had no divots and the greens were moderately fast, some a little quicker than others.

Every hole at Shawnee is picturesque, not to mention the surroundings. On many of the holes I found myself just staring out at the beautiful mountains and surroundings. The most deceiving holes we played were the Par 3, 7th hole on the Blue course and the Par 3, 2nd hole on the Red course. On both holes you are hitting over the Delaware River, but the distances on both holes look a lot longer than indicated on the score card and tee box indicator.

Annoying Dinning Warning (Take One): Arriving at the course early for our tee time, we decided to relax and grab a quick bite to eat in the club house at the River Room. The plan was a little lunch and warm up on the range, and then off to the course, don’t think so. We were the first in the dinning room, long story short, two burgers, fries, a chicken quesadilla and 45 minutes later, we were eating our relaxed, quick lunch without chewing. When we finally got our food, it was excellent, but the slowest and uninformed restaurant staff I have ever seen.

Annoying Dinning Warning (Take Two): After the round, we decided to eat dinner at the facility since one of our players joined us from the opposite direction. Learning our lesson earlier today, we decided to eat dinner at Sam Snead’s Tavern, located on the other side of the golf facility near the main entrance and overlooking the par 3 course and practice facility. We walked in and sat down and waited, and waited, and finally after 15 to 20 minutes our waiter made an appearance for drinks. When we did order, again, burgers, wings and nachos, the food took about 45 minutes to an hour to come out. At least the food service at the facility is consistent, good food, long – loooooong wait. After a 2 ½ hour burger, we had another 2 ½ hour ride home.

From the web site: Discover the finest in Pocono Golf. Completed in 1911, the golf course at the Shawnee Inn is A.W. Tillinghast's first-ever design. Rich in the history of golf, Shawnee has been the host of the 1938 PGA Championship, the 1967 NCAA Championships and other memorable moments in the chronicles of golf. Shawnee is still graced with the same magnificent trees, picturesque mountains, beautiful river and the same love of the game. With 24 of our 27 holes located on a private island, The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort is the perfect choice for golf in the Poconos.

Overall Shawnee is an excellent golf facility and easy to get to. Definitely a must play when visiting the Ponoco / Delaware Water Gap area. The course was excellent, the facility employees were all nice and helpful, just take a lot of extra time if you plan on eating there.

For all your local golf information, check out www.twooverpar.com!

Master’s Road Trip

After six years of trying to get tickets, last September I received a letter from Augusta National Golf Club, it was notification that I was chosen for Master’s tickets. Finally Master’s week was here, we jumped in the car and took off for Augusta. The night before our visit to the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club, we were sitting in Garnets Sports Bar, listening to stories from fellow patrons who had attended the Masters that day.

The greatly anticipated day had arrived, we hopped in the car and made the hour long ride down South Carolina Route 20 towards Augusta. We took our exit, fought our way thru traffic and within ten minutes we were parked in the Augusta National parking lot and walking toward the entrance. While waiting in line to go through the metal detectors, everyone was sharing stories from either the day before or visits from years past. The weather early in the morning was colder than the expected forecasted 75 degrees, it was in the high 50’s with a slight breeze, but warmed up into the 70’s around 1:30.

Once inside we were overwhelmed by the enormous size of the course and the entire facility. We needed a plan of attack, which way do I want go, what do I want to see first? We first hit the huge merchandise building, there was no line to get in and it was pretty packed (so we thought) but easy to navigate through. This place had everything under the sun to purchase. 45 minutes and a hit of $800 later, we walked directly over to UPS shipping just off to the side of the merchandise building, packed everything in a box and off to New Jersey it went.

With that out of the way, we proceeded to the Masters Exhibit area set up across from the merchandise building. Walking through the exhibit you learn just about everything about the tournament, its significant milestones and past champions. After the quick detour through the exhibit, we were off to the first tee to check out the sign in sheet (posted on the 1st hole and 10th hole) to see who is currently on the course and which hole they started on.

Deciding on a game plan, and on advice from several people, I decide we would walk the course backwards, starting at the18th green. As we proceeded over to the 18th green (Par 4, 465 yards, Holly), we walked directly in front of the club house which was roped off, no public access allowed. Nice Georgian style club house, I realize the inside of the club house must be amazing to see, but the outside wasn’t all that impressive, for being the 2nd rated golf course in the United States and possibly the world. Still, seeing it in person still gives you the chills, knowing all the history that is contained within its walls is simply amazing. The grass around the club house was cut a little taller then the rest of the course. The normal grass all over the facility, in the woods, out front, behind buildings, anywhere I looked, was cut to match the second cut of the fairway, tight and not a weed in the entire complex!

Walking up to the 18th green, you realize just how hilly this course is compared to the relatively flat appearance portrayed on TV.
The greens are very undulated and super fast since they are cut so short. As we strolled down the 18th green, the fairways were cut as short as our typical greens in this area (South Jersey), and the fairway was narrow with a small shoot between towering pine trees to hit your ball into off the 18th tee.

As we walked down the 17th fairway (Par 4, 440 yards, Nandina) someone mentioned Tiger was on the tee box. Everyone stopped and watched as Tiger (some 300+ yards away) swung away, suddenly we heard a thump on the ground and a ball rolling toward us. We ran over and stood behind the ball, facing in the direction of the green which Tiger would be hitting toward. Within seconds, there were people surrounding us and the ball. Everyone was getting excited to see Tiger hit the ball front and center, just a few feet in front of us. Tiger walked up the side of the 17th fairway and motions to the gallery guard to toss his ball over to him, everyone was disappointed and started booing Tiger. He just stood there waiting for his turn to hit, un-phased and unemotional. Standing about four people deep along the fairway, we watched Tiger hit his approach shot to the green and off he went with all of his fans in tow.

Sitting in the stands at the 16th green (Par 3, 170 yards, Redbud) over looking the 15th green, 16th pond and green, we watched players come through and hit their tee shots onto the green. Following the players tee shots, the patrons start chanting, Skip it! Skip it! 99% of the players move in front of the tee box and skip balls over the pond onto the 16th green. Half of the players might have benefited from skipping the ball across the pond during the tournament, and if they even thought about not skipping the ball, that was it, the boo birds were out. That was a pretty neat tradition which lasted all day. We went back later in the day and sat on the hill across from the stands for a few hours to watch more players skip balls across the pond and onto the green.

We proceeded down the 15th fairway (Par 5, 530 yards, Firetorn) up to the 15th tee box, while waiting, we watched Justin Rose on the 14th green chip and putt for about 30 minutes. Rose chipped balls from every position around the green and followed up with putts from every spot on the green while his caddie feverously took notes on speed, break and distances. When Rose finally finished, he walked down the 15th fairway towards the green, he was only practicing chipping and putting that day, his caddie was only carrying a few clubs. While we were standing there, Phil and his foursome where approaching the 10th green. They all hit their approach shots and walked up to the green. Phil’s ball was approximately 45 feet away from the hole, he putts his ball to within a foot, lines up the tap in and just as he is about to hit the ball, one of the other players says ‘that’s good Phil’. He picks up his ball and watches the other three players putt out. They finished the hole by placing a few balls in different spots and putting, checking break, speed and distance control. Just as Phil’s foursome was finished and started walking to 11th tee box, Adam Scott walked over to the 15th tee box, he sets up and lets the driver fly; what a fluid swing and long drive.

The walk from the 14th green (Par 4, 440 yards, Chinese Fir) to the tee box seemed to take forever, the incline of the fairway gives this hole a much longer feeling. From the tee box, it’s a blind shot. We stayed behind the 14th tee box until Phil came through. As we waited for Phil’s group, we watched most of the young guns drive the ball over the crest of the hill. Most of the older players didn’t quite make it to the crest, making this hole even longer than necessary. We stayed and watched Stuart Appleby and his group play their approach shots to the 13th green and tee off on 14. Appleby’s ball was the only one in their group that ended up in the front hazard at the 13th green. Then, just like Tiger, the crowd was coming, following Phil. We watched Phil’s approach to the 13th green, sticking it within 10 feet. Standing directly next to the tee box we watched Phil hit his tee shot well over the crest of the fairway, which prompted a few spectators to use a few choice words regarding the distance of the ball. Phil acknowledged his fans and proceeded down the fairway with his group. After Phil’s group cleared the tee box, we proceeded down the 13th fairway (Par 5, 510 yards, Azalea) to a point between the 12th tee box (Par 3, 155 yards, Golden Bell) and the 13th fairway. There was no access for the public to the 13th tee box or the 12th green. From there we watched a few groups come through and play the 12th and tee off on 13.

Heading to Amen Corner the scenery is 100 times more impressive than on TV and provides an unforgettable view. I stood at the point between the 12th and 13th holes and just soaked in the beauty of the lush greens, the Hogan (12th) and Nelson (13th) bridges, flowers, towering trees, the white sand and Rae’s Creek, the greatest three-hole stretch in all of golf.

It was 11:30 and we found ourselves next to a food vending area, so we decide to grab lunch and sit in the 11th green/12th tee box spectator stands and eat. We pick up two egg salad sandwiches (1.50 each), one famous palmetto and cheese sandwich (1.50 – gotta try it while at the Masters), two sodas (1.00 each) and two moon pies (0.50 each), for a grand total of $7.50. Quite a bargain for lunch for two. As for the world famous pimiento and cheese sandwich, I can say I’ve tried it. From the front row, we watched Gary Player (playing in his 51st Masters), Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman and Tim Clark play the 11th, 12th and 13th holes. Gary Player hit his tee shot onto the 12th green to within a few feet and did a little dance, the crowd erupted with cheers for him.

After lunch, we headed down the 11th fairway (Par 4, 505 yards, White Dogwood) up to the tee box just as Robert Allenby reached the tee box. Playing by himself, he went through his typical pre-shot routine and ripped a driver down the middle of the fairway. He said out loud ‘that was a good one, no need to hit another”. He grabbed a bottle of water, talked to the fans for a minute or so and started on his way.

Walking down from the 11th tee box to the 10th green (Par 4, 495 yards, Camellia), the green is a little uphill from the fairway in front of the green. The fairway dips down slightly about 20 yards from the edge of the green and continuously rises until you get to the tee box. It was such an incline, by the time we reached the tee box, we both were huffing and puffing. This is definitely one hole TV does not do justice to regarding the elevation change from tee to green.

After reaching the tee box, we decided to make another quick stop at the pro shop for a forgotten item. The line is long and all the way out to the main walkway. It moved quickly though, and we were in and out in about twenty minutes.

With the back nine behind us and the front nine to go, I decide to go against our original idea of walking the course backwards and walk the front nine from tee to green. We started at the 1st tee (Par 4, 455 yards, Tea Olive) and walked down to the green. Once there, we watched Padraig Harrington practice putting from different spots around the green.

We walked over to the 2nd tee box (par 5, 575 yards, Pink Dogwood) and waited for the next group, apparently with perfect timing and what a treat. Up walks Fred Couples, playing with Daniel Chopra and another player. Literally standing a few feet away, Couples is joking around and has a huge smile as he takes his typical silky smooth swing and stripes it down the fairway.

The 3rd hole (Par 4, 350 yards, Flowering Peach) was the only hole of the day that we walked from tee to green without any players playing the hole. It was nice because you get to see the hole without anyone in the way. The fairways are cut so tight it plays just like a typical course’s greens and the second cut, which seems to be everywhere else on the property isn’t much higher short and tight to the touch.

Walking up to the 4th tee (Par3, 240 yards, Flowering Crab Apple), a group had teed off just before we got there and were walking down the fairway. We followed the down and watched Adam Scott, Bernhard Langer and Paul Casey play their approach shots to the green and putt numerous balls from around the greens.

Walking uphill from the 5th tee box (Par 4, 455 yards, Magnolia) to the green we saw a group of golfers practicing on the green. It was Jim Furyk, Ben Crewashaw, Mike Weir and Niclas Fasth testing their putting skills from different locations on the green. We stayed for a few minutes and proceeded to the 6th tee box (Par 3, 180 yards, Juniper) expecting to get a good viewing spot at the tee.

We underestimated the movements of the fans, there was a large crowd watching a group on the putting green and waiting for the Crenshaw group. This area seems to be one of the high points of the course, looking out over the 6th and 16th holes and you can see numerous holes beyond, and each hole is progressively at a lower elevation. We started the short and steep decent to the green and saw VJ, Tom Watson, Fuzzy Zoeller and Craig Stadler finishing up on the green.

Noticing that the tee box on 7 (Par 4, 450 yards, Pampas) was fairly empty, we went over and got a front row spot just in front of the tee markers. A short 10 minute wait and finally Watson’s group approached the tee box. Tom Watson wasted no time, he teed his ball and swung away hitting a straight but short drive. Craig Stadler pretty much matched Watson’s drive with a little extra distance. Then Fuzzy Zoeller ‘the jokester’ stepped up jawing away at Stadler and VJ and pulled his drive short and left. VJ stepped up, Fuzzy jumped in front of him just as he was about to swing and addressed the crowd, ‘Now this is how you hit a golf ball, go ahead VJ’. VJ, started his pre-shot routine over again and was about to swing and Fuzzy jumped in front of him again, asking him a few questions most of us couldn’t hear due to the crowd laughing at Fuzzys odd body movements while he was talking. VJ seemed to be getting annoyed, again he started his routine over, this time VJ waited and Fuzzy was still and quite, he seemed to swing with anger, not the typical VJ swing and smoked his drive about 40 to 50 yards past the other three. Fuzzy walked over to the middle of the tee box, patted VJ on the back and explains to the crowd, ‘That’s how you hit a golf ball’. VJ keeps a smirk on his face and walks down the fairway with the group, not saying a word.

Once Furyk’s group got to the tee box, and since VJ’s group was still in the fairway, the guy next to me calls out a Texas comment, and Ben Crenshaw walks over and has a pleasant conservation with the fellow Texans standing next to me. Finally the group was ready to tee off, Furyk’s swing is just un-explainable, Crenshaw, Weir and Fasth have a typical smooth, stable swing.

After Furyk’s group clears the fairway, we decided to take a break for a while. We walked over to the 16th green and sat on the opposite side of the spectator stands on the hill and watched the golfers play through and skip balls across the 16th pond. At this point, the sun was out and it warmed up.

After our break we proceeded over to the 8th tee box (Par 5, 570 yards, Yellow Jasmine), barely able to see the green, it seems a mile away, but is not the longest hole on the course. We walked half way down and watched Geoff Ogilvy, playing by himself, hitting 4 or 5 extra shots towards the green. As we walked up along the fairway, spectators really could not see the green due to the mounds surrounding it, only once you pass the green do you get a full view of the green. This green has huge undulations due to the mounds directly surrounding it.

We finished our Augusta National Golf Club course tour by walking down the 9th fairway (Par 4, 460 yards, Carolina Cherry) toward the green and clubhouse. We walked up to the green which was guarded on the right by two large bunkers and watched VJ’s group finish putting and head off to the clubhouse.

Having seen almost everything on the course, we head over to the practice range area. On the way over, we noticed the line to the pro shop (now 3:30) is endless and static. There were a few golfers using the practice facility to the left of Magnolia Lane. We proceeded over to the second practice area located to the left of Magnolia Lane, by way of the clubhouse and Founders Circle; the Augusta National Golf Club logo in yellow flowers on the front lawn. I noticed again, how the outside of the clubhouse just doesn’t move me, a plain, Old South style building. Now, if I entered off Washington Road and drove up Magnolia Lane (seems like it is a half mile long) to the club house, that would be a rite-of-passage and might change the way I would look at the entire experience. We finally got to the second practice area, there were a few more golfers including Jeev Milkha Singh, Tim Clark and Phil Mickelson utilizing the facilities. I watched Phil for about 45 minutes, it was like watching a machine. Phil was on the left side of the drive range, Bones was out on the range moving white towels which were placed at measured distances from about 50 yards to about 120 yards from were Phil was hitting balls. Using his wedge, while being observed by Butch Harmon and David Pelz, Phil would hit about 10 shots to a single towel. Out of 10 shots, and no matter which towel he was shooting at, he landed the ball on the towel 4 or 5 times, the rest landing within a few feet. Everyone just stood there in amazement as he kept this up, towel after towel at all distances, simply amazing. After about 45 minutes, we decided it was time to leave Augusta behind; we walked past the front of the club house one last time, took a long look at the Augusta National logo, the front of the clubhouse and down Magnolia Lane then headed for the car. Within ten minutes, we were in our car and on the way home, I was already looking forward to coming back next year!

For all your local golf information, check out www.twooverpar.com!

Valleybrook Country Club

Valleybrook Country Club
200 Golfview Drive
Blackwood, New Jersey
Yards: 6008, Par 72 (Middle Tees)
Website: www.valleybrookgolf.com
Score: 93 (48 out, 45 in)
Date: March 21, 2008

Played Valleybrook Country Club over the extended weekend, a public access, woodland style course. This course is very hilly (for south Jersey), has a few blind tee shots, and super fast greens due to the weather, bunkers guarding the greens on numerous holes, trees line about half of the holes.

Shot a round of 93 in the bitter cold wind, but the long 5 1/2+ hour round was exhausting, play was really slow considering the course was not that busy. For a nice change, I was hitting the ball fairly straight off the tee, chipping and putting was average, not a bad day out for the first time this year without any previous practice. Another odd thing, they re-routed the holes, you now start on the old 10th hole, but they didn't change the score card or hole indicators, very confusing.

From the web site: Ron Jaworski’s Valleybrook Country Club is an 18-hole Semi-Private golf club located in beautiful Blackwood, New Jersey. The championship golf course presents challenges to any level of golfer. The slightly rolling hills with wetlands and mature tree lines offer scenic panoramic views. Golfers will find water coming into play nine times throughout the round, as well as, some great elevation changes.

Considering the windy conditions, the course was in good playable shape for now, this course gets a lot of play and usually is pretty beat up by the end of the summer. Overall, the tee boxes, fairways and greens were in average condition. Complaints: they need to spend some (ESPN) money on upgrades, the new cups for the greens is just not enough. The two warnings I have to players (anytime of the year), playing conditions will change as the season goes on and the pace of play is slow, always!

We stopped by Riley's Pub after the round, the lunch was good, service was pleasant and friendly, lots of TV’s, cold beer and a good variety on the menu. Also spoke to Ron 'Jaws' Jaworski (Owner) in the Pub in a few minutes, nice and friendly guy!

A Round with Donald Ross @ Seaview Resort and Spa – Bay Course

Seaview Resort and Spa – Bay Course

401 South New York Road, Galloway, New Jersey 08205
Yards: 6,011, Par 71 (White Tees)
Website: www.seaviewmarriott.com
Score: 93 (48 out, 45 in)
Date: December 23, 2007

Over the holiday ‘break’, my father-in-law and I played Seaview Resort and Spa, the Bay Course, a public access, Donald Ross designed links course which opened in 1914. This course is relatively flat, the greens were fast (even in the rain) and well guarded, thick rough and tight fairways, creating a mind melting round in the rain and wind which blows off the bay.

I shot a 93 in the windy and rainy conditions, which I was very happy with. The course was in great shape considering the time of year and the wintery weather conditions (only a few minor areas of ponding). The tee boxes were nice and green (missing the tee indicators), the fairways had no divots and the saturated greens were still fast, even as it rained.

From the web site: Since 1914 golf has been the heart and soul of Seaview Resort & Spa—and it always will be. For it is almost a century ago when Philadelphia utilities magnate Clarence Geist couldn’t get a tee-time at his home club and decided to build a world-class course of his own on some newly bought South Jersey property. The now-famous Bay Course opened shortly thereafter, created by Donald Ross, one of the all-time preeminent golf course architects. Rich in tradition and recently restored to Ross’ original plan, this links-style marvel has withstood the test of time, continuing to challenge both amateur and professional golfers alike.

The Bay Course and Seaview Resort is a great facility and easy to get to. Definitely a must play when visiting the Atlantic City area. The only complaint I have is the rude on-course employees. The kid who got our golf cart was very rude and seemed bothered since he had to get a little wet, maybe he started to melt later. Cart paths only, no problem I completely understand, it was raining. A course ranger in a truck, yes a truck, stopped and got out and was standing in the middle of the cart path. We slowed down and pulled over on the grass to speak with him. He starts talking with an attitude, ‘your not on the cart path, it is cart path only today.’ Our response was, ‘your standing in the middle of the cart path, shall we run you over?’ His smart ass response was ‘Yes!, stay off the grass.’

Asshole, get out of the way next time!

After the round, we had lunch at McGettigan's 19th Hole, which is across the street from the 1st tee and 18th green of the Bay Course. Cold beer, great burgers and food, and lots of large flat screen TV’s. A great spot to end the round or stop in for a drink.

Under Armour Cold Gear Mock

Gearing up for the winter golf season, and temps dropping quickly, I went out and purchased an Under Armour Cold Gear Mock. Wow, was I surprised the first time I used it. When I played Seaview in late December in the rain and cold winds coming off the bay, I can not remember a time when I was cold, these shirts really work. If you play or work in the winter, these are the best! Pick one up at Sports Authority or Dicks for around $50.00.

2008 Fantasy Golf League by TwoOverPar.com

2008 Fantasy Golf League by TwoOverPar.com

Welcome to the 2008 TwoOverPar.com Fantasy Golf League. This free game (utilizing yahoo fantasy sports) gives you the chance to guide a group of professional golfers from the early season events starting with the Mercedes-Benz Championships in January right through The Tour Championship in September.

To participate in the TwoOverPar.com Fantasy Golf League, all you need is a free Yahoo! ID, so get yours now and get on the course. To play, all you have to do is pick 8 golfers each week, 4 starters and 4 back ups which can be rotated over that weeks golf tournament. Not all players participate in every tournament. Keep an eye on the "Notes" column on your team page when deciding which players to select and make active. These notes are available each week at approximately noon PT on Tuesday and indicate which golfers are playing in the current tournament. Your golfers must be picked prior for that weeks golf tournament deadline.

In order to join the group, just go to the game front page and click on the "Sign Up" button to create a team. After completing registration, or if you already have a team, click the "Create or Join Group" button and follow the path to join an existing private group. Then, when prompted, enter the following information...

Group ID#: 203
Password: 2over72

That’s it, your ready to play!!

Feel free to forward this e-mail to your friends and golfing buddies, all are welcome!!

Once you have joined, please provide us with the following information:

Name (first and last), E-mail, Yahoo ID

TwoOverPar would like to thank NJ Golfer’s Tee Times for sponsoring the first place prize for our fantasy league with a 2008/2009 Passport To New Jersey Golf - Golf Pass. With the Passport To New Jersey Golf - Golf Pass, you can save 20 to 50% on greens fees all over South Jersey. For more information on Passport To New Jersey Golf - Golf Pass, go to www.passportnjgolf.com or click on the banner.

2008 Fantasy Golf League Prizes

First Place: 2008/2009 Passport To New Jersey Golf - Golf Pass- Provided by NJ Golfer’s Tee Times

Second Place: $50.00 Gift certificate for Golf - Provided by Two Over Par

Third Place: Divot Repair Tool - Provided by Two Over Par

Honorable Mention Awards (Scores for the items below will be updated throughout the season)

Total Cumulative Points at the Turn (End of first half):

High Score for a Single Tournament - Out (First Half):

High Score for a Single Tournament - In (Second Half):

Most Individual Week Wins - Out (First Half):

Most Individual Week Wins - In (Second Half):

First Player to reach: (If two players reach in same week, points determine winner)

1,000 points:

2,000 points:

3,000 points:

4,000 points:

5,000 points:


Enjoy the golf season, check out : www.twooverpar.com, regional golf course information, history, reviews, blog and forum.

If there are any questions, please send me an e-mail.

Interested in sponsoring a prize, e-mail us to discuss the sponsorship and placement of your company’s logo.

Thanks

Fantasy Golf Commissionerhttp://golf.fantasysports.yahoo.com/golf


Twooverpar.com
info@twooverpar.com
Spread the Word!

Men on the Bag, The Caddies of Augusta National

I finally finished Men on the Bag, The Caddies of Augusta National written by Ward Clayton. If you’re a Master’s fan, you will enjoy reading about the forgotten caddies of Augusta National. The caddies of Augusta National are some of golf's most fascinating characters. They've worked for Presidents, many of the world's most powerful men, and every Masters champion until 1983 when the regular "Tour caddies" took most of their jobs. Their stories reveal a side of golf few have seen and all will enjoy. The book covers many topics including a peek into the life of the caddies (Stove Pipe, Burnt Biscuits, Cemetery, Iron Man, Pappy Stocks and many others), stories on how or why they received their pitcular nickname, Tiger Woods first caddie, description of the caddie shack, explains the history of the white jumpsuit, the transformation from Augusta National caddies to player tour caddies, the first woman caddie at Augusta National, the first white caddie at Augusta National and ending the book with a few pages on local Augusta natives and the most known Augusta Native and ‘golden’ boy, Charles Howell III. A short read (only 220 pages), it is a unique look at the ‘lost or forgotten’ history of the Augusta National caddies.

A Round with Mother Nature @ McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links

McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links

3016 Ocean Heights Ave Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Yards: 4962, Par 71 (Forward Tees)
Website: www.mcculloughsgolf.com
Score: 92 (47 out, 45 in)
Date: December 2, 2007

Played McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links over the weekend with my father-in-law, a public access Scottish links style course built atop a previous landfill. This course is very hilly (for south Jersey), has a few blind tee shots, undulating fairways and greens, thick gnarly rough, bunkers guarding the greens on numerous holes, no trees except on holes 15 and 16, and lots and lots of wind.

What an interesting day of golf, shot a round of 92 in the wind, rain, driving sleet and an occasional snow fall all within a 4 hour round in which our twosome where the ONLY players on the course, the entire day. Had a few highlights during this nasty round of winter golf, heading to hole 15, 2 strokes behind my playing partner, his drive hooks deep into the woods. I step up with the driver and drove the green, a 90 degree dog-leg right, played my typical slice nicely around the tree line corner, drove the cart up to the green and found it on the complete opposite side of the green as the pin flag. Three putted from 80’ for a par, go figure, my partner holed out with an 8, I’m up by 2 strokes with three holes to go. Hole 16 was a push. We both had nice drives on 17, and then I chucked two 15 yard chips for a 7 and am up by 1 stroke heading to 18. I pulled out the driver, aimed a little left (large lake down the entire right side) and crushed the longest and straightest drive of the day. My partner pushed his drive into the lake. He takes his penalty and hits his approach to the green 10 yards deep into the rough to the left of the green. For my second shot, with a 45 to 50 yard chip over a small hill with two bunkers carved to the side of the hill, I took dead aim at the flag, pulling the chip left of the green about 4 yards off the green. My golfing partner chips onto the green and makes his put for a 5. I set up for my chip onto the green and chunk it onto the fringe, oops. Sitting three from the fringe, take the 9 iron, choke down on the shaft and chip it onto the green, it tracks down to the hole and in for a par 4 and a 2 stroke victory.

From the web site ‘Combining the traditions and features of both old and new, McCullough's presents players a distinctly different Irish-Scottish golfing experience - wide open fairways, tricky powerful winds, remarkable grass mounds and bunkers, vast natural waste areas, and true undulating greens - reminding players of the challenge and allure of true British Isles golf. '

Considering the wintery conditions, the course was in good playable shape, very wet and only one tee box really weather damaged. Overall, the tee boxes, fairways and greens were in good condition. One complaint: no driving range. The only warning I have to players (anytime of the year), keep it in the fairway, this is a previous landfill, and if you’re not in the fairway, where are a few areas around the course with mysterious mushy areas which should not be explored looking for a wayward golf ball. Liz the bartender was very nice and friendly, lots of TV’s, cold beer and a good variety on the menu.

Philadelphia Cricket Club - Wissahickon Course

Philadelphia Cricket Club - Wissahickon Course
6025 West Valley Green Road, Flourtown, Pennsylvania 19031
Yards: 6,354, Par 71 (Yellow Tees)
Website: www.philacricket.com
Score: 110 (61 out, 49 in)
Date: October 18, 2007

Played Philadelphia Cricket Club the Wissahickon Course on Thursday the 18th. And is you can see from the score, I am back to my usually golfing (hacking) ways, but this was the hardest track I have ever played.

Quick Course Info: The Philadelphia Cricket Club is the only golf club in the country to have opened a golf course in each of the past three centuries. Our St. Martin’s course was opened in 1898 and was designed by Willie Tucker.

Famed architect and Club member, A. W. Tillinghast, built the Flourtown Course in 1922. Named “Wissahickon” in 2002, it is renowned for it’s difficult par 4’s, most notably 9 and 18, which both stretch over 450 yards from the championship tees. The course also contains 8 other par 4’s over 400 yards that will test your game to the limit.

This golf facility was just as I had expected, way beyond excellent, from our arrival, to the food and drinks, and the golf course was second to none. The staff is happy to help you in anyway, very large practice area with a double ended driving range, putting green and practice sand trap, the course was in perfect shape. The teeing area had very few divots with 5 different sets of tees, the fairways were like carpet with generous widths to land your tee shot down the mature tree lined fairways, and the greens were fast, unpredictable and well guarded with sand bunkers. Our forecaddie (ED), got a work out with us, but helped us limp through the course and did an excellent job.

This was a great course which I hope to play again someday, and a must play course if you get a chance.

Bear Trap Dunes

Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club
7 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean View, DE 19970
Yards: 5817, Par 72 (Grizzly / Kodiak - Club Tees)
Website: www.beartrapdunes.com
Score: 81 (41 out, 40 in)
Date: October 6, 2007

Played Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club over the weekend and shot my lowest round ever (Previously 82 @ Bear Trap). From the web site 'Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club offers one of the area’s most unique and memorable golf experiences on the Eastern Shore. Winding bentgrass fairways lined with native wetland grasses drift into natural sand dunes. Impeccably groomed oversized greens and four strategically placed sets of tees beckon golfers of every skill level.'

The course was in great shape, little wet and a few minor dead patches of grass. The tee area was a little rough, the fairways were in fantastic shape and the greens were a little slow at first, but once the fog burned off and the sun came out, they became quicker toward the end of the round.

Two Over Par Golf Blog

Welcome to the Two Over Par Golf Blog. You may use this blog to post course reviews and news, funny stories, search for fellow golfers in your area, etc... you get the point. Just a quick background on myself, I am a weekend hacker who loves the game and history of the sport, and created this web site (www.twooverpar.com) and this blog for golfers who share the passion for the game.

Enjoy and keep it clean please.

Thanks

The Hacker