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George Freeman

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #75 on: August 08, 2020, 11:03:44 AM »
Ryan Taylor and I played our match on Wednesday at Battle Creek CC.  We had an absolutely perfect day for golf and I managed to squeak out the win. 

BCCC has gotten quite a bit of love on this site for several years - I would assume primarily due to Tom D.'s Golf Mag article and his subsequent posts here, not to mention work by Bruce Hepner to restore/renovate the course.  It didn't disappoint.  To my untrained eye, it seemed like a master class in making a course's greens the central point of interest.  That's not to say the holes aren't interesting because many are.  The land has gentle rolling small hills with some cool ridges, but also has some pretty flat sections.  However, the land isn't dissimilar from hundreds of other courses in the Midwest.  But the greens are very dissimilar to many other course's.  There are a few greens that seem to stand out with massive false fronts (#3 & #18 the most obvious examples) and while they're very visually stimulating, it was the consistency of the less "dramatic" greens that impressed most.  The greens are very large and contain all sorts of subtle humps, hollows, spines, etc.  Some of these features are not overly dramatic (someone not paying attention may miss them all together), but they make putting, chipping and approaching really fun and interesting.  If felt like almost every hole Ryan and I were looking at each other saying "wow that is a really cool green."

I am certain not everyone has the skill to shape greens like Willie Park, but playing a course like BCCC is almost depressing because it makes you think back to all the courses you've played on similar pieces of property that, in comparison to BCCC, seem like missed opportunities to make fun, engaging golf.

BCCC is well worth a trip to see and seems like a great, down to earth local club.  Don't pass up a chance to check it out.
Mayhugh is my hero!!

"I love creating great golf courses.  I love shaping earth...it's a canvas." - Donald J. Trump

Steve Burrows

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Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #76 on: August 08, 2020, 01:32:42 PM »

The final tally for the match between Criss and I might show that I won handily, but it was fairly competitive for a while.  Neither of were striking the ball very well and we found that there is definitely some penalties out there for indifferent - or just flat out bad - shots.  I am sure that things might have been different if both of us had our A-games.  Perhaps even our B or C games might have been helpful!  Nevertheless, it was a beautiful day with a pleasant, but LONG, walk, and great company.
« Last Edit: August 08, 2020, 01:34:42 PM by Steve Burrows »
...to admit my mistakes most frankly, or to say simply what I believe to be necessary for the defense of what I have written, without introducing the explanation of any new matter so as to avoid engaging myself in endless discussion from one topic to another.     
               -Rene Descartes

Criss Titschinger

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Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #77 on: August 11, 2020, 06:48:45 PM »
Nevertheless, it was a beautiful day with a pleasant, but LONG, walk, and great company

I really enjoyed walking the Pfau Course at Indiana University with Steve. Getting perspective from him, someone who has been/is in the turf and landscape design, is always appreciated, coming from an IT/developer perspective as myself. He pointed out the layout of the cart paths by the cart barn, and how bizarre it was. Something I ordinarily wouldn't have given any thought over. It was great hearing some of his stories, new and present; and how we were both dealing with being sports coaches (of varying degrees) and fathers during the pandemic.

I'll post thoughts about the course in John's thread. For the day, my game was totally gone. The back just didn't hold up. It was certainly a long walk. You walk all 4000 yards of the front 9, with a bit of a reprieve on the back, playing from the middle tees. By the back 9, I looked back at the tips, and just got exhausted looking at them.

Nigel Islam

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Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #78 on: August 12, 2020, 08:55:33 PM »
Very interesting John Mayhugh said the same thing about the cart path by the barn. It is odd indeed.

JReese

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #79 on: August 24, 2020, 08:37:23 AM »
"Bunkers are not places of pleasure; they are for punishment and repentance." - Old Tom Morris

George Smiltins

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #80 on: September 16, 2020, 12:27:27 AM »
Chris Sturges and I got our match in today at Fairlawn CC in Akron, Oh. Perfect day. Only issue being some freshly punched greens but I don’t think we had any putts impacted all that much. Langford design with the back 9 seeming to have the most remaining characteristics of his design style. As for the match, I was lucky to get the win 2 UP. I had a 4 hole lead at one point which I made sure to relinquish with some poor tee balls on the tree lined track. Chris played steady on the back and made it a good match pushing it to 18. Thanks so much for arranging, Chris! I enjoyed it.

Nigel Islam

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #81 on: September 19, 2020, 09:01:33 PM »
Steve Burrows and I snuck our match in today at Rea Park in Terre Haute. This 1920s muni was in really good shape with fast tricky greens, and located almost perfectly equidistant from us. It was back and forth all day as neither of us played much from the fairway. Steve hit a majestic shot on 17 to a foot. This closed the gap to one up, and then I half bladed a pitch in the hole for birdie on 18 to survive. Thank you to Steve for meeting me as it was a lot of fun.


Islam wins 2&1.



Steve Burrows

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Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #82 on: September 20, 2020, 09:25:17 AM »
Steve Burrows and I snuck our match in today at Rea Park in Terre Haute. This 1920s muni was in really good shape with fast tricky greens, and located almost perfectly equidistant from us. It was back and forth all day as neither of us played much from the fairway. Steve hit a majestic shot on 17 to a foot. This closed the gap to one up, and then I half bladed a pitch in the hole for birdie on 18 to survive. Thank you to Steve for meeting me as it was a lot of fun.


Islam wins 2&1.


When I was standing on the 18th green with a 10 foot putt for par while Nigel was 30 yards short of the green in two, I figured I would at least have the opportunity to extend the match. And when the ball left his club face a bit hot, I even figured that I might be putting second. But alas, the ball hopped a few times on the green, hit the flag squarely, and dropped right in for a birdie.  Great match, and it was a pleasure meeting you. Good luck in the next round!


I will add that the real surprise of the day was Nigel's teenage son who joined us. He's not been playing golf long, but his swing is very sound. As soon as he learns how to hit cleaner iron shots, I'm sure he'll be winning matches against his Dad, and will more than likely be playing at the collegiate level in a couple of years.
...to admit my mistakes most frankly, or to say simply what I believe to be necessary for the defense of what I have written, without introducing the explanation of any new matter so as to avoid engaging myself in endless discussion from one topic to another.     
               -Rene Descartes

JReese

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #83 on: September 28, 2020, 11:43:12 AM »
"Bunkers are not places of pleasure; they are for punishment and repentance." - Old Tom Morris

JReese

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #84 on: September 29, 2020, 03:12:56 PM »
"Bunkers are not places of pleasure; they are for punishment and repentance." - Old Tom Morris

George Smiltins

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #85 on: October 07, 2020, 05:54:02 PM »
Josh Bills and I played today at The Lakes  just outside Columbus. And I will report there were indeed Lakes and then some! The course was in phenomenal shape and we had a great time navigating the slick greens on a perfect 70 degree day . I was lucky to come out on top, 4 and 3.


Things seem quiet out on the Western side of the bracket...

Buck Wolter

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Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #86 on: October 08, 2020, 09:22:33 AM »
I would suggest Freeman plays Moore for the East title -- running out of days
Those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience -- CS Lewis

George Freeman

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #87 on: October 08, 2020, 12:26:12 PM »
Maybe we set a date to get the 2nd and 3rd rounds completed by? 

I agree, we will soon be running out of good weather...
Mayhugh is my hero!!

"I love creating great golf courses.  I love shaping earth...it's a canvas." - Donald J. Trump

JReese

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #88 on: October 09, 2020, 03:17:54 PM »
Will the McCarthy v Salmen and/or the Groeger v Melchiors matches be taking place in the near future?  If one or both of the participants cannot play, please let me and your next opponent know so the upcoming match can be arranged.  Since we are fast approaching the end of the playing season, if these matches cannot be played by the end of next weekend (18th) or if I don't hear anything by then, the match will be forfeited.   Hopefully we can get this thing wrapped up by the end of the year!


-James
"Bunkers are not places of pleasure; they are for punishment and repentance." - Old Tom Morris

Nigel Islam

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #89 on: October 09, 2020, 09:30:14 PM »
I’m looking forward to getting waxed by George again next week. So hopefully you Chicago/Wisconsin boys can get someone to see if he can repeat.

George Freeman

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #90 on: October 11, 2020, 08:30:06 AM »
Will the McCarthy v Salmen and/or the Groeger v Melchiors matches be taking place in the near future?  If one or both of the participants cannot play, please let me and your next opponent know so the upcoming match can be arranged.  Since we are fast approaching the end of the playing season, if these matches cannot be played by the end of next weekend (18th) or if I don't hear anything by then, the match will be forfeited.   Hopefully we can get this thing wrapped up by the end of the year!


-James
James -
Joe Melchiors let me know that he is forfeiting his match to Drew Groeger due to a back injury.  I'll try to get the match with Drew scheduled asap.
Thanks
Mayhugh is my hero!!

"I love creating great golf courses.  I love shaping earth...it's a canvas." - Donald J. Trump

George Freeman

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020
« Reply #91 on: October 11, 2020, 08:32:35 AM »
It appears that I will be too busy this summer to participate, based on the optimistic assumption that I would have made it past the first round.


However, to support the event, I will offer to host the final match at Crystal Downs in October, if the two finalists want to play there -- partly to encourage everyone to keep the competition moving.
Another way to light a fire underneath everyone's rear ends is to set a date for the final match...   ;)
Mayhugh is my hero!!

"I love creating great golf courses.  I love shaping earth...it's a canvas." - Donald J. Trump

John McCarthy

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Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #92 on: October 11, 2020, 12:09:37 PM »
I have conceded to Steve.  I have not been able to pick up a club since the Mashie and I am not sure when I can get away again.


It is admirable that so many matches have been able to be completed.  I salute you all.
The only way of really finding out a man's true character is to play golf with him. In no other walk of life does the cloven hoof so quickly display itself.
 PG Wodehouse

Nigel Islam

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #93 on: October 13, 2020, 10:48:55 PM »
George Smiltins was kind enough to set up a round at a terrific Ross course in Ohio, Springfield Country Club. It was back and forth all day and we had to go back to the tenth after being all square. I managed to get it just off the green in two, and prevail 1 up.


Islam wins

Nigel Islam

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020
« Reply #94 on: October 13, 2020, 10:54:43 PM »
It appears that I will be too busy this summer to participate, based on the optimistic assumption that I would have made it past the first round.


However, to support the event, I will offer to host the final match at Crystal Downs in October, if the two finalists want to play there -- partly to encourage everyone to keep the competition moving.


I’m guessing that Crystal might be pretty locked down, and we still need to finish out the West as well......

George Freeman

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020
« Reply #95 on: October 14, 2020, 02:04:41 PM »
It appears that I will be too busy this summer to participate, based on the optimistic assumption that I would have made it past the first round.


However, to support the event, I will offer to host the final match at Crystal Downs in October, if the two finalists want to play there -- partly to encourage everyone to keep the competition moving.

 

I’m guessing that Crystal might be pretty locked down, and we still need to finish out the West as well......
Nigel -
You are correct.  Due to the pandemic, no outside play is being allowed at Crystal Downs. 

Drew G. and I are attempting to schedule our match ASAP.
Mayhugh is my hero!!

"I love creating great golf courses.  I love shaping earth...it's a canvas." - Donald J. Trump

George Freeman

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #96 on: October 16, 2020, 03:40:46 PM »
FYI - Drew G. and I have scheduled our match for Friday 10/23.
Mayhugh is my hero!!

"I love creating great golf courses.  I love shaping earth...it's a canvas." - Donald J. Trump

George Freeman

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #97 on: October 26, 2020, 12:33:34 PM »
Dan Moore and I have scheduled our match for Thursday.
Mayhugh is my hero!!

"I love creating great golf courses.  I love shaping earth...it's a canvas." - Donald J. Trump

Jeff Schley

  • Total Karma: -4
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #98 on: October 26, 2020, 12:44:51 PM »
Dan Moore and I have scheduled our match for Thursday.
George where are you guys playing? Weather is changing obviously so not hard and fast wherever it is I'm sure.
"To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice your gifts."
- Steve Prefontaine

Nigel Islam

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: Midwest USA GCA Knockout 2020 - Reply 43 for Bracket
« Reply #99 on: October 26, 2020, 01:26:06 PM »
Dan Moore and I have scheduled our match for Thursday.


Is this the semifinal match then?