Sure I might as well kick off this thread. Got out for my first round in 3 months today - a free one in portmarnock links and was genuinely nervous before it. Having not touched a club in that time I was nervous of hitting it anywhere and everywhere and ending up running from shot to shot just to not hold up the people be behind us.
I encountered my first problem sooner than expected. I couldn't close the top button on my trousers. It's a worry when your problems start when getting dressed in the morning. Twas a good Christmas I suppose. Then the plan was to get to the club early, have a few putts and chips and a stretch and hit a few balls into the nets. Instead I went straight to the first tee where my playing partners were ready to go. And my first tee shot was shocking - nailed a 4 utility straight down the middle. Many possibilities went through my head for that shot, that wasn't one.
Playing off 15 on that course, I started with a par then two bogeys. Then missed a three footer for par on the next and three putted for bogey on the one after. Parred the next two. Lost my drive in the sun on 8 and thinned one OB on 9, but made doubles on both taking 3 from the tee. So after 9 I was +8 and confident because I was striking it really well. Other than the tee shot on 9 I hadn't hit any really bad shots so after starting the day hoping to not embarrass myself too badly I turned thinking I could beat my handicap.
I parred the next 5, so that was nice. Couldn't understand why I came up short on 15 having hit my gap wedge really well on the tee ... then put my sand wedge back into my bag. That was a really stupid way to break the run. And I compounded it with a three putt for double bogey. Parred and bogeyed the next two. Then three putted the last for double to finish. 38 points - very happy days.
So on the downside three three putts, but on the upside 9 pars and I was delighted with how I struck it all day. I really do love that course - it's easily the one I score best on. Unfortunately I didn't join a new club yet so couldn't submit the round.
Can't wait to go there with the soc in April!