Saturday offered up the kind of promise that every golfer cherishes, as I embarked on a round of golf at the picturesque Rancho Vista Golf Course in Palmdale, California. Nestled within its sprawling 6,659-yard expanse lies a par-72 challenge, thoughtfully designed with four sets of tees to cater to golfers of all skill levels. What's more, this course is practically my second home, conveniently situated a mere 6 miles from my humble abode.
Our much-anticipated 9:39 AM tee time was momentarily delayed due to an unexpected two-hour frosty hiccup. But lo and behold, by the time we had teed off on the third hole, we had already ditched our layers, sporting t-shirts as the thermometer cheerily displayed 65 degrees. It was a day where Mother Nature donned her kindest disposition. Often, the back 9 can turn into a wind-whipped battleground, but we were greeted by nothing more than a gentle and pleasant breeze throughout our journey.
As we took to the course, my primary objective for the day was to wrestle with my notorious slice. For my trusty driver, I decided to play it cool, opting for a more measured 70-80 percent swing. The key was to keep that clubface from misbehaving during my swing. The results were not earth-shattering, with drives spanning the 170-180 yard range, a far cry from the monstrous, wayward shots I usually produce. Irons, as far as I could tell, felt as reliable as ever. However, the wedges seemed to have embarked on their own peculiar adventure. On the bright side, my putting had undergone a welcome transformation. I managed to secure 8 two-putts, 9 three-putts (let's not mention the other one), and my overall score landed at a rather respectable 116, considering my usual residence in the 120s.
All in all, it wasn't a bad day at the office. The wife graciously allowed me this golfing escape, and although 7 hours on the course seemed a tad long, I certainly had no cause for complaint. The day held beers, hotdogs at the turn, and even a sprinkling of well-aimed putts. A golfer's paradise, indeed!
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