British Open 2017
Originally Published on July 27, 2017 by ranchomurieta.com
Diaries written by: Don Thames
Don Thames, Rancho Murieta Country Club's golf pro, writes about the experience of qualifying for the British Senior Open, as he did Monday. He will post occasional stories this week. Photos are by Carole Thames.
DAY #3:
Bridgend, Wales – I was well prepared except for the fact that my rain pants were resting comfortably dry in my locker. I thought I had placed them in my golf bag. That faux paux will shock no one who knows me. Umbrellas became immediately useless, as the wind and rain overwhelmed them.
All told, I played well today save some untidiness around the greens and a couple of loose swings. There is a definite bittersweet element relative to scoring eight over par. That we are here having the time of our lives playing in the Open Championship is the sweet part. The high score is bitter. However, long ago I learned to put the game into perspective. For one thing, it is a game. In simple terms it is one that is played with a ball and a stick. In today’s conditions I felt like I was playing a feathery with niblicks and mashies. It was a day to be brought down to Earth, but both Carole and I are in the clouds about living out this opportunity.
What some happy golf students say:
"Don is an amazing teacher. He helped me go from barely even being able to hit the ball to being able to play on weekends with my dad. Golf is now my favorite sport."
- Trevor A.
"Don is great at diagnosing the weak areas in a golfers game. After one chipping lesson with Don my handicap decreased by two strokes in just over a month."
- Chase A.
"I have been in the Jr. Golf Program with Coach Don since I was 5 years old. Coach Don has helped me to be successful on the Jr. PGA Team and in other golf tournaments."
- Axel S.