The Battle at Patriot Hills
“Alas! It’s over!” uttered the wounded FGANJ warrior after sinking the last putt on the diabolically wet and uphill 18th hole which was also playing into the wind. It was indeed a difficult 18 holes but what a great pre-season tournament to kick off the 2008 FGANJ season.
With dark clouds looming on a cold and breezy Sunday morning, manly hugs and warm greetings were exchanged marking the end of a long winter’s hibernation. Members rolled into the clubhouse in their sleek spring, new for 2008, gears ready to conquer and fulfill their winter-long fantasy of tearing up the field on their first event. Golf clubs with their soles riddled in green range mat ink were sure to signal low scores, possibly the best round ever! Throughout the bathroom, the raw aroma permeated the air; excitement written all over it. Monstrous 300 yard drives, crisps iron shots and true rolling putts followed at the practice facilities. It was a sure thing… today is the day!
It wasn’t long before disappointment set in; the golf course shattered their dreams with no guilt and remorse…welcome to reality baby! It was almost immediate. “Oh shoot! My short game s#2%&! I need to work on it bad!
The first tee was no laughing matter. The tee box with a 100 feet drop-off was as scary and intimidating as my wife’s worst tantrums. The tidy white stakes to the immediate right did not necessarily offer any added comfort. Almost immediately, I was reminded that I should always tee off with my third shot first as it always results in a straight and long drive. The dilemma continued as the bombing of 182 yard drives pierced through twelve other treacherous, unforgiving, and nerve shattering holes. There were plenty of never ending grinding and scrambling. Alas, the tired FGANJ warrior strolled off the eighteenth, shoulder shrugged in disgust and disbelief, run down and humbled, yearning for sympathy and comfort from fellow fallen comrades. Glowing smiles greeted the defeated soldier…this is exactly what it is all about. “You are not alone pare (friend)… it sure was a tough day but I had fun! A painful kind of fun, almost borderline sadism! Ayos (Yeah)! It was a true test of my game!
The mighty Patriot Hills may have showed its ferocious fangs and may have conquered our games but it will never conquer our golfing spirits. FGANJ warriors undeniably felt the assault and may have been battered; lesson learned! The experience will surely rise again for our next challenge. This experience will simply make us better and stronger. Mabuhay (long live) my brothers! April 20th is two weeks away and by then we will be ready! This time its for real, bring your “A” game, talk is cheap, take no prisoners, the 2008 FGANJ season officially begins!
Rodney Tero
Welcome Guests and Team Members
Just a few reminders:
Please register with the tournament coordinators ASAP.
Season membership fee of $100 is now being accepted by Lito Trasmonte.
Our next tournament will be the official opening event for the 2008 FGANJ season. It will be held on Sunday, April 20th tee off time 12:00 PM. Please be there early, register with the tourney coordinators at the clubhouse and proceed with your practice routine. You will need it!
April 20th will be the deadline for your 2008 membership fee. Should you have questions or concerns, please see Bong Mallari or Rodney Tero.
Tournament Rules:
All FGANJ tournaments are USGA sanctioned events. Therefore tournament rules will be based on USGA guidelines. Should there be changes, FGANJ President or Designee will declare all exceptions prior to start of each event. If in doubt, play a second ball and document both scores. We will settle correct score before the rules committee at the clubhouse.
Tee box:
FGANJ standard tee box is the BACK tee and/or 6700 yards or longer. Both Class A and Class B will tee off on the same tee box.
Golf holes with forced carry will have the designated area at the immediate start of the fairway. Remember, a tee shot attempt must first take place prior to a drop.
Scoring tips:
Regardless of distance, it is fair to assume that the majority of us are within 100 yards in two on a par three/par four and laying three on an average par five. If it takes more than three strokes for you to be in the hole from that point (within a 100 yards), then distance is not necessarily an area you need improvement. Work on your pitching and chipping skills from within a 100 yards! It is a must!
Pace of play:
It is everyone’s obligation. Assist each other with locating a missing ball. If you or your group feels that the tee shot maybe out of bounds, immediately take a provisional shot. Continue until you are definite that your ball is in bound.
New members without a Handicap?
System 36 will be applied to your score. This is good only on your first five events. An official handicap will then be applied on each subsequent tournament you join.
Friends…Have FUN and shoot low!
FGANJ Team
www.FGANJ.com