4/2/12
Nice day at Lions
Things are quite green at Lions and the place is looking much improved under new management. This view is of Hole 17 taken on Sunday, April 1.
White Wing
Slope of 130 from gold tees was perhaps too high for most SEGA players at White Wing on March 31 -- resulting in 5.5-hour round started at 1 pm.
3/18/12
What a weekend!
At Kizer on Friday, I shoot mid-80s. At Clay on Saturday, I shoot 104 -- Ouch! On Sunday at Clay, in most pleasant conditions, I shoot mid-80s again. Twelve out of 14 fairways; must do better on GIRs.
3/9/12
Lunch on Friday
Jason's Deli in Westlake with $5 birthday coupon. Soup and sandwich tasty. Weather rainy and cold -- bone-chilling. Probably will NOT play golf this weekend; maybe get taxes organized (or not).
2/6/11
Started cold with a warm finish
Yes, seven of us played Lions Muny on Saturday, Feb.5, although the start was delayed about 2.5 hours owing to freeze delay. For the record, three who said they had wanted to play decided instead to stay warm and in bed. They missed a nice chance for migas at nearby Maudie's before the round.
All were concerned to hear that Pablo C., who likely would have been present, had suffered what he called a "mild" stroke when he was in Washington state last week. He tells us, though, he expects to be away from golf action for many weeks to come.
By the end of the round at about 4 p.m. temperatures were above 65 degrees. Our scores ranged from 80 to 105. Greens were in great shape having suffered several days of freezing weather and some snow that brought hosts of school closings and traffic accidents. Still, short-sleeved golfers hacking away in early February are sights to behold.
And what's up with all the newly made mulch just right of the No. 1 fairway? Tee times were expected to be on time the next day, Sunday, Feb. 6, at 8:30 a.m.
All were concerned to hear that Pablo C., who likely would have been present, had suffered what he called a "mild" stroke when he was in Washington state last week. He tells us, though, he expects to be away from golf action for many weeks to come.
By the end of the round at about 4 p.m. temperatures were above 65 degrees. Our scores ranged from 80 to 105. Greens were in great shape having suffered several days of freezing weather and some snow that brought hosts of school closings and traffic accidents. Still, short-sleeved golfers hacking away in early February are sights to behold.
And what's up with all the newly made mulch just right of the No. 1 fairway? Tee times were expected to be on time the next day, Sunday, Feb. 6, at 8:30 a.m.
12/27/10
12/24/10
Lions shows its allure
Whatcha do when not golfing?
Really, the buck stops here. We've missed him these past many weeks, but it's good to see that our friend Ruben has been doing his duty in South Texas "thinning the herd," so to speak. Come the next time we see him, we expect that his golf game will have deterioriated to the point of being non-lethal. Now, about that practiced pose suitable for Playgirl magazine's centerfold?
12/12/10
MR. LUNA -- he's the big winner!
Let Saturday, Dec. 11, go down in TeeHugger history for the fact that Ferdie Luna was the big winner of the handicap and skins bets at Jimmy Clay. It is now true that he, himself, may never again say that everyone else but him wins. Turns out he won plenty, more than making up for any prior weeks in which he went home empty-handed. His display of sportsmanship following his gracious acceptance of his winnings may prove an inspiration to us all -- thanks for the cool drinks, Mr. Luna.
With 9 players present on a delightful weather day that started a bit chilly and foggy, the Ferdinator sported a 32 handicap to reduce his gross 100 to 68, thereby taking a full $9. He easily beat out Pete Garcia's net 70 (winning $6) and was followed by shared net 74s from Andres T. and Art G, who earned $1.50 each.
Then things got interesting as skins were valued at $2.25 each. Pete Garcia won the first three skins. Then the historic happened -- Luna wins the next 11 skins on Hole 14 with a miracle putt even he acknowledges. The remaining skins were of little consequence, but let the record show that Galindo and Cunningham recorded 2 each for the day.
Closest-to-pin (CTP) honors went to Valentino (No. 2 hole) and -- you guessed it, to Luna (No. 5 hole). Fifty cents were returned to each player as nobody earned the CTP skins on holes 12 and 14.
Next week's play likely will be at Lions Muny. Owing to tradition and good manners, Mr. Luna, on behalf of the TeeHuggers, will use the opportunity to acknowledge with small gifts the many considerations shown to the TeeHuggers by the Muny staff. TeeHuggers desiring to do so should contact Mr. Luna to contribute toward defraying any expense associated with our group's gifts of appreciation. All contributions are welcome and appreciated as free-will offerings, but the time to act is now. Donation guide: the customary donation, per TeeHugger, has been $10, more or less.
Many thanks, in advance, to Dan Galindo for attending to the early a.m. duty on Tuesdays to obtain the tee times for all to enjoy.
P.S. -- Saturday was Bob Fay's birthday, so we were disappointed when he was unable to join us. Who knows, maybe Art Garcia would have been compelled to lead us all in the ever-rousing Happy Birthday Song. Anyone care to guess how much UNDER age 70 Bob is this year?
With 9 players present on a delightful weather day that started a bit chilly and foggy, the Ferdinator sported a 32 handicap to reduce his gross 100 to 68, thereby taking a full $9. He easily beat out Pete Garcia's net 70 (winning $6) and was followed by shared net 74s from Andres T. and Art G, who earned $1.50 each.
Then things got interesting as skins were valued at $2.25 each. Pete Garcia won the first three skins. Then the historic happened -- Luna wins the next 11 skins on Hole 14 with a miracle putt even he acknowledges. The remaining skins were of little consequence, but let the record show that Galindo and Cunningham recorded 2 each for the day.
Closest-to-pin (CTP) honors went to Valentino (No. 2 hole) and -- you guessed it, to Luna (No. 5 hole). Fifty cents were returned to each player as nobody earned the CTP skins on holes 12 and 14.
Next week's play likely will be at Lions Muny. Owing to tradition and good manners, Mr. Luna, on behalf of the TeeHuggers, will use the opportunity to acknowledge with small gifts the many considerations shown to the TeeHuggers by the Muny staff. TeeHuggers desiring to do so should contact Mr. Luna to contribute toward defraying any expense associated with our group's gifts of appreciation. All contributions are welcome and appreciated as free-will offerings, but the time to act is now. Donation guide: the customary donation, per TeeHugger, has been $10, more or less.
Many thanks, in advance, to Dan Galindo for attending to the early a.m. duty on Tuesdays to obtain the tee times for all to enjoy.
P.S. -- Saturday was Bob Fay's birthday, so we were disappointed when he was unable to join us. Who knows, maybe Art Garcia would have been compelled to lead us all in the ever-rousing Happy Birthday Song. Anyone care to guess how much UNDER age 70 Bob is this year?
5/28/10
Another year passes
Another year has gone by since last posting to this blog. Hard to believe, but perhaps it's because I've spent more time enjoying the outdoors while golfing instead of the indoors while blogging. Most recent outing was with folks from the Wednesday Pint Night crowd at Butler Pitch and Putt, Austin, TX. Weather was warm; sun was bright; everyone had a good time. Those present included George Prall, Bill Maples, Louis Marion, Brad Matejowski, Paul Campbell, John Campbell IV, John Campbell V, Wayne Robinson, Cliff Robinson, Carlos Cantu, Steve Taylor, Tim Cunningham.
3/17/09
Nearly a year
Got up way too early today to drive out to Clay to get the tee times for this coming Saturday, March 21. Mission successful in that I got 3 times, no problems, at 8:32, 8:40 and 8:48 a.m. Hope enough folks show up to make it worthwhile. Driving back in the cool, 50-degree morning air, the thought hit me that this Saturday will mark one year since I hit my first ever hole-in-one on March 21, 2008. Have to say this year has flown by.
3/16/09
Weather perfect; exciting match
Just got home from the SEGA match-play event for March at Jimmy Clay. I didn't win, but I did have tons of fun. I was 3 holes down with 3 to play...then I was 2 holes down with 2 to play...then I was down 1 hole with 1 to play...but, as my co-player had achieved par 4 on the last hole of play, I needed a birdie putt on the No. 9 hole (we started play on No. 10 today) to win the hole and tie the match. Almost got the birdie, too, just two inches wide on the low side for a par. Course conditions at Clay are most enjoyable...so much so that I'll be getting tee times for Saturday there, meaning I'm up at 5 a.m. tomorrow to drive to the course to secure the needed 3 times in person. Spring has arrived in Austin.
SEGA match-play begins
Later today at Jimmy Clay in Austin, I will join 3 others competing in the first round of the SEGA (State Employee Golf Association) Match Play Championship for 2009. We're guaranteed at least 3 matches through March, April, May. Wins in each month = 2 points, ties = 1 point, loss = 0 points. Golfer with most points advances to Round 4 and possibly to Round 6, the championship in August. Will be joining today three golfers with similar handicaps (now I'm at a 12 with SEGA, but not really playing that well these days, so I may be out of the running early.) After some quite cold weather the past few days (in bone-chilling low 40s), today we are expected to have afternoon highs in the low 80s. After the recent rains, the course at Clay today should be in great condition.
12/11/08
Handicaps posted
Chris has posted the latest round of handicaps. For those keeping track, among our 18 from-time-to-time golfers, Galindo is low handicap with 9 and high-handicap honors go to Burnet and Luna at 28.
Those making the biggest moves among us over the past seven weeks or so was Peterson (dropping 2 strokes to an 11 handicap) and Hill (adding 5 to his previous handicap).
Average handicap for the group appears to be 16. Median handicap hovers between 18 and 19.
Key number to watch from week to week are the number of golfers who net above or below par, which is 71 from Austin Muny's white tees.
If you didn't receive the latest handicap report dated Dec. 3, see Chris.
For posterity (one of these days, we'll have to get a group photo), here's the list from the Dec. 3 report:
Burnet 28
Cunningham 13
Fay 16
Friedrich 12
Galindo 9
Garcia, A. 18
Garcia, P. 13
Graham 19
Hill 25
Lewis 18
Luna 28
Olivarez 17 -- and best when it comes to unprompted BBQ.
Patrick 17
Peterson 11
Saenz 12
Valentino 13
Weiss 15
Yones 13
Those making the biggest moves among us over the past seven weeks or so was Peterson (dropping 2 strokes to an 11 handicap) and Hill (adding 5 to his previous handicap).
Average handicap for the group appears to be 16. Median handicap hovers between 18 and 19.
Key number to watch from week to week are the number of golfers who net above or below par, which is 71 from Austin Muny's white tees.
If you didn't receive the latest handicap report dated Dec. 3, see Chris.
For posterity (one of these days, we'll have to get a group photo), here's the list from the Dec. 3 report:
Burnet 28
Cunningham 13
Fay 16
Friedrich 12
Galindo 9
Garcia, A. 18
Garcia, P. 13
Graham 19
Hill 25
Lewis 18
Luna 28
Olivarez 17 -- and best when it comes to unprompted BBQ.
Patrick 17
Peterson 11
Saenz 12
Valentino 13
Weiss 15
Yones 13
12/10/08
Long shadows on 18
On a recent outing, this image of sunlight and shadow gracing No. 18 at Lions makes for an arresting photo. As for Art Garcia's chip in birdie on this hole a few weeks back, he should be arrested. [TIMCpix]
Son and father at Lions
At the 18th tee box at Lions on Nov. 28, son Mark Luna and his father, Ferdie, prepare to finish their round as part of Mark's brief visit over the Thanksgiving holiday. [TIMCpix]
TIP: Left click on pix to see larger view.
11/28/08
Brackenridge Tract in news
The future of Lions Municipal is tied to the future of the Brackenridge Tract. Some at UT are weighing whether and how to develop the high-value parcel. The City of Austin is urging options. Here's a link I just came across that adds to the discussion: http://www.impactnews.com/central-austin/news/2518-brackenridge-tract-in-the-balance
11/27/08
Color at Lions Muny
From time to time, usually in spring, Lions Muny can break out in some color as with this red bud just to the right of the first tee. [TIMCpix]
11/26/08
Trouble ahead
From the left side of Hole 17, some challenging shots can occur. Hard-pan lie, through the trees, across the cart path, a bounce and down the slope. Whether on Saturday or Sunday, though, we golfers know it's true: Miracles can happen -- just not very often. [TIMCphoto] TIP: Left-click on photo to open larger size image.
Turtle daze
The pond between the tee box and the green on No. 17 at Lions Muny is ideal for turtles on a sunny day, especially for socializing. The mid-city golf course also features other "wild" life including deer, hawks -- and the occasional (Luna alert!) suicidal squirrel. [TIMCphoto]
11/21/08
S-q-w-a-w-k!
The Parrot Died
[as re-told by Bob Fay]
At dawn the telephone rings, “Hello, Señor Rod? This is Ernesto, the caretaker at your country house.”
“Ah yes, Ernesto. What can I do for you? Is there a problem?”
“Um, I am just calling to advise you, Señor Rod, that your parrot, he is dead.”
“My parrot? Dead? The one that won the International parrot competition?”
“Si, Señor, that’s the one.”
“Damn! That’s a pity! I spent a small fortune on that bird. What did he die from?”
“From eating the rotten meat, Señor Rod.”
“Rotten meat? Who the hell fed him rotten meat?”
“Nobody, Señor. He ate the meat of the dead horse.”
“Dead horse? What dead horse?”
“The thoroughbred, Señor Rod.”
“My prized thoroughbred is dead?”
“Yes, Señor Rod, he died from all that work pulling the water cart.”
“Are you insane? What water cart?”
“The one we used to put out the fire, Señor.”
“Good Lord! What fire are you talking about, man?”
“The one at your house, Señor! A candle fell and the curtains caught on fire.”
“What the hell? Are you saying that my mansion is destroyed because of a candle?”
“Yes, Señor Rod.”
“But there’s electricity at the house!! What was the candle for?”
“For the funeral, Señor Rod.”
“WHAT BLOODY FUNERAL??!!”
“Your wife’s, Señor Rod. She showed up very late one night and I thought she was a thief, so I hit her with your new Taylor Made Super Quad 460 golf club.”
[ SILENCE ........... LONG SILENCE ......... ]
“Ernesto, if you broke that driver, you’re in deep shit!!”
[as re-told by Bob Fay]
At dawn the telephone rings, “Hello, Señor Rod? This is Ernesto, the caretaker at your country house.”
“Ah yes, Ernesto. What can I do for you? Is there a problem?”
“Um, I am just calling to advise you, Señor Rod, that your parrot, he is dead.”
“My parrot? Dead? The one that won the International parrot competition?”
“Si, Señor, that’s the one.”
“Damn! That’s a pity! I spent a small fortune on that bird. What did he die from?”
“From eating the rotten meat, Señor Rod.”
“Rotten meat? Who the hell fed him rotten meat?”
“Nobody, Señor. He ate the meat of the dead horse.”
“Dead horse? What dead horse?”
“The thoroughbred, Señor Rod.”
“My prized thoroughbred is dead?”
“Yes, Señor Rod, he died from all that work pulling the water cart.”
“Are you insane? What water cart?”
“The one we used to put out the fire, Señor.”
“Good Lord! What fire are you talking about, man?”
“The one at your house, Señor! A candle fell and the curtains caught on fire.”
“What the hell? Are you saying that my mansion is destroyed because of a candle?”
“Yes, Señor Rod.”
“But there’s electricity at the house!! What was the candle for?”
“For the funeral, Señor Rod.”
“WHAT BLOODY FUNERAL??!!”
“Your wife’s, Señor Rod. She showed up very late one night and I thought she was a thief, so I hit her with your new Taylor Made Super Quad 460 golf club.”
[ SILENCE ........... LONG SILENCE ......... ]
“Ernesto, if you broke that driver, you’re in deep shit!!”
11/15/08
It was c-c-c-old!
Thermal underwear, chilled fingers, hot coffee and layers on layers of golf attire were the order of the day to start this Saturday (Nov. 15) at Lions Muny, with everyone complaining of the arrival of cold weather made the more difficult by some biting winds. Well, almost everybody, as Art G. showed up in shorts, the same he wears in the heat of August.
And he came to play, notching the low net of 66 on his gross of 85. When will his handicap change? Chris P. took second spot on the handicap and third place was shared by Dave V. and Jerry L. Notable were the pair of birdies on Hole 18 by Art G. and Tim C. as they shared the proceeds from skins on 6 holes.
Don't know about others, but it should be recorded that Tim C. and Dan G., assisted by a brisk following wind and hard ground, did drive No. 18. Jerry L. easily would have done the same but he was a bit wide to the left and ended 10 yards beyond the green.
Good to see Doc and Don out this morning braving the cold weather, bundled up as they were and fighting off the wind chill that occurs with use of a speeding golf cart. They will warm up, eventually.
Hole 17 proved, again, to be a test of character for one esteemed member of the Saturday group. It was a personal "Tin Cup" moment, with witnesses, but he kept his composure reasonably well under the circumstances to notch a 9 on the par 3 hole. No, it's not necessary to name names here as this mark is not a record. If I recall correctly, the hole informally bears the initials "J.L." in recognition of the achievement of he who holds the record to which nobody aspires.
We're all hoping for a bit of warmer weather next Saturday, Nov. 22. Dan G. will be up very early this coming Tuesday to obtain the tee times. Many thanks to him for his efforts.
And he came to play, notching the low net of 66 on his gross of 85. When will his handicap change? Chris P. took second spot on the handicap and third place was shared by Dave V. and Jerry L. Notable were the pair of birdies on Hole 18 by Art G. and Tim C. as they shared the proceeds from skins on 6 holes.
Don't know about others, but it should be recorded that Tim C. and Dan G., assisted by a brisk following wind and hard ground, did drive No. 18. Jerry L. easily would have done the same but he was a bit wide to the left and ended 10 yards beyond the green.
Good to see Doc and Don out this morning braving the cold weather, bundled up as they were and fighting off the wind chill that occurs with use of a speeding golf cart. They will warm up, eventually.
Hole 17 proved, again, to be a test of character for one esteemed member of the Saturday group. It was a personal "Tin Cup" moment, with witnesses, but he kept his composure reasonably well under the circumstances to notch a 9 on the par 3 hole. No, it's not necessary to name names here as this mark is not a record. If I recall correctly, the hole informally bears the initials "J.L." in recognition of the achievement of he who holds the record to which nobody aspires.
We're all hoping for a bit of warmer weather next Saturday, Nov. 22. Dan G. will be up very early this coming Tuesday to obtain the tee times. Many thanks to him for his efforts.
11/7/08
Heavenly Day on All-Saints Day
Had a good turnout for two tee times on Saturday, Nov. 1, with lots of highlights. Sun was shining and some of us were even playing golf. For starters, let's note that Group 1 (Bob F., Chris P., Dan P., Doc H., and Don G.) all scored 43 gross on the back 9. Even they admit it's some kind of coincidence. Now, did they all play the day's LOTTO with a "43" and variations (1, 7, 34, 12)?
Let's also note that the previous week's "Tiger Woods" moment achieved by Art G. on Hole 18 was more than surpassed by Dan G. this week on the same hole. Chipping from at least 50 yards from the woods left of the hole, and not all that far from the No. 10 tee box, he hit his ball down the hill, bounced it off the cart path, across a bit of rough and onto the green, where it rolled in a left-to-right arc into the hole in the upper right side of the green -- for an EAGLE! What a letdown for Tim C, who was working a press against Dan, when he chipped in from off the same green for a mere birdie. Dan did have a great day overall, as you might imagine, with a gross 73 (2 over par).
Art G., from Group 2, was the low-net shooter for the day with a 60. He grossed at 79 and his 19 handicap is now under serious review. Congratulations, Art. Conditions were right for the majority of golfers present as 6 of the 10 netted below par with the remaining 4 netting at par for the day.
To top things off, as the round finished, we gathered in the picnic area near the 9th hole. Ruben O., unable to play that day, hosted an unexpected and much enjoyed BBQ. The perfect host, he also provided beverages and golf-appropriate tunes through the Jeep's sound system.
Check out this link for some more photos of the day's event and other views of the course's beauty.
Let's also note that the previous week's "Tiger Woods" moment achieved by Art G. on Hole 18 was more than surpassed by Dan G. this week on the same hole. Chipping from at least 50 yards from the woods left of the hole, and not all that far from the No. 10 tee box, he hit his ball down the hill, bounced it off the cart path, across a bit of rough and onto the green, where it rolled in a left-to-right arc into the hole in the upper right side of the green -- for an EAGLE! What a letdown for Tim C, who was working a press against Dan, when he chipped in from off the same green for a mere birdie. Dan did have a great day overall, as you might imagine, with a gross 73 (2 over par).
Art G., from Group 2, was the low-net shooter for the day with a 60. He grossed at 79 and his 19 handicap is now under serious review. Congratulations, Art. Conditions were right for the majority of golfers present as 6 of the 10 netted below par with the remaining 4 netting at par for the day.
To top things off, as the round finished, we gathered in the picnic area near the 9th hole. Ruben O., unable to play that day, hosted an unexpected and much enjoyed BBQ. The perfect host, he also provided beverages and golf-appropriate tunes through the Jeep's sound system.
Check out this link for some more photos of the day's event and other views of the course's beauty.
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