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.

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.