March Golf Report

My record this month was four wins in four matches. I’m undefeated in the first quarter of 2011. In fact, I’m undefeated since early November of last year. And perhaps I am feeling a little bit of pressure, because I fell behind in each of my matches before storming back for decisive victories. 

My match at Sta. Elena GC was long over (I won 6&5) by the time I reached the par-5 17^th hole and blasted this 3-wood shot more than 220 yards across the chasm and over the green, nearly missed chipping in for an eagle and settled for an easy birdie. I would go on to win 4&3 at The Orchard the next day despite falling 3 down early in the match. 

My next match was at Siam CC’s Plantation Course, and despite losing the first hole I came back to win 8&7 against a woefully over-matched opponent. My score on the front 9 nearly matched his extensive list of excuses (37 at last count). Of course more than 40 hours on planes, no sleep, rental clubs, jet lag, heat, sweat, unfamiliarity with caddies, not having played for weeks or months, and sundry other excuses were all employed in an attempt to throw me off my game at this challenging course (see below!) but all to no avail; I won the press 6&5.

And then it was on to Thai CC, one of the best courses in Thailand, for a match on a windy spring day against the formidable John Kim.

I played, perhaps, my best round of the month this day, and by the back 9, even Mr. Kim’s caddie was exulting in my fine shotmaking. By the time I calmly rolled in a twisting birdie on the 17^th and then nearly birdied the 18^th as well, the match was long over. And so was my golf for the month, as I returned to my work and considered my match schedule for the upcoming months.