Ho-Hum Final round

If it wasn't for the emotional final hole of the British Open then I would say that this was a rather disappointing round of golf to watch. With barely a challenge from the unelectrifying Chris Dimarco and a number of other big names falling by the wayside like Els, Garcia and Furyk this may have been the most uneventful final round of a major I've ever seen. Even Tigers record breaking win over the field at Pebble Beach during the U.S. Open was more enjoyable to watch, at least he was spectacular shots it seemed like every hole. While Tiger plodded along hitting iron after iron off each tee and leaving himself long irons into many off the greens no one could mount a charge. Is the Tiger initimidation factor back in play like it was a few years ago? After a long lay-off following the death off his father and a missed cut at the U.S. Open we may see a new resurgence from the Worlds best player. Stay tuned, Tigers performance at the PGA next month will tell us alot about the state of his game and his mind.

Ok, this could be the BIG ONE!!

This could be the showdown between Phil and Tiger at a major we've all been waiting for. Phil Mickelsons preparation for major championships has taken his game to a new level, by visiting each course several times in advance and learning the nuances of each hole he's given himself the advantage over the competition. It led him to two consecutive major championships starting at last years PGA and this years Masters and left him an 18th hole brain fart short of a third straight major at this years U.S. Open, which the following week he was at the site of the British Open. His personality will not let him dwell on the mistakes he made that day, although he'll never forget them. On the other hand their's Tiger missing his first ever cut at a major championship since he turned professional 10 years ago. Tiger has had time to knock the rust off his game since the death of his father in may. He's hungry, he's focused and he's also the perennial favorite to win the Open. Tiger has already said he determines the success of a season by how many majors he wins so can we expect to see him in contention on Sunday? Most definately.. So tune in Sunday morning and early afternoon because this may be one of the best final rounds at a major we've seen in a long time.

A taste of Links Golf in the Granite State (Salem, N.H.)

Campbells Scottish Highlands
by Jason Kennedy

I'm not going to bore you with a hole by hole description of this gem located in Salem. Instead I'm going to tell you that it's a must play if you want to experience the closest thing to Links golf without travelling to Manchester airport and flying over the pond to Scotland to play a round. With generous fairways and large greens the course can be had if you manage your game properly. The greens are consistent and with only a few penalizing hazards other than the long whispy grass that can eat up errant tea shots the course is not very menacing. Until the wind blows that is, with much off the course perched on a hilltop and the rest unprotected by trees the course can bear its teeth when the wind kicks up. With several sets of tees and beautiful conditions Campbells is sure to present a challenge to every golfer.
Enjoy the courses practice facilities which include a driving range, short game practice area and putting green as well as the full service club house to make your next round one to remember. Visit them at http://www.scottishhighlandsgolf.com for the latest course news and tournament dates as well as green fees and directions. You can even book your tee time online. So enjoy your next round at Campbell Scottish Highlands.

Wie, a tournament bust!!

I do hope that Michelle Wie is feeling better and I guess I was wrong in my previous post... Wie didn't miss the cut, she withdrew. Sitting at +8 at the turn on Friday Wie came down with what is described as a bout of heat exhaustion So not only did she not make another cut in a PGA tour event, she shortchanged the sponsors and all the people who came out to see her by 9 holes. I would demand a refund. Don't get me wrong, Wie has more golf talent in her pinky toe than I'll ever have, but lets be realistic about her chances in a PGA tour event. Fans are going to grow weary of her feable attempts at making the cut in a mens event it will be something like missing a Seinfeld episode, just wait a little bit and you can catch the next one.

Please, Michelle Wie do us all a favor

and try winning a tournament on the LPGA first. Ok, I realize that the PGA tour and its sponsors will do anything to make their product more exciting for viewers, and if Wie had a history of winning then I think this would be great theatre. However how many times are we going to see nothing but Michelle Wie on Thursday and Friday and then the rest off the field on Saturday and Sunday? Don't get me wrong I like watching her play, she hits the ball as far if not farther then alot of the guys, but until she learns how to handle the pressure and avoid the bogey train she should learn how to win on the LPGA where the level of competition and the demands the golf courses require are not as high. Win a few tournaments on the lady's tour and I'll change my tune, but until then why bother.

Blissful Meadows (Uxbridge, Ma.)

Magnificent Meadows
Blissful Meadows is fun and fabulous
By Jason Kennedy

Blissful Meadows is located in Uxbridge, a small quaint town situated just 25 minutes from Worcester, and only one hour from Boston. With its rural setting and only a single house that borders the golf course, you may get the feeling you're at the foot of the White Mountains. Owners Gordon and Jean Bliss, along with the staff at Blissful are dedicated to making your golf experience a great one. Upon arrival at the clubhouse you'll be greeted with a smile, and a great attitude about the facility.
The members I spoke to at the course were knowledgeable, friendly, and very helpful with tips and insight on how to play each hole. If you happen to get paired with a member take advantage of his or her knowledge, it will make a difference in your score.
Don't let the scorecard fool you, with only three par 4's measuring over 400 yards from the tips, this course provides a true test of golf. You really have to think your way around the course. A piece of advice given to me by one of the members: Keep the hole in front of you - meaning you don't want to go long.
The greens on the front side are fairly undulating, and the majority slope from back to front so if you do go long you'll be left with a downhill putt or chip. The greens at Blissful are some of the most well-conditioned greens you'll find. Another reason you don't want to go long: Any downhill putt will be tough to stop around the hole. Although with a smooth roll you can pick your line and be confident that if you hit a good putt it's going to go in the hole.
The first hole is a 325-yard par 4 from the white tees, and is played from an elevated tee. Take an iron off this tee. With water on the left and a bunker right, position is key. With a good tee shot you'll be left with no more than a 7 or 8 iron to the slightly elevated green protected by two bunkers short right, and a severe down slope over the bunkers to the right of the green.
Moving to the par three 5th hole, measuring at 132 yards is a perfect example of not wanting to go long. Anything over the green will leave a quick downhill chip. An uphill putt will provide a good chance of scoring. Don't get too comfortable with the front side with its few elevation changes, because once you cross the street to the back side you'll be in for a shock.


The par four 11th hole starts from an elevated tee box, and looks down on the fairway below. Take an iron off this tee and put it in the fairway. You'll be left with a short iron back up the hill to the elevated green. Go long here, and your ball has a chance to come back down to the green as the hill behind acts almost like a backstop.
Oh, and keep your eyes open for wild turkeys. They can be seen frequently roaming the fairways on the back nine.
The next hole, no. 12, is a long ball hitter's dream. Playing from yet another elevated position you can really let it rip here. The hole plays to 373 yards straight away with a generous landing area. Be sure you take enough club to land safely on the green. Anything short here will end up in the deep rough fronting the green. And if you're about 20 yards short of the putting surface you may not even find your ball.
When you tee it up on the par three 13th don't be intimidated. At 143 yards it's all carry to this large green that can be a 2 to 3 club difference from front to back. This is a great looking short hole. Don't forget to check out the abandoned silver mine at the bottom of the gulley on your way to the green. It has been out of use since the 1800's.
Enjoy your round at Blissful Meadows!The clubhouse is an old renovated barn that houses the pro-shop, bar, and a banquet facility. The pro-shop is fully stocked with balls, clubs, clothes, and just about anything else you may need. The restaurant/bar has a full menu, and is a great place to sit and reminisce about your round of golf, while the outdoor patio provides scenic views of the course. The clubhouse also has banquet facilities that can accommodate functions from 20 to 200 guests. Joe Griffin and Dave Johnson, co-head golf professionals at Blissful, are dedicated to providing first class instruction.
For lesson information, junior clinics, and group lessons call 508-278-6113. Contact Nora Berard for outing information at 508-278-6110. Melissa Laskowski or Tracy Hill for wedding information at 508-278-6110.
Website: http://www.blissfulmeadows.com/ Tee times: Accepted 5-days in advance at 508-278-6110. Proper golf attire required. Soft spike only facility. Greens fees: Mon-Thurs 9 holes/$18.00; 18 holes/$29.00 - Fri. 9 holes/$20.00 18 holes/$35.00 - Wknds/holidays 9 holes/$24.00; 18 holes/$39.00 Cart fees: 9 holes/$8.00 per person 18 holes/$14.00 per person Practice facility: All grass driving range. Their is also a practice bunker to try and figure out those tricky sand shots. Don't forget to practice putting, it'll help you out on the course as the practice green is in just as good condition as the greens you'll find out on the course. Directions: From the Mass Pike. Take Worcester Exit 10A (rte 146). Follow rte. 146 South to Rte. 16 West (Uxbridge/Douglas exit). Take right at end of ramp. Take first street on left (West Street). Follow 1 and 1/2 miles, take first left (continuation of west street). Follow 1 mile, take first right (Chockalog Rd.) Follow for 1/4 mile, Blissful Meadows golf club will be on the right. Course info: The course is a par 72 with 4 sets of tees ranging from 6611 yards from the tips to 5065 from the front tees. Course rating 71.3/128 slope (Blue tees). 68.7/124 slope (White tees). And 69.1/122 slope from the Red tees.

Butternut Golf Club (Stowe, Ma.)

Triple Play at Butternut
Magnificent Conditions, Service and Challenge Await
By Jason Kennedy


Stow, Mass is home to three of the best golf courses in the area.
Butternut Farm Golf Club is one of them.
Butternut GC may not be as well known as it's next door neighbor, Stow Acres, but it should. Boasting great playing conditions, and a challenging layout with four sets of tees, Butternut can be enjoyed by the beginner, and the most experienced players alike. Cut out of the gently rolling hills of this rural town, this course has the feel of the North Carolina low country with its tall pine tree lined fairways, and hardwood trees that put a premium on good ball striking.
I have played Butternut several times in the past, and the course has improved each time. Right now the conditions are superb. The fairways are plush; the greens are in great shape; and the tee boxes are in very good condition. The course is well marked with distance tags on just about every sprinkler head, and distance markers on the par three's - which definitely makes it easier to choose a club.
Easing you into your round, the first hole is a 369-yard par four from the back tees. Take an iron or a fairway wood off this tee as position is key on the opening hole. After a good tee shot you'll be left with a mid to short iron to this fairly large flat green. A birdie here is not out of the question.
When you get to the par four eighth hole you'll probably think to yourself, hey it's only 290 yards. If you have a good round going, and a good score is important to you, reconsider going for this green off the tee. Big numbers can be posted if you don't manage your game here. The tee shot, if you're going for the green, is about a 260-yard carry over water with no room for error to the left. Water comes into play short and all up the left side of this hole. Again, take a long iron or a fairway wood and play to right and short of the green where their is a landing area that'll provide you with a good lie and a short iron to the green. Play this hole with your head, and birdie is in the cards. Get careless, and a huge number is not out of the question.

Making the turn at Butternut. Don't be scared. The tenth hole is a 625-yard par five. This hole is a monster from any tee. You'll need three of your best shots to reach this hole in regulation. After a good tee shot, you'll be left with a long iron or fairway wood just to reach the 150 marker which is a slightly uphill shot from your tee shot. Once you get to the 150 to 120 yard area you'll have a look at the green below. Your approach shot from here is downhill over a pond that fronts three quarters of the green. Going long is no picnic either, there is no water, but the wooded area makes up and downs tough. Par on this hole is a great score. Even bogey is an accomplishment on this long and tough hole.

The par four 18th is a nice finishing hole. The 367-yard hole plays slightly downhill. Hit your tee shot just short of the bunker that is about 260 yards off the tee, and you'll be left with a short iron to this medium sized green that has a bunker left and a bunker right. The green is fairly flat, and anything close to the hole will have a good shot at a birdie to end your round at Butternut Farms.
With a great view of the ninth fairway and green, the clubhouse is a comfortable place to enjoy a beer and lunch. Contact Trevor for outing information. The club can accommodate both large and small gatherings. If you've never played Butternut give it a try. You'll enjoy some of the best course conditions the area has to offer; a friendly courteous staff; and a fun, yet challenging layout.
Website: www.butternutfarm.com Tee times: Accepted 5-days in advance by calling (978)897-3400. Proper golf attire required. Soft spike only facility. Rates: Mon-Wed $24 for 9 holes/$32 for 18 holes//Thurs $32 for 18 holes//Friday $35 for 18 holes//Sat-Sun $42 for 18 holes// Cart prices. $16 for 9 holes//$26 for 18 holes. Practice facility: The course does not have a driving range, but does feature 2 practice putting greens. Course info: Back tees, 6302 yards, 71.2 rating, 130 slope/middle, 5755 yards, 69.3 rating, 126 rating/front, 4478 yards, 73.2 rating, 125 slope.
Directions: Rte 128 to I-495 N, Exit 27 on Route 117 E, go 4 miles, turn right on Wheeler Rd go 1/2 mile to course.

Blackstone National Golf Club (Blackstone, Ma.)

B
Bold and Beautiful
Blackstone National is up to par
By Jason Kennedy

Architect Rees Jones is one of the premier golf course architects of our time. Referred to as the "Open Doctor" for his ability to prepare a course a major championship. Most recently he renovated the Black course at Bethpage National Park - site of the 2002 U.S. Open.
Blackstone National is a prime example of his vision " to create an environment for the game of golf that is challenging, fair, and aesthetically pleasing." Blackstone is all of these.
Blackstone National Golf Club is located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley. With its dramatic elevation changes, and stunning vistas, this is a golf course you'll want to put on your list of places to play. This is definitely one of the premiere public courses in the state.
The first thing you'll notice after warming up on the all grass tee driving range, and honing that putting stroke on the practice green, is the Par View GPS system that each cart is equipped with. The system gives advice on how to play each hole, provides exact yardage from your ball to the hole, and allows you to see the group in front of you so you can safely hit your next shot.
Other features include a food ordering system so your food is ready at the turn, a cart assistance feature, and an emergency option that automatically places a call to 911. This system is better than having your own caddy. Do yourself a favor and get a cart.
Take a long iron or fairway wood on the 358 yard first hole. Anything to the right center of the fairway here is good as it slopes from right to left. With a good tee shot you'll be left with a nice look at this fairly large green. This is a definite birdie opportunity to start your round.
Heading to the par four fifth hole you'll enjoy one of the nicest views the course has to offer. You'll also have a decision to make. This 350-yard hole plays from an elevated tee straight away to the green which sits 150 feet below. If you use a driver you'll have to negotiate the bunker that crosses halfway across the fairway at about 280 yards. Advice: Take a long iron off the tee, and you'll be left with a short iron to the green with birdie a definite possibility. This is a great looking hole.
When you reach the 8th hole you'll have the option to order up some food right from the comfort of your golf cart. Place your order via the Par View system, and it'll be ready for you when you make the turn.
You'll probably be reaching the par four 12th hole by the time you're done with your lunch. Take a deep breath. Although it doesn't play extremely long from the elevated tee, big numbers on this hole are not out of the equation. Take another long iron or fairway wood to position your tee shotas close to the 150 marker as possible. This is the best place to draw a reasonably flat lie. Once safely in the fairway take into account the elevation to the green, this approach shot favors a high ball hitter as the green slopes somewhat from front to back. Par is a good score on this short, but a tricky par 4.
The 18th hole is a great finishing hole. (GB/Kennedy Photo)
Heading home you'll reach the long, downhill par four 15th hole, which measures out at 486 yards. Play your tee shot to the right of the fairway bunker and you'll be left with a shot of about 220 yards to the green which sits about 120 feet below. If you can hit and hold the green here in two, be grateful.
Finally, the par five 18th hole. This is a nice finishing hole. Off the tee be careful as the fairway runs out at about 270 yards into a transition area where balls can get lost. A good tee shot here will allow you to go for this green in two. The green is elevated about 30 feet above the level of the driving zone so don't forget to adjust. Anything right here on your second shot will catch one of the greenside bunkers, and anything left will leave an awkward pitch. Don't forget to look back down the fairway once you get to the green. It's another one of the many great views you'll enjoy during your round at Blackstone National.
The owner Michael Gordon, and his staff are dedicated to providing good service, and a first class golfing experience. Play Blackstone National, and you won't soon forget the courteous staff, and excellent playing conditions that make it one of the best facilities in the state.
The National Grill is a great place to unwind after your round. Whether it’s fine dining or just a burger and beer, the ‘Grill’ is a great place to plan your next visit to Blackstone. If food's not on the ‘to do list’ then just sit out on the patio and enjoy the beautiful views of the course while you relax with a tasty beverage.
For function and banquet information please contact Nancy Raymond at (508)865-2111. Blackstone can accommodate up to over 200 people.
Website: http://www.blackstonegolf.com/ Tee times: Accepted 5-days in advance at website (see above) and by calling 508-865-2111. Check in is 1/2 before your tee time. Proper golf attire required. Soft spike only facility. Greens fees: Mon-Thurs $59.00; Twilight aft 3pm $45.00; Super twilight 4 to 7pm $35.00; Fri-Sunday $79.00; Twilight (aft 3pm) $50.00; Super twilight 4 to 7pm $45.00; Cart Fees-9-hole and twilight $10.00/person+tax; 18-hole $17.00/person+ taxPractice facility: All grass driving range. Don't forget to practice putting, it'll help you out on the course as the practice green is in just as good condition as the greens you'll find out on the course. Directions: Blackstone is located in Sutton, Mass. About 50 minutes from Boston, and 25 minutes from Worcester. Taking the Mass Pike to exit 10A take rte 146 South to Sutton (about 5 miles). Take the Central Trnkpk exit. Turn right at the top of the ramp. Follow Central tpk for about 3 miles to a 4-way stop. Turn left onto Putnam Hill Rd. The club is 1 mile up on the left.
Course info: (5 sets of tees) Black tees 6,909 yards/73.5 rating/132 slope; Blue tees 6,655 yards/72 rating/129 slope; White tees 6,396 yards/71.2 rating/127 slope; Green tees 5,804 yards/69.5 rating/124 slope; Red tees 5,203 yards/70 rating/122 slope