Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Bulls on Parade

During my college days..heck even NOW..I’ve always had the greatest of respect for the folks that ran through the cobblestone paths during the celebration of St. Fermin in Spain.
Although I’ve been to Europe and it’s outlying countries a few times in college, it’s probably a good we didn’t go there during our venture back then because I’m sure after a few beers and/or bottles of Sangria we’d be doing this run.

We all know this world famous bull run that starts on the windign streets and ends in the bull fighting arena from watching clips from TV and/or YouTube, but to really participate in it (by the rules..yes, it has rules..you're supposed to run slowly at first and then haul ass as the bulls get closer..simple..makes sense.) has to be one of the greatest challenges of all mankind.
Even thinking about it, it gets my adrenaline pumping..but alas!..now being a married man and a father of two kids and piloting a Toyota Sienna..the closest thing I’m going to get to running in front of a 1,500 pound Angus, barreling down, will be chasing a putt in Spain instead at La Mangas Las Lomas Village.

La Manga has three courses (South, North and West) with the South Course being the preeminent course (..’kinda like the South Course at Torrey Pines..go figure) which has hosted numerous events including the Spanish Open and Q-School for the European Tour. It was designed by Robert Putman back in 1971 (his other design is surprisingly in Visalia, California) and then revamped by Arnold Palmer in the beginning of 1990 and then polished up even further. The South Course at La Manga is tougher in the front (longer par 3’s and 4’s) but eases up in the back stretch..my kinda’ course..give me the pain up front and let me relax.

The North Course is tighter surrounded with lush palm trees and larger greens, ideal for the shot-maker. The West Course winds through pine trees and has more sloping fairways which require conservative play from the tee. Either way you can’t lose by playing any of the courses at La Manga..just get out here!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

'Wanna Bet?


Just played in Las Vegas last week and as it happens to all of us..we’re out there with our regular group getting ready to tee off and then someone blurts out “Longest drive for a buck?”. KA-CHING!! Bring it on!! Usually, in my regular group, this is already a part of our betting by-laws and no need to bring it up these days at the start of the day. We usually play skins but with a limit up to every 6 holes and then the skins tally would reset again for the next 6 holes and so on..we’re wimps.

I have to admit though that playing skins does get boring (I guess it depends on who’s winning and losing right?) and we started implementing various side bets along the way and utilize a “dot” for each win on a bet a player won. We give each “dot” a numerical value and toward the end of the day multiply each "dot" per dollar(s) value agreed to upon from the beginning.

For example, someone may throw out a side bet and say “Up and down for a dot?” If one of the other players bite then it’s on! Basically, if you can get up and down then you win a “dot” from each player who bet against you. If you can’t make the up and down then you have to pay out a “dot” to each person. You can just about make a side bet on anything these days..the opportunities are endless. We automatically add automatic "dots" on “draino’s”, which basically are anyone who can put it in the hole in one stroke from a agreed upon distance from the hole..obviously tap in drainos don’t count for squat.

Something with playing golf and Las Vegas that go hand in hand..anyway for further reading check out this casino guide.

Friday, October 16, 2009

"I'm baaaackk.." :)


What's up nomads *chime crickets* well my deepest apologies for not keeping this place up to date but we've been in a whirlwind trying to deal with our home and everything going on in the GN household in these last few months this year.


In light of everything going around, unfortunately, my appetite for golf had declined at an alarming rate and literally placed on the back burner. But ALAS! I am back with a vengeance and have great hopes and aspirations for the rest of the year and plan on making some upgrades to the GN blog as well. Stay tuned!