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August 26 2005 - Wallingford, CT

After three shows in a row, we have a day off. I am excited because Peter has arranged a golf outing. I get one more chance to prove that I belong on the PGA tour.

There will be five of us going on this outing and it is time for me to make a statement with my game. After all, I’ve been playing for eight months. How hard could this game be? I’m a jock; I played a little football, baseball and a lot of basketball. I should be able to do this with ease (is my ignorance showing yet?)

We have two tee times, so we have to split into two groups. My group of two goes first. In the first part of this story, I am talking a lot of smack. But in reality, there is always nervous energy before my first tee shot. The first hole is a 425 yards par 4. I tee it up, and copy the mannerism of some my favorite golfers, (this makes me look like I know what the hell I am doing). I step up… Steady… Take your time… And Boom!!

The ball takes off like it was launched from a rocket. Everyone is watching and all of our mouths are open in awe. A long beautiful shot, straight and true. I am the envy of all.

I par the first hole, This would be my only triumph for the day. What the hell is going on? This day was frustrating for one reason. I am hitting the ball from the tee longer than I ever have (and I don’t know how). But because I am hitting it so long, I have no idea how to manage the course. I overhit doglegs, and hit into the bunker , that I used to not worry about. I could never reach those before. I am both happy and bumming. Is this a good problem to have? :-) Can someone help a brother? By the end of the day, I shoot the best round in my short golf life. The bad news, I came in third out of six. Middle of the pack. Lost in the crowd. (I need a drink, Jack for the house I say), :-) I'm kidding. I’m not buying those jokers a drink.