Round Played: with Barry Gabler and Bill Williams –
By Wayne Halm –
Do you take your bartender to play golf? Think about it – maybe you should.
On September 20th 2014 I played the Kauai Lagoons course with Barry Gabler (my bartender) from Lihue, Hawaii and with Bill Williams of New Haven, Indiana. This was a good grouping – we all had our challenges, but turned them around and had a fun round.
Bill’s driver started the round with a disappointing “outside-in” swing path. He worked on it and soon got the big stick under control.
Bill’s driver started out giving him problems – But he worked on it and got better each hole – By the time we reached the Ocean Holes he was smiling
Barry began the round like a tour player. He had a slump in the middle but roared back from it.
Slump over, Barry was smiling again – And looking very “professional”.
And me? Well, I muddled along, no birdies, lots of bogies, but more pars than doubles – then we arrived at hole 14 …
The 14th hole can be intimidating – Why? – Well, see how I played it below.
Barry and Bill on the 14th Tee – After my shot but before theirs – They were still smiling.
Here is how I played 14: I hit my tees shot long and left –over the cliff. I dropped a ball in the drop area – and still worried about the cliff I hit it safely into the bunker. From the bunker I still worried about going over the green – so I dug deep and barely got out onto the rough fringe. Chipping toward the pin but still worried about rolling off the back of the green – I was short, caught the hill, and rolled back onto the lower part of the green. A long putt up the hill, I wasn’t worried about rolling off the green – but I left it six feet short. I made the six footer, that felt good – however, I still had to write a seven on the score card.
The 14th hole ruined my score – but I was not about to let it ruin my round. We still had holes to play and pictures to take.
The Octopus plant continues to fade from it’s bloody glory – It’s still creepy though.
And this is probably my favorite shot on the course – I make everyone take it.
The lagoon in front of the 18th green swallowed a couple of our balls. So we celebrated our drives and putts instead. We gave the Golden Bear its due and walked off the course happy golfers – the way it should be.
Barry Bill and the Bear – I suspect they will meet again.
Come play golf with me.
The Kauai Lagoons Golf Club 800-634-6400 or http://www.KauaiLagoonsGolf.Com .
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