Today I knocked an item off my golf bucket list: Play a course you’ve attended a tournament at.
I’ve played lots of courses I’ve seen, but never a course I’ve watched the pros play in person.
Playing TPC Potomac was a treat, despite carding a rough 101. The last time I visited the course, I watched Tiger and Bronson Burgoon battle on Sunday, as Molinari charged past par behind them. This time, I got to take my own crack at its slopes.
I sensed trouble the moment I stepped onto the range. I couldn’t hit 50-yard wedge shots straight.
My game got slightly better from there, but not much. I missed 10 of 14 fairways and I could not get out of a bunker to save my life. Those two things collectively cost me a dozen strokes.
I also squandered a great drive on the short par-4 13th. Fifty yards away in one, on the fairway, and I carded a five, courtesy of two chips, each distinctly bad.
The rest of my game was actually fairly decent. I made two nice pars and birdied the #1 handicap, hitting a beautiful fading hybrid to about 10 feet and sinking the putt. I remember watching pros struggle with that hole, so I’m very satisfied with that three. I also hit some great irons.
The next time I can access a practice facility, all I need is a driver and a sand wedge.
Below is a photo of one of the very interesting par threes on the course.
And here’s a photo of Tiger walking down the 18th on Sunday from my last visit to TPC Potomac. Abbey-Road-esque, if I do say so myself.
Michael Golfs 