Tale of Two Four-Balls

Things are heating up at the MGA. We're in full swing in every department which obviously includes our championship department. Fortunately the weather has begun to cooperate at times. This was not the case early on in the spring during Mass Open qualifying, U.S. Open qualifying, Member Day events and, of course, the Four-Ball.

We moved the Four-Ball to the second week in May this year, a week later than traditional. As soon as that first Monday-Tuesday in May was sunny and 70+ degrees, I had a bad feeling about the next week. The long range forecast was good, but I've been around long enough not to worry about the weather until a couple of days before a tournament. Sure enough and true to form, the weather at Hatherly and Cohasset was just brutal - cold, windy and healthy doses of rain scattered in.

Despite the miserable weather there was still some very good golf played with Hernie Aikens and Ryan Riley winning another title in a play-off when Herbie drained a tricky 12 footer.

Last week at Willowbend and The Golf Club of Cape Cod and Willowbend, the seniors had it a little nicer. The temperatures were well into the 80's and it actually felt (gasp) HOT out there. A little too hot too soon, but we were not complaining. There were several players who'd played in the regular Four-Ball and they were quick to point out the horrible weather from a month earlier. Like we needed reminding. Hats off to Kevin Carey and Ray Richard for a great win.

I hope that everyone is out playing a little more regularly now. Can't say that's the case with me, but that's par for the course this time of year. It's U.S. Open week, though. I've got XM radio in my car, the Golf Channel 'Live from the U.S. Open' on the tube at night and looking forward to the first round tomorrow. Enjoy the toughest test in golf this week!