From the Producer Blog

Today I played the International in Bolton, Massachusetts. A 36-hole private facility that offers the Pines, the longest golf course in the world and the Tom Fazio designed Oaks. I played the Oaks. I always love going back to the Oaks for a round of golf. Is it because it is fantastic layout, sure. Have I seen great tournament golf played there, absolutely. In 2004, I saw a journey man mini-tour player named Sean O’Hair, three-putt 16 to lose the lead and the New England Open. One year later, he was the rookie of the year on the PGA Tour. It’s a great place.

So, why do I like it most? Because it is a golf ball farm. That’s right, if you venture into the woods, only five feet or so from the path, Pro-V1’s appear before you as though it is some sort of golf ball patch. 90% are Pro-V1’s. Most are spot less. Which leads me to believe that the membership and its’ guests are a) sprayers of the golf ball b) enjoy the finest golf balls and c) could careless about looking for them in the woods. Actually found one on a tee box with no idea from what hole it would come from, because it was impossible to get it there. Then again this could’ve been a fantastic prank played by the group in front of us, but it sure was an expensive one if it was. Don’t get me wrong, I do not fish for golf balls and I can be accused of letting balls lie in the woods, but if you venture into the woods in Bolton, Massachusetts you will find your just rewards.

I recently played in a media tournament with a best ball format. Now everyone who has played golf must’ve heard the term “Hollywood handicap”, correct? Usually it means someone who maintains a lower handicap when they actually have a slightly higher handicap. That is common in many private clubs, where members try to play in certain groups. This is of course the opposite of the guys who play five days a week and cannot seem to get below a 22 handicap and always go off as the favorite in any inter-club para mutuels.

I played with a guy who should have The Hollywood Hills sign in his front yard. He claimed to be a 10 handicap, making him the second lowest in our foursome, while in actuality he was a 25. The first three holes gave me clear indication that this near single digit player probably has never broken 95 in his life. Could not understand it. Forget about the fact that because he was claiming to be something he clearly wasn’t, he single-handedly sank any chances of our group competing because of his Hollywood Handicap. When I mentioned to his cart mate that his handicap was ridiculous and that I would gladly play him for all of my 401k money, his partner who brought him said “I’ve never seen him break 100″. I was miffed.

His partner must’ve mentioned our conversation because little was said over the remaining 12 holes. Instead he did what all good 10 handicappers do, he would rake the bunker behind his ball BEFORE hitting the ball or when in a hazard ground his club and slash away any wetlands that surrounded his lie. Now what do you suppose the Hollywood Handicapper’s line of work is? He is a freelance golf writer. Not kidding, but one good thing that came out of it is that when I have a terrible round, it is remembered by using Hollywood’s real name. I had a real ” insert name here” today.

Bottom line, you are what you are. If you are a 20, so what you are 20 just have fun and play ready golf, no one really cares. You can check out my handicap on-line at ghin.com and also track others who play except for Hollywood’s, his isn’t listed.