My Game Is Coming Back
Despite this being about the most crazy busy summer I can ever remember on a personal level; despite not playing as many rounds as I would have liked so far this year, I’ve gotten the handicap down to a two again. For several years played as a 1-2 (even got it to a .9), but the last year or two I’ve been in the 3.5-4.5 range. Thanks to some quality rounds and low scores I’ve improved it a bit.
Despite getting my handicap down to a very low level, I can still shoot high scores like anyone’s business. But when it all comes together and those low scores hit (like this year’s 69, 70 on tough courses) it is very fun and satisfying.
Biggest Improvement
My putting has gotten better, but the ball striking has really improved this year. Mid-summer I made some good adjustments and started hitting much better iron shots. I started to hit more greens in regulation.
Needs Work
Still, the short game is in need of some serious work. It can shine sometimes, but my short game is not close to consistent enough or dependable enough.
Mental Freedom
I think much of the progress is due to my mental state improving, as those things which had been mentally and emotionally weighing on me over the last few years have come to a relative conclusion. My mind has been able to get back on track and I don’t get frustrated quickly or “lose it” like I did last year or the year before. I know I have the physical ability to hit shots and make putts. Most of the issues were/are mental.
This case is complex, especially for the liberal crowd. A transgender woman named Lana Lawless is suing the LPGA for discrimination as they won’t allow her/him to play since she/he wasn’t “born” female.
The intended outcome of this suit is to force the LPGA and the LDA to change their unlawful practices or be precluded from operating within California and other states, such as New York, which prohibit discrimination based on sexual reassignment.
Former SWAT team member
Lana is a former SWAT team member and won a Re/Max ladies’ long drive contest back in 2008. Shortly after “Lawless” won the long drive win in 2008, the Re/Max LDA championship changed their rules to mirror the LPGA “born female” rule.
Lawless’ attorney’s statement
Lawless’ attorney (yes that is quite a pun) had this to say:
California’s civil rights laws prevent discrimination against all minorities, including transgender persons. The LPGA and LDA operate a number of high profile qualifying events and tournaments in California which are highly lucrative to their sponsors.
There are a handful of states which protect the civil rights of transgender persons. The intended outcome of this suit is to force the LPGA and the LDA to change their unlawful practices or be precluded from operating within California and other states, such as New York, which prohibit discrimination based on sexual reassignment. They will have to choose between continuing with their tournaments or their discrimination.
Lawless:
I have traveled a long road to get to where I am now, a place where I always belonged as a strong, proud, capable woman. I am, in all respects, legally, and physically female. The State of California recognizes me as such and the LPGA should not be permitted to come into California and blatantly violate my rights. I just want to have the same opportunity to play professional golf as any other woman.
So what is your take?
Despite the fact that this individual is “legally” female or maybe even legally blond, I don’t think it is fair for someone who was born male, has male muscle and body structure and strength, to compete against the women. It is an unfair advantage. That particular advantage however, doesn’t help someone make a knee knocker 3-foot putt.
Due to his schedule and the way the world golf ranking works, it is a FACT that Tiger Woods will drop from the #1 ranking in the world on October 31st.
In all likelihood Lee Westwood will become world #1 on 10/31.
Martin Kaymer (winner of the 2010 PGA Championship) could take the #1 spot though if he were to win the Andalucia Valderrama Masters.
I had the pleasure of meeting Neil Sagebiel this year at the Puerto Rico Open. I’ve always liked Neil’s writing and coverage on his Armchair Golf Blog. Neil is a mellow cat, who loves blogging about golf and does a fine job of it.
I thought Neil and I were brothers of some sort, and now it makes sense. His birthday is today and mine was three days ago.
Happy birthday Neil. Thanks for being a pal and for giving us some great golf content!