First Hacker Story

Welcome to my brand new blog site. I searched the Internet to find information, tips and golf stories about the everyday golfer I like to call the "Hackers". I classified Hackers as anyone with a handicap of 10 or more. I like to meet golfers and discuss their scores, clubs and latest stories. I have learned that golfers and fisherman share one thing in common, the longer the period of time that has passed since the event, the bigger the story gets. It is amazing how a 20 foot putt with a two foot break in it becomes a thirty-five foot putt with a three foot break in it over time. I think we are all guilty of that kind of embellishment.

The one thing in common that all of us hackers have is it that one, two or maybe three shots or a putt during the round that meet our definition of the great shot or putt. These are the shots that keep us coming back every weekend hoping for more of the great shots.

My first golfer that I met with was a young man called CJ. CJ is a 12 handicap but after watching the young man play a round of golf I new if he played more often he could be a 2 or 3 handicapper. You can see CJ pictured at the driving range at Torry Pines in the pictures.
The following was our conversation:

He carries the following clubs. A 9.5 degree Taylor Made driver, a 13 degree titlest 3 wood, and titlist irons that range from 2 thru pitching wedge. Also a 56 degree Cleveland sand wedge along with a 60 degree Cleveland lob wedge for the tricky situations. (meaning its tricky to hit right consistently).

If I had a favorite club it would be my sand wedge. I always loved being able to hit the ball sky high and watch it land on the green with a little backspin. That is the closest shot I have to making me feel like a pro.

The toughest golf course I have ever played would have to be Torrey Pines. It was the longest, had the deepest rough, narrowest fairways and the fastest greens. Simply put, it was an ass kicker.

My favorite golf course I have ever played would also have to be Torrey Pines. I know I mentioned that it was an ass kicker, but my competitive nature loves a good challenge. Not to mention its a beautiful golf course and if you are gonna get your butt kicked by the course, you might as well have an awesome view of the ocean!

My best shot on my last round of golf would have been a 2 iron I hit from over 220 yards. I was just so happy that I hit it straight and high enough to land it on the green and stay on the green!
I am not sure that anyone who can hit a 2 iron 220 yards and hit a green can be called a "Hacker"

The worst shot I had on my last round would have to be a shanked sand wedge. There is nothing worse than hitting a decent drive in the short grass and getting all wound up because you are only a decent shot away from a birdie chance and then you shank it straight right into the bunker, deep rough, or various houses. Talk about blowing up! Now that is a "Hacker" shot!

If I could play any golf course that I have never played before it would be St. Andrews. Simply enough, there is so much history and culture there. It is much more than just a golf course, it is where it all began.

CJ offered the following comment:
The best change I made in the short 8 years I have been playing golf would be learning to appreciate this game for what it is and not lose my temper while on the golf course! We are weekend warriors, we do this not to submit our scorecards to the USGA, but because it is FUN! I noticed an immediate improvement in my ability to recover after a bad shot or a bad hole once I learned to forget about it. Sounds like very good advise.

CJ is a bartender at the T.G.I Friday's restuarant in the new Aliante Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. He said if you tell him that you read this blog about him the first beer was on him!

If you have any great hacker stories or tips for your fellow hackers, please use the comment section or my e-mail address at the top of my blog. I look forward to sharing your tips or stories with as many of my fellow "Hackers" as possible.