Studio City Sunday - Whitestt June 29th

The gardener looked like he was urinating
He's is so pissy

My brothers crashed with me last night so we could get out for another round. We had breakfast at one of my favorite spots in LA. It's a little diner called Sittons. Sittons is on Magnolia in North Hollywood. Great little spot. I've been going there forever. I like it more than Swingers or the 101, there's no Hollywood attitude or BS, its old school, calm and quiet. I had the pancakes. For the month of July they are offering 10% off to protest the ever rising gas prices. Magnolia and Tujunga - check em out. The sign out front says North Hollywood Diner. It goes off. We rolled from the diner to Whitsett (Weddington) for a little Par 3 action. I once saw John Lovitz at the range at Whitsett, I was hoping for a repeat, its always cool when my brothers have a celebrity run in while they are visiting. I played decent but had a bad tee shot on 1 and I had to drop on 7 after shanking hard to the left. Joey and David both had birdies. Joey won with a 2 over 29. Great weather, a little hot, I had to get an Ice Blended Mocha from Coffee Bean afterwards. Liquid crack, I love it. I think Casey and I are hitting Griffith Park tomorrow, Twilight rates.

David on 3. Down hill putt - drains the Bird

A series of Birdie misses:

From the shadows - Birdie attempt falls short

Joey tees it up

Joey - little tester for Par

Birthday Brothers - Scholl Canyon June 28th

Joey, Casper, and Dave
Dave breaks his Sand Wedge on the range

Hole 14 - I birdied

Saturday morning started with a 11:30 am wake up call from the family. My brother David and my parents rolled up to LA and David, Dad and I hit the links. We had a 12:44 tee time at Scholl and I was eager to get out and try for the win. As we walked into the pro shop to sign in, we were all surprised by the arrival of our brother Joey. Joey left Louisville, KY (2200 miles away) Thursday and some how made it to the course for our tee time. He called me Friday to say what up, and told me he was at work, when he was actually in Arizona. Totally unexpected it was his little secret. I was stoked to see him, but then realized I would definitly have my work cut out for me. Joey is always the best, but hes played longer and can drive the ball as well as any amatuer on the circuit. Homeboy is sickkkkk. He proved that a 40 hour car drive cant stop him from going off. He shot a 6 over 66, and I tied my Dad at 76 for the round. Scholl was tough as usual but the tees were playing way up, which was kind of a bummer. Dave hung in there but the sun and the lack of playing really got to him. After the golf round we went to the Dodger game, sat in the all you can eat section, and watched the Dodgers beat the Angels 1-0 with a no hits. Great weekend*

* Some idiot knocked my camera out of my hand Friday night. Camera is dead until further notice. Thanks to Joey for having his camera for the round. I will be borrowing. The videos below were shot by either Joey or David. I apologize if they give you a seizure, very shakey hands. (pun intended)

A rare miss for Joey

Dave off the tee, me in the cart following his drive. He crushed it

Pops with a rare shank. Not a happy camper, he would drop and save Bogey

Joey from the tee on 15. This hole caused havok for him, he would double.

My tee shot wasn't taped, but I ripped my hybrid 200 to the front of the green, chipped up and tapped in for birdie. woooo

Mountain climbing with Dave. Highest point on the course. I could almost see my house

Roosevelt - New Shorts New Score

Casey and I rolled up the canyon to play Roosevelt on a very fine and not too hot Monday afternoon. The course was practically wide open, there were a few slow groups but nothing to complain about. You will never hear me complaining when I'm out there. Golf is truly my addiction. I love it! Casey has also caught golf fever this summer. He showed up today with brand spankin new Nike Slingshot Irons. The sound amazing and he was striking them pretty well. Casey also baught a Callaway Big Bertha and drove 320 yds uphill on 4. The sickest shot of the day by far. I wore my new black Tiger Woods shorts, and straighten out my Sasquatch. Could it be the shorts? New look = new score, I shot the best I've ever shot at Rosy, a 5 over 38. I was very excited about that. I had 6 pars - finally. Casey had a breif meltdown on 8, par'd 9 to end at 44. Same score as 5 days ago, but he will lowering that quickly. Maybe if I wait another 5 to play there, I will par the course. 5 could be the magic #. Magic Monday. I had a great shot out of the bunker on 6 and was able to save par. My best shot of the day. I also drove 240 on hole 4 right in the middle of the fairway, but botched my approach and had to drop. That double on 4 shouldve been a birdie or par. Oh well, there's always tomorrow. Bill was the starter today, and Dennis was the Marshall. I normally see those guys down at Los Feliz, it was nice to shoot the breeze with some familiar faces

Hole 1 at Roosevelt. The fire damage is still present on the hill on top. The fire came so close.

Casey from the tee on 3

Casper on the tee at 3 - with some antics

Casey for birdie on 9

Casper for birdie on 9

Hansen Dam - Sun Valley - June 20th 2008

Sweatin like a dog. My face was so flushed, and I definitly drank a gallon of water


Summer Solstice may have just started 1 hour ago, but it has been disgustingly hot and miserable for the past 4 days. This morning I got up at 7am to take on Hansen Dam GC. I played with my friend Ryan, and 2 of his Yankees buddies. I was really stoked to get out and play 18 Friday, since I wont be able to get out this weekend. I may sneak in a Los Feliz round tomorrow. Hansen Dam is 1 of 2 LA public courses that I have not played, and I had never played with Ryan before. The course is located in Pacoima, but right on the edge of Sun Valley, just north of Burbank. In other words, its in the valley. The valley is hot and annoying, ugggh. I'm pretty sure that Hansen Dam is actually the gates of hell. It was blazing by 9am, at least 105 degrees out. There's hardly any shade, but I think that is what made it so fun. You literally lose your mind as the course and atmosphere absorbs your blood, sweat and tears. The course is a lot like Woodley Lakes, except a little more hilly. The fairways were wide open, I can definitly shoot low 80's there. The front 9 really got away from me. I couldnt get off the tee but did make a few chips and putts that were crucial to my runner up spot. I really shouldve got Ryan teeing off. Homeboy drives 300 yards on avg. He crushed it all day. I got the Sasquatch going on the back and was able to tie him for the round. The 9 strokes on the front were the thorn in my side. I would definitly play Hansen again, but not til the heat is gone. It was like playing on Mars. The valleys oven. Dude, it was too hot. I had a great time, I can't wait to get back out there. There were a family of Red Tail Hawks that live on the course, they flew around at us like little feathery devils. Did I mention it was hot. I drove thru the sprinklers on multiple occasions and even drenched myself before a layup on 12. Ed and Garret were really cool too, I hope to play with them again. Check out my new friend Tony.

Tony Hawk not having it.

Lob Wedge attack. 20 yds short = Bad Management, but on the green

Ryan Woods - Thru the Woods

PLUGGED

Wet and Wild in Hell

Franklin D. Roosevelt - Municipal

What a day. I hit Roosevelt this afternoon with Casey, and our newest member, Shintaro Suzuki. After knowing Shin for a year now, I finally got to play a round with him. We've been talking about it forever. His intense Asian mind tricks, and the ability to move the ball with his thoughts, fell short today. Roosevelt is located in Griffith Park, right across the street from the Greek Theatre, and just under the Observatory. Casey was rippin his 4 iron all day, and I actually had a few drives that I felt really good about. I was pullin my head up big time, and made crucial errors that eventually lead to demise. 8th Hole I had a total meltdown, triple bogey. What else is new though. Roosevelt is by far the best looking course in LA, I love it up there. On occasion I've seen coyotes in the fairways, and even deer. After my triple bogey on 8, we went into the 9th with Casey up 1 stroke (10 over) and Shin and I tied at 11 over. This is how it unfolded. Casey shanked left and was in a bush, but still chipped on. A par would've put the game away but he bogey'd. Shin came up short and had to putt from the fringe. He left himself with a 3ft putt for par. His par putt lipped out and he bogey'd. My shot was insane and went way left but managed to roll down to the front of the green. I chipped on and left myself with 1ft par putt. I made my putt to tie Casey for the round. Shin dropped out of the 3 way tie, which wouldve been pretty awesome. Casey 44, Casper 44, Shin 45. Shin is gonna be great addition to our crew. I better watch my back, I swear I saw a samurai sword in his white leather Ping bag.

Sweatin it out with the Golf Ninja

Shin from the Fairway on 4

Teeing off on 8. Aiming for the Observatory. Pushed it to the right, then got in trouble

Casey takes a swing at 8

Shin tees off at the Observatory

Range Rover - Scholl Canyon June 16th 2008

My intention today was to get out on the range at Scholl Canyon and straighten out the drive that was plaguing me all weekend. I would say I made about a 75% adjustment. Ill take it, I was still going right but not as bad. The range at Scholl rules cause its natural grass. It's not the mats like the other public ranges around Los Angeles. As I was tee-ing off I overheard a couple of older gentleman discussing Tiger's US Open win. They both wanted Rocco, I think driving ranges across America were packed with the same comments and opinions. You could feel it out there today. Being the addict that I am, I couldn't just walk off the range and neglect the course. I dove right in and got in on the Super Twilight rate $11 for 18 holes, $18 w/ cart. I walked the front 9 for the exercise, but it was 85 degress and super sunny. The back 9 is insane, so I got the cart for the back. I played alone, and it was really peaceful. I was on top of one the highest mountains in Glendale. Amazing views of downtown LA, Silver Lake, surrounding Glendale, and Burbank. It was smoggy, but that never gets me down. On a clear day you can see the Pacific, its such a sight to see. I love Scholl Canyon. I fell apart Phil style on 18, got into the front right bunker, and ended my round with a Quad. It's all good, I think I'm gonna take my brother David there for his b-day in 2 weeks, I wanted to get a better idea of what to strike on a few of these Par 4's. I was so close to shooting in the 60's, I'll take the 76, Par was 60.

My balls needed a little scubbin

Riding the wave to the heavens

Tee shot on 14 to the Island Green. If you miss it falls a mile down the hill

Green in one on 14, birdie chance fell short. Par on the island

PERFECT........BREAK, BREAK then it jumped the cup

Tiger forces Playoff, then Sudden Death

This US Open has been the absolute best tournament I've ever watched in my life. Rocco Mediate has played so solid, which is a must, when going to battle with the best player in the world. Right now Tiger is on the green in 2 with a birdie putt to win it all. Rocco is on in 3 after having to drop, after a shank to the grandstand. Tiger just came an inch short of the win. Tiger just tapped in for par. If Rocco misses this par, its over, and Tiger Woods will have won his 14th Major. Rocco has a 20 ft. Missed to the right. Heartbreak for Rocco. Congratulations Rocco, you played a helluva tournament.
Best thing I saw all tournament was when Rocco acted like he was gonna throw his ball up on the green instead of drop in the drop zone, very impressive and very funny.

Cant stop Tiger Woods, even with a broken knee. Never give up

TIGER FORCES PLAYOFF

After the round of his life yesterday, Tiger entered the 18th hole with one stroke off the lead. He needed an Eagle to win and a Birdie to force the playoff. As he approached 18 Woods and Westwood were both looking at Birdie. I predicted that one and only one player would make birdie, and my prediction was correct. Woods tied Rocco Mediate, and the 2 will play tomorrow for the US OPEN. I've never witnessed a playoff, looking forward to another 18.

Tribute to Sparky

Skimps hit me up the other day and wanted to be involved on the site. Skimps/Sparky needs to come back to Cali, get outta Brooklyn, lets hang out buddy. We all miss you

91 and Gettin it done - Brookside GC - Pasadena

The Bag fell off the cart, I had to walk back and get it.

Jason
Farley
Neal throwin Brookside gang signs
After the sand shot
The sand shot

Pointin out the bird
Took this little guy out with one of my wild drives. Sorry buddy *

The pregame golf party started last night up in Laurel Canyon at the Houdini Hills House. It was pretty insane to say the least, I partied like a rockstar, got 4 hours of sleep and then spent the next 6 hours on the sunny links of Brookside GC. Brookside is pretty sweet, par 70, and $64. Being as pricey as it was I was as focused as I could be. I had to have a good round. I played with Neal, Farley and Jason. ( All married ) This time around the single guy prevailed, I won by 7 strokes with a 91. I could've easily shot in the 80's, very coulda - woulda - shoulda type of round. Fresh off the tee I was on in 2 and left my birdie putt a quarter inch from the cup. Great start. My putting has been getting better, I'm missing by so little each time, confidence is rising. They will all start to drop this summer. I had a chip in birdie from 25 yds out on Hole 10! I had great starts on the first of each 9. The chip in was priceless, I got up and down(under) to go under par for the back 9. I couldn't get off the tee to save my life. I finally had 2 great drives on 17 and 18, very clutch, no meltdown for me. Neal was rocking his new SkyCaddie. Its a GPS system that tells you how far you drive and how far it is to the pin. Check out the video. I got home in time to see Tiger drain his eagle putt on 18 at Torrey Pines. The US Open has been really as great as advertised. Tiger is the man. One of the most magical rounds of his life.

Tryin to get off the tee. So sick of the slice

Farley drives

Jason tees off

Never leave home without it

* I didn't really kill the squirrel

This was the soundtrack to my success today

Los Feliz - FRIDAY THE 13TH

After watching the Open today I cruised out to Los Feliz for a little golf of my own. Today is the first day in over 2 decades that I'm equipped with two eyebrows. That's right, the reign of the UNI is gone. I was hoping that with 2 eyebrows I could improve my score, but as luck would have it, I shot a little worse. There were a slew of things that came into play, but I'm confident I will be knockin em dead at Brookside tomorrow. Casey joined me for the first round of the summer. He was a little rusty, I was a little shakey, but 6 beers in.........who cares. The round ruled, we played with a couple locals and I shot a 34. My new golf coozy made its first appearance today too. Love that thing. Tomorrow is gonna rule!!!

Casey grips and rips

Trying to close out the 9th. Turf'd out again. Damn it

Red Flag

I played yesterday at Los Feliz sans camera. Played with a father & son, and a guy named Nick. After draining a 15 ft birdie on Hole 2 and then driving Hole 3 and missing birdie by an inch, the 3 guys started to refer to me as "The Course Pro". I didnt let that distract me and I ended up shooting 31. 5 Bogeys, 3 Pars and 1 Birdie. The father and son both had their goddamn phones with them, and were very annoying. NO PHONES ON THE COURSE - RULE #1. I housed em, so it goes to show how much an effect a little celly service does. Los Feliz busted out new flags for the pins. I kinda miss the old yellow's. Keep you posted if they come back

Los Feliz - June 10th

I flew solo to Los Feliz today. I was getting ready to tee off and decided to join the group ahead of me. I played with Ben and Mark. Totally chill dudes, , glad we got to play. Ben hooked me up with some video footage, and I took as many photos as I could. I landed a 25ft birdie on 6. I hate Hole 6, its my nemesis. Check out the footage below. Ben and Mark also helped make the greens a little greener. Check out that joint, so killer.

Big Brown the Golfer

This was my birdie attempt on Hole 3. I've never had a ball avoid the hole and wrap around it. The weirdest shot of the week so far.

Finally got one to fall! Shot of the day

US OPEN - Torrey Pines

The US OPEN kicks off this week at Torrey Pines GC in San Diego, CA. Anyone that has a hook up, please let me know. I'll be on the next train.
The pairings were released today. #1 Woods, #2 Mickelson and #3 Scott will all be Teeing off together. This is gonna rule

Whitsett - June 8th - Sunday

Tom and I rolled out to the valley today to Whitsett Golf Course. It's now called Weddington but I will never call it. Weddington sounds like something the high school bully does to you on the playground. Anyways, I had to redeem myself from an embarassing stale mate of a game yesterday. In order to have a killer round, you need 1) Skills 2) Full night of sleep 3) beer 4) luck. I possesed 3 of 4 today. If I had a few beers I would've par'd that place. Mahoney had a slightly good round, he shot 4 strokes higher than his average. I see good things to come for him, he's really getting into the "swing" of things. With a little more practice my apprentice will rise. Magers didnt have the bird shit mobile this morning so we had to go without him. He was missed. Check him out this summer on the Warped Tour, he will be the guy workin on his short game behind the buses.

Pretty sweet drive - Green in Regulation

Back to back - Greens in Regulation

Failed to land the Bird. Take the par

Voyeuristic golf fantastic

9th hole for birdie.................... Take the par again, and that's all folks - 32 for the round

Saturdays are for Suckers

So we started the saturday at our local back yard, AKA, Los Fefe. We go off there. Well, that's what I thought. We sucked and I was on another plane, way to far from responsible amateur golf. The course was packed and we finally got thru 9. Thank god! If it wasnt for Brad's killer stache we may have been screwed. Google us, google us, google us

Verdugo Hills GC - June 4th 2008

Today is Wednesday, the start of the weekend for me. I woke up and immediatley headed to Dodger Stadium. Dodgers hosted the Colorado Cockies today. I hate the Rockies. Dodgers lost. Whatever, who cares this is a golf blog, but check the first photo out. Brad and I hit Verdugo after the game. Killer course, weird greens, weird distances, weird clientelle. All in all it was a weird day. He edged me out by .4 pts in the month of May. Today is first round for June. We tried to film every Birdie opt. Below is a lost of pics, and more importantly the videos. Today there were 3 chip-ins!!!! Lets recap:

Hole 1 - Brad Magers - Drives over the green into the flower bed behind the flag. According to local rules he gets a free drop. After the drop Birdie Brad CHIPS IN FOR BIRD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 20 yds MONEY.

Hole 7 - CasPAR - Overshot the green on 7, had a 14 yd chip to the stick. I get it up, it lands, it starts to break left towards the pin. Brad, "Come on, get there". It starts to break even harder. The ball gets to the edge of the cup, and rests for a split second. Out of nowhere the ball stops and then drips right into the cup for Birdie. Think Tiger at Amen Corner. One of the best shots of my life.

Hole 8 - CasPAR - My birdie chip went about 2ft, I then re-chip'd for par and chip'd in for par. Killer to go back to back

Here are the pics and Videos to follow