Although I am a pretty good golfer, but not great, a poor shot is always a bit of a downer. I was at a golf course earlier this year where the early morning starter is a complete egotistical moron. If you screw up on the first tee, it seems he feels it is his duty to chastise you properly in front of those playing in your group. He and I have had words before about this when he has done it to other golfers.

Anyway, I am golfing with 3 guys that I did not know since I was a walk on that morning. We are playing from the tips as decided by the other three players. First hole is about 430+ yards. I am up first and proceeded to top my tee shot which went about 20 yards coming to rest on the ladie's tee box. Knowing what I know, I tell the starter to hush himself before he has a chance to say anything. Now I know it was a bad first shot, and not normal for me, but no one else knows that. When I get to my ball, I take some good natured ribbing about playing from the ladies' tee, and I become known as "Pops" by my three companions. Low and behold I top my second shot for about another 30 yards. Now I am wondering what heck is going on, and my playing friends are beginning to figure I am old man who is going to be holding them up the rest of the round. Long story short. I triple bogey the first hole, and was 6 over after 4 holes. However, I was able to right my swing and finished up with +3 (75) playing at a -3 over the next 12 holes. GJS