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Putting is Effing Hard

4 Nov

I have played five games so far with my new set of Honma Beres NX irons. And I love them! My ball striking has been effortless, and the ball trajectory has been very high and far. I am getting better distances and control. The irons complement my current driver, woods, and hybrid clubs, and I should be playing better.

All my equipment is excellent—except for two things: one being the persistent cough that slows me down and leaves me breathless. And two, being my putting. It sucks! I switched to my TaylorMade Spider Mini not too long ago, after some disastrous putting with the Scotty. And you know what? Bad decision to switch!

In the last two games with the Mini, I did 37 putts each time! Thirty seven-effing putts. Man, that’s like six to seven additional strokes unnecessarily. The second-to-last round was the last straw, where I had three three-putts and two four-putts! I couldn’t get over this. Just two days earlier, I had three putts on five holes. Argh!

When I got home, the first thing I did was remove the TaylorMade Spider Mini and put back my Scotty Cameron in the bag. And sure enough, the last game back with the Scotty, I fared better. My next game is coming up on Thursday; let’s hope the improvement trend continues.

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We Loved Kyoto and Osaka

28 Oct

It has been two weeks since our return from Japan, and I have not wrapped up the story of our adventure! Two days after returning, I developed a cough, just as I had in April when I returned from Zhangjiajie. From that moment on, the will to do anything, much less writing or thinking, was not there. I just needed to rest and recover. It is alarming and cumbersome to fall ill each time upon return after a wonderful holiday.

Sights of the last two days in Osaka
Okonomiyaki lunch

Looking back, we loved Kyoto more than Osaka, as it felt more laid back and relaxed. There was no hurry in the world, and we both learned to appreciate the surroundings with a leisurely pace. Although Osaka felt more crowded than Kyoto, we managed and did enjoy the last two days before flying home. Both cities had very different vibes from Tokyo.

The highlight from the last two days in Osaka was my purchase of seven brand new Honma Beres NX irons from the golf pro shop! It was a steal of a purchase as the offer coincided with the Osaka Expo 2025. Changing my irons had been on my wishlist, and I’m thrilled that I was able to fulfill this on this trip.

My new irons, Honma Beres NX. Love ‘em!!!

So Kyoto and Osaka are a wrap for us! We enjoyed ourselves tremendously. Don’t be surprised if plans are in the pipeline for another trip to Japan next year! Why not? The country is so vast, and there are still so many cities to explore.

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Hello Osaka! Part 2

21 Oct

Day Six in Osaka continued with some planning. We inadvertently hopped onto an Elegant Saloon 8000 series train, and clearly, the train felt a class above the normal ones we have been taking. There were two levels of sitting, but as our train rides are typically short, and this ride was not any different, we just stood.

The Elegant Saloon 8000 series train

We decided to see the Osaka Castle, and the sky was a tad overcast. As we walked towards the Castle, I felt the slightest raindrops. Uh oh. Luckily, we had our umbrellas! We did our dues, spent some time there to take some pictures, but with the overcast, the colors are not very impressive, although the Castle is.

Osaka Castle

A quick lunch, and we moved to our next point of attraction: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan! It was the best decision to do this, for us at least. I was in awe of the massive whale shark. The pictures are an injustice to its sheer size and beauty. The other aquatic attractions were equally impressive, for lack of a better word. We spent a fair bit of time at the aquarium, oohing and aahing over the exhibits.

By the time we left the aquarium, we were drained and had KFC for dinner! Hahaha. Too tired to figure out what we should eat. It’s okay, as the flavor was different and just as appetizing. We headed back to the hotel, happy and contented, and looked forward to a good soak in the tub again, and be ready for Day Seven.

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Escapade Again

26 Aug

Over the weekend, hubby and I did an impromptu golf escapade again! It was one of those impulsive decisions that a getaway is a solution to rejuvenate the body and mind. Hence, a golf trip out of town. We decided to do a Stay & Play at Damai Laut Golf & Country Club.

At the signature Par 4 near the beachside
Damai Laut

The drive to the country club was leisurely paced. We took the new WCE Highway and arrived just in time for a simple lunch at the clubhouse before teeing off. There was hardly anybody there. We literally had the golf course to ourselves, save for the troops of monkeys on several holes. Being a resort course and allowing the buggy to be on-course, we completed our 18 holes in three and a half hours! Nice.

Enjoying the sunset at the adjacent resort, DoubleTree by Hilton

Our studio unit was spacious and included a well-equipped kitchenette. We even had Netflix, unlike some hotels with limited TV channel choices. For meals, we weren’t fussy and enjoyed simple local fare at the golfer’s terrace.

We ate Nasi Lemak, Pattaya fried rice, fried kueh teow and Roti Canai

During the two nights we were there, it rained late into the night, but we stayed indoors. The Netflix choices were very gripping! During our second game on Saturday morning, we discovered some fallen trees on the golf course. We had to drive around the mess to move forward. Other than this, the course was not affected by the heavy rain, and we were still able to drive the buggy on the fairways.

The two games were very fun as we battled hole by hole. Who won? Heheh, that’s our little secret! The escapade ended all too soon, and I can’t wait to have another impulsive trip soon.

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Reviving an Old Project

29 Jul

Two months ago, the weather was unbearably hot, and I reduced my outdoor activities, meaning my golf games. Being home, I decided to revive an old and forgotten carving project, rather than spending my time constantly on my iPad playing games. I was playing too much!

It felt good to carve again, as it had been ages since I last used all my carving tools. The piece is not new, but a second take on my Three-Gnomes piece. Slowly but surely, I will complete the piece and not leave it sitting there forgotten.

Reviving this project!

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Timely Change

8 Jul

Recently, I made some changes to the clubs in my golf bag. After that horrible sticky phlegm health issue that took forever to recover from, I lost distance with my driver and woods. And golf was not fun and very trying.

I decided to fix my problems with a few changes. I replaced my XXIO MP900 12.5-degree L-flex driver with an XXIO Prime 10.5-degree R-flex driver. Then I removed both the MP900 3-wood and 5-wood and replaced them with my old Cleveland Launcher woods.

After several games, I’m pleased to say the changes have worked out well. I am gaining 30 to 50 meters more, especially with the driver! Second and third shots become easier with more choices when the distance gained is so much.

Slowly but surely, I feel my game is coming back! Yay. I am very pleased, as it is a confidence booster ahead of the upcoming Interclub golf trip that I will be going with my club to Johor and Singapore. I hope the weather will be kind when the entourage makes its way down south. We leave this Friday.

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Being Serious About Pickleball

24 Jun

It has been eight months since we started playing pickleball. And I must say we enjoy it very much. It is because we can see ourselves improving with each outing every week. Unlike golf, the more I play of late, the more fatigued and frustrated I become with my golfing ability. And sometimes, unfavorable weather, too hot or wet, makes the golf outing not as enjoyable.

Now pickleball is very interesting. We have a little group where everyone started together eight months ago. And everyone has improved together, so it’s much more enjoyable because everyone’s ability is equal. During the weekly two-hour session, we rotate playing partners constantly after each round.

The best part of our weekly pickleball sessions is the place where we play. After several venues that we have tried, mostly outdoors but covered, we found a comfortable indoor air-conditioned pickleball center, and we have been going to this venue ever since. It’s the perfect venue, especially when it rains, as we are safely indoors and can continue playing without interruption.

And, after four months into the game playing with an entry-level paddle purchased online, hubby and I decided to upgrade and invest in better paddles. He chose the Australian brand Six Zero Black Diamond, while I selected the American Neonic Flare Prime [X]. His choice is more for power, and my choice is because it looked so cute on display, being 14mm! Hahahaha.

Seriously, my paddle is very lightweight, but the spin is deadly. I love my paddle, and my game has also improved by leaps and bounds. Yes, we are being serious about pickleball, hence these purchases.

I love my Neonic pickle paddle!

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Annual Championship 2025

17 Jun

Over the weekend, my golf club held the 2025 Annual Championship for the Ladies, Senior, and Super Senior categories. It was a mixed-feeling experience. The Ladies and Super Senior categories teed off in the morning on Saturday, while the Senior category had their round in the afternoon. The Men category will commence this coming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

All was good but hot! I played fairly decently and did not blow up any holes – no double-digit scores for the strokeplay event. Putting was good with the Scotty for 31 putts.

The next day, the categories swapped tee-off times, and the Senior category played in the morning. The other two, in the afternoon. And boy, oh boy, was it hot!

Despite the heat, I played much better on the second day. After we completed the back nine holes and crossed over, the weather changed and was cooler. However, don’t be deceived by the drop in the temperature!

As we approached the 4th hole and were about to tee off, an unexpected sudden lightning flashed! It was too close for comfort. We headed to the halfway hut nearby to take shelter, along with other players from within the few holes. But soon, everyone returned to the clubhouse immediately for safety. The rain came down fast and furious, and the siren came on.

The golf course was pelted and looked flooded, and the strong wind blew the sponsor’s drink tent onto the green at Hole 9! I have never seen an incident like this before.

Everyone had to wait out at the clubhouse until the weather improved. However, after some time, the Tournament Director and the Committee decided to abandon the second day of the 2025 Annual Championship tournament due to the weather, and scores from Day One for the Ladies and Super Senior would stand as the final results. While some players were unhappy, I was okay with the decision. The weather got too hot for me. The Senior category was not affected by the weather.

Looking back, my score from Day One compared to my past years’ participation was an improvement. And while I could have played well on the second day, I’m happy with my overall performance. It is over now, and I look forward to taking a break from golf.

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It’s a Long Tail

23 May

I thought I was at the tail end of my illness, but nope, it has persisted. I have been feeling so sapped, it’s very tiring, physically and mentally. There has been no will to write or do anything, hence a delayed post this week. This darn virus is so persistent!

But today–after my third visit to the doctor–there’s a breakthrough! I’m feeling slightly better, and what better way to move forward than to begin DIY project number 33! Yay.

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Back to Golf!

6 May

It’s been a month since I last played golf! That’s a long layoff in my books. The trip to China took nine days; upon my return, I fell sick. And it’s taking a long time to recover from this bout of illness. It’s a potent germ from China. The plus side is that I lost some weight, which is nice because it’s so hard to shed a pound or two these days.

Exactly a month on, I played my first game today. How did I fare? There was some rustiness in swinging the clubs. The short game was horrid, but my putting was good, thanks to the ever-reliable Scotty Cameron putter.

All in all, it was a decent return. The tee-offs were respectable and even spectacular at times. But this could be the fairways being so hard, and the ball was able to roll some additional distance. The three- and five-woods were striking well, but it was the short irons that I had trouble.

Such is usually the case with a month’s layoff. All muscle memories are gone when gauging strength and distance. So I shouldn’t stress over this issue. I need to play more to get back my golf mojo, then I will be fine.

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