It wouldn't be a Sunday morning for me if I wasn't hunting ghosts. Playing Designed by Dirtbags with
lessangster and
Celtic Wolf.
Since I'm not streaming, I'll update this post with any highlights (or lowlights) from the round in this post.
For starters, if you've never played these events with ghosts while keeping the scores secret, I strongly recommend it. They are undoubtedly my favorite rounds to play on TGC (always great courses and always great competition).
It was a ho-hum round until hole 5 where π¦ made a bogey, Les had the first fireworks on the green for the group and Pat uncharacteristically missed a putt.
Pat -3
Les -3
π¦ -2
A quick cut in on 6 to say PAT IS ON FIRE. -5 through 6 after an eagle from 4 feet.
Pat -5
Les -4
π¦ -2
Heading in for a drink at the turn. The hole after the last report saw Pat giving one right back (which he later made up for on 9 with a fantastic putt). A few missed putts by Les is keeping him out of the lead and π¦ is paddling hard just to keep his head above water..
Pat -5
Les -4
π¦ -3
Have you ever heard of playing ugly but still scoring? That's what happened here on 13 by all 3 guys. 3 very, very ugly birdies.
Pat -7
Les -6
π¦ -5
This round showed Pat on fire by putting multiple approach shots to tap in range, Les being very un-Les, and π¦'s score not reflecting all of the hard work (and luck) just to get that number
As the 3 sat at the bar having a quick cocktail before heading out again, Pat was overheard saying "This will be fun watching you guys battle this out for second". No arguments made there as he has a 4 stroke lead heading into the final 18.
Pat -11
Les -7
π¦ -7
My oh my. A front moved through during the break as the winds have ramped up and helped dry out and bake the course. The look on Pat's face was priceless as he realized that the course conditions he had just dominated on now had completely changed. Les crushed his can and said "Buckle up, lads. This thing is not over yet".
While π¦ and Les were smirking at one another, Pat was taking a look over his birdie putt from another area code. π¦ and Les were sitting inside of 10 feet while Pat was down the hill about 50 feet away.
Pat was smirking as he was reaching in the cup to pull out his ball and stated "Mark it 3".
Pat -12
π¦ -8
Les -7
Starting to get some serious separation after 6. π¦ has fallen apart, Pat continues his strong play, and Les has kicked it into gear but will it be enough?
Pat -16
Les -11
π¦ -9
They are going to have to rename this place Fort O'Dell. The guy is dominating. It's really fun to watch to be honest.
Grabbing another cocktail at the turn and we're off for the final leg.
Pat -17
Les -11
π¦ -9
Les almost put it in on his 2nd shot on 14 but the pins didn't let him in. It's all but I've for the competition between these 3 and now all that's left is them to jockey for their own position on the overall leaderboard.
Pat -19
Les -14
π¦ -8
Oh. My. Goodness. Madness on the 17th where π¦ found the water, Pat was well acquainted with the hill, and Les somehow chipped it in from what looked impossible.
Pat -17
Les -15
π¦ -7
You can't make this stuff up: on 18, Pat chipped in for birdie from the long stuff, Les makes a birdie putt from downtown, and π¦ misses a birdie from 6 feet. Somedays you get the bear, some days the bear gets you.
F
Pat -18
Les -16
π¦ -6
We caught up with π¦ as he was walking off 18:
Reporter: "Tough day out there for you as you really grinded in the first round but just couldn't get it going tonight 2. What are your thoughts on the round?"
π¦: "Well I know my score doesn't show it but I really loved the course and the set up. It was punishing but it was still a lot of fun. As you can see I'm still smiling. Tip of the cap to Pat and Les for rounds well played and best of luck to them as things shake out overall. Now I'm off to the bar and think about what I can do better for the next rounds I play. Thank you."