Sorry it's been so long since I updated this, but there has been a lot going on in the Cleveland household this summer. One of the things that have kept me busy has been getting medical diagnosis for some troubling problems I've been having for the past several months. The most troubling of these from a golf standpoint has been shoulder pain I've been having since the beginning of the year. I just got the results today and it is confirmed that I have a tear in the labrum that will require reconstructive laparoscopic surgery. That surgery is scheduled for two weeks from tomorrow, July 31st, which will effectively end my golfing season for 2008. I won't be able to swing a golf club at all for 3 months, and I won't get full use of the shoulder for at least 4 months. The Dr indicated that it would most likely be a full year before the shoulder will feel 'normal' again. So best to get this done now vs waiting until later. Speaking of which, I will undergo ankle surgery for a double fracture of the cartilege and re-attachment of the tendon in my left ankle sometime in October. The good news, if you can call it that, is that I won't have any physical excuses for my poor game next year.
That said, I've got 2 weeks to get some good golf in. Though I'm not playing this Thursday due to a job interview I'm going on, I fully expect to get a tee time for the 24th and hope to get all of you to come out and play. I'd like to get out on the 26th or 27th as well for 18 holes if anybody is interested. Just let me know.
Lack of rain, and a leak in the Wellshire dam are causing the course to not water the rough. The result of this is that though the fairways and greens are still in pretty good shape, the rest of the course looks absolutely horrid. Your best drive is one down the rough where the ball has nothing to stop it, it will roll like it was on cement. So pray for some rain, and a good soaking at that.
The Wellshire pro shop has a sale going on that beats the Wellshire Mens Club Discount (i.e. you don't get both). 40% off Mens clothing, 30% off all equipment, and even 20% off balls and gloves. It's a good time to stock up. TGW is also running some pretty good summer specials on discontinued items as well so check them out.
With my shoulder hurting I've had to adjust my swing to something less than full which has resulted in me being a bit more consistent in my game, in fact I've shot 97 at Wellshire the last 3 rounds. In the Wellshire Men's club skill competition I even hit 11 out of 14 fairways! My drives aren't going too long, but I'm still out at least 210 (it's hard to say since my Sky Caddie has been in the shop for the last 3 weeks). In any case it seems I'm working toward Bogey golf which would be the logical next step for me. Given that this winter will be spent mostly working on putting and getting my shoulder back, it gives me something to shoot for next year.
So shoot me an e-mail and let me know when we can get together before the 31st to hit some balls, and after that to at least lift up a beer or two (with my left arm of course).
