I headed off to Hunters Creek in Kissimmee last week. The course I played was rated in the top 75 in the country and was in one of the fancier places for the area. Forest Lake played almost 7300 yards from the tips and was rated at 75.1. For those who may not understand all the golf lingo, that means its extremely long and hard.
I left on Monday in the morning to get down there and play the course so I could learn it. I had to drive right by the entrance to Sea World and Disney World, through the Wide World of Sports, and it seemed like it took an hour just to go 10 miles. I got to the course only to be greeted by another batch of fancy vehicles and people waiting in the parking lot to offer you a warm rag to freshen up after your ride. Some of my friends on the tour were staying at the Ritz Carlton. It was pretty much on the course we were playing. That's a big hotel!
I walked into the pro shop to see if I could play and the man said there was a tournament going on for kids 12 and under. So I just putted and got a scorecard to scout out what part of the course I could. I left Hunters Creek and went off to find a hotel for the night.
I ended up staying at a Super 8 by the interstate. To make a long story short, they didn't even give you complimentary soap, but it was cheap, so I guess that's all that matters. I ended up riding around town to find a Denny's and to kill some time. I found a thirty-six hole "Championship" putt-putt course in Orlando. Oh yeah!
Well, I have decided that the person that designed the putt-putt course had ADHD REAL BAD! I shot 22 over par on the first eighteen, and 14 over on the second eighteen. I overheard some little two year old's dad saying his son shot 11 over par. I, a professional golfer, lost to a two year old! However, just ask Brittany, I am terrible at putt-putt.
So, after two horrific rounds of putt-putt, I headed back to the hotel.
The next morning, I left my "awesome" hotel and went to start my morning off right, at Denny's.
My tee time was at 10:52. There was only one problem, I think it was negative 30 and the wind was must have been blowing at least 120+ Mph. It was cold and miserable. I was wearing long johns, khakis, a thick shirt, a thick jacket, and a head hoody. I was so cold. Thank goodness for hot-hands and gloves. I looked like the little boy on The Christmas Story, "I can't put my arms down!"
I was called to the box, and teed off. I hit a very long, straight drive, about 295 right down the middle. It seemed as if every hole the wind was blowing in our faces making the holes play extremely long. With over 600 yard par 5's, 400+ par 4's, and 200+ par 3's, it was going to be a day of chipping and putting.
It was a rough round, mainly because of the weather, but we all had to play in the same conditions. I shot an 80 and came in tied for 8th out of 48. The winner shot 74, second was 76, and two guys tied for 6th with a 79. I missed placing by a stroke again.
I felt very good about my round although the score doesn't show. I learned how to keep the ball low under the wind very quick. I am learning so much every time I play. I am so glad that right now I have the opportunity to play and not worry about much beside just playing golf.
My parents sponsored me again last week and I am very thankful that for now they can help me out. Like I said in the last blog, golf is so expensive.
Next week on Monday the 26th, I will be playing at Kissimmee Oaks at Kissimmee and then Bridgewater near Tampa on the 27th. Depending financially, I may stay and play Wednesday at Forest Lake in Ocoee. I will be leaving on Sunday to "hopefully" play one of the courses and get a hotel.
I hope you all will continue to stay up to date with me. I really appreciate all the many emails, text, and phone calls of support. It helps a lot knowing that I have such a good group of people backing me. I'll do my best to not let you down!
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Thanks Again!
Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson for the piles of advice on the phone!
Glen Bishop
"Golf is not, and never will be, a fair game" - Jack Nicklaus
