No disrespect to Scioto Country Club, or the USGA, or anybody at all in the whole wide world, but Mike Finster’s first words coming off the last hole today were: “I’m glad I don’t have to play this course two more days.” And he won’t. Unlike last year, Mike won’t play the weekend. Sophomore jinx got him, along with rough, rough, trees and tough greens. And a bit of wind.
Here’s a great example of how tough it was. Mike made several sandy pars–his sand game was great, combined with some timely putting. But this was a side hill lie, short sided, no green to work with.
This led to a double or a triple– don’t remember. Mike’s scorecard today was, uh, colorful:
Made 3 birdies on the front (which was his back-he started on 10 remember) and had this good look at eagle on 6 that barely missed.
Mike’s fans in the stands. We did the wave. Once. Frowned upon at USGA event.
Big thrill at the end. 9th green (Mike’s last hole) was abutting 1 tee and legend Vijay Singh was teeing off to start his round (Mike’s playing partner nearly killed someone in his large crowd with his shot into 9). Got to see big Veej hit his opening shot before Mike got up and down for par. But everybody watches when Vijay hits (he sliced into the trees).
At the end everybody hugged and shook hands and said “Whew. I need a beer.”
And so do I. See everybody next year.
My boy John . . . . Proudly patronizing his new employer.
