2018 Valspar Championship Reflections

Tiger Woods
Valspar Championship Round 2
March 9, 2018

Jordan Spieth
Valspar Championship Round 2
March 9, 2018

It is hard to believe that is has already been a week since I attended the second round of the  2018 Valspar Championship. 

It was my first PGA Tournament in person and Jeremy was very patient with me as I tased a lot of questions as we walked the course.

What a day it turned out to be. It was fun to walk the course and watch the pros play golf. I was impressed and amazed with the access. I was also happy that i was never near anyone who yelled "It's in the hole" as soon as the club connected with the ball.

It was fortuitous that Tiger Woods was in a threesome with Jordan Spieth and Henrik Stenson on that day. I really like watching Jordan and Jeremy is a huge Tiger fan. 

Tiger Woods
Valspar Championship Round 2
March 9, 2018

I took a lot of images of the activities, but I also videoed some of the hits and putts. 

The day was cool and so it was not a tedious and hot walk like it will be as the season wears on. I actually enjoyed the sun and the crowd, which was very well behaved. 

I love seeing the course and how it was prepared for the pros. The sound of their clubs hitting the ball was different form any sound that my club has ever made.

All-in-all it was a great event. I wish I had time to do more of the rounds. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Golf Course Critters

Florida in March provides med a chance to get back into touch with the critters that inhabit golf courses. 

Some of them are downright dangerous--like the gators. Some are just enjoyable to watch like the birds, especially the sand cranes (which I failed ot take a picture of this year even though they were everywhere). I love the way they scream like I imagine a pterodactyl would sound.

It is a different experience though walking to the waters edge and having to check for gators. I have a rule about never putting my hand in the water just in case I missed one lurking just off shore. Yes, they are big, but they are stealthy. 

Stealthy Gator
Jim Schaecher took this image

The wildlife on the golf course reminds me that it is possible to be in harmony with nature. Respect the diversity and live together.

There is do much more to do on a golf course than hit the little white ball around.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Start to Finish

Saturday did not disappoint!

Timbers at Troy
Looking along the Practice Putting Green and the
First Hole covered with Frost
January 27, 2018

The day started cold, temperatures in the mid-20's, but ended admirably although I lost my Fitbit somewhere in the process.

It is a good day when I start it on a golf course. Even the cold temperatures could not cool our enthusiasm as Jeremy and I headed out to play 18 holes. Fortunately, there was a frost delay, which meant the temperature warmed up above freezing before we hit the course. As it turned out, we were able to play as a two-some and completed 18 holes in three hours! And we played very acceptably for the first 18-hole outing of the year. The morning started in the 20's but it was in the 50's by the time we finished. Because of our great pace of play, we were never cold.

But that was not all.

The day developed into a beautiful harbinger of Spring day. We may have touched 60 on the thermometer as the day progressed. That meant that Radio Flyer got to spin its propellers and I continue to learn more about the many functions of my powerful drone. I tried out the hand launch mode, but I had forgotten a critical step and so I learned about the following mode instead. 

Finally, the evening was capped off by a Bull Roast to support a local youth baseball team in their bid to play in a summertime tournament at Cooperstown, NY. It was a fun evening and I was amazed at how many ways people have invented to separate me from my money--even after the cost of the ticket for the food.

What a busy great day!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Shutdown is Ended

What did I do during the great government Shutdown of 2018?

I went to work to receive my furlough notice and after ensuring that furlough plans were in place I departed for the remainder of the day. 

Tee-shot on Par 3, 6th
Carroll Park, Baltimore
January 22, 2018

Upon arriving home I watched CNN for news that the Congress and the President would come to an agreement and then took a look at the weather and decided to go golfing. While our elected leaders were wrestling with the important issues confronting them, I was not going anything productive by just watching the TV hanging on every word being uttered by the talking heads.

I had planned nothing else for the day, so it was a good day to head out for my first time of 2018. Even though the course was brown with the dormant grasses of winter, I was rewarded for my effort with a really good nine hole round which saw three pars and a missed a birdie by inches. Yes I also had two double bogies. But, all-in-all, for the first outing of the season I was really happy. 

In the end, the Congress found a compromise and the President signed yet another extension and I am back to my regular workweek today. I only hope that we do not have to do it all over again in three weeks. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

It was a Gray and Overcast Day . . .

Patuxent Greens Hole 4
October 14, 2017

Almost as compelling as the line, "It was a dark and stormy night . . . " the thought "It was a gray and overcast day . . ." clearly is the opening phrase to a more significant and possibly interesting beginning to a book or a chapter.

Some ideas come to mind, like:

It was a gray and overcast day as we pushed away from the quay and headed off into the angry sea. 

Woodchuck Unfazed by My Presence

Or:

It was a gray and overcast day as I stepped outside and headed to my car to begin my daily trek to work navigating the traffic-jammed roads and highways of the Capitol Beltway region of Washington D.C. and Baltimore.

In reality, the sentence is:

It was a gray and overcast day as I stepped onto the tee-box,  looking downrange at the green fairway deciding where I wanted my first drive of the day to land and with a mighty swing of my driver the round began.

It was a great day in the it was cool, but not so cool that I had to wear a coat. And it was easy to follow the flight of the ball against the overcast sky.

I happened upon a woodchuck on the 14th hole. I was amazed how it ignored my presence. I drove within a few feet of it to take its picture. 

The day actually got better with the sun making an appearance during the afternoon. The lawns were mowed and the leaves removed. 

It was a gray an overcast day, but despite the gloom it was a great day filled with a multitude of activities and as darkness fell I was happy with all that had been accomplished.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday in Style

A Hole on The Blue Mash
October 7, 2017

Saturdays are definitely a day to enjoy. I look forward to a multitude of activities on Saturdays and yesterday was no exception.

Heron Hunting on The Blue Mash

The day began, as should every Saturday, on a golf course. We played The Blue Mash in Montgomery County, it was a course I had never played before and it was tough. But, it was a lot of fun even though I was unhappy with my score. The greens were really tough.

I did enjoy watching the wildlife along the course.

The afternoon saw Chris and I along with Finn, the Yorkie, head off to a harvest festival in the area. We had a great time and Finn was the hit of the festival. Everyone who saw him wanted to touch him. 

Finn with a Much Larger Friend

Finn was even a hit with the other dogs. One dog, in particular, took an interest in him and they played together for a few minutes in the grass. Finn was no worse for the wear, however, he was a slobbery mess when we finally had to say good-bye.

It was, overall, a beautiful day. The weather was idyllic and I enjoyed the early autumn day that reminded me of the summer days so recently past.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Top Golf Night

Nicole with a Club

Mike Showing His Form

Golf at night! What a great idea.

Last evening we headed off to Top Golf in Alexandria, Virginia, for a birthday celebration.

What a great idea--dinner, golf, and celebration.

The drive was a bit long as we navigated Friday night rush hour traffic. But it was worth the drive. 

We experienced an enjoyable evening full of golf and food and fun even if the computer scoring system was not functioning for much of the time. What could be better than hitting golf balls into targets buoyed by unlimited food and drink?

Thanks to Nicole and Mike for the unique celebration. It was a blast!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Scenes of the Day

From the Club House
Patuxent Greens
September 16, 2017

The weather yesterday was spectacular. The high temperature made it into the 80's and the humidity was low.

1st Tee
Patuxent Greens
September 16, 2017

I was able to begin the day on a local golf course and enjoy the sunrise. There were some spectacular scenes as the day arrived. I enjoyed the mist over the course as was preparing to head off to the first tee.


I love playing golf in the morning as the sun rises. I especially enjoy watching the mist rise off the land to reveal the beginning of the day. Admittedly, it can be some difficult golf because the greens are wet an slow. I did have a few three putts while playing the front nine which was frustrating. I made up for it by playing my best nine holes of golf ever on the back nine as the course dried and had no three putts along the way.

Heron at the Golf Course

But, the day was not entirely spent  on the golf course. 

I began work to, sadly, close the pool. It is time. Summer has escaped and the pool is just not going to be used again this season. While the temperatures today might support swimming, the falling leaves from the trees and the cold water temperature remind me that it is time to say good-bye to summer and welcome autumn.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

After the Storms--The Weekend

Fallen Limb

I was able to get into the yard yesterday afternoon and clean up after the rain and wind storms of last week.

Clearly, these storms were not of hurricane proportions, however, I was shocked at the size of the branches which fell into the yard. It seemed like a small tree had fallen and was deeply imbedded into the yard. The wood is well seasoned and will burn very nicely in our fire pit. 

I also made a run to the landfill to recycle more of the clippings from two weeks . 

Timbers at Troy
Hole 2 Tees
September 9, 2017

Somewhere in there I also discovered that our washer has again broken. This time is it a mechanical problem related to the bearings. New bearings are on order and I am hopeful of getting the washer fixed before next weekend.

I did manage 18 holes of golf. More precisely, the golf course managed me. It was not one of my better outings. But as I say, a bad day on the golf course is better than a good day in the office!

And that was only Saturday, I wonder what today will bring?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Troy Whittemore Golf Classic 2017

Troy on the Course
Undated photo

The Beautiful Day and the Course
Trumansburg Golf Club
August 12, 2017

It is amazing how quickly the years seem to pass. The now Fourth Annual Troy Whittemore Golf Classic was played on Saturday at the Trumansburg Golf Club in Trumansburg, New York. The tournament raises money to support the scholarship fund established in Troy's memory. 

Despite the weather forecast which called for potential thunderstorms as the day went on, the weather was almost idyllic! The temperature was fabulous and the storms never materialized. 

About 18 teams participated this year. While that is not good for the scholarship fund, it made the pace of play very enjoyable. 

Carts at the Ready

The sponsors and the course did a great job of readying everything. And the hard working volunteers made the day a huge success. As always, the staff at the Trumansburg Golf Club were fantastic in getting everything ready and the course was in great shape. 

Mike Haslup
Closest to the Line Winner
August 12, 2017

The skill games played along the way were a lot of fun. The winner of the closest to the line drive competition was in my foursome and the ball nearly landed on the line. We were all pretty amazed at how close the ball came to being on the line. We knew the shot was good, we just didn't know how good until we got to the spot. It did set us up for a GIR and a nice birdie on the hole!

Hole Sponsors

I learned something about Troy from his friends that I didn't know. Troy hated mulligans! I found that amusing and so like Troy. I can see him espousing that if you make a bad shot, play the ball where it lies or take the penalty. There are no "do overs!"

Golf tournaments provide for friendly competition. The foursome I was with did very well this year, for us, by finishing 6 under par for a 66. The tournament winners, however, were an astounding 17 under par for a 55. The second place team was at 59 and there were two teams tied with 60. In the end, the team I was on tied for 6th place. I forgot to take a picture of the final leaderboard!

I can't believe that the day has come and gone already. I am already planning for next year's Classic. Thanks to everyone who organized, volunteered, and worked to make this year's event a success.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Hot, Sultry Golf Saturday

Compass Pointe East Course Hole 1
July 15, 2017

I made it to Compass Pointe golf course this morning and enjoyed a round in the near 100 percent humidity. The dew on the grass was heavy at 7AM and the greens were slow, but we had a great time smacking the small white ball around the course.

Compass Pointe North Course Hole 8
Rainstorm

At one point we also enjoyed a passing rainstorm that cooled the temperatures but helped to keep the humidity at near 100 percent. 

On the longest hole of the day, which was the 17 hole we played, the rain drenched us and soured my spirits for a while. The hole is a long par 5 at 585 yards from the white tees. Hitting from the wet fairways was not a lot of fun, but I got to use my rain gear. 

When the sun returned, the humidity returned to 100 percent.

I didn't play very well, but it was fun being out on the course.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sports Thursday

Yesterday was a great personal sports day.

I started the morning at 5:30 am on the racquetball court and finished the day, just before sunset, on the golf course.

In between I went to work and had my teeth cleaned at my semi-annual dental appointment. 

The day was a beautiful day. The sky was blue, mostly, and the sun shone. We hadn't seen a day like that in a long while.

It is amazing how much better I feel when the sun is shining brightly.

It was a great Thursday.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Golf Fun for the Open

I read an interesting article about a golfer that claimed he was a professional and then played a U.S. Open qualifying round and shot a 127. This was definitely not a Tin Cup experience.

I could do that.

Easily.

I love golf, but I know that any idea I have of ever playing in the U.S. Open is a pipe dream.

I don't think I would ever try to enter a prestigious event like a U.S. Open qualifier--but, I am impressed that Clifton McDonald played all 18 holes and carded a 127!

I've been there when I started playing golf and I know how hard it is to make good shots on some days!

Some days are great, but most are mediocre. But, like I say, a bad day on the golf course is better than a good day in the office!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Vacation Isn't Over Yet

Bloody Mary on the Beach

The trip from Florida back to Maryland went without incident. That was significantly different from the canceled flight we experienced during our travel to Florida. 

Mike after Teeing Off at Glenn Dale
April 15, 2017

That normally means that vacation is over and it is back to real life. And I am. There are groceries to buy, an Easter dinner to plan, and mail to rummage through to see if anything of value arrived during our absence.

I enjoyed sitting on the beach; eating lunch and sipping adult drinks. It was fun not to worry about what time I had to wake up, even though I woke up early.

I was able to sneak out this morning and play a round of golf. I did pretty well considering that I had not touched a golf club in two weeks. My vacation is not over yet.

I miss Florida.

I miss walking on the beach every morning.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Idyllic Saturday

First Tee
Compass Pointe North Course
March 25, 2017

Yesterday, the weather did not disappoint. 

According to some reports, the high temperature made it all the way to 80 degrees. I was on Compass Pointe Golf Courses during the heat of the day and while I cannot confirm the high, I can attest that it was a nice day and everyone I know seemed to be outside enjoying the weather. I even got a touch sunburned!

Trevar Waiting for the Tee Box to Open Up

The ranger monitoring the action at Compass Pointe Golf Courses indicated that for the first time in seven years all 150 golf carts were out on the courses. Apparently, every golfer in the region saw the forecast and had the same idea--get out and play.

Trevar and I did enjoy 18 holes of the slowest golf ever played. It took almost 5 hours to complete the round. But, given the great weather, what else would I rather be doing? I just find it hard to stay focused while waiting around to make the next shot. By comparison, we played 18 holes in 2 hours and 55 minutes on Friday.

Over the past three days, I have played 45 holes of golf! And coached a baseball practice. And I even went to work!  

It has been busy.

Sadly, today the weather is going to be colder and I have things to do that I have been ignoring. Back to reality, I guess.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

First Golf Outing

Carroll Park Hole 4
March 23, 2017

I made it to a local golf course yesterday for my first outing of the year!

Trevar Working on His Swing

Fortunately, Carroll Park is close and Trevar and I made the last open tee time for the day. The course was in good winter shape. Having the grass still struggling to grow made it easier to find the balls, unlike later in the season. Being the last ones out, the ranger was pulling the pins as we made our way across the last holes. 

It was cold. The temperature was in the middle 40's as we began, but the sun was warm. By the time we finished it was just cold!

We would have finished sooner than almost two hours, but the group in front of us was playing very slowly. But then, that is why people go to Carroll Park, to learn the game. It was just cold, so that magnified the amount of time we stood around waiting for them to play.

Day one of the year on a golf course. It was great to finally drive for the fairway rather than the range, I actually missed all of them but only by a few yards. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

November Golf

I managed to get out to a golf course yesterday.

Compass Pointe
November 19, 2016

It was a beautiful morning and the temperature was in the big 60's by the time we finished our round. 

I do not expect to be able to play a round of golf wearing only a short sleeve shirt during November--but by the ninth hole yesterday, that is exactly what happened. Although I started the round with a jacket, it was off and I was enjoying  the bright sunshine at the turn. 

Compass Pointe
November 19, 2016

We played at Compass Pointe, where we have played before, but yesterday we were on the South and West courses which we had not played. It was a spectacular autumn day with a crystal clear sky and golden sunlight.  The golden and rust autumn leaves remain on many of the trees and provided stunning sights as we progressed along the course. The course is challenging and fun. The greens were very hard--the pins were in very difficult positions. 

It was just good to be outside on such a beautiful day.  And playing golf was even better.

Too soon, the cold and wintery weather will be here and I will be looking forward to Spring golf trips and pool opening day. But, for now I was able to extend the Autumn by one more day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 29, 2016

1. It is the last Monday of August 2018. The eighth month of the year will come to an end later this week leaving us at the mercy of September.

Sunrise at Renditions in Davidsonville, MD
August 28, 2016

2. Early morning golf, just at sunrise on Renditions in Davidsonville, MD. It was a beautiful morning and I do enjoy watching the world wake from the serenity of a golf course.

3. I just learned that although Maryland has a 6 percent sales tax rate, and a separate 9 percent tax on alcohol, it also has a variable tax on other items, like golf courses, up to 10 percent. Based upon cost of living computations, Maryland residents are the 7th most taxed in the country, ranking 44th out of 51. 

4. The Zika panic is spreading across the country after cases have been discovered in Florida. Could it come here? With the exception of Wyoming, it already is, although Florida is the only state, so far, where the virus is being caught from local mosquitoes. 

Little League World Series Winners
Maine-Endwell, NY

5. I love the Little League World Series. I enjoy watching the boys play baseball in its nearly pure form. And I enjoyed watching a team from near where I grew up win it all this year. Congrats to Maine-Endwell, NY. 

6. I remember reading an interesting assessment of the most dangerous, to humans, animal in the world. It was the mosquito.

7. After giving up 25 runs in their previous two games against the "team whose name shall not be spoken" from up north, the Orioles clawed out a stirring 5-0 victory yesterday. Sitting at 3 games out of first place in the division, and with the division leaders coming to town tonight--this series could be for the division lead!

Preparing to Blend a Bordeaux Style Wine
Pearmund Cellars, VA

8. If you want to have some fun, try this test from the Washington Post--try naming 10 national parks just by looking at their maps. I did OK (7 of 10). 

9. Had fun blending wine with friends this weekend at Pearmund Cellars. A different approach to blending great wine. We even got to bring some of our blend home. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Troy Whittemore Classic - 2016

Sunday, I played in the Troy Whittemore Classic Golf Tournament at the Trumansburg Golf Course in Upstate NY.

It was the third annual offering of the event designed to remember my very special nephew and fund the scholarship established in his name.

I really enjoy the weekend, remembering Troy and his special humor and life along with many of his friends that I have come to know. 

Best Dressed Golfer?

The tournament is a lot of work and I know it is a labor of love for one of Troy's best friends--Mike Kasel, and we all appreciate the hard work that he puts into getting everyone off on time. While this year's tournament included a drought ending rainstorm--it was a drought ending rainstorm, however, which was a good thing. It did not dampen the spirits of those who attended.

The rain, however, did cause some fun on the course. Once I donned my rain jacket, which did not go well with my outfit, I was an interesting sight. I ran across another golfer similarly attired. Which one pulls the look off the best?

Thanks to the golf course and thanks to Mike and his family and friends for all of their hard work. I am already looking forward to next year's tournament.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - July 25, 2016

1. I lost track of the date, because I've been off from work for three days and I had to check the calendar. I guess that is what it will be like when I retire.

Heron on Hole 12
Eisenhower Golf Course
July 24, 2016

2. What a great weekend. I played 36 holes of golf and got some projects completed around the house.

3. I saw a big heron yesterday while playing golf.

Clouds after the Storm
July 23, 2016

4. Having a 6:14 AM Tee Time meant we were off the course before the heat yesterday. It was great to be home before 10:30 after playing 18 holes. 

5. The clouds were spectacular after the storms the other evening. 

6. It is supposed to be extremely hot today! Be careful out there!

7. Strap in, this week it is the Democratic Party National convention. Should be interesting.

8. Lounging in the pool on a floatie with a glass of wine. What could be better on a mid-90's afternoon?

9. I ran across an interesting list of 239 people, places, and things that Donald Trump has insulted on Twitter. I didn't see my name on the list, but I'm not sure if that is good or bad.

10. It was a three-dog weekend around the house. Extra dogs sure do make for interesting times.

11. And so it begins--another workweek! The good news is, it's summertime!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD