The Curse Gets Nasty

March 11
Nockamixon State Park, PA

Ben Hogan once said "I play golf with friends, but there are never friendly games". How aptly this describes the twisted manifestation of The Curse this reporter witnessed in the third round at Nockamixon.

The day had started pleasantly enough with some exciting golf and warm sunny temps. Two rounds had been played. In the first doubles round Mike and Saito once again fell to the undefeated duo of Dan and Ben, final score +5 to +8. Of note this round was the noticeable improvement in Saito's putts. Whereas Mike didn't even touch chains on a putt over 15 feet, Saito rose up for his team and knocked down some monsters with confidence. Alas it wasn't enough and Ben and Dan were solid and steady. Second round saw a singles format and the Juggernaut again took control, final scores: Ben +8, Mike +16, Saito +18, Dan +22. Saito and Mike were tied going into the final hole and the buzz running though the gallery led most commentators to believe this was finally Saito's day to take down a tour veteran. Mills had a few tough holes, including a lost disc retee, also a double OB hole in which he hit the tree Saito had previously labled the one in which only losers could possibly hit. Millsbury came up clutch at the end however, nailing a long putt on 18 to grab par while Saito struggled to a double bogey. It should be noted that with the exception of a few tough holes, Dan played extremely solid and is very close to declaring his pro status.

While the day was waning it was so delightful out that the competitors decided to play another round, daylight permitting. Prior to this round I might have disagreed with Ben Hogan's words of wisdom, however the Curse's dark nature drove the point home. Mike and Dan were paired up and playing well (although strangely leisurely with daylight fading). On the 16th hole they held, amazingly enough, a two stroke lead over Saito and Ben, who were both having lackluster rounds. Ben's drive on 16, while a seemingly straightforward shot, turned up lost. Here are Ben's own words describing the moment: "My precious! Lost! Oh how desperately I searched for my number one driver, perfectly broken in and the source of my best drives of the day. The search was in vain...and ultimately had repercussions i did not anticipate." Unbeknownst to Ben at the time, Mike was apparently seething in frustration at the delay. After the end of the hole and the determination that it was too dark to continue, he promptly accused Ben of deliberately stalling to prevent the Curse from being broken... Wow. Surely such a base and disgusting accusation could not be taken at face value - there must be preternatural forces at work here. Its not like the Champ has never lost to Mike and never expects to in the future, he could probably care less, the accusation seems patently absurd. Or perhaps Hogan was right - when the discs come out of the bag, there are no friends...

In any event Mike and Dan led by two strokes with two (very long and difficult) holes to play. You readers be the judge if this loathsome Curse is finally lifted... If not perhaps Mike will have enough confidence to buck the monkey off his back the next time out without waiting till dusk to warm up. While drama boosts DGC's ratings, this reporter is rooting for the lifting of the Curse, pleasant rounds are easier to report on.

editors note: its all good