Thursday, August 09, 2007 Chiongbian: I’d rather be lucky than good By Edgar R. Chionbian Teetime
THERE are only a few days for you to join the fourth Aznar Cup scheduled this Saturday and Sunday at Alta Vista. It’s a two-day golf tournament but only one day to play. Choose the best lucky day for you!
There will be six divisions—A, B and C men’s divisions, Seniors, Ladies and Guests is on the menu. With a giveaway worth P3,000, what are you waiting for, a free meal? The only free thing on the agenda is you getting to hear Bombi sing. Hahaha.
Whenever I think of the word lucky, my mind right away turns on a little TV set in my head and captain Boy Opus’ face pops up, saying words of wisdom like, “I’d rather be lucky than good.” Believe me or not, the more I play golf, (which has been a very long time) the more I am convinced that this statement is the best way to describe the game of golf. That is more so in amateur golf because handicaps have a way of equalizing everything. On the assumption that you can score enough to win with your handicap, luck becomes the biggest and the most important factor in your game.
From experience, I will say that the only reason why one wins over other players when not scoring well, is because the others are playing worse or are very unlucky. In premium golf, if Tiger Woods relies purely on his skill, then he better play super fine golf, otherwise, when the ball bounces everywhere, he will more likely lose the tournament. If you think or look back on some of Tiger’s previous games, you will probably agree that luck also plays a big role in his game.
The 30th PAL Intersports Consulting Committee came to town last Monday to do the final review of the six sports that will be played in the tournament. All the sports venues were given the green light for the tournament that will start on Aug. 30.
The venues are: Golf—Cebu Country Club and Mactan Island Golf Club; Basketball—City Sports Club Cebu (CSCC) and Capitol Parish; Tennis—Casino Español and Alta Vista; Badminton—Montebello Hotel; Bowling and Billiards—CSCC.
The only two ‘sports’ I know that have the word, sports attached to its name are Intersports and Dancesports. If you know of more, please let me know.
Are you wondering why that is so? Maybe it’s because we are we used to using Olympics or Games, when it comes to multiple sports events, so why not invent Intersports, which is not in the dictionary. Dancesports, also not in the dictionary, has been accepted as a sport and may even make it to Asian Games. But the new name may be to distinguish it from other kinds of dancing. They already call their dancers—athletes. So there you are!
Fellow Rotarians the Rotary Golfing Fellowship Foundation of the Phil. (RGFFP) will hold the 21st Southern Leg golf tournament at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club this Aug. 23-25, 2007. Guests are allowed to join. The tournament will coincide with the Centennial celebration of Sta. Barbara Golf Course.
Participants will get a chance to win P1 million for a hole-in-one prize in any of the par 3 holes.
The event is a 36-hole tournament on a three-day schedule. Tournament fee for early birds is P2,350 on or before Aug. 13.
Late registration is P3,350. If you are interested, please call 0920-919-9000 or e-mail rgffp1987@yahoo.com.
Golf Tip. Use the “all for one” shot when in the fairway bunker, in a divot hole, hitting into the wind or under a tree.
The shot requires a shorter swing for better control so take two extra clubs than you would need (ex: 5 instead of 7) and grip down one inch to simulate the length of the club you were supposed to use.
Align your stance open to the target line but keep your shoulders square. This setup restricts your backswing turn and promotes a good hip turn through impact. Keep the ball in the middle of your stance.
The vital part is to have 70 percent of your weight over the left foot and keep it there during the backswing. This ensures solid contact with the ball and restricts body turn. (erc@skyinet.net)
