Stage 2 - 1st Round

I thought I was prepared for everything. I was ready for wind, rain, and cold temperatures. I've become accustomed to 6 hours per round. I was anticipating a tough course with difficult pins. But despite preparing for everything I could think of, I lost it today.

What got me?........

.......water. Or lack thereof. I expected the coolers on the golf course to be filled throughout the day with fresh water, but I guess the employees had other duties to attend to. This course is routed so you never return to the clubhouse and the "halfway house" was locked up. The coolers on hole 7 and 13 were both bone dry. By the time I got to 12, I was extremely dehydrated. I actually had a tough time staying focused for a few holes because I was so thirsty, but also because I couldn't believe nobody was driving around filling up the coolers. And even more surprising, there were no officials in sight to ask them to help us get some water.

Finally, on #15 there was a restroom with drinking fountain. The lukewarm, iron-flavored water tasted like heaven to me. I was seriously worried about what I would've felt like it I hadn't found water by the end of the round.

After drinking the water, I hit a solid 4-iron to 15 feet on #15. I missed the putt, but when I went to tap in my 10 inch par putt the ball oscillated - giving me a one stroke penalty. I kept my composure the best I could. I hit a great drive off 16 and made a simple par. On 17, I made a bad club choice - opted for a knockdown 6, instead of hitting a hard 7 - and made bogey. And then on 18, I had an out of body experience and three-putted from 12 feet.

I thought I was prepared for anything. I guess I will never again assume the golf staff will provide water in the water coolers. The ironic thing is that this golf course (TPC Craig Ranch) is owned by the PGA Tour - just like all TPC courses are. You think they would understand that each player needs water, along with each caddy, and every caddy is going to use water to keep their towel wet. Unbelievable laziness and stupidity shown by the golf staff. But like I said, I will never again rely on idiots in the golf business to do simple tasks.

Funny thing - I have 2 cases of water in the back seat of my car! As I left the parking lot for the driving range, I grabbed one bottle. The rest of the week I will start the day with 4 bottles in my bag - but I also know the rest of the week there will be extra coolers on the course (enough people complained that they decided to put some tables and extra coolers on the course). This isn't the first time this course has hosted 2nd Stage of Q-School, so why aren't they used to something as providing water for the players, caddies, and spectators? I will never again rely on idiots in the golf business to do simple tasks.

Tomorrow is round 2 of 4.

Neil