February 17, 2011
Recall a few months back, November 5th, 2010 to be exact, that I played in a one day event in Sherwood for the Mizuno Dream Cup pre-qualifier? Advancing through that stage with a top five finish earned me a spot in this Mizuno Dream Cup Finals.
The Mizuno Dream Cup final is a one-day event staged in the beautiful Orchard Golf Club – Palmer Course once the site of the Johnnie Walker Open back in 1995. My childhood stars like Ernie Els, Fred Couples, Greg Normal, Nick Price, all appeared in this star studded event, all of whom I got their autographs and some along with pictures.
Winning this leg of the Mizuno Dream Cup Finals will earn you a spot in an amateur tournament in Japan to be held in May. An all expense paid trip! What a deal! The atmosphere was serious and I was ready to go once I stepped up on that tee despite being bed ridden the previous day with a stomach virus.
It was an up and down round bogeys and birdies. Bogey on 2, Birdie on 6, Bogey on 9, Birdie on 10, Bogey on 11, Bogey on 13. 2 over through 13 and it was looking grim but I heard from the organizers that no one in particular was going low that day thanks to the fairly strong winds and the slippery greens. I knew I had to put on a charge in the end to have any chance at pulling it off.
Birdie on 14 and a birdie on the par 3 16th after hitting a solid 5 iron into the wind from 190 yards to 15 feet. A sandy save on 17 and it was looking good. On 18, 3rd shot from the fairway, 70 yards up the hill to the green on this par 5. Pin in the lower tier. What do I do? I’m jacked up and hit it passed the flagstick to the upper level! Oh no!!! The first putt is impossible to stop, rolls by 13 feet. Uphill par putt and it doesn’t go in. Bogey. 73 1 over.
Turns out that bogey cost me badly. The winning score was 72, by my good friend Justin Limjap. Chuck came in 3rd with a 74. My best buddies and roomies: a 1,2,3 finish!
That feeling of adrenaline rush during the last few holes was a thrill. You win some you lose some but you get stronger after each experience.
Congrats again Justin! Make us proud in Japan!
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| Welcome to Orchard! |
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| Birdie on 16 to get back to even par. Big putt at the time |
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| Great Snapshot |
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| Scores |
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| Yeah Justin! |
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