July 28, 2010

The Commash's Take On Playing Undy

Every year there are a few individual matches that you circle on the calendar. For me, one of those is my brother. Another one is Underwood. There is no love lost when it comes to me vs. Undy. But ever since I retired as Commish and Undy took over, this matchup has taken on new meaning: Old vs. New. Tradition vs. Change. Blue tees vs. White tees. The Dictator vs. Ubama. Pick your side people. There really isn’t any middle ground on this one.

Another thing this match used to stand for was me giving Undy strokes. However, this year we play straight up. That’s right. I have had to lower the standards of my golf game to that of a 7 handicap in order to play Undy on even terms and not have to give him charity strokes. Undy says I am getting old and my game is declining. I say I haven’t been able to play as much golf this year and my short game has suffered accordingly. Whatever the reason, we are both 7 handicaps heading into Monday’s match and there is nowhere for either player to hide. It’s time to man up. It’s way more personal when it’s straight up.

And then there is the age factor. I am eight years older than Undy. If Undy can't beat the old man of the league straight up he should probably just resign as commissioner. (Expect that to happen if I win.) I will be 48 years old on Friday, almost ready for the Senior Tour. Which is perfect timing really now that Undy is trying to move our league to the white tees. So I’m treating Monday like it's my first round as a member of the SCGA (Senior Crony Golf Association). And to kick things off I am going to go Tom Watson on Undy.

Note: There will be a special add-on to the weekly pot game this Monday. Players will be allowed to place a $5 or $10 para-mutual wager on either Undy or me. However, if everyone bets on me the wager will be canceled. (It's possible. Undy might actually bet on me too.)