Titan Tire Challange - Day One

Our resident community contributor from the Titan Tire Challenge returns for the third year in a row. Joe George has not only spent his day caddying at the Hunters Ridge event, he has written extensively about his and others' experience there.

Below you will find his story from Day 1 of the tournament. Be sure to check back tomorrow for more from the Titan Tire Challenge.

It is year 3 of the Titan Tire Challenge at Hunters Ridge and for the third consecutive year, yours truly, The Goose Whisperer, is wearing a caddy bib, carrying a bag, and giving yardage and encouragement to one of the participants.  I am glad to say that I am working with Ashley Knoll once again. Ashley and I teamed up in 2009 and she was kind enough to give me the opportunity to work with her again this year. She did not play in 2010 because of a wrist injury so it was good to see her back in eastern Iowa, wrist working great, and ready to go.

But before we met on Tuesday for a practice round, there was the matter of my fee.  Now, the standard fee for a caddy is between 8 to 10 percent of the player's winnings. That is in addition to a weekly stipend in case the player does not make the cut.  Given my vast experience as a caddy, we had no trouble reaching a suitable arrangement.  My fee for the week -- an autographed golf ball.

We worked together Tuesday going over the course and looking at old yardage books. These are the bibles for the players and caddies.  They contain detailed yardage figures from virtually every bush and blade of grass on the course and they also give detailed information about the slopes of every green. Tuesday was a day for the two of us to get reacquainted and for Ashley to refresh her memory of the course.

Wednesday was pro-am day and we were joined by four lovely ladies from Transamerica, Laurie Woods, Debbie Schultz, Joan Ehlts and Diane Pflughaupt. It was obvious from the get-go that they all love the game of golf and thoroughly enjoy each other's company.  It was a fun afternoon for all of us and I understand that they won their flight and are now sporting new sunglasses they picked up for their win.

Today, Ashley and I were on the 10

^th

tee at 9:20am for Round 1 and were joined by Ashley Medders, who hails from the small south Georgia town of Alma. I believe it is so small that both city limit signs are on the same post. Also in the group was Kelly Godwin from Centerville, Minnesota who also happens to be a former Drake Bulldog.

Now I would like to be able to tell you that everyone got off to a quick start and birdies came early and often. But that was simply not the case.  In fact, the golf gods decided not to smile on this group of young women very often today.  As for Ashley Knoll, her swing and her tempo were good but she just could not buy a break.  No matter what she tried, the ball just seemed to have a mind of its own.  After a few chip shots she would like to have back and putts that just would not drop, we made the turn in 8 over par.

As many of you know, my youngest son is member of the University of Iowa golf team and I have caddied in this tournament before as well as once on The Nationwide Tour so I have watched my fair share of competitive golf played at a high level. Frankly speaking, after that first nine, many would simply “phone it in”, go through the motions, or just give up.  Not Ashley.  In fact, as we made the turn, if you looked her directly in the eyes, you would not have known what her score was. She is a true professional and knew we still had work to do.

Just as we made the turn, the wind speed picked up and, let me tell you, it picked up a lot.  The playing conditions got even harder but Ashley stayed laser-focused and while the putter just would not deliver, she shot 2 over par on the back 9 to finish with an 82.  Clearly not the day she was hoping for. Nor the one I had hoped she would have. But, simply put, that is the game of golf.  It can be great one moment and cruel the next. Take it from an old duffer, it can break your heart.

As for Kelly Godwin, she got the same frown from the golf gods and also turned in a score of 82, but Ashley Medders fared better and posted a 4-over 76.

While her score was a disappointment, I was so proud of Ashley and how she kept her focus and poise. She is a pro and showed it today in many ways.  When things are going good, it is easy to smile.  But when the game and the course are throwing hay makers at you, it is hard to keep a positive attitude. She did and I am predicting a much better outcome tomorrow.

Before I hit my last keystroke and go and soak my feet, I want to compliment The Junior League of Cedar Rapids, Titan Tire and the great staff at Hunters Ridge who, together with a great group of volunteers, have, once again, put together a first class golf tournament.  Please make plans to come out on Saturday and Sunday and treat yourself to some great golf on a fine golf course. Let's convince the good folks at Titan Tire that they should continue their sponsorship for years to come.  And hey, you don't want to miss watching a real professional caddy and goose whisperer in action do you?

Until tomorrow.

Joe George

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