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My player this week is Giulia Sergas
Sunday: Timing is everything. The fairways turned
to lakes at Turtle Bay as early morning rains drenched the North Shore.
But the tournament was over and all that was left was a sojourn to the dry
side of the island.
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A sad note; One
our roommate's mom passed away this morning. Jerry Woodard (Woody) is
on his way home to Elmira New York to say his final farewell. It was
not unexpected, as she was ill for quite sometime, but still very traumatic.
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Wi-Fitastic; Our digs for the week are
super. It's san older home right on the beach with plenty of room and
the biggest plus of all, a Wi-Fi connection. Must be the neighbor's
cause I was told we didn't have one. Love them unsecured networks.
Monday: Our plan was to play
nine holes between the qualifiers (off both tees) but an upset stomach
only got us through four. With a bit of rest and some meds we managed to
get in some putting practice and range time before calling it a day. Of
course my day wasn't done as I had not seen the course as of yet. I
managed to get in sixteen holes before a threatening rain descending from
the mountains cut my homework short. Only two holes to go so I'll finish
up tomorrow. There really isn't too much to this track. The yardage book
hasn't changed since the last time we were here many moons ago.
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Odd but true;
Naree Song was set to tee it up in the qualifier, but after warming
up, decided to pack it in and no give it a go. Not hurt or some other
malady holding her back just not feeling it.
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King Kamehameha
related
to Montezuma? If not, he still may have his own revenge.
Caddie Billy Prentice has been afflicted for the last few days and was
subjected today to an IV drip to relieve his dehydrated condition.
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Another reason Toyota is
#1; We rented a Chevy Cobalt from Alamo for the two weeks and,
with only 2500 miles on the odometer and little driving planned, we
felt assured it would be trouble free. NOT! Right from the get go a
violent shake in the steering wheel while braking indicated a warped
brake rotor which is unheard of with such low miles. But instead of
returning it we persevered not wishing to make the jaunt back to the
airport.. Today was the topper though. Attempting to head back to our humble
abode from Ko Olina, about a fifteen minute drive, the only thing
stopping us was the driver's door. It wouldn't shut. Seems the latch
was broken and was failing to catch. You think that stopped us? HEY,
we're LPGA caddies! Motorcycle Fred had the perfect solution or should
I say wearing it. Off came his belt and a few wraps around the the
door posts along with jamming the widows up tight did the trick. Made
it back without a hitch. A replacement vehicle was promised and
delivered. Upgraded to a Chevy Malibu.
Tuesday: Played a practice round
with Kyeong Bae
(KB as she likes to be called) with 'The Admiral' Tom Konapacki on the
bag. KB's English isn't bad so working for her wouldn't be difficult. With
a few holes to go, a light rain complimented an already dreary day but
that would be nothing compared to the deluge that would follow. Looking
over our shoulder, as we finished the last hole, we saw the storm clouds
brewing. Put the clubs up and called it a day just in time. One more chore
for me before leaving was the acquisition of the qualifying scores. The
skies opened up just as I entered the official's trailer so it was a perfect
time for a visit and a few photos. 
Jim
Haley (Comet) and Doug in a stare down. 
JR
and Charlie checking the line on the Bulls game. Impartial observer in the
background. 
Robert
O. and Mindy Moore updating their profiles on myspace.com.
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Our house rental comes with a few unusual touches
along with chores. A wine and beer cellar provides libations if we
wish, with replacing what we take the only provision. Kayaks, boogie
boards, piano for the musically gifted, telescope for whale of dolphin
watching, two grills (one gas the other charcoal) and a small sandy
beach a few steps out the door are included. The chores consist of
watering the grass, it is the dry side you know, and feeding the Japanese
Coy and guppies. No worries, just part of the rustic charm of this
place. A major perk of our location is shown below.
Motorcycle Fred with a
buddy on the beach.
Now it's my turn. He's a
big sucker!
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Another GM moment; Rick 'The
Nerd' also had to return his Chevy Cobalt last week. Electrical
malfunction had his instrumentation in a tizzy.
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Where's Five-O when you need em?
Our part of the island isn't known as the safest. Much petty theft due
to meth addiction and it's obvious the locals rule the roost not the
tourists. Rick and Jeff Steffler stopped in a chop suey eatery for
some take-out and got a severe once-over. Rick flashed a wad of
Bengies ($100 bills) when paying the tab (accumulated cash from
selling the yardage books) and acknowledged the fact verbally to
boot! Realizing his miscue, a circuitous route was taken back home to
avoid being followed. They don't call him 'The Nerd' for nothing.
Wednesday: Just a few hours of practice and we
be done.
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Giulia required a few grips
to be changed but obviously our repair trailer isn't here. But Tom's
Golf, a local golf shop, came to the rescue. He was set up on the
range the last two weeks and is offering his services.
Club reps Mike Eggling and
Jeff Heitt pester Tom as Giulia and her dad wait their turn.
Snake bit!
Kraven shall remain anonymous
for fear of retribution.
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Looper link-ups; Portland John failed to
qualify his steady job Audra Burks, but corralled Meena
Lee for the week while Woody is back home paying his last
respects. Jeff Jones (Shadow) has secured his position with Soo
Young Moon after finishing second last week. Just picked her up a
few days before the start of the season. The snag of the week goes to
Donna (Wanna) Earley. She's toting for last weeks winner Joo
Mi Kim! Joo Mi's winning looper has a festering pustule on the big
toe of his right foot and can't hoof it around. Donna's regular bag, Jennifer
Rosales, has withdrawn and not teeing it up till Phoenix.
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Remember the name change of Heather Bowie to Heather
Young? The officials didn't! They passed her over for the pro-am not
knowing who she was.
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One of the hidden amenities of our domicile in
paradise is the security system Jeff Steffler attests to its effectiveness.
Steffler The Protector
The view from our back porch. WOW!
Thursday: Had the
fire lit early with birds on three of the first four but the flame
went out and got in -2. Giulia took ill again on the back nine and for
a while there I wasn't sure if she would finish.
Friday: Made a move up
the leader board with a -3 today for a total of -5. If we bring it
tomorrow it will be a big step towards qualifying for the first Major. Our
playing partners the last two days have been Allison Hanna (Augusta Mike
on the bag) and Brittany Lincicome (dad as her counterpart). They are two
of nicest people you would wish to meet. Brittany will be teeing it up
tomorrow but unfortunately, Allison will not.
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New Syndrome? An
ailment which seems inherent to professional golf, usually striking
rookie or local caddies but occasionally a veteran, is the compulsion
to don your caddie bib well in advance of your scheduled tee time. A
source of ridicule from fellow bag toters, this malady has failed to draw
the attention of prominent mental heath institutions but has not
bypassed the keen eye of cadero Jeff Steffler. Braking new ground in
the study of professional loopers, Jeff has coined this unusual condition
"Premature Bibulation". There is no known cure but support
groups are forming. A prime example of PB is shown below.
Katie Futcher's cadero
bibulating at 6:05 AM. Tee time 7:15. It's still dark!
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Giulia has her own clothing
line appropriately named "Giulia". This is the second year
in production but don't expect to find it embellishing the rack in
your local pro shop. Made in Italy of a silk fabric, a few pieces will
set you back a good piece of change. For example, today's slacks run
$250 and the ones she was sporting yesterday a whopping $500! But you
can snag a very stylish shirt for a mere $150 if your heart desires.
Pictures of her wares will be available on her website www.giuliasergas.com
when it's fully operational. Target date is the week of Phoenix.
Signature "Giulia"
slacks adorned with the belt du jour.
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Snap, snap, snap; As
for all our tournaments, cameras and cell phones are verboten once
official play begins but you have to remember, this event has a
Japanese sponsor with more than a few invited Japanese players.
Consequently, there is a large contingent of fans of the same oriental
persuasion and as you know, having a congenital relationship with
their gadgets especially cameras, are voracious photogs. Today was no
exception as their fellow countrywomen were peppered with requests to
pose with their friends. Somehow, "No cameras allowed" has
been lost in translation.
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Thanks for everyone who
responded to my picture query. Seems they're just right. One
puzzlement though, the email from 'Wedgeplayer' asks for a more discussions
concerning food. ???
Saturday: Slip
slid'n away
... which could have been the theme song for our group today. Jimin Kang
started it off on number one by whistling her tee ball OB. It was all
downhill from there. A total of eight over for our threesome and the
smiles on the first tee faded quickly. Giulia and I downed a few cold ones
afterwards to ease the pain. Don't know what the others did.
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Had a few players over to our
beachfront hideaway. Photos will follow next week.
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I guess the snag of the week
wasn't Joo Mi Kim. 'Portland John' pulling out a win, after missing
the qualifier with Audra Burks, ranks with one of the all time best.
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