I took to Batam’s Palm Springs for a round of 18-holes with Papa Bear, Doggie Kiong and Berd (Soon ah!!) on Wednesday in a bid to get out and practice on the green considering that I have not been to a golf course for over two months. The bunch of us were praying for some hope of sun after the wet yet freakish weather we have been enduring for the past few days back home.
Papa Bear heading to our golf bags
Upon reaching Batam, all golfers present were pretty much in a dull mood, similar to the weather outside. It was pouring. Although I was about to do a Kamikaze and head to the course be it rain or shine, the guys urged me to just hang at the cafe just for a little while before deciding. I agreed. The wait was well worth it, just half an hour into our cup of Kopi-O Tarik, the sun was up and we headed to our first 9-holes.
Did I mention freakish weather? Upon teeing off at the 2nd or 3rd hole, the sun which about 45 mins ago was blocked by the rainy clouds, started sending down angry rays as if it had enough of being bullied by the clouds earlier on. We were pretty much burnt by the time we putted at the 18th. Yeah..so I forgot to bring my sun block.. 
Ouch…iPain!!
But on a positive note, I did learn three things which I would love to share:
- Papa Bear explained the help he got from tucking his right arm towards his waist when swinging up. It would ensure that our down swing would not go too wildly which would result in that nice pendulum motion us golfers dream of. I have been hitting straight ever since.
- Papa Bear also noticed that my right hand tend to rotate more to the right when gripping my clubs. “Right hand over,” says Papa Bear, “your clubs won’t be opened when you make your down swing and that can avoid slicing.” (curving sharply from left to right). I need to improve on this but I can see the effects if practiced properly
- My short game has always been really poor as I don’t really have a chance to practice putting or chipping often. The driving ranges I visit usually does not come with such facilities. Imran, my caddy taught me about the importance of timing when it comes to both chipping and putting. “Like a tick tock clock motion,” he says. After much efforts, I saw my scores dropping just a tad bit. More to improve on this one
Generally, a really successful golfing day I say. Now if you excuse me, I need to head to the range now. I got loads to practice. 
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