The Course

WOW. How many ways can I say WOW. Cascata is easily the best course I have ever played. The desert layout, literally cut into the side of Red Rocks, is something I’ve never seen before. The fairways, greens, tee boxes, and waterfalls were situated between a large expanse of nothing but desert floor, mountains, and wildlife. There wasnt a house in sight or other golfers for that matter. The greens were impeccable. From our Caddy, we learned things like how to read double breakers going up slope, but down grain. Or feeling like you’re putting downhill, but since we were at the base of a mountain, having to putt it firmer than expected. It was a truly unique course and a truly unique experience.

Thanks to Andy, I got to play an amazing course and have a truly memorable round.

My Round

I am right on the edge of playing good golf. Low 80’s consistently kind of good golf. I was pretty excited to play this course, some might call it obsessed. So I had a lot of expectations going into it. I knew the course would be beautiful so I had things in my head like “hitting firmly down on an iron in the middle of a fairway and watching the divot fly while the ball tracks toward the hole.” My focus for the day was consistent contact. Really striking my irons well, ball first, divot after, nice penetrating ball flight.

Well, I can say I hit some great, confident shots. My driver: the driver was mixed. I hit a few good drives early, but also some slicey disasters. Our caddie suggested I try the “Anthony Kim” which essentially means I grip down on the driver all the way to the steel. My first drive with the AK was beautiful. Solid contact, nice ball flight and straight. I didn’t really lose any distance because the contact was better. I used it thru out the rest of the round with great success. I know it’s a band aid, but it’s a good one. The irons: I had some really nice iron shots, with good contact and flight. I still hit fat shots and that’s due in large part to the lean left I still do. Have to stop that. Also have to hold the hinge. My distance control and accuracy isn’t there, but that’s just practice, I hit some nice approach shots and I had a confidence that I haven’t had before. In the past when faced with water or some other hazard, I was worried about it. Now, I’m thinking about the shot and not about the water I have to carry or the side of a mountain I need to go over. That’s awesome.

Still need to stay calm on the course and not rush my shots. Don’t be too eager to watch it fly. Stay solid with the legs and don’t lean forward.

Scorecard:

Here are some additional shots from the course.