I played the Holiday Valley resort coursein Ellicottville, NY, yesterday. The course was recently renovated by Paul Albanese, former partner of Ray Hearn, and is obviously to my liking. After 18 holes, 12 greens and two fringes in regulation, I walked off with 72 strokes on the par 71. Sometimes planets align and sometimes they just freaking collide, as happened yesterday. Guess what I learned? I learned how far I am from being a competitive amateur golfer. I missed 10 or so birdie putts inside 25 feet. CAGs don't do that. They make four of them for 68. Pros make 8 of them for 64.

I read today that the medal rounds at the US Amateur are both on the Ocean course at Olympic Club. Match play will be contested over the Lakeside course. Odd, huh? Other than practice rounds, the survivors won't see the competition field until round one. In other years, at least one medal round is played over the competition course.

Speaking of diversity in golf (if anybody was), how about architects? Anyone ever see a dark-skinned, latino or asian golf course architect? I haven't. They all look really pasty-pale, with names like Trent, Doak, Ben, Arthur, and Robin. Food for thought, I guess.

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