OC Golf Course

I was playing at the San Clemente Golf Course, a municipal golf course that offers ocean view the other day and I had the hardest time putting because everything just breaks towards the ocean!

It didn't matter that it was up hill or down, the ball just wants to funnel towards the direction of the ocean. It was a tough day putting even though I hit the ball beautifully. In fact, I would've shot a mid to low 80s if I could do anything with my putter as I put so many balls within 3-5 feet of the cup.

I've actually heard about the weird behavior of the golf ball before but it's just hard to get pass this mentally when I actually saw it, never mind setting up the putt to compensate it. As a result, I was doubting myself on every putt as I had no idea where I was suppose to aim. Consequently, I didn't do well at all (I had 39 putts and I actually chipped the ball really well all through the round).

The flip side of this is that I'm ready now. Next time I play, I will be able to compensate for this a little better and as I play the course more often, it will break the way I expect it to.

The takeaway of this is that if you want to know how to play a course by the ocean, the only way to do so is practical experience. It's impossible to believe how the golf ball will roll on the green mentally until you are on the actual course.

So, come on down here in Southern California and I can show you in person!