I have always wonderd what it would be like to walk 18 holes a day over four consective days. Much like the pros do. I have played 18 holes for 4 days before, but that was while riding in a cart between shots. I have walked 18 holes before with a caddy, but never on consective days. Well I finally did it. Since the pros do not carry their own bag, and did not have a caddy, I employed the use of my trolley. Let me tell you something. If you have never done this, you should try it. Regardles of the state of your game you should try it...at least just once. That is assuming you know you are healthy enough for such an endeavor.
Note: I go on hikes with my grand kids almost every weekend. These hikes are usually 2 miles +/- over hilly terrain. My last physical check a couple of weeks ago told me and my doctor I was in great shape for my age. When I golf I usually walk with my trolley a couple times a week on a 6600 yard track. I also ride a mountain bike every so often. So, I did not just jump off the couch, and decide give myself a possible heart attack. Like I said above. If you are not completely sure you are healthy enough, don't try this. It takes more than you might think.
Day 1; Monday; Played very well, while carding a 77. had a good time, and weather was not a factor. Nice crisps impact with the ball, and stayed in the fairway for the most part off the tees. Woke up the next morning with just a few aches, and pains, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Day 2; Tuesady; After my warm up, I felt really good. First 15 holes I was doing well. Had good round going and was 62 strokes after 15 holes. Felt great, while possibly looking at a personal best if I scored well on the final 3 holes. All par 4s, and all of which I have birdied many times in the past. Long story short. For some reason I started hooking the ball off the tee boxes. Even hooked a couple off the fairway. My hands seemed to be out running my lower body. Was I becomming fatigued? Possibly, but I still felt strong. Wound up with an 80, which I attributed to a couple great chip shots, and a very hot putter.
Day 3:Wednesday; Out of bed with the same aches and pains as yesterday morning, only those same aches and pains were definately sending me a message. A couple of Tylenol, and off to the course I went. Spent (needed) a little more time on the range to limber up. Played the first 9 holes at 3 over par. Unfortunately the second 9 holes were not pretty. Played them at 13 over. lost 6 of those strokes on the last three holes. Definately fatigue was beomming a factor, and was causing me grief with my tempo, and timing. Luckily my putter was still on my side, even if my body wasn't. Shot a 87. Went home to lay down. Of course there were a few "honey do's" to get out of the way. My wife had no mercy for me on this golf journey.
Day 4; Thursday Wow, what a good nights sleep can do for a person. Unfortunately, I was not that person. Sore calf muscles, a few leg cramps made for a long night. Even though the thought crossed my mind to "WD" myself, I headed off ot the golf course. Now it should be noted that I had no back, or arm pains on this fourth day. However my lower legs were definately telling me to be careful. After warming up, I hit the first tee. A great shot about 270 down the middle. Those who made up my foursome were impressed. Second hole, same thing. After three holes I am 1 under par, looking at a wide open par 5. So much for being 1 under par. From that 4th hole par 5, it was down hill to the 19th hole. Even with a short rest at the turn, I was "toast". I had no aches, or pains, but I also did not have a golf swing. If not for my putter who was still feeling sorry for me, the 90 I shot could have easily been a 95. The last 15 holes were a struggle. Bright spot was I did not finish last in my foursome.
It is now Saturday evening, Yep I am sore, pretty much all over. Lower legs are the worst. However these are the "good" aches, and pains. Fatigue was the major factor in all of my poor shots. i am pretty sure my mental focus, tempo, timing, and at the end, my poor putting were the result of not being in shape to play 72 hole, in four days, while walking. i have new found respect for anyone, and those who play on the PGA tour who break 70, and almost always 80, while walking 72 holes. The best I can figure I walked 15 miles those four days. Oh, and BTW, the grand kids and I have hike tomorrow of about
