Vince and Mel went to school -
Performance Golf School!

Yes, Vince and Mel attended Performance Golf School on April 24th and 25th
at Sonoma Ranch Golf Course.

Wow.

Aside from a little sunburn and perhaps a few aching muscles,
we had a blast.
(OK - Mel's neck looks like a lobster.)

Check out their website linked above for more information on their next school in Santa Fe in May.  If you love the game and want to gain personalized instruction from Dr. Charlie Blanchard and Coach Herb Wimberly, this is the place you need to go.

The school covered everything from the basics like stance and grip to hitting all the clubs in your bag - plus adding new 'mental' clubs to help you succeed.

The class was small - only 18 folks - guys and gals. The mornings were spent in mini-clinics and then in the afternoon, we hit the links to play 9 holes.

The skill level of the players ranged from beginning to pretty dang good!  There were some awesome players out there! 

We were treated to a long drive demonstration from Las Crucen (and I sure hope I have the right name here) Nathaniel Nicks.  I think we were told that they had to clear out the maintenance shed at the end of the driving range when he got up to hit!  Tremendous power on that guy!

We did pretty good if I do say so myself.  Saturday was a little touch and go with the way we hit but we did manage to smack a few good shots down the fairway.

Sunday showed us that, yes, we actually had learned something the day before and had a pretty good time out on the links.

Vince was awarded "Most Likely to Improve" and Mel won "Longest Putt".  And, no, Vince did NOT break any windows on the front nine.  Came close - but no glass
was shattered during our round.

So - did someone say pictures?

Here's a group shot of the school.  We were really lucky - every single person in this group was wonderful!

Herb Whimberly assisted our group out of a nasty sand trap.  The ball probably landed in the hole on this one.

Dr. Charlie Blanchard - perfect form.  I think this one landed about 1 foot from the hole.

OUCH!  Hate those nasty blisters!  Mel slaps on a band aid - at least she was told it
was a 'good blister'.

FORE!  The form was great, the swing was perfect - but what happened?

We came to the conclusion - it doesn't matter how you do it, just as long as the ball gets in the hole.

See the description of
the last picture.
Everyone needs an assist
every once in a while.

Our saving grace - the beer cart.  And to think this was only the 2nd hole - on the first day.

Herb Whimberly and one of our playing partners, Jeff Wilson.  Not sure if it was Vince or Mel - but from the looks on their face...it wasn't pretty.

Proof that we played - and finished.
Keep in mind that this was a SCRAMBLE!

Finally, our snack bar hostesses who keep the 'refreshments' nice and cold!