Just grabbed my clubs this morning feeling way too confident about tackling Rae’s Creek. You know, that sneaky water hazard guarding number 12 green at Augusta? Yeah, that one. Every year you see pros dunk balls left and right during the Masters. “How hard could it be?” Famous last words.
Walking Up to the Tee Box
Stood behind my ball looking at that stupid creek again. Water looks calm but I swear it’s evil. Told myself “Play it safe, aim left away from the water.” Did I listen? Nope. Ego took over. Pulled out that dang 9-iron like I was Tiger back in ’97.
Taking the First Swings
First shot? SPLASH. Right in the middle. That sound hurts your soul. Grabbed another ball. Second shot? Tried cutting it nice and easy. Caught it thin. Splash again. Bird flew by – felt like it was laughing at me.
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Why I kept failing:
- Wind fooled me bad – It felt calm standing there but watching the flags? Breeze kept switching directions
- Trusted the wrong club – 9-iron wasn’t cutting it. Needed to club up
- Got tense over the ball – Shoulders felt like rocks staring at that water
Trying Different Tactics
Switched to an 8-iron finally. Focused hard on taking a smooth swing. Ball flew left… but sailed clean over! Landed rough past the green. Finally cleared the evil creek! Felt like winning the lottery for half a second… until I saw where it settled. Behind a giant azalea bush. Classic Rae’s Creek punishment – avoid water, get bush jail.
What Finally Worked (Sort Of)
Took my medicine. Chipped out sideways with a dumb pitching wedge. Third approach with the same 8-iron? Actually landed middle green! Too bad it rolled off into MORE trouble behind. This hole chews you up and spits you out.
Ended up taking a triple bogey. Two balls drowned, one prisoner of war in the bushes, zero dignity left. Watched four groups roll up behind me while fishing my ball out of the creek with a retriever. Embarrassing.
Lesson smacked me in the face – respect Rae’s Creek like death and taxes. Play smart. Club up. Aim for the FAT part of the green. Forget cute shots. Stupid water kept eating my good balls like candy. Next time? Might just drop a ball past it and pretend like I made it over honestly. This creek wins.
