As we approach the 4th of July holiday many of us are struggling to find some consistency in our games. The reason most of us give is that we lack the time to practice and play. One of the after effects of the summer here in Central Florida is the almost daily rains that can interrupt our attempts at late afternoon or early evening practice. Most of us, me included, decide that we don't want to mess with the potentially wet weather. I think that all of us should try to overcome the urge to stay in our houses and do nothing. Go to the golf course, practice putting, work on your short game, hit some balls on the range, or even play a quick nine holes of golf. All of us must make an effort to overcome the conditions the weather and course brings us this time of the year if we hope to improve or even maintain the skill that we have spent many hours developing. A very dear friend of a lot of us, the late Dick Roderick, was seen practicing every day weather be damned. I had to on numerous occasions "kick" him off the practice areas when dangerous weather was near. Mr. Roderick was in his mid-eighties during this time and was an inspiration to me when I would get lazy and not feel like practicing. All of us can find the time to work on our game, play an extra nine holes, or just swing a club in our backyard. A great summer golf workout is as follows: Spend 15 minutes chipping, 15 minutes putting, 15 minutes hitting full shots, and then head to the golf course. That is a committment of 45 minutes, not much to ask when we waste at least that much time every day.

The golf course is continuing to improve after last fall's devastating hurricanes. The next step is the regrassing of the fairways that were under water for six weeks after the third and final hurricane. This process will start in mid to late July and will hopefully be back to normal in September. During this process expect there to be holes temporarily closed for short period of time. Once the contractor is chosen, I will announce a more accurate schedule of closings. The holes that will be regrassed are #18, #1, #9, and most likely #2. The clubhouse, pool, and tennis areas will be resodded at this time. Obviously we will have to apply water to the regrassed and resodded areas. Please take care to follow any signage and protect the golf course. Thanks for caring about your golf course!

As I have said in past notices through this site, I want and need your input to make this site better. Do you want more golf tips? Do you want more links to sites? Do you want more Cypresswood community information? Let me know by emailing me at bobschade555@bobschade.com.

Thanks for allowing me to inform you and help you become a better golfer, Good luck!!!!