Me setting up to hit my approach over the ravine on the challenging par-4 No. 17 at the Plantation Course

When I told Conor from Dublin, the newest addition to the WUP family, about my absurd Maui vacation, he spitefully said that he hoped I would fall into the ravine on No. 17. Well, the only thing that came even close to dropping in there were my huge drives. The par-4 is 510 yards from the tips and 480-ish from the men’s tees.

With the rain blowing sideways on Sunday, I managed to knock a pretty good drive in the middle of the fairway and I think I had about 180-190 yards to the flag (it’s also downhill and downwind). I obviously immediately sent this picture to Conor, who replied, “That’s some violent rain — you can actually see the sideways-ness! Proper weather.” Coming from an Irishman, I believe that’s a compliment.

Oh, in case you care, I hit a nice choke 3-hybrid to the edge of the green, but of course, I three-putted — I choked over a 6-footer for par (and lost $10). I blame the yucky Bermuda grass. Hopefully, by the end of my vacation, I’ll get a handle of it. Or at least make a putt longer than 6-feet.

However, on Monday, the conditions were much better (still very windy, per usual, but clear, sunny skies!). I even made a video blog. (This one’s for you, Conor!) Thanks to my new friend Mike from Brooklyn for the camera work (and letting me borrow his TaylorMade Burner driver, which I hit really, really well). Check it out after the jump!

I had 170 yards into the green and tried to hit an easy 4-hybrid. It was too much club and my ball rolled all the way to the back of the green, where, naturally, I three-putted. I knew I should have gone with the 5-iron. By the way, have I mentioned how atrocious my putting is?

And before I head to the pool and/or beach, I leave you with this picture:

Me on the 18th tee at the Plantation Course

P.S. Dear TaylorMade, how about sending along one of those Super Burner Drivers? 9.5 degrees, regular men’s shaft. Thanks!