Merry Christmas

Here are the kids on Christmas Eve morning! We are having the rest of the family over for dinner today. We open our gifts on this day, when I grew up in the states we did a little of both, sometimes on Christmas eve and sometimes on Christmas day. Here in Norway the tradition is to open gifts on the eve, which is just fine for Amanda and Leon. Not to sure if he understands what is happening but he really likes to take the decorations off the tree :-) I am still waiting to finalize the last parts of the new contract with the golf club and start planning ahead for the next season. We are hoping to get that done in the first few weeks of the new year. I have not been "blogging" the last months because there is not much happening here in Saltnes, just takin care of business at home and watching the little guy get bigger each and everyday. Wish all a good Christmas and maybe I'll put some more pictures out through-out the holiday season!

Over and Out..........

Yada, yada, yada... Didn't see to much of the ball in the hole this past weekend, so I thought maybe this might help my mental picture of what's important in golf... getting the ball in the hole asap!!!!! Played my last tournament this past weekend at Trifjord Golf Club just outside Oslo, played ok the first day, but had no more in the tank the last day. Now my thoughts drift to an upcoming knee surgery, rehabilitation on that, next years plan for Jr's and the other sport groups at the club. This season has been a busy one with a few unexpected travels to and from the USA. I believe this has hampered me in my presentation on the golf course, without the time to practice the wedges, overall short game and putting the scoring will suffer. I can not expect to score well if I have not put in the time required to do so. Se la vi... Next year is right around the corner and we must live in the now, do the best we can to plan ahead for all the groups at the club and make the next season best possible. There are two more weeks for those who have training, the jr's and the men's group. I'm planning on using these training days for brainstorming together with these players to get some feedback to use in planning for next year. Thanks again to all who have used my site and have given positive vibes concerning this. Keep it up!!!

Jr's

Here we have four of our juniors (LE, LP, Almond, and Pontus) out on the 5th hole at Onsoy. They played a best ball match against me and won. They played the front nine on par and beat me 1 up. We had a nice training and the boys seemed to have fun. Training is coming to an end and we will be playing as much as possible the last couple of weeks if the weather is cooperative. There is a parent meeting the 23rd of September in the club room at Onsoy at 1830, that day the boys will be playing by themselves so that I can also participate in the meeting.

View from hole 14 to 15 at Onsoy

This is the view we had during the Club Championship on Sat. And this might have been the highlight of the whole tournament. :-) Played poor but it was good enough for a 2nd place. Looking forward to getting my knee worked on at the end of the month. It hurts and getting worse for each day, it will be great to live a normal life without pain.

Golf on the Brain!

Leon has golf on the brain. He's so funny when he's playing with his plastic clubs and trying to walk around and chase after the ball. I have done nothing to persuade him either... well.. the clubs and balls were just in his crib from the day he was born, but other than that I have not done anything.... :-)

Fore!!

Here he is walking with the two most important things in life.. His ball and club. He started walking after his golf ball a couple days ago and seems to think it's fun. He loves the golf channel and gets all excited when the guys are puttting. Funny.

Lots to do...

I have been busy and have been working like a crazy person the last 8 weeks or so, which is good and I am not bitching about it but it will be good to have a little bit slower days in the final 6 weeks or so of the season. Things have been good otherwise and we are trying to look forward to the next season. Some of the juniors I coach need swing changes and it's now the time to do those things so that when winter comes we have a good base for keeping the "feelings" going through the winter months. Leon has started walking and has been actually trying to play with some Snoopy clubs and plastic balls. Pretty neat to see him trying to hit the ball. He started to do that all on his own but of course I think it's real cool. Amanda is back in school, 6th grader all ready, whew... the time flies. Anyway, I'll be trying to put some new pictures in the site and holding the people updated!! Thanks again for those who use the site!

Happy Birthday Leon!!!!

Here he is at the beach! Looks like he is having a good time! Leon T Porn, 1 year old today! He's busy growing, learning, laughing... all the good stuff the little guy needs. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SON! PAPPA LOVES YOU!!!

Summer Training

This was wensday's group, we had 7 kids for this training and 10 total on a warm summer day in Saltnes. Great weather and the golf course is in great condition. We are all hoping for a long indian summer! Played last weekend in the Norwegian Team Championships, Onsøy finished 8th in the 5 div. We had a nice trip and were hoping of course for better results but that will come with hard work and paticence. Anyway, things are moving right along and the season is a little over half way now.. my lesson book is pretty full so don't wait, book lessons now and reserve your time first!!!

18th at Onsoy

Here's one of the members Luci who we had the pleasure of playing with today. Steve, Borre and myself played and we had a nice time! The course was in great shape and the greens were rolling at a good speed. The holes could be changed just in regard to the edges, but other than that the course was really nice! Leaving for Lag Nm tomorrow and will be gone until Monday. I will have my mobil with me and will be checking it regularly. Thanks for the round guys.. and Luci!

50 meters left

Had 7 people on this course today! Hope they learned a bit and that they had fun practicing together! We are hoping the Keep out of the Woods course will fill also up. A fun chance to hit your driver as much as you can for 2 hours. We have different drills and "feelings" you might want to learn. Thanks again folks!

Yesterday's Round Hole 15 at Onsøy

Had a great time with Bente, Trond, and Borre yesterday. Played at 10:00 and really enjoyed the game. It wasn't to hot and the greens are coming along nice. Must have helped with the water that we had a while back. Got the trip brochers today, they look nice and I hope the people buying the packages will also like them and their eventuall trip. Looking forward to the rest of the summer and am hoping for good times and weather ahead.

Men's Group Getting it Done

Here you have the Men's group pitching in the range... Something I hope they understand is GREAT practice.. Hitting sand wedges over and over is one of the best practice tools there is. Some might think it's boring but think of the best players in the world.. they hit thousands of wedeges every week.. So.. just accept it men... it's for your own good even if you don't like it.....

Rikard with a 12th place at P4 Hauger

Better Rikard better!! With a 75,73,76 Rikard Halvorsen one of my students had his best tournament so far this season. I know it's still a little disapointing for him not to play even better, but you are playing better and things are coming along good! Just keep working hard and rest your arm a few days now and next time you'll be fighting it out even more on Sunday! It's not easy to play with an injury and I think you played well this past weekend!

81 and a WD

Ya ya ya... Played ok yesterday actually.. 10 pars, 1 bird, 4 bogeys and ooops three double trouble. Gave away at least 6 shots. Tournament tough.. not quite. Tanja was sick today and I had to stay home and take care of the little Leon. Sad to pay 1000,- kr and play just one round but that's life. Gonna take a break for a while and try and establish a plan for getting t tough. This year I've played good in trainings, social rounds but have not got the job done in tournaments. I remember last year I had a stretch of like 10 tour rounds with scores lower than 78. It's not like that's super great but I won twice last year and maybe I've been putting undo pressure on myself to preform well this season. I don't know really, maybe I need a skrink.. hahaha. If I look hard at the facts the answer has to be practice, practice and more practice. I have not practiced as much as I should. I need to take a break and then get back at it. Will be opening my teaching book wide open for the next 6 weeks. Book your lessons in good time because the book does fill up fast when I'm back in full teaching business.

Back in Norway

Whew... what a trip back to Norway today, planes were late, running through airports, and almost not making it home. I am very glad to be home with Tanja, Amanda and Leon. Looking forward to getting back at it this next week. Tomorrow we have a group of 20 kids from Saltnes Grade School coming at 11am, they are choosing to have their last day of school out at Onsoy Gk. This Friday thru Sunday it's time to tee it up at Hauger GK in Oslo, playing the P4 event there. I am looking forward to being "Tournament Tough" this time out!! Anyway, it's real late now and the pillow is calling. More to come tomorrow!!

View from the back

This is what you see when you look out the back at our condo in Windsor Green. The Wizard and the Man O War golf courses.

View from putting green at The Wizard

Nice huh?

Windsor Green

Our condo is the one in the middle. Nice building and well taken care of.

View in Front

What you see when you get out of the car at Windsor Green. You have this view from the front door as well.

"Tournament Tough"

Been awhile now, was a little depressed after the tournament in Kristiansand. Had a good friend tell me that he thought I was feeling sorry for myself and that I was thinking to much about looking good rather than playing my game and being what he called "Tournament Tough". Not sure if I totally agree with his saying I was more worried about looking good, but he is on to something with me being more tournament tough. I have played great in all my practice rounds this year, but something has been missing in the tournament rounds. I guess I just need to get tough and give a rats ass in how things look and all that and just play my game. I am in Myrtle Beach now taking care of some family things and will be coming home the 18th. I have not played scince I have been here but am looking forward to practicing and playing a bit in the next days until I come home. The weather here has been over 40 degrees everyday and with the humidity it makes it real hot. Thank goodness for air conditioning. Nothing really more to add, looking forward to getting home to my family and being "Tournament Tough"!!

Bjaavann Golf Club

View walking to the clubhouse. A Robert Trent Jr designed course. Played hard and fast today. Pro-Am tomorrow and the real deal starts on Friday. Played ok today... Looking forward to playing and practicing tomorrow.

4 meters up and no chance

This is not something you see everyday. Played with a couple students the other day and forgot to post this. Maybe with some rain this ball will be playable again. Just a little funny to see a ball so long up in a tree. I will be leaving for the P4 tournament this Wensday and will be gone until Sunday, then on Monday I have to fly to the US to take care of some family matters and will be back on Wensday the 18th. I am not real happy about having to leave in the middle of the season, but as stated I have some family matters that need my attention. Thanks for the season so far to all the members and quests.

Hole 14 at Moss & Rygge

Played yesterday with a couple of my students at Moss & Rygge Golf Club just outside of Moss, Norway. The weather was great at 08:30 and we felt like we must have been in South Carolina. The course was in good shape, I thought there was quite a bit of clover on some of the holes but overall the course was nice and the greens were rolling real good. Fun to putt when you feel like you can really roll the ball and have it hold the line and if you happen to miss a putt (which never happens to me.. hahaha) you can at least not blame the quality of the greens. Played from the tips, hit the ball better twords the end of the round and ended up -1. Looking forward to practicing and playing the next days inbetween my teaching. Leaving this wensday and I am excited to play down in Kristiansand that's for sure!!!!

Tanja and Leon...

We were at the twins confermation yesterday and this was a nice place to take a picture of the two of them. Amanda was at Grandma's house. There was about 30 people at the event and we had a great time with good food, nice weather and people. The twins had a great time and we were happy to see that. There has been sorry to say little golf for me in the past two weeks, have been busy here at Onsøy, doing the final touches of the new house in Saltnes and trying to spend as much time as possible with the little guy. As everyone knows time flies and he will only be so small once. Will be playing and practicing a bit the next ten days or so before I will hopefully play in a P4 Tournament in Kristiansand. I did not get into the one at Nøtterøy, but no biggie, I'll just have to make the most of the chances I get the rest of the season.

Leon is moving..!

Here's the little guy at Grandma's house in Norway. He's more and more mobil and seems to enjoy everyday! Eats good and sleeps through the night. Tanja is a wonder, gets up with him every morning at the crack of dawn. My teaching duties keep me at the course until late and when I get home I'm still a little wired and need some time to relax and am in bed a bit late. I am lucky to have such a wonderful wife and the worlds best mamma!! Otherwise things are good and we are enjoying the little gift we have been given!!!

Fredrikstad Kommune

Here's the group we had from Fredrikstad Kommune. A fun group to work with and they seemed to like trying the great game. Hoping we can follow up with this group as well as others and get some more people playing this wonderful sport. Thanks again FK and we hope to here from you all again.

Onsøy's 14th Green

Now you can really see the different colors and that season is really getting started. The course is in good shape and the greens are rolling pretty good. Played today with one my students, Trond and we had a great time.

Moss and Rygge

Hole 17 at Moss and Rygge golf club. Played with Rikard, Steve and Fred. Played pretty good -2 but it was from the regular men's tees. They didn't have the tips set up. The course was in good shape and we had a great time.

B Boys

Was nice to see some of the juniors again today, had the girls first and the B Boys after. We got in 3 holes after helping out with picking the driving range clean for balls. The course seems to be in good shape and after the greens recover from the "air" work it should be in great shape. I am feeling better and am looking forward to getting in some practice and playing in the days to come. Nice to be back in the swing of things here at Onsøy. Talked to lots of members today and it's super to be home again.

Feeling Better and Back to Business on Monday

Ya da... I guess having the fever for a couple days and trying to play was not good for either my health or golf game. Missing the cut by a mile and driving the 9 hours home I was feeling rather under the weather. Slept for 15 hours from yesterday until just about a half hour a ago. Feeling a bit better now and am looking forward to getting back at it tomorrow! Going to spend the day drinking lots of juice, tea, water and get my strength back for the next push through the season. Thanks for the messages I have recieved and I look forward to getting back to business.

43 shots and 45 putts....

Did not see that coming, 88 strokes total.. Might be the worst putting round ever for me. My only explanation/excuse is that I was in bed all day yesterday with 40 fever.. Had no fever today but was most certainly not myself.. Will have to have a 'lifetime' round tomorrow to make the last round...

78 and 75.. Plus 8.. On to Thursday..

Played real good today without making any real putts.. The tournament starts on the last nine on Saturday, we'll hope for 3 days with great putting..

Royal Oak Golf Club

One of two courses that are holding ecco tour qual. Played ok today.. Feeling a bit sick actually coughing and soar throat.. Maybe a blessing in that people often play well when there under the weather.. Hoping to feel better of course..

Moorland at The Legands

Hole number 7 at the Moorland at The Legands. 245 yard par three. Was the only hole I made an over par score today, a double. Other than that I I had 7 birds and the rest pars. 67 shots... Not bad for a course that is rated the 37th hardest course in the USA. I hit many iron shots close to the hole today. Many tap in birds. Was weird because before I got to the course I stopped at a Piggly Wiggly food store and the lady took a look at me and asked if I was going to play golf today, I said yes and she said that she thought I was going to play one of my best rounds. Huh? I said and she pointed out the total of my purschase which was 8,88 dollars and she said that must be a sign. She also said I should buy a lottery ticket. Ha ha ha. Funny though. I did play one of the best rounds of my life today, tee to green. Hope this is a sign for things to come in the season coming up!!! Golf is fun!! Leaving for Norway tomorrow and I am looking foward to getting home!!

The gator at The Witch

A real live gator at The Witch golf club. Was a nice course and reminded me a little of Onsoy. The holes were a little longer and a bit more wide. Played with some nice guys from Florida and South Caorlina. Had a 75 with one bird and four bogey. I am hitting a bunch of greens and fairways and leaving myself to far for realistic birds but it's fun no matter what.

Man O War, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Here's a picture from the heart of the course. Played here today in strong windy conditions, shot a 76. Only one bird with 5 bogey. Played The Wizard yesterday and had a 73 there with 2 chip in birds and 3 bogey. The greens here are hard and fast. Not real used to having to allow for so much run but is it fun? Oh yeah!! And it's real good practice for the Ecco Tour Qual at the end of the month. The wind and hard conditions will most likey be waiting for me in Denmark. We have purchased a condo in the Windsor Green development on the course of The Wizard and Man O War. Will be playing the last of the three sister courses tomorrow, The Witch, rated among the very best here in Myrtle Beach. The weather has been great, over 25 degrees each day. The beach looks great even though I have not had a chance to go dip my feet in the Atlantic. Am looking forward to getting back home, seeing my family again and getting back to work both at Onsoy and getting my tournament schedule started for the season.

Here is Group D

The boys with Steve. You get a small look at the new covered range here at Onsøy. Had a good training with the kids today and we are looking forward to helping them get better. Was raining when practice started but turned out to be pretty nice. When the sun goes down it gets cold fast. Leaving for South Carolina tomorrow and will be back next wens. The kids are in good hands Steve and this will be a good time for him to bond with them. Will be sending updates from "over there"....

Here is Group B and Steve

Group B boy's at Onsøy, great group of guys and today was first practice of the outdoor season!

Steve, all the way to the left in the striped "lua" was with us today and we had a good time introducing him to the kids. Looking forward to training with the boys through out the season!!

14th again at Onsøy

Cool to see the difference in the green from the earlier picture, the different lengths of grass but you can still see the water in the bunker, so yeah, it's pretty wet out there. The last nine is dryer than the first. Will try and get pictures from this hole through out the season to see a bit of change in the colors. This is probably my favorite spot on the whole course here at Onsøy. Anyway, getting ready to leave this Wens and am hoping for a nice but productive trip to South Carolina. I am of course taking my sticks and will be practicing earlly in the morning and taking care of house business in the afternoon.

Another round at Onsøy...

Walking in on hole 18 at Onsøy. Played with Steve today, we had a good trip around the course today and the back nine is drying up real nice. The first nine was a bit soggy and you needed to move the ball around to get a dry spot but no biggie. The greens were a surprise today, not very soft, well, they were soft but it was a surprise that they were pretty dry considering the rain we have had. Hit the ball ok today, made one bird on 18 today, not for a lack of decent chances, but bumpity bump it went and of course hole 15 was a challenge with an "other" being scored there. 76 with one bird and many chances, I'll chaulk it up to one of those rounds and keep thinking positive. Steve was hitting it pretty good especially considering the changes he's making to his swing, keep up the hard work big man and you'll see the fruits of your hard work.

A Little Reminder

Just a little reminder of that summer is on the way!! This tree is called a Joshua Tree and is only found in the middle east and the eastern desert of California. It's in the catus family. This one looks like it was split by lightning, weird looking I know, but proof that the world is not all that big after all. Picture taken at Antelope Valley CC on hole 16.

Mark and Stephen at Onsøy.

Here's the boy's, we played today and had a great time. The weather was good and the course is geting better day by day. Played pretty good today, had 6 birds but a couple "others". All in all was happy with the play and the ball striking from around 100mt and in. Am looking forward to playing some more in the days to come.

Shivas Irons

Shivas Irons say this is what life is all about... For those of you that have read the book "Golf in the Kingdom" you'll know what I'm talking about and for those of you who have not read the book, well, you really need too!! A great story and an eye opener.

Onsøy Golfklubb 15th Hole

One of the nicest views on any golf course in Norway, I played the last nine holes today and got in some practice with my wedges. Played ok, I have lost a little feeling scince I've been home but I hit the ball decent and played good the last 4 holes with a eagle on 18. Greens are getting there, a little long but I have to remind myself that it is the first week in April and the grass needs time. Patience KP.

Onsøy Golfklubb's 18th Hole

It's great to see the club open, I saw a lot of people out at the club today and that was nice to see! Had some lessons today and that was good, I didn't get time to pratice today but that's the way it goes.. I will practice tomorrow... The driving range roof is coming along good and they look almost done. I'll be sure to take a pic and post it asap!

Playing with Jon..

Played a nice nine hole round with one of my students, a nice young man named Jon. We had a nice walk and the golf was so,so. I can tell I haven't been out on grass for a little over a week now. Hit the ball ok, had six greens in regulation and was in the fringe on two others. The course was pretty wet in some places but no biggie to move the ball to find a dry spot. The greens were, well, long and I am looking forward to being able to get some putting practice in after they are cut! Other than that the weather was super and good company. It's supposed to rain tomorrow... boo hiss but it's forcasted nice on thursday and friday. Picture is of the 14th green, beautiful. Thanks again Jon for a nice walk!

Maybe Baby...

Looks like the snow is melting away into a possible spring!! I hope the warm weather starts this next week so I get out to the golf course and do some practicing and teaching! As of now it's only 5,5 degrees C here in Saltnes. Come on you big sunshine!!!

I just had to..

Was feeling a bit better today and the sun was shining, so..... I just had to sneak up to the driving range at Onsøy and hit some of my own balls out in the snow. I had to scrap away a bit of snow to hit off the training mat but that was no biggie.. I was actually sweating when I was done practicing. Have to hold the swing going after practicing and playing so much in Cali you know... Don't want to get down to Denmark and have to "find" the good feelings again. Hit the ball solid today and just worked on keeping my swing on plane and hitting the ball with a little draw. Looks like the snow might be melting away in a week at the most!! Come on warm weather and sunshine!!!

UFF A MEG

Here is the backyard.. Spring is around the corner I just know it..... We are still fighting colds, Amanda and Tanja have it the worst so far, and Leon seems to be getting better. I am not sure if I am coming down with the same thing as Tanja and Amanda, hope not.. they are coughing alot and sleeping quite a bit.. Uff a meg... Come on warm weather and sunshine!!!!!!!!!

Back in Norway

Here we are all safe and sound back in the old country... Looking forward to a few days recovery from traveling and we all have a cold with runny noses. Hopefully in a few days we will be fit for fight...

A Big thanks to Antelope Valley CC

Amanda also took this picture of the tee marker on hole 18. I just want to thank all the guys and gals at AVCC, Steve, Mike and Big Larry to mention first, Fred, and all the other people who work in the shop! You all made our stay in Palmdale a very special one and we will never forget your gracious hospitality and attitude, I never paid for anything and I just want you all to know how much I and Amanda thank you all!!! I have played many courses in my life and I find it hard to think of another place that the people working there were so helpful and freindly, thanks again ya'll and I hope that all the practice and playing I got to do at AVCC will be the spring board for a great 08' season!! Hope to see you all again!!

Last round at Antelope Valley CC

Amanda took this picture on our last day at AVCC. We played 27 holes on thursday with a great lunch after the first nine holes. We had a great time and I actually played good golf this day, shot -4 for the 27 holes. I am feeling good about my game, hoping the weather back here in Norway will turn warmer real fast, now it's -10 here in Saltnes. Guess I'll have to hit some balls and try my best to use the indoor center in Sarp until I can get outside again at Onsøy. Really looking forward to this upcoming season!!

Amanda at Antelope Valley CC

She asked me if I'd go and watch her hit balls. Tough question....

The Guy's

Here you have most of the guys I have been spending the past days with, we are in charge of the first hole at the AT & T Championship Tour here at Valencia Country Club. We have had a great time the last days and tomorrow is the final round. These guys have been doing this for years, and my Uncle Don( the gentleman right in front of me)  is one of the ring leaders. Thanks for the treat guys and I hope we see each other again.  Played nine holes with Pops after the round today, had a great time and we both hit the ball pretty good, played in 1 hour and 9 min.. with a cart of course.. 

Pops and me

Here we are hanging out by the backyard pool after a round of golf.  Have been back in Palmdale now for a about a week and have had time to practice more than play actually, played a great round the other day, -4!! Had 7 birds and three bogeys, played nine holes yesterday and played -1.  So I guess the time spent banging balls is paying off!  I have never really been one for hitting so many balls, but maybe sometimes it's real necessary. ( of course it is, ha ha ) Anyway, going to be spending some time down at the AT and T Classic on friday, sat and sun. The Championship Tour event is about an hour from my Pops house, and we will be part of the group volunteering for the first hole, will try and sneak in some pictures from that! Otherwise things are going good here in Cali, and we are looking forward to our last 10 days or so b4 we make our way back home to Norway.