A Traditions preview

Conklin Players Club will be the final event of the invitational, but one course I've looked forward to all summer is Traditions at the Glen.

When I started playing a few summers ago, Traditions was where I began (in fact, I wasn't cognizant of Ely). It's one of the classiest courses in the area, built around a resort and spa that's considered one of the premier places to stay for travelers.

Whereas most courses we've played this year will be one and done, Traditions will be the exception. Today is the BU Alumni Golf Classic, a tournament I played in last year with Jay Boulia, Nick Nunziato and Mike Boykin. For varied reasons, Boykin and Jay dropped out this year, so we'll field a foursome of me, Nunz, Alex and Mike Waffle.

This tournament was the highlight of my 2009, and I expect it will be the highlight of my 2010. Plenty of food and drinks, with a BBQ dinner to cap the night: this tournament is built for 24-year-old alpha males like us. Dan Polhamus does a great job organizing this tournament, and I technically was on the organizing committee this year (although my responsibilities have been minimal).

At the least, today gives me and Alex an opportunity to see the course and get a sense of how to take on one of the tier's nicest 18, which we will play again next Saturday afternoon. Having played here many times, I have to feel at least a little confident.

As for our chances today, they're about zero. I don't remember what number we posted last year; I only remember that we lost by 18 strokes. The winning team includes Jeff "Frosh" Wolniewicz, one of the best golfers in school history. His team must be the favorite going in again today. We'll see.