But on the other hand, we run a "Winter Tour" which requires us to dodge occasional California storm, which -- knock on wood -- we have been able to do pretty effectively over the 20 years we've been doing this.
But not today. over 75 of the original 83 player field showed up and gave it the old college try, but in the end, the meteorologists were right, and by 11:00 am it turned into a day that only the bishop in Caddyshack could score on. Conditions got dangerous, and there was standing water on the greens as well. So the round was called off.
Players were paid prizes and trophies based on round one scores.
ROUND ONE STORY
Take some time off from the game -- it might do you wonders.
That was the word from AmateurGolf.com San Diego co-leader Dylan VanderVeer, who posted 2-under 70 at Carlsbad's Aviara Golf Club to tie Ben Soicher of Mill Valley for the early lead.
"I haven't played golf in over a month," said VanderVeer, a St. Mary's College golfer from Corona Del Mar. "That was my secret."
It might seem ridiculous to prepare for a tournament by not playing, but should VanderVeer bring home the title on Tuesday, he might start a trend. Today, any rust in VanderVeer's game got shaken off quickly with a bogey on his first hole, the par-5 10th.
From there, it was back to his normal aggressive style of play, with four birdies on the rest of the back nine for a 2-under 34. An even-par front nine gave VanderVeer his 2-under 70 and share of the lead with Ben Soicher.
The easy-going Soicher birdied No. 10 -- like VanderVeer he started on the back -- but made a couple of bogeys before a birdie on the toughest 18th hole in San Diego righted the ship. Soicher's second nine was flawless, with 7 pars and back-to-back birdies on Nos. 2 and 3.
The leading duo is trailed by Darren Chiu and Nick Woo, who both posted 1-under 71, and a trio of golfers at even-par 72.
MID-AM DIVISION
Jay Harris
Collins, known for his length, hit a couple of bombs today -- a drive to within 30 yards of the green on No. 12 and a 3-wood over the cart path that crosses the fairway on No. 15, leaving him just 100 yards from the green.
SENIOR and SUPER-SENIOR DIVISIONS
Todd Sincock (left) and Patrick Rohan