My 36-hole day made it impossible to make a journal entry that evening, so I made one upon waking. I must be getting old, for the fatigue factor remains front and center.

Oddly enough, fatigue was never a factor later in the trip at Bandon, where we walked every round. I’ll write more about that later. For now, here are my thoughts after two days at Juniper Preserve in Bend, Oregon.

Start of day 3

Playing 36 holes yesterday made it tough to do a day 2 entry. Playing 36 holes made it tough to do anything else. The experience served as a reminder that golf is exhausting and extremely physical.

My entire body was tired, legs, torso and arms. After crawling to dinner, which did pep me up a bit, I made a point to hit the sack early and rest. It worked. I feel much better this morning, as I get ready to do a mere 18 holes today. I will play the Nicklaus course, which I’ve decided is my favorite between it and the Fazio. It’s more visually exciting to play, but the overall design of the Fazio is top notch.

Getting back to the fatigue factor in golf. I’m only two days into my golf vacation and it feels like it’s been a week. There is a big difference in playing once a week and 54 holes in two days. Throw in some heavy practice sessions and it is no wonder I’m worn out. It got me thinking yesterday, while on the course, of the benefits of a full-swing action that doesn’t require a lot of effort. If I want to play day after day, I’ve got to utilize such a swing. So, that is my goal for the day today.

It’s worth noting that I feel like the hitting of the ball is more tiring than the walking. At Bandon Dunes we must walk, as they don’t allow golf carts. I spent the past year walking as much as possible to be prepared, but I’ve never felt this tired after a five-mile walk. Hitting a golf ball is a full-body experience. When you do it over and over and over again, you are going to feel it.