Par Under Pressure

Preamble:

In the pre-blast, PAX were challenged to make a decision before the alarm ever went off—comfort or commitment. With temperatures sitting at 19°F, Black Water became a test long before the first rep. Sixteen men chose to show up anyway, stepping into Under Par Pressure at the Cumming City Center knowing the cold, the eyes, and the work were unavoidable.

This beatdown was designed to reflect those choices. Just like the morning decision to leave a warm bed, every rep and every putt carried consequence. Brothers depended on one another, pressure was shared, and effort mattered. What played out on the Tin Cup course was more than a workout—it was a reminder that the discipline to choose discomfort together builds resilience that carries far beyond the flag.

Warm-O-Rama:

PAX kicked things off with a mosey from the COT to the amphitheater in the 19°F air. Once there, the group circled up in front of the stage and worked through a focused warm-up to prep the full body:

• SSH x10 (IC)

• Weed Pickers x6 (IC)

• Willie Mays Hayes x3 per side / 6 total (IC)

• Good Mornings x6 (IC)

• Michael Phelps (OYO)

Before moving on, the workout instructions were clearly explained and PAX numbered off to establish the hitting order so everyone knew when their hole was coming up. With expectations set and accountability locked in, the group moved together to the Tin Cup course and jumped straight into the thang.

The Thang:

• All Pax Gathered Around T-Box to witness the Putting Pax do their thang! All Pax Excluding Active putter got to it with Burpees. Followed by any additional Burpess as needed. Once Hole was Completed Pax performed designated exercise near T-Box. Once complete Pax proceeds from the T to the next T-Box using the designated method of movement. Immediately followed by new holes Par Burpees. No Rest in this round of Putt Putt.

• Each hole is considered Par 3

• At the start of every hole, the group performs 3 burpees

  • Golfer does NOT do burpees

• Golfer putts until the ball drops (max 7 attempts)

• For every stroke over par (over 3):

  • All PAX watching perform 1 burpee

  • (Golfer still skips burpees)

• Reps = 5 × total strokes

  • 3 strokes = 15 reps

  • 5 strokes = 25 reps

  • 7 strokes = 35 reps (max)

• Entire group completes the reps together

• Move to the next hole using the assigned movement

To get things started, YHC called for the best putt-putter to step forward and set the tone. When no volunteers emerged, Baskins answered the call and led us into Hole 1.

Hole 1 wasted no time delivering the message. After the par burpees, four strokes were required, resulting in +1 burpee & 20 wolverines, followed immediately by a bear crawl to the next hole, only to be met with another round of par burpees. The pressure was on from the very first putt.

From there, PAX progressed hole-to-hole through the Tin Cup course, earning every rep:

• Hole 1: Wolverines → Bear Crawl

• Hole 2: WW2 Sit-Ups → Crawl Bear

• Hole 3: Hand-Release Merkins → Duck Walk

• Hole 4: Lunges CC → Walking Lunges

• Hole 5: American Hammers → Plank Shuffle Right

• Hole 6: Merkins → Walking Lunges

• Hole 7: Flutter Kicks → High Knees

• Hole 8: Squats → Army Crawl

• Hole 9: Gas Pumpers → Plank Shuffle Left

• Hole 10: Dry Docks → Bunny Hop

• Hole 11: LBCs → Bear Crawl

• Hole 12: Lunges (EZ Count) → Karaoke Right

• Hole 13: Heels to Heaven → Power Skip Back to Hole 1

• Mosey Back to COT

As the morning progressed, it became clear that the putting game was less than stellar on this frozen course. Missed putts stacked strokes, strokes stacked reps, and extra burpees kept the beatdown hot and relentless. Only Ma Bell managed to sink a putt within the designated par of three—every other hole required additional strokes and shared consequences.

With time expiring and intensity still high, PAX pressed through Hole 13 before the horn sounded. Though all 18 holes remained undefeated, the mission was accomplished: pressure was embraced, effort was shared, and no man escaped accountability.

COT:

Tower of Power 6:00-8:00 AM 12/31, Ma Bell to provide more details soon; Ma Bell Q School @ Black Water Tomorrow 12/16; Geek Squad VQ Thursday 12/18 @ Firehouse; Get your name in open slots on Q sheet.

Prayers for many Pax or Pax family struggling with health issues, marriages, careers, finances, family, sobriety, and praises for some pregnancies that have been announced as well as newborn baby.

Thought of the Day: "Brotherhood"

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve witnessed the power of brotherhood in an incredible way. It’s a reminder of why it’s so important that we keep showing up—regardless of the weather, discomfort, or excuses pulling at us. When we choose to be here and push through the struggle together, we forge bonds that go far beyond the workout.

Those bonds create trust and dependence, and it’s often through that dependence that a brother may one day confide in you—or in us—with his pain, his needs, or a burden he’s carrying. We never know when that moment will come, which is why it’s critical that we continue to show up consistently, ready to support one another when it matters most.

Before David ever wore a crown, he spent years in the wilderness, running for his life as King Saul sought to destroy him. During that season, David gathered men from all walks of life—men with different backgrounds, reputations, and struggles. Many would have been seen as misfits, outcasts, or unlikely leaders. But in the hardest conditions, those men bonded together.

In the wilderness, brotherhood was forged. They protected one another, sharpened each other, and walked alongside David as he followed the path God had set before him. And when David finally became king, those same men became some of his strongest generals, advisors, and leaders.

The lesson for us is clear: we don’t wait for the storm to build brotherhood. We build it now, in the cold mornings, the hard workouts, and the uncomfortable moments. When life brings its struggles—and it will—we’re not meant to face them alone. Like David and his men, we are stronger, better prepared, and more faithful when we walk together.

Naked-Man Moleskin:

I’m honored to serve as the new Site Q of Black Water, and I truly appreciate every PAX who showed up this morning as I led my first Q in that role. Your presence and support meant more than you know.

The Second F has been on full display over the past few weeks. From a group of brothers meeting OTB on a Saturday run, helping me push farther than I ever thought possible six months ago, to something even more meaningful—one PAX serving as a sounding board for a brother walking through something he’s already faced. And in moments of struggle, a COT that surrounds and supports a brother who is hurting.

That is what makes this group special.

I continue to appreciate F3 and the men God has placed in my life more and more—regardless of how hard the workout may be. The fitness is important, but it’s the fellowship, faith, and brotherhood that keep me coming back.