Golf Fever

So this has been awhile coming. but here it is.  The best thing is, there is still lots of time to get out on the links and shoot a round.  I know that my son is itching to get out again and I hope we can scratch that itch.

Sunshine has been a big part of August and so far September and this past weekend I spent a hot day on a golf course bonding with my son.  In his words "I see golf clubs in my future Dad."  The day proved to be a great success.  As a kid slightly older than he is now, I spent a lot of time at the Sussex Golf and Curling Club but over the past couple of years I have been searching for that sport where we could connect.  I think I found it.

Six people teed off the first hole at Midland Meadows Golf Club, well four of us took our first shot while the two youngest simply enjoyed the walk around the course.  Midland is a great place for beginners to take their first hacks at their golf ball of choice.  It is a short course with relaxed rules and luckily for us the other golfers had lots of patience.  While I may have spent lots of time on the golf course in earlier years, the other three golfers that day were all first timers.

My son, a left handed golfer, struggled while using a senior set of clubs.  My nephew, a right handed golfer, was more comfortable using a junior set of clubs.  The boys got lots of practice, and even the two younger kids took some swings from time to time.  It is always amazing to me how quickly kids pick up new sports.  I know the kids were impressive with how they adapted to the new sport and surroundings but the most impressive golfer that day was my sister.

Natural athleticism is a gift and my sister has that gift.  She had swung golf clubs in the past but her time on a golf course was limited, due to the amount of time she spent on a soccer pitch as a kid.  Her drive off the first tee was not entirely impressive but it was in the fairway.  Her second shot was another dribbler down the right side.  Her third shot however was ideal and she landed it just off the small green.  As we approached the sixth hole she was starting to gain confidence and with it consistency.  She stepped up to the par three hole and drove her tee shot straight and true, landing it on the green.

Anyone who plays golf knows that being able to putt for birdie is not easily attained but here my sister was on her first round of golf making a birdie putt.  She left the putt short but managed to sink her parr putt while I stood highly impressed and very proud.  Now anyone who knows my sister and I will realize that is a big statement for me to make. 

Before the round started I gave the boys a pep talk about how golf can be a frustrating game but all it takes in one good shot to make you feel good about yourself.  At the end of the round I asked the rest of the foursome "What was your best shot of the day?"  Each of them had an answer.  My son had a chip shot on the eight that he landed within a foot of the hole.  My nephew had a great drive on the ninth and out drove his Mom, while his Mom had the tee shot on the sixth.  My best shot was my tee shot on the seventh hole where I played my slice perfectly around the dogleg. 

The one shot each golfer remembered was enough to have each of them wanting to get out again.  I can't wait to see how many shots they remember the next round.

A Relaxing Walk While Competing

Thanks for the pic Jamie Roach

Through past experiences that led to other columns I often have come to realize how I am aging.  One sport that I recently thought I'd like to try again is golf.  As a kid I spent my summers at one of three locations; the ball field, a good fishing hole, or on the golf course.  Once I had to start paying intermediate membership rates however, my golfing heavily decreased.   The majority of golf I play now is on the computer that I use to write my columns.  On the online World Golf Tour, I play as a pro with a 6 handicap but hardly burn a calorie through 18 holes.  Even with the online opportunity I still only play maybe 3 rounds a month, after all my lap top is for writing not playing.

A little over a week ago I was able to take part in a one day golf social as part of the local Chamber of Commerce tournament.  I was a bit nervous heading into the day as I was scared I would not be able to reach my own expectations or those of my own teammates.  The tournament was a four ball scramble which means we take the best ball for each shot with some exceptions.  My biggest fear was that we wouldn't want to ever play my ball.  Luckily my golf game was not as rusty as I thought it might be.

I struggled through the first two holes but my drive on the third hole was long enough that we used it for our first shot on the hole.  My next shot was terrible however as I shanked a five wood.  Golf is frustrating that way but when you hit a sweet shot you are hooked once again.  It is an up and down relationship for a player like me and it is that roller coaster and the challenge of keeping my emotions in check that has always got my competitive juices flowing.

Despite my online WGT ranking, I'm no where near a pro so I can't give anyone tips on golf.  I can say that it is a game that everyone should try because you don't have to be good to enjoy the walk.  In the Sussex area we are blessed with many courses and each has its selling features and no doubt everyone can find a course they enjoy, even if it is just for the walk.  Walking is the greatest exercise and after carrying your clubs and walking 18 holes you'll believe it.  After my first 18 holes of 2012 I know I sure could feel it.  My right wrist ached, my back was as tight as a drum, and I was exhausted, and we had taken a cart. 

If I recall, I always played better when I walked than when I played out of a golf cart.  The reason for this was that I could stay more relaxed when I walked.  I could let my mind wander away from golf for a bit and take the competition out of it.  The biggest competition in golf for me was myself and when I relax I play better.  I encourage everyone to get out on your favorite course and relax.