Golf; it's such a civilized game. And with the natural beauty of it all, what's not to love? There is something relaxing about a nice leisurely walk through lush green meadows surrounded by towering oak and fir trees, with the occasional shimmering pond bordering magnificent greens - oh @%#& I lost another ball!
Golf is like a double-edged sword. It can be the most relaxing and the most frustrating game - all at the same time. You can hit a shot that softly lands 10 feet from the flag, and then turn around and send a lame duck into the water hazard the very next swing. But it is the feeling of hitting that perfect shot that will keep you coming back until you do it again (even if it isn't for another 16 holes, or 36 holes, or 54 holes, or…).
There was a time when I golfed quite often. When I went to Kauai in 1996, I took my golf clubs with me. I played a nice municipal course and the gorgeous Poipu Bay course - and I actually felt good about my game. In 1999, I vacationed in California; playing golf every day of the week. Each day my score got worse and worse.
I hacked around courses a few more times before officially retiring from the sport (with the exception of a few odd appearances) in the summer of 2001. My scores just never seemed to improve, even after taking lessons from a professional. I was spending a lot of money on a game I was not good at. It was time to quit.
This spring I played two rounds of golf. The first round was at Ranch Hills, a nice little 9-hole course in Mulino. I went with my brother-in-law Marc, whom I had never been able to beat - until then. I hadn't picked up a golf club since August, and yet I was able go out in April and shoot my best round ever. It would have been even better, but I added up my score after the 8th hole - a big mistake. I did terrible on number 9.
The following weekend, I played 18 holes at River's Edge in Bend - a much tougher course. I shot the same score as at Ranch Hills on the front nine, before lapsing a little and still shooting an OK score on the back nine. Hmm… maybe this game is worth coming back to…
So, this past Monday morning (July 5th) I got up at 4:30 am to meet Sabino Arredondo, Rich Kropf, and Brock Rempel at Tukwila in Woodburn for a 5:36 am tee-time. I think I should have stayed in bed. My very first shot was complete miss that popped the ball in the air and landed it about 30 feet in front of me, and that was followed by multiple landing in wet sandy bunkers. But, I did have enough good shots (and even a long, twisting, Tiger-esque, par-saving putt) to make it worthwhile. And most of all, it was nice to be out on a beautiful course with a great bunch of guys.
I am officially back golfing - for the natural beauty, for the thrill of the perfect shot, and for the company of good friends. But, I may be retired again by the end of the summer…
Posted by jethro at July 8, 2004 09:50 AM | TrackBackHmm...that is funny you say that. I usually play my best after a year or more of not playing. Perhaps it has something to do with not expecting to play well so you are relaxed. Golf is a game of the slow, steady swing.
That said, every ball I own is a water magnet. If there is water on the course, my ball will find it - even if it is behind me.
Posted by: Denise at July 8, 2004 02:43 PMA random fact:
In Scottland, a new game was invented. It was titled Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden.... and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.
Posted by: ray at July 13, 2004 09:38 AM