Fore!

I have been playing a lot more golf lately. My handicap has come down, and while I am not above the occasional mulligan or 4 foot gimme putt, I now shoot in the 80's consistently. I want to play better than that. Ironically, if you had asked me 5 years ago how I would feel consistently shooting in the 80's, I would have said "extremely happy." Now, I am barely satisfied.

Golf is very much like life, if I may be permitted to engage in cliche for a bit. Golf requires work to get better, although some people have a natural talent for it. There are elements of luck, both good and bad. A mistake can result in a good score, and a great shot can get ruined by a tree, a rock, or a gust of wind. Repetition is good, but not all shots are the same. Sometimes the swing has to be modified, sometimes the ball position must be changed, and sometimes you have to use a different club than you would normally choose. I have lost well hit balls on the fairway, and I have found balls hit into dense woods or brush. Again, luck goes both ways.

Golf is great because it gets you outdoors. I frequently play with complete strangers, and we usually get to know each other during the 4 hours or so we interact. I like to walk - good exercise - with a push cart. Riding in a cart is OK, but walking with a caddy carrying your clubs is ideal. I like using different ball markers, usually coins I have collected over the years. Wooden tees, natural color, 2.25 inches. The golf balls I use are Taylor Made Tour Response with a wide stripe. That could change. I have a Tilley hat that is washable and quite goofy looking. Then again, I look goofy in hats to begin with.

I would love to shoot my age or lower. I think that is possible, though highly unlikely. Stay tuned, if I am still blogging when that happens.