Why I Need This Game
(#1 Green at Sunny Croft Country Club)
This is not your typical golf story. It is not about handicaps, putting styles, swing models, reading greens, balance, picking the right driver or set of irons. It is not about how 'clickish' some country clubs can be, or why others are so open and welcoming. This story is about what golf has done for me as a person. How it has made me realize my strengths and stare directly at my weaknesses. ~This is why I need this game:
When I was in high school, I was a pretty good athlete: lettering four years in football (co-captain my senior year), basketball, and track. Later, I played some college football. I was blessed with pretty good size, strength, and foot-speed for my day and time. And, I received my share of accolades, especially in football. Enough accolades to convince myself I was a better athlete than I actually was.
I played some golf when I was in elementary and junior high school at the Veterans Park in Clarksburg, West Virginia across the river from my home - a Par 3 pitch and putt course which had sand greens. All you needed was a 5-iron and putter. I continued to play 'at' golf through my late teens and early twenties, never taking it seriously. Although, I did hit the ball pretty well. It was more about drinking beer, acting stupid with the guys (we were all single), and telling lies. It was just fun.
Then, marriage, teaching, coaching, and eventually high school administration became my priorities. My clubs were retired for 26 years - never picking up a club (again) until a few years ago (2011). At the encouragement of a friend, we went to a local course driving range . He,with his state-of-the art clubs. Me, with my 1967 Northwestern Marty Furgol blade irons and rosewood driver and fairway woods. To my amazement, I did not embarrass myself. My interest in golf was rekindled. As a result of that day, I joined a local country club, fully expecting my younger athletic success to carryover into 'senior' golf.
I quickly realized golf is not about strength, size, or speed. Today, my golf game is inconsistent at best. And at times, downright embarrassing. It has been extremely difficult to accept that I will never be much better than I am now - no matter how hard I try. No matter how good the equipment. That heart of a once 20 year-old athlete is now in the body of a 68 year-old man. I quickly found out what old athletic injuries have not stiffened, back surgery, boy-stupid younger days, chronic disc problems and arthritis have.
It has been humbling to say the least , to watch golfers 15 to 20 years older than me driving and pitching way better than me. Every week, I see golfers my age with less size and strength who play much better. The most recent core-shaking experience was playing in a foursome with an 8-year-old. On one hole, he out drove me and another teammate (my age) by 15 yards. I just dropped my head in disbelief. Of course, it helped somewhat when I remembered he is ranked 8th in the world - but he was still only 8 years old.
I have been blessed with good overall health... for my age. And I thank God everyday. Nonetheless, it is frustrating when I play with men who have had knee replacements, bypass surgery, hip replacements, heart attacks, strokes, and other health problems and they score way better than me - on a daily basis. It is especially embarrassing when I 'press to impress' an individual or a group I do not usually play with and fail miserably. However, these failures, and my inability to live up to my personal golf expectations have actually been good for me.
Golf keeps me grounded! It keeps my ego in check - something badly needed. For no matter how good you were at something, or how good you thought you were, there is one certainty in life...golf teaches humility. For me, golf is also a game full of contrast and conflict. When you shoot a fantastic score one day, you say, "I've finally got this game figured out. Look out next round!" On the other side of the card, when you play a 'round from hell,' you say, "I know I can play better." That's the fickle part of golf. No matter how well or poorly you play, you will always come back for the next round.
Yes, I feel certain I can improve my game. But only so much. Reality can be a cruel mistress. I must keep reminding myself about the mind-body disconnect. To leave the ego in the parking lot. And just why I play this game - to have fun with a few good friends. However, if you know of a golf instructor who specializes in big ego - old body golf, please send me their name. I actually would like to shave a few strokes from my handicap.
Yes, golf has been good for me in many ways. Now, every time I go to the golf course and walk toward the number one tee box, I repeat what the legendary comedian Don Rickles said, "Once I realized I stink at golf, I really started to enjoy the game."
Everyone can benefit from finding a way to stay grounded. For me...it is golf.
This is Michael saying, "Until next time."