Playing golf is a passion of mine. This statement seems pretty obvious considering the name of this golf blog, however every once in a while I play a round of golf that heightens my gratefulness. Yesterday, I played a round at Laurentide Golf Course with my good friend Mike. We played our usual match play game and had a great time throwing jabs at each other for 3.5 hours. We laughed, joked, hit some great shots and some others that did not suit our game. Overall, I am grateful Mike and I were able find time to tee it up.

As always, Mike started out quickly and took a two up lead. As I tried to make my way back to even Mike keep hitting solid shot after solid shot. So much so that he took the front nine two up. When I put the pressure on, Mike responded by chipping close and sinking putts. As the round progressed, we both started to play better and get a handle on our game.

The back nine was a little different. We both played very well until the last hole! We tied 6 holes, Mike won one (because I missed a short birdie putt and he sunk a 15 footer) and I won two. The last hole (a par 5) was an anomaly for both of us. I duck hooked my ball and lost it in the woods and Mike hit his third ball in water. We both finally made it on the green in 6 (yup this is not a typo) and we both had reasonable putts. I won the hole as I made my putt and Mike slide by the edge. I won the back nine one up, but lost the entire match and paid Mike a Toonie. Also, I had to buy Mike lunch from a side bet. Overall, it was a great round of golf and I am grateful that Mike and I had a fun time.

As good friends do, Mike and I also talked about our past. He knew that I am veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and found out that I worked with the 431 Air Demonstration Team Snowbirds as a technician early in my career. I have deployed three times and supported many operations. Mike has worked with the defense industry for years. Currently, he works for Cooke Denison and travels a great deal. Mike loves his job and it shows by the passion that oozes out when he talks about it.

The best part of our conversation was continuing to get to know each other better. On a side note, Mike gave me a sleeve of Pro Vs and for that I am also grateful. It was a wonderful gift and look forward to shooting low scores with these beauties.

Golf is a contact sport! The more I play, the more interesting people I meet. My friend Blair introduced me to Mike and we hit it off right from the start. Playing golf has afforded me the fantastic opportunity to meet some amazing people and play some fun golf. My round with Mike yesterday is a perfect example of how golf is a contact sport. I am grateful for my round yesterday and thank Mike for kicking my butt! 😉

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!