For the past month, I did not play any golf. Actually, that is not entirely true, I did play one stunted round last week that I will discuss later. My lack of golf was a result of an operation (nothing serious) that prohibited me from any physical activity which, unfortunately, include golf. Well, time has passed and I am now cleared to slowly start increasing my physical activity. I have to take it slow in order to prevent injuring myself, so slow it will be; hence the lack of articles at the Grateful Golfer. I am back now, so I anticipate writing more often.

Many golfers experience injuries that prevent them from playing. When they finally receive the green light to hit the links, many rush and attempt to step on the throttle in order to make up for lost time. I would normally be that way, but not in this case. I am taking things slow in order to safe the bulk of my golf season and I recommend many of you do the same if you are returning from injury.

Last Thursday was my weekly Men’s Night game. I chatted with my team and asked if I could come back in a diminished capacity. They eagerly agreed and understood that my game was limited to chipping and putting only. I could swing longer, but decided to limit my efforts as to not exacerbate my injury. My approach was also driven my the fact that my team can poke the ball out rather well and did not need my shots off the tee.

As I walked to the first tee, I was carrying my 7 iron, sand wedge and putter. These three clubs would cover the vast majority of shots I would hit around the green. As we were playing a scramble, my club selection worked out very well. I only needed to chip a few times as we were putting for birdie 7 out of 9 holes (we made 5). It was the last hole that I wanted to expand upon.

Barry hit a booming drive that left us 50 yards from the green. This was the extra prize hole where the winner was the closest to the pin in two shots. As was last to go and hit a great shot. I was working on a slightly different stance while chipping with a more flared lead foot before my operation. Well, as I placed the ball in the middle of my stance, I took aim at the pin. I hit a great shot that landed on the green, did on hop and stopped immediately on the second bounce. I generally do not put that much spin on the ball, but I sure was happy to see the results as my ball came to rest within 3 feet of the pin. As a result, we won the prize for closest to the pin in two shots. We lost in retro for other prizes, but it was a great finish!

Getting back into a golf was a relief on many levels. Golf is an important part of my summer, but I had to take the time to fix a nagging injury in order to prevent more persistent issues. I am grateful to the amazing health care team who fixed me up and to my darling wife for looking after me as I healed. Overall, it am glad that ordeal is over and I am looking forward to the rest of an amazing golf season.

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