Match Play In Golf

July 5, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

Each year, my home course sponsors a Match Play event that lasts all season. This year, 32 men signed up to play head to head to determine who is the best. Because of work and, well life, each match is played over a week or two period until someone wins. Our event should be finished in about 10 weeks.

Today, was my first match and it did not go so well. It was a match against last years winner Apollo. He is a 15 handicap and I am 6. So I gave him a stroke on the nine toughest holes. This was a tall order, but I felt confident I could come through in the end.

Well after 9 holes, I was down 5! Apollo shot a 40 front nine and I shot a 42. He was playing below his handicap and I was playing above mine. So, it is not surprising that he had such a commanding lead. After pushing holes 10 and 11, I knew things were not looking good for The Grateful Golfer! Apollo closed my out on the 13th hole.

However, today was not lost. I ended up shooting a 39 on the back nine. I played better starting on the 8th hole, but I could not build up enough momentum to close Apollo’s 5-up lead Apollo.

It is not unusual for me to have different nines. And today was another day of some inconsistencies. I seem to be a slow starter lately, but I am playing pretty well. A couple of things that changed to make me play better today included:

a better putting stroke. It appeared smoother and softer;
closer chip shots from 40 yards out; and
most importantly, I was in play off the tee!

The difference between the first 7 holes and last 11 was amazing. I guess I could come up with many excuses, but that would just cheapen Apollo’s win and make me look like a sore loser. So congratulations to Apollo for coming through in the clutch.

The highlight of my game was my playing partners. Ted and Serge, the other two players in our foursome, were fun to be around. Our loop around the links was light, full of laughter, and focused on fun. I really enjoyed it and hope we get a chance to play together in the future.

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

Golf’s Inner Calm

July 3, 2015June 29, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 8 Comments

How do you find your inner calm?

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

Canada Day 2015!

July 1, 2015June 29, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

The first of July is special to all Canadians.

Its Canada’s birthday.

This year Canada is 148 years old! Still young as a country, but deep in history.

I believe that Canada is the best country in the world!

I am a grateful Canadian!

Golf – When to Say Uncle!

June 28, 2015June 28, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 16 Comments

Today, was an unusual day for me. I was excited to have the opportunity to play in the afternoon after travelling for 3.5 hours home from helping my brother-in-law build his house. The forecast was for rain, but that does not stop me! With the Regional Military Competition in just 3 weeks, I need to hit the links as much as I can. So, I called my friend Jean and convinced him that it was only drizzling and it was suppose to clear up. After bribing him with coffee, he agreed to meet me at the course.

First green at Roundel Glen Golf Course! Just a little wet!

As we prepared to go out, our friends at the Proshop gave us the lazy eye and shook their heads in disbelief that we were heading out to play a round. I was still full of hope and confidence that the weather would quickly change and we would be playing in the sun and warm weather!

Well, the shroud of hope quickly turned to the realization that we would do well to finish the round! As the rain continue to pour down, it was like a boxer taking body blow after body blow!

As I walked up to my ball on the first hole, I realized that my dream of a great round continue to fade. But, ever the optimist, I refuse to give in. The fact the bunkers had 6 inches of water in them was nothing, I convinced myself that this was only one bunker and the rest would be fine.

Walking down the par 5, second fairway, we dodged a lake of puddles. I am not talking casual water, but standing water we could fish in! But, I was not to be deterred! It was going to get better….oh yeah, it started to rain harder!

Second green at Roundel Golf Course. Just a little wet!

When I reached the second green, I was convinced that my dream of a 18 holes today was still possible, but the probability of finishing was in question. As I saw the river flowing down the 2nd green, we realized that it might be time to look for an exit strategy!

With our course design, it was just as quick to play 3 and 4, then 8 and 9, then to just walk in. So that is what we did. We played six holes on a course that was actually unplayable. I was just fooling myself from the beginning. However, I am sure, if the rain had stopped I could have convinced my friend to play all 18 holes.

But since the rain has not stopped, and it is 2 hours since we left the course, it was a good decision to call ‘UNCLE’ and walk off the course! Having played 6 holes was fun and better than nothing, but tomorrow is another day and I am looking forward to hitting the links after work!

Have you ever left the course because of rain? Share your story!

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

Happy Father’s Day

June 21, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

30 years ago. How time flies!

I have the best Dad in the world! I am sure this statement is being lauded around the world again and again. Of course, we think our father was the greatest because of the positive impact he had on our lives, but really, my Dad was the best. Unfortunately, our time together was far too short and over the past 25 years, I sure could have used some of his sage wisdom to get me through some tough times. Fortunately, my father-in-law was there to help fill some of the void and I am grateful for his advice, wisdom, and love along the way.

My Dad taught me so much that it is difficult to list it all. He demonstrated how to be a father through kindness and love that he showed towards my Mom everyday, how to stand up and be accountable for my actions, when to sacrifice for the good of the family, and how to have fun on life’s journey. He taught me that friendship is more important than money and to treat everyone as if they were your friend. His life lessons are the core of my being and for that I am ever grateful to my Dad

He taught me how to fish, the importance of tipping your barber, how to build a cottage, how to play horseshoes, how to hang a picture straight (well I am still learning that lesson), how to ride a bike, and why it is important to spend time with the ones you love. I could go on and on, but I think you get the point.

My Dad was always around for us. His greatest gift to my siblings and I was time. He played games with us, took us places, and understood when to give us our space. He always made the time for everyone and never demonstrated frustration or disappointment when asked for help. My Dad showed me the value of personal discipline in all areas of my life. Looking back, he always seemed to know what to do at the right time.

Also, my Dad taught me how to play golf! He taught me how to swing and how to use of the different clubs. He taught me the importance of etiquette, fixing your ball marks, and where to stand on the green when someone was putting. He showed me all the fundamentals that are essential to being a good golfer. These lessons and more, I have used repeatedly for 40 years. I have taken my Dad’s knowledge and passed them on to many people as his lessons were valuable both on and off the course.

I have the greatest Dad in the world. Although he is gone, he is in my heart and I talk to him everyday! Today is a special day for all Dads. It is a day to express how grateful we are for everything they did to make our lives better.

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