Today started out normal.  Up at 5 am, out the door by 5:15 am, grab a coffee at Tim Horton’s and off to the course 22 minutes away (yes I have it timed, I know, but I need it for planning purposes).  When I arrived, I met Bill.  He is visiting family in the area and wanted to get a quick round in before his kids woke up.

During the front nine, Bill and I made small talk; slowing getting to know each other.  But mainly we focused on our game.  At the end of nine, I was 1 over and I think Bill was 4 over.  We were both very happy with our scores.  Now the fun begins.

During the back nine, Bill and I started to talk more about or families, jobs, hobbies, etc.  Well a funny thing happened!  As we talked more, we focused less on our game – then it happened; 6 bogeys in a row! I cannot remember the last time I had 3 bogeys in a row!  And here the lesson to myself for the day.

It is very important to stay focused for the entire 18 holes.  It really makes a difference.  I know many of us have our group of friends who we play with on a regular basis and generally they have been our friends for a long time.  It is easy to get caught up in conversations not related to the game at hand.  That is when goofy shots creep in.  So if you want to lower your score, try staying focused for the entire round, chances are that you will shave off a couple of strokes.

Ultimately my 77 today was a minor thing.  The best part is I met someone new (golf is a social game) and learned a few things along the way.  I am a grateful golfer.

I am an early bird player.  I enjoy teeing off at 6 am and finishing around 8 am.  When you are the only one on the course or you have a friend playing with you, getting around the course in record time is quite easy.  However, playing early does have some interesting hazards that most players do not encounter later in the day.

First, the dew on the green.  I slows the ball and does not allow for much action on an approach shot.  Fog – well in the summer fog is more of an issue than most people think.  Although it burns off by the end of the front nine, it can pose a challenge.  Sprinklers – well I guess having a minor shower as you play could be considered a perk, however moving around to miss the spray or rushing your shot can definitely add strokes.  Lastly, the green’s keepers.  They are usually out in full force trying to prepare the course for the days activities and dodging balls from half asleep golfers is probably not part of their job description.

There are many pluses for playing early.  After my round, I spend the entire day with my family.  It is usually quiet and refreshing on the course.  I see lots of wildlife like deer, foxes, rabbits and the odd snake.  The sun rising over the trees is especially picturesque.  It is very tranquil and provides me with a positive environment to enjoy each moment.

Playing early in the morning is one of my favorite times to play.  I allows me to clear my mind of useless clutter and reminds me of how grateful I am to play this wonderful game.  I am a grateful golfer!