I love the Christmas season. The winter wonderland, the sharing of happiness and joy, and spending time with the special people in my life. Although there is no golf, I will take the time to enjoy some outdoor activities, visiting, and being grateful. For me, it is also the time to give back to the community and to share some of my good fortune by donating to charities, the food bank, and just smiling at those I might encounter. The spirit of Christmas is all around us and I for one am happy to embrace it. Continue reading
Christmas
Motivated to Write About Golf
I am a Grateful Golfer!
This will be my 675 article since starting The Grateful Golfer in May of 2012. I have at least doubled my viewership every year. I never thought I would have 5 followers, let alone almost 1600. Things have evolved over the years and I can truly say that I feel that I am a better writer now, than 3 years ago. So why am I telling you this?
- It is not to brag!
- It is not to boost my ego!
- It is not to plea for more regular followers!
- Nor is it to suggest that for some reason I am an expert about anything golf!
I bring this up to say THANK YOU! Thank you to all the people who took the time to comment, like, dislike, correct, advise or just show support! There are many things we cannot control in the world, but how we treat and interact with people is something we definitely can control. I honestly can say that the people I have had the honour to meet via The Grateful Golfer have been awesome.
Through this entire journey, which has only just began, I have interacted with some awesome golfing fanatics who share my passion for this crazy, frustrating, challenging, and awesome game. If I started to list those who actively comment on my musings, I am sure I would miss someone and that would just not be fair. You know who you are because we talk – sometimes often, sometimes not – but we talk.
There is one person who I need to mention. He my closest friend and has been there through all the tough and good times. We share a passion for golf and he knows how to bring out the best in my game! Thanks, Kirk! By the way, how is the duck?
Over the past few years, I believe The Grateful Golfer blog has helped me overcome many challenges in my life. It has provided and outlet express my feelings and views about the world through a sport that has provided many awesome memories. If you are reading this article, then you are part of those memories and for that I am grateful!
So, as the Christmas season unfolds and the New Year approaches, I am motivated to write about golf. I am not sure where this journey is going to take me, but I am sure it will include many awesome people, fantastic locations, and an opportunity to enrich my life and those around me!
Thank you to everyone for your support and kindness.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
T’WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS!
I was fortunate to walk with my best friend today in the cold frozen landscape of Southern Ontario, Canada. For those who don’t know, we recently experienced a 48-hour freezing rain storm. If you have never experienced a freezing rain storm, I recommend it is something to avoid.
However, our walk on the trail did reveal some beautiful scenery of a freshness only experienced on a walk in the snow. As I walked and thought about tomorrow’s special day, I wondered if there was a possible connection to golf.
Well, not surprisingly there was. During our walk, I felt like I do while walking on the golf course early in the morning! Today, the air was fresh and clear, the views spectacular and the company fantastic. Walking (Playing Golf) at anytime is excellent, but there is something about being the only ones on the trail (course) that makes it even more special.
Later today, I was talking to my friend in the UK and he is playing golf on Christmas Day with his son and a couple of friends……talk about a bucket list! For an early Christmas present, my friend should give his son a couple of strokes aside….not that his son will need it. Regardless, playing golf with your son and friends at anytime is awesome ….. especially at Christmas!
Golf is an awesome sport! It provides many opportunities to connect with great people, better yourself in many ways, and to enjoy the great outdoors. Most importantly, it opens doors to enjoying new things like walking with your best friend on a trail meant for two!
I am a grateful golfer! Merry Christmas!
The Wild World of Golf
As the holiday season arrives, I like to reflect on how grateful I am for my fantastic life. Each year I realize how much golf means to me by the Christmas cards we receive with the golfing theme (thanks Dale and Nancy).
I read blogs like the Adam Sarson, Brewcee’s Golf Blog, Lets Talk Golf, Golf Habits, All About Golf and White Dragon Golf. Some commiserate with me about the cold weather and others keep me informed about the golfing world and helps me pass the 5 months of non-golfing in Canada. I like watching the golfing events around the world and see players like Sergio Garcia win tournaments in other parts of the world….and watch as he prepares for the Masters!
Lastly, I like to see people from different parts of the world look at my blog. Today, there were people from the US, Spain, South Africa, Malaysia, Finland, Germany and Australia. It is amazing how easy golfing blogs can touch different parts of the world. Another thing to be grateful for!
The holiday season is fast approaching and I am looking forward to a few days off and hanging with my best friend. I hope everyone is going to enjoy their holiday season.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Making A Difference In Someone’s Life
Making a difference in someone’s life as easy as smiling and saying hello! Sometimes, it only takes a second change someone’s world. Just listening or offering a helping hand may be enough to make a difference. Any small positive token of acceptance can occur anywhere; even on the golf course. Golfers have a long history of helping others. There are many golf charities that raise money for the military, the homeless, cancer research, under privileged kids, and many more. All are important and provide support to those who may need it most.
Each year I try to play in charity golf tournaments or events to promote worth causes. It is a great way to give, play golf and support many charities. Last year, I participated in the True Patriot Love Foundation event in North Bay, Ontario and in the 8 Wing Commander’s Golf Tournament in support of the local United Way Charity.
Next year, I plan on helping organize some events because giving your time is as important was a financial donation. I believe it is important that everyone gives back and if we can do it through golf charities, then why not! The PGA leads by example by giving back all year; Together, anything’s possible.
On an unrelated note, but in the spirit of Christmas and giving, I wanted to bring your attention to a young 17-year-old Winnipeg artist whose video went viral back in 2011. Sean Quigley isn’t just a musician but is very involved in charity and social justice movements. When “little Drummer Boy” and its music video where released, CD’s were sold under one condition, “All the money has to go to charity” said Quigley. In collaboration with a local radio station, CD’s where pressed and sold out in a matter of hours. Their agreement was honoured and every penny made from CD sales went to an organization whose goal is to end homelessness and poverty in Quigley’s hometown of Winnipeg. Enjoy the video!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 