I play plenty of golf with my friends. In fact, most of my games are with the same group of three players and it never gets old. Friends for many years, workmates as well, it seems natural that we all meet at the course three or four times a week to chase a little white ball. We are close friends on and off the course. Yet, I wonder how far that friendship actually goes when it comes to golf.

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Recently I asked the following question about giving up a sure hole in one and three quarters of the respondents would not pass it on:

You have one shot that will result in a hole in one, guaranteed. Do you give it away to a friend or use it yourself? #golfchat #QuestionOfTheDay golf

— The Grateful Golfer (@TheGratefulGolf) January 16, 2019

I guess I am not surprised by the results because most players do not have the elusive ace, so keeping it for themselves seems reasonable. Then I started to wonder if I would give up this miracle shot to one of my friends. I know this sounds a bit selfish, but I would not pass it on in and here is why.

If I was the recipient of the give of a guaranteed hole in one I am not sure I would take it. This does sound a bit crazy, but I think it would lessen the experience. Shooting a hole in one is a fantastic experience, but knowing that I received one with zero chance of fail does not help the players have the entire experience of talking, recounting, or bragging about their intended shot.

Of course, when it comes to just about anything else, we are there for each other. There is no question that golf and friendship go hand in hand. I have said many times in the past that golf is a contact sport and that still holds true. Whether with friends or meeting new people, fostering and developing friendships is all part of playing golf.

Do you play golf with friends often?

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