As 2015 comes to a close, I like to take the time and review my golf year. I like to objectively look at all the factors that attributed to the various ups and downs of my season. In the past, my introspective look at the past helps develop my plan for the future. In some cases, I want history to repeat itself; in other cases, lets just say that a change is needed.

To start my critical assessment, lets review my goals for 2015:

This year, I am trying something different. My goals will be tangible, realistic, achievable and results oriented. Here is what I am going to accomplish this year:

• Win 1 golf tournament; – Achieved
• Make the Ontario Military Regional Golf Team; – Missed by 2 spots (3 strokes)
• Place in the top 10 at the Military National Golf Tournament;- Missed
• Help someone become a better golfer; – Achieved
• Play 60+ rounds of golf; and – Achieved
• Become a scratch golfer! – Missed – Lowest handicap was 2.8

According to my direct goals, I was 50%. But as we all know, stats can lie and this is not the real story. Let me explain!

My 2015 golf season started off very slow. I missed the first month for work and a vacation to Europe. Neither I would change, but this slow start did have some lingering effects as the season wore on. On a positive note, The Duck stayed in Europe and I look forward to another match this year against my good buddy, Kirk!

Additionally, I missed about 1 month of golf in September due to work and a vacation to Quebec, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, Canada. Neither I would change as both were fun and I spent some quality time with my wife and best friend. These excursions definitely had an impact on my golf game this year, but not something I would have changed; special time with the people I love and sharing awesome experiences with them reminds me to why I a grateful for everything in my life!

Back to my season! As the year unfolded, I found it difficult to find a groove. I was not comfortable over the ball for most of the season and only found sparks of great play. My usual streak of 6-8 weeks of great golf did not materialize this year. I can attribute my inconsistency to lack of practice at the beginning of the year. Normally, I spend the first 2-3 weeks practicing my short game and getting my “feel” back. Unfortunately, this year it did not happen. I would rate my preparation for my golf season as poor in 2015.

As the season unfolded, my game did improve. Before I continue, I think it is important to note that all my assessments are relative to my own expectations and perceived capabilities and not meant to be compared against anyone, but myself. I shot several rounds at par and several from 2-4 over. For some reason, I found shooting a low score was not the problem, consistency was really the challenge. My scoring to 2015 would be rated as average.

I changed equipment in July. I was fitted for the first time, and thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. I purchased Titleist AP2 Irons and 915 D2 driver, 3-wood, and 3-hybrid. I am completely happy with the new equipment. I am still getting used to how they feel and the different distances each club can produce, but I am close. Overall, my satisfaction with my change of equipment is outstanding; however, when I decide to make a wholesale change of equipment in the future, I would do it at the beginning or end of a golfing season.

There were very few low points in my golfing season this year other than missing 2 months of golf. I played some ugly golf from time to time (as we all do) but I never shot in the 90s, I never lost my sense of humor, and I never lost my gratitude for being able to play golf….period!

On a more positive note, here are some highlights of my 2015 golf season:

I played more golf with my wife than ever before. We made it to the range and links on a regular basis and it made a great difference in both our games. More importantly, I was spending time doing two of my favorite things – hanging with my best friend and hitting the links.

I was part of a team that won a 2 man scramble golf tournament. My friend Jean played very well and he was tired at the end of round from carrying me for 18 holes. It was great fun and walking away with some hardware always makes things seem better.

I played golf at some pretty nice courses in the local area – Wildfire Golf and Country Club, Keystone Links, Black Bear Ridge, Trillium Woods, Bay of Quinte Golf Club, and of course my home track of Roundel Glen Golf Course. This year Roundel Glen was in its best shape for years. A big shout out to our superintendent, Jeremy Sizer, and his team for doing a fantastic job with the course. I played some great courses this year, but the best part was the people I played with! They made playing at these courses a more enjoyable experience.

My three rounds at the Ontario Regional Golf Championship. I finished 7th and missed making the Ontario team by 2 positions (3 strokes). Over the 54 hole event, I shot 79 on all three days. Now many would think that missing the team would prevent this experience from being a highlight of 2015, but I think we need to look at what really happened. I learned more from just coming up short, than if I had made the team. I was very happy with the way I fought for every stroke and kept in the mix throughout the entire event! Playing at Regionals was a definite highlight of the year.

Lastly, the best aspect of my 2015 golf season was the people. I met some fantastic people on and off the course due to golf. My old friends are awesome! They are always there with a positive comment, to pick me up and to help correct my wayward game – I am always grateful for their friendship.

Also, I had the opportunity to interact with new positive, like-minded people who enriched my life in some way. Golf is definitely a contact sport, and each year I am grateful for the awesome people I meet and eventually call my friends.

My 2015 golf season is definitely in the books. As the snow has finally arrived, I am sitting in my house taking this opportunity to really examine my season. I met some great people and played some fantastic courses.  Keeping everything in perspective, my low points were minor bumps in the road that do not need any further attention! It is time to look to the future and start preparing for another awesome golf season in 2016.

Overall, I would rate my 2015 golf season as a resounding success!

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