Friendship and Golf – Do they Go Together?

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:

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!

The High of Christmas is Over….Or Is It?

As a parent, I have always found it fun to watch my daughter open her presents at Christmas. The smile on her face and joy she expressed was enough present for me. She is older now, but that feeling I have watching joy expressed by my loved ones has not waned. I am confident you feel the same way. For me, it is the spirit of giving that makes Christmas special. But I wonder if the high of Christmas really only lasts one day or is it possible to spread that cheer all year round? What do you think? Continue reading

A Minor Change to My Stance on Music on the Golf Course

Two years ago I wrote an article categorically stating that music on the golf course has no place. Actually, I still believe that music played over a speaker on the course is bad form. I find the noise intrusive and disruptive to my concentration. However, times are a changing and I thought I would revisit my hard stance. Continue reading

Stop Chasing Your Golf Game!

I learned a valuable lesson many years ago that chasing my golf game was a waste of time. During this dark period of my career (about 20 years ago), I would try any new technique regardless how silly it was; fortunately, I did not have the money to chase equipment or I would have done that as well. I wasted so much time that now I look back and wonder if I would be a better player if I had learned this valuable lesson sooner. Continue reading

Quiet Time for Golf

For the past seven years I notice a distinct drop in views at The Grateful Golfer. I do not think the material is any less ‘awesome’ (please ignore my shameless plug), but the fact the all the tours are preparing for a resurgence of activity in January. The big names are taking time with families and planning their schedule around the Majors. Overall, it is a quiet time for golf. Continue reading