RCAF

April Fool’s Day Revisited.

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

I wrote this article last year and thought it would be fun to revisit it.

However, I thought I would add this important milestone. For those who like history; The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was created on this day in 1924.

The new RCAF ranks and insignia poster

Happy April Fools Day! As many of you know, it is a day to pull pranks and jokes on each other for the “fun” of it. Over the years, I experienced my share of jokes and looking back some were very funny. The origins of April Fools Day is a bit murky, however the intent to for some light-hearted laughter between friends. Continue reading →

Black Bear Ridge Golf Course – Review

/ The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

20160515_115228The Black Bear Ridge Golf Course is a gem. It is a course that offers everything for all players. During the Military Appreciation Day on 15 May 16, 60 members of the Royal Canadian Air Force from 8 Wing Trenton invaded this great venue to enjoy their generosity. The day was very cold and wet, but that did not dampen our excitement to tee it up.

“Black Bear Ridge is a traditional parkland layout designed with sweeping vistas, natural water features, and superior conditioning. With five sets of tees from 5145 to 7238 yards, golfers of any skill level will find a distance that provides them with a pleasant experience assuming that they pick a tee that suits their skill level.” Continue reading →

Golf is All About the Memories!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 8 Comments

DSCF3983About 20 years ago, my Mom decided I needed a special gift to commemorate the milestone of ten years service within the Royal Canadian Air Force. As I continue to serve to this day, golf has provided many exciting experiences through the years. I have talked about those times before and continue to think fondly of those memories. Of all the golfing ‘stuff’ I have collected or received, this putter, which she had specially made, is one of my favorite and cherished mementos.

I am pretty sure most avid golfers have a collection of golf paraphernalia that makes them proud! It might be a signed hat; their hole in one ball displayed on their mantle or a picture or selfie with a golfing celebrity. Regardless of what the unique object is, it is special to the owner because of the memory it invokes. There are many fanatics who collect lots of golfing ‘stuff’ and love each and every piece, however, as much as I love the game, I have only a few cherished treasures.

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Old RCAF Collar Dog inlaid in the face of the putter.

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Wooded headed putter hand made.

For me, it is not really about the physical items, but more so, the memories. I can remember my first hole in one, golfing with an astronaut, and teaching my daughter to swing a golf club, like it was yesterday! I can remember winning golf tournaments with my Mom and how excited she would get when we played together (win or lose). All of my memories bring a smile to my face, and help me remember why golf is an important part of my life.

Looking at my collection of special golfing mementos from time to time, I always fade to the memories associated with them. For me, it is not about the stuff, but the joyous memories they hold.

For those collectors of all things golf, what memories are associated with your ‘stuff’?

What is your favorite memory – we would all like to know.

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