Let me tell you a quick golf story about a match I had a while ago. I think it reveals some of the great things about this wonderful game we play, golf.
We have a neat little 2-man best ball, match play event at our golf club. This one is a lot of fun as we all play the regular tees and handicap strokes are given.
Many of the lower handicap players use it as a chance to play with some of their higher-handicap golfing buddies. Lots of interesting match-ups.
Our match was delayed an hour due to a rain storm. Course was practically flooded.
But we were finally able to head out and try to get the round in.
Our opponents had caps of 0 (scratch) and 9. Bob, the scratch player, chose to only hit a few putts before we went out.
He did not hit one practice ball. Not one.
So how did this affect his game…
Well, he ripped his opening drive straight down the middle.
AND THEN HOLED HIS WEDGE SHOT FOR EAGLE 2!
So much for warm-ups.
This was followed by a rash of birdies and before we knew what hit us, they were six under par after six holes.
This was not good.
But, we’re pretty competitive guys and we were able to hang in there.
Finally, we were able to get within one hole after Bob had an uncharacteristic 3-putt on 16.
Then, with a real touch of class, he hit it stiff on 17 to close us out 2 and 1.
Here’s what was neat about the whole thing.
Bob had the eagle and six other birdies, not even counting a birdie putt of only 5 feet on our toughest hole that he didn’t putt since his partner had already made net birdie.
It was an awesome display of golf by one of the top players in our state.
Were we disappointed in losing? Absolutely! We were just coming off a local best-ball win the week before and felt we had a good chance, even in a handicap format.
But you know what?
It was just a treat to be in such a fun match and see such great golf being played.
When you lose like that, all you can do is say “great playing” and put it in your memory bank of great golfing experiences.
If you are just a beginner to golf, or a casual player, I hope you someday find out about the thrills of competition and the fun it can bring.
