I think we all know by now that one of our firm stances here at GolfStinks is the idea that the game of golf is more enjoyable if it’s not taken too seriously. And from every experience I’ve had, that’s 100% true. However, I guess you don’t really realize whether or not you are taking the game seriously until you play with someone who truly doesn’t care about anything except getting out on the course. A couple weekends ago I got to play a round with one of those people.
It started when I arrived to the course. Now I’m in relatively good physical condition. I could afford to lose a few pounds and I’m not in tip-top shape, but I’m not about to keel over at the next bite of a hot dog either. I like to walk the course, mainly to get exercise. My playing partner? Not a chance. He already has a cart paid for before I even arrived at the course. As a matter of fact, he picked me up at my parking space. For him, walking the course? Out of the question. It’s only during some conversation that I realize how stupid I sound when I try to explain how walking gives me a better “feel” for the course. Who am I kidding? The only thing I “feel” is my sore feet.
Even further was the score – this is where we felt exactly the same. Neither of us really cared what we scored. Just the idea that we were playing was more important. However, I can’t remember the last time I took a mulligan. But we each took one, and you know what? I didn’t care. It’s not a competition. My score doesn’t matter. I had one of those “Nope” moments and gave myself a do-over. Big deal.
Playing with him opened my eyes more to why I enjoy this game. I’m not out there for exercise. I’m not trying to get a “feel” for anything. I’m not in a competition. I’m just there to hang with my buddies and play a game. It’s how the game should be approached by all of us…as a game. Now, this doesn’t mean I’m not going to walk the course anymore. But if someone offers me a ride, I’ll probably take it.
Swing ’til you’re happy!
Generally, I don’t sweat the score — and I don’t play for money. Nine or 18 holes mean I’m out-of-the-house and away from the phones and my crazy clients.
Though I did “celebrate” a little this Friday when after three-years in the League I actually GIR’d our overly-long 195-yd. Par-3 4th-hole — and nearly birdied it for a par. Three years of short, over, in the sand or bounced into the fringe-grass left and right. Week after week it’s just 5-10 yards to far to hit…or hit and stay on the green since it lacks a proper approach-apron. (It was originally designed as a dogleg-left Par-4 so there’s 15-yards of rough between the fairway and the small 22-yd.-deep tilted-green.)
It was a good 9-hole round overall; two GIRs and three Pars.
We play handicapped modified-Stableford, so a good-round I still get plenty of points, and the occasional crappy-round doesn’t hurt, …much.
ok, what’s a GIR??
Green in Regulation; on the green from the tee on a Par-3, on in two on a Par-4, etc…