It is at time like this, with the weekend weather just past, that we are forever grateful that we are golfers in Southern New England. We’ve come through a rough stretch, to say the least. Just when most of the country is experiencing a glorious spring here on Cape Cod we’ve been thrown for a loop with weather colder than that which we expect in mid-winter. Add in a school vacation week that was about as wet, dark and gloomy as you can imagine and it tends to get a little depressing. This weekend we were rewarded, and then some, for our patience and perseverance and took full relief from the cold and gloomy weather of the past few weeks.
The Seagulls Fourball Tournament concluded with some of the most benign weather the tournament has ever seen. The fierce winds and chill that seem to plague this tournament each year abated; but the competition was still smoking, both Saturday and Sunday (read the Cape Cod Times coverage of the semi finals and finals of the 2007 Seagulls Fourball here: Seagulls Fourball results for Saturday, April 21, 2007 and Seagulls Fourball Final April 2007). But it wasn’t just the elite group of golfers at Hyannisport who enjoyed the weekend. That was just a part of the story these past few glorious days of warmth and sunshine.
Area courses enjoyed a flood of Northern New England golfers escaping the new layer of snow coverage they’d received while the south shore was being drenched with cold, hard rain. Thanks to our sandy soil, most fairways here are relatively dry and free of casual water, greened up and in prefect condition for spring play. And play we did!
Dennis Pines held the first members tourney of the year and we couldn’t have asked for a better day. I can only imagine that other local courses held their own seasonal celebrations. From high school age enthusiasts to seasoned golfers well into their eighties, we headed to the courses in droves. Putting greens and drive ranges hummed with activity as everyone geared up for a new season. It wasn’t just the sun that was a balm. Familiar faces appeared around every corner, friendships were renewed; in the restaurant, the pro shop, the parking lot, acquaintances waved as we made the turn. We broke out a new sleeve of balls and played in our shirtsleeves… could it really get any better?
Golf leagues everywhere are gearing up, formal and informal. Numerous tournament schedules are available for review: when and where, who are you playing with? We have a full season ahead. I know one golfer, who I happen to hold in the highest regard, with a pocket calendar always black with golf dates from spring to fall, and already full, I’m sure. How I envy her and that kind of time to devote to golf!
I don’t know a soul who didn’t turn their face to the sun over the last few days and breathe a sigh of relief and appreciation. The mere fact that we, as golfers, have the ability (all relative, of course), and the opportunity, along with the energy and the facilities to play a game we cherish is truly a blessing. The game itself is a treasure.
Not every one of us won our respective matches this weekend. Not every shot was perfect, even by the best of us. But, man o’ man, didn’t we have fun?
