With fall settling upon us and the evenings growing prematurely dark, our time on the golf courses here in Southern New England grows precious. Though the sun still shines warm and strong the air is crisp and cool in the shadows, a harbinger of the changing season. Silhouettes lengthen sneaky-long, even by mid-afternoon, and the trees throw ribbons of shade across the greens. While a late tee time might have bought you eighteen just a few short weeks ago, one is hard pressed to make the turn with the sun sinking fast toward the horizon.
Though autumn lavishes upon us some of the best golf weather of the year it is tempered with a sense of accountability and responsibility. Age old instincts tell us to gather in, settle down and take stock.
As I look back upon this past year I can decidedly say that this has been one of my most satisfying seasons of golf I’ve had since I first struck a ball from a tee. I set some ambitious goals for myself and my golf game this spring. I’ve worked hard at gaining some confidence over the ball and have had a fair amount of success on the course. I can’t say that I’ve met every objective, but I have had more than a few memorable moments this year.
The highlights of my season came both on and off the course. What made the year so exceptional was not just the quality or the quantity of the golf itself, but the camaraderie and friendship that permeated it. My rounds were sprinkled with an array of playing companions, from the usual to the exceptional, new friends and old. The opportunity to play a few rounds with more than a few outstanding golfers was a most appreciated gift, as were the off course conversations with those same incomparable players.
I have also found a golf instructor whose instructions are concise, effective and translate well to the course. I have referenced his name so often in the past few months, my husband wonders if there is anything the man could suggest that I wouldn’t do to improve my game. To date, I’ve shaved off a handicap point for every session I’ve taken. I would be hard pressed to question results like that. After only three lessons, I think the man is infallible. I have no other explanation but that he appears to be to be a golf god fallen to earth with omnipotent knowledge and wisdom.
I am blessed to live in a golfer’s haven. Not only do the playing conditions of our municipal courses rival those of many private courses but our membership includes more than a few players of the highest caliber. They have in common a love for the game and a level of dedication greater than most. My golf is better for knowing them and from each of them I gain insight to the game.
One is an octogenarian. She is a multi-time champion and though her game is no longer at its former peak, both her attitude and aptitude are still strong and sharp and more than make up for the lessening of any physical strengths. She accepts her limitations and plays to her strengths. From her I take patience and determination, a Zen-like attitude that you play your own game and take the good with the bad, such as it lies.
Another has dozens of championships behind him with still years of golf ahead of him. I am sure he has yet to reach the height of where his skill will take him. Amazingly, he is without a shred of elitism and demonstrates enormous modesty. He is as generous with his time on the course with any Tom, Dick or Harry as he is with his piers. From any golfer’s viewpoint, he is a joy to watch and a pleasure to know.
Earlier this summer I had the opportunity for a nine hole match with this gentleman and two other friends. Such is his belief in his game and the system, he had nary a complaint as we teed off in a heavily handicapped match. He offered no hassling about strokes or expressed preference of playing partner. Happy to play with us common folk, he knew he’d need birdies to win. Never flinching or doubting his stroke, he proceeded to drive two par fours (with a three wood), rolled in three birds, and finished at even. All strokes considered, we walked off nine all square. In him I see strength and a mental toughness I hope to emulate.
More recently I partnered in a match with another fine golfer. He carded six birdies with a quiet confidence and complete nonchalance and stood at four under mid-way through the back. He holed out on 18 at two under par, missing 69 by a stroke. Casually shrugging off his disappointment at not quite getting into the 60’s, he exhibited an enviably even temperament and gracious acceptance of the circumstances. I strive for the kind of composure and calmness he displays.
My course boasts numerous other great local golfers, every one as generous as the next with their course knowledge, more than one or another who have given me a moment or two of their time. Would that I could absorb all the insight they have to offer. If it were possible to soak up their knowledge by osmosis, they would give of it freely to the last drop.
There is somewhere in the vicinity of 12,000 public golf courses in this country and over 26 million golfers. Certainly, anyone lucky enough to play golf is lucky enough. From where I stand, I can look around and know, with complete certainty, that I’m luckier than most.
