Golf Fore the Good

The Memorial Day holiday means more to me than every other holiday wrapped up together. It is more scared than Easter; more blessed than Christmas; more important than any President’s Day and - forgive me, Mom, but I know you’ll understand – more emotional than Mother’s Day.

I do not mean to subvert the importance of this day by tying it together with a silly blog post about golf. I need to make it clear that I feel it is because of this day that I have the opportunity to play golf. As much as we’d like it to be, golf is not one of our basic freedoms as set forth within the constitution of the US of A (but don’t you think it might be?). Golf is a privilege, and without the continual sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces, our lives - yours and mine - would certainly be much different.

This particular Memorial Day I will miss attending the parade in my hometown. But yet, on this quiet morning in the still air of a beautiful late spring day, I can almost feel the distant drum beats - the thump, thump, thump that, as children, we would strain to be the first to hear, as the parade wove through downtown and marched closer to our house were we stood at attention, waiting for our flag to pass by.

It is because of all this day stands for that I enjoy all the benefits of a free country, a democratic government and the liberties that we exercise on a daily basis – the game of golf among them.

Throughout the day, I hope everyone in these United States will pause and give thanks – not just for one’s own personal well being, but in memory of those who have given their best to maintain the independence of this wonderful nation. As a country, we may be going through a rough patch, but buck up - play on - swing away – enjoy the freedom of the game.

These are but a few of the privileges we have been granted through the efforts of our servicemen and women:

I appreciate the free, wide open spaces of this gorgeous land – rich with golf courses.

I am grateful for the democratic governing of our states and individual municipalities that allow me an affordable municipal golf membership.

Be thankful for our economic freedoms, entrepreneurial spirit and business opportunities that have allowed the creation of the many fine private golf clubs we might enjoy.

I just can’t resist this one: As set forth and protected by our constitution, you are guaranteed the right to peaceful assembly – so grab your clubs and a foursome, and be grateful for the opportunity to play!