penandpatience

WRITERS WORDS: “If you’re caught on a golf course during a storm and are afraid of lightning, hold up a 1-iron. Not even God can hit a 1-iron.” _ Lee Trevino

APRIL 2023 MONTHLY MUSING

SPRING! –  BIRDIES AND EAGLES ARE BACK!

It’s April. Spring has sprung. Winter doldrums, harsh, inclement weather, hopefully, have departed. Although winter snow sports are fun and enjoyable, it’s time for April showers to bring forth flowers that bloom in May. Spring is a time of rebirth with flowering shrubs, green grass, and perennial plants pushing up through warming soil. And… It’s time to remove the golf bag and clubs from the dark closet into spring sunshine.  What! You’re not a golfer?

Some interesting golf facts: the origins of golf are unclear and much debated. However, it is generally accepted that modern golf developed in Scotland in the Middle Ages. “The game did not find international popularity until the 19th century when it spread into the rest of the United Kingdom and the United States.” (Wikipedia) The Old Course at St. Andrews is widely considered the oldest course in the world. The term “birdie” began accidentally when AB Smith hit a “bird of a shot” in 1889. Golf was the first sport played on the moon. Astronaut, Alan Shepard, Jr., used a 6-iron to play golf. Tiger Woods made his first hole in one when he was 8 years old. The record for the longest hole-in-one belongs to Lou Kretlow who achieved a hole-in-one at a 427-yard course in 1961. And…there are over 34,000 golf courses in the world with the United States having the most courses. The state of Florida alone has over 1,000. And… Augusta National Golf Club remains the most famous golf club in the world.

Today, golf remains a popular sport worldwide. Golfers range from PGA-Male (Professional Golf Association) and LPGA-Female along with all skill levels of enthusiastic players. However, all golfers have much in common. No golfer wants the ball to land in a sand trap, long grass, the water or bounce off a clubhouse wall😊

I muse…I was not interested in the fickle golf sport until, by chance, I found myself riding in a golf cart round at a beautiful resort in the Catskills while a friend was playing a round. The spring air was crisp and sunny, and before long I was jumping out the cart to hold the flags.  An avid outdoor person, I decided right then to learn how to play golf.  How hard could it be?   Very hard for this “lefty,” discouraged when a professional coach suggested I golf with my right hand. I declined and located a great coach who not only instructed me how to play, but taught me how to maintain a positive attitude (not always easy) and avoid “negativity” in play. During these many years, I’ve played golf on many courses and enjoyed many winters golfing in a women’s league in Southeast Florida. Like any player, I’ve had Pars, Bogeys and Birdies. I have yet to achieve an eagle or hole-in-one. Perhaps… with positive thinking…I will!

I always look forward to Spring.  The “birdies” and songbirds have returned and, if you’re lucky, you might sight an “eagle” soaring high in the sky and watch it divebomb into the 18th hole.

Happy Easter holiday to all!