A Turf Pirate’s Journal
Boldy Go!
Salutations Turf Pirates! We are
moving quickly into the 2022 golf season and while the winds are a bit uncertain we are making way nicely. It is this time of year as we have our eyes on the horizon that I am reminded of the importance of mind set and presence. I am a child of the 1960’s and as such I am a huge Star Trek fan and if you have ever watched an episode of the original series you have certainly heard the words, “To Boldly Go”. In Turf Pirate Lore even before Star Trek hit the air waves it was nurtured into all Captains and mates alike that we aspire to be bold and take action. Turf Pirates do not put off until tomorrow what can be done today. We do not sit idle while opportunity knocks we answer the call, we step into the Frey and we hold ourselves to a higher, different standard. We tend to make a way where others see only obstacles and impossibility. In pirate terms while others are dropping anchor
seeking shelter we are hoisting the mainsail and shouting at the storm. Turf Pirates always find a way and make the journey as big a part of the joy as the destination. It is also true that as we move from novice to master we sometimes stop seeking the things that could be as we hold too tightly to the things we have. Enjoying today is encouraged but not at the expense of tomorrow’s promise. We forge our lives through challenge and achievement in all circumstances we believe that all things work together for our ultimate good. The valley must be crossed in order to ascend to the mountain top. Turf Pirates also believe that iron sharpens iron, you gravitate towards those whom you spend the most time and attention. Choose your associates carefully Turf Pirates as they will alter your course that said, it’s time for a tough question and some reflection. Are you boldly going or are you being driven down into a life of doubt and
Anthony and Jim Kern in East Cape Cabo San Lucas (Costa Palmas) in March of 2020.
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By Anthony L. Williams, MG, CGCS, CGM Anthony in Washington DC for National Golf Day
uncertainty? Now more than ever Turf Pirates we need to “Boldly Go”. Take stock of the dreams you have within you and the reality you find yourself in today look lively and adjust your rudder. Now is all that we ever have and we are burning daylight. Make the most of every minute, what do we say to the god of mediocrity? Nothing because he is afraid to approach a true Turf Pirate. In my time as a Turf Pirate I have flown many flags and traveled across the globe and it was turf that fueled the journey. I have met many who aspired to travel or to change their stars but somehow never gathered the gumption to jump, to boldly go. Remember that the prize sometimes is in the joy of the experience and the tales spun by those lucky ones who dared to set sail, test the waters and find their way with a true spirit of adventure. I have more than my share of tales and I am just getting started. I once joined the Irish Golf Course Superintendents Association (I love their official dress gentleman’s tie and wear it often) while traveling through Ireland on a TurfNet Golf Trip. I was in Mexico with my boss Club Manager Jim Kern inspecting a golf operation for Four Season’s when Covid’s arrival rushed us back to our home port. I have attended turf events from Washington State to Washington DC and from Rhode Island to Miami. There are great opportunities behind every blade of grass and this month’s deepest question Turf Pirates is, if you were guaranteed success where would your heart take you and lastly, why are you not already there? Live Long and Prosper Turf Pirates. Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11
