The golfer within us all

ed off to play the 18 holes, my friend, Amy, took me out one fine morning to give me some tips. The humidity was low and all was right with the world. She showed me how to place my feet and hold the club properly plus how to swing the driver with just enough force and in a way that looked effortless.

Explaining that many amateurs approach the golf grip with a lot of tension, Amy said they hold the club too tightly. I was guilty of that so I loosened my grip, rocked back on my heels and held the club comfortably. Feeling the difference, I realized that Amy had some good pointers.

Relaxing, I did indeed see for several minutes that golfing could be fun. Inhaling the fresh air, I admired the beautifully manicured greens and the trees and bushes edging the golf course. It was pretty, I couldn’t deny that and for a while I was in my element.

The next week I joined the group. Our foursome, Amy, Linda, Jane and I, loaded our bags of golf clubs in the two carts and headed toward the greens. Riding along, I thought to myself it was hard enough being the new kid on the block because after all, the other three ladies had each been golfing for 10 years and when it comes down to being a novice or a veteran, I’ll choose being a veteran every time. I don’t like to stand out, don’t like looking green even if I am. Crediting myself with being adventurous, I approached the beginning of the course with a serious face, determined to do well.

My first drive was a bit tentative but I soon improved. I only had two golf balls go out of bounds (read that: into ponds) so I counted it as a good day for a newbie swinging a real golf club. Amy, Linda and Jane smiled at me after each swing and not being sure if they were trying to be encouraging or just trying to placate me, I flashed a big smile and kept moving forward.

Besides being outside enjoying the natural landscape, my three partners kept saying what great exercise golfing is. I questioned that because swinging a golf club is a bit of exercise but hopping into the golf carts after each hole and driving forward - pun intended - didn’t strike me as a rigorous workout. Still, not wanting to offend them, I enjoyed the ride as it was a beautiful afternoon.

It was a very exciting day - on hole #11 Linda swung away and actually got a hole in one! She aced it. I was as surprised as could be and Linda herself seemed pretty shocked. Jumping up and down with joy, Linda said it was the second time she’d ever gotten a hole in one. Palm Springs was first. She’d framed that golf ball, noted the date of her achievement and showed a photo of herself in front of a scenic background. Amy, Jane and I were impressed. They had never gotten a hole in one but were still hoping to so they could display it proudly on their mantels.

After playing the 18 holes I was pleased with the outcome. It could have been worse, could have been better as they say. I bogeyed three times, didn’t have any eagles and none of my golf balls landed in sand traps. Whew, I was glad about that! I kept track of each hole’s par pretty well. I wasn’t sure of my handicap and didn’t want to ask. I was just glad the day ended well and we enjoyed ourselves. Amy, Linda and Jane were happy to have a fourth person in their group and occasionally I saw them nodding approvingly at Amy because they knew she’d given me some pointers the week before. We duffers had done well.