As I spent Father’s Day watching the U.S. Open throughout the day, random thoughts about the game kept popping up.
I think it is fair to say that I am thinking about golf more often these days since my home course, The Kansas City Country, is going to reopen this month after the Andrew Green renovation is complete. (FYI: The renovation began in October 2024.)
Just for the record, these are truly random and not connected other than they are about the game of golf.
• Think “I can” instead of “I will.”
• Don’t let a double bogey ruin your round.
• A new club or new set of irons could change my life!
One of those voices I hear in my head while facing a particularly difficult shot may know what it is talking about.
• Highly unorthodox swings can produce great results.
• There’s always a new goal to set.
• It’s a fact: Sometimes the club is the guilty party!
• Every golfer plays in at least one “Major” every year. What is yours? Beating your best friend on the last Saturday of October when you are playing for $5-$5-$10 instead of $2-$2-$4? Being the leading money winner on your annual buddy trip? Taking home the trophy in your investment club’s annual golf tournament? Winning the “C” Flight of the club championship? Qualifying for the first qualifying round of the U.S. Open?
• The variety -- The variety of courses. The variety of putters. The variety of lies. And, of course, the wide variety of golfers.
• There are magical rounds when you are both lucky and good.
• Some bunkers can only be described as pure evil.
• All drivers know that they are on double-secret probation and realize that their days are numbered. (NOTE: The next generation of drivers are in our Pro Shop right now.)
• Some putts are straight.
• Slumps eventually give way to hot streaks.
• Know your yardages. You need to know how far you usually hit each club, not how far you hit it every once in a while.
• There are the shots you remember – both good and bad – and those that keep you coming back.
• And last, for me anyway, golf is all about the fun, the friendships and the challenges of the game. Three cheers for The Golf!
Down The Fairway,
Allan Stark
Photo/Illustration Credits:
Golfer on hill: St. Andrews clubhouse 2c, DepositPhotos
Golfer backswing: A.B. Frost
Bunker: Harry Roundtree illustration
Man putting: amenic 181, DepositPhotos
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