Happy Birthday to my Blog!

Posted Mar 03 2010, 08:59 AM by Cathy Erickson
I remember it like it was yesterday...a note came in my inbox from the super cool Tees2Greens Webmaster inviting me to have my own blog right here at T2G.  A spot in the internet world where I can share my love for golf to my heart's content...how could I pass up an opportunity like that??!!  I'm sure he didn't know it, but that note meant more to me than I can explain.

When I found the Tees2Greens web site a few years ago I was excited to find a place to learn about golf, but also to share my passion, thoughts, and opinions on the game.  It was a nice then, but it has evolved into an awesome place to find all kinds of great golf related information!!
 
I remember reading Sam Johnson's blog for the first time - and honestly wondering, who the heck is this guy?!! (Phil's man boobs - a classic!!)  He is funny, thoughtful, and not afraid to tell you what he thinks.  I look forward to finding out what's on his mind each and every week.
 
The forums at T2G have been a great place to banter and share information.  If you've read there at all, you know I can chatter on about all kinds of golf things...especially golf shopping!  Although I do have to say my favorite thing to do is post a good Top 10 list every once in awhile.
 
A few years ago I especially enjoyed a little fantasy golf competition against Golf Addict.  For the record, I won. (Thanks in large part to Steve Stricker!)  Golf Addict was also one to speak his mind (it must be a Texas thing), and he always had great advice on equipment and golf courses...oh and golf attire.  I miss him.
 
I'm still happy to talk golf with one of my favorite people I've never met - 2Putt!  I'm so glad he stumbled upon this little part of the world and is able to stop by to chat.  He's got great insight, a passion for the game, and some valuable experience on what it's like to get new clubs!  AND, I think he even watched some curling in the Olympics!
 
I am especially grateful to my friends and family who stop by and read my golf thoughts (Hi Mom!).  So much of what golf means to me is because of all of the fantastic golf pals I am lucky enough to get to play with.   Some people look at Tiger Woods as a golf hero...but many of my golf heroes are people I have the honor of playing with...because, to me, it's not about celebrity, it's about the challenge, the drive to improve, and the willingness to be an ambassador of the game.
 
I love golf because it challenges us to contain the worst of us and at the same time strives to bring out the best in us.  The course provides the stage where we get to perform, but sometimes we're lucky enough just to be in the audience to see the beauty of nature or triumphs of our playing partners.  It also has this magic way of creating bonds and friendships that can last a lifetime.
 
Getting the chance to write my thoughts and knowing that a few friends stop by to read is like someone handing me a present every week...some weeks I might vent, and other times I'm sharing my enthusiasm for something or someone.  But you can bank on knowing that whatever you might find here comes from my heart.
 
We're still a few months away from courses opening in Minnesota, but I can already feel the first symptoms of golf fever.  I'm trying desperately to hold to my vow of no golf purchases this off-season, but every time I open an email from a golf retailer I feel myself getting weaker.  You know I'm a sucker for a sale!  But if I stay strong for another month I will have enough to cover my golf budget for my trip to Nashville in April.  I can't wait to swing a club!
 
I'm already excited about the chance to take a few road trips with favorite golf pals and to play my yearly match at our spring work conference (undefeated in 8 years by the way!).  But I think I'm most looking forward to that first day on my home course...it's probably going to be soggy, but my Footjoy's are ready!
 
And we are less than 40 days and counting to my favorite golf week of the year...Masters week!!  Despite the elephant in the room, whether Tiger will tee it up at Augusta or not, "a tradition unlike any other" will be on my computer at work and on my TV all weekend.  Sunday is just me and the Masters...and maybe some snacks.   I am intoxicated by the beauty and it never fails to tell a great golf story every year.
 
The last few years have left some of my favorite players just outside of victory's grasp, and once again I'm hopeful that a green jacket will be placed on the shoulders of any one of several Tour players I admire.  I know it's early to make predictions, but I've always thought Steve Stricker looked good in green!  The Masters never fails to make me smile, and I always think of Turko.
 
If you've gotten this far, thanks for reading!  And if you ever want to talk golf, leave a comment, post in the forums, or drop me a note...you know I might share a thought or two...or ten.
 
And, very special thanks to Tees2Greens for the gift that keeps on giving...I'm beyond grateful.
 
Happy Almost Spring everybody!
 
Filed under: Spring, Masters, Sam Johnson, family, friends, Steve Stricker, Cathy Erickson, From the Fringe