Giving Thanks for Golf

As Thanksgiving approaches in just a  day or two, now seems an appropriate time to give thanks for what golf gives me.  If you know me, though, you know I'm grateful for golf every day of the year!  

The relationships that golf brings can be priceless.  I smile right now thinking of my favorite golf pals, fellow members at my local course, and the friends I've made because golf is our bond.   I don't take for granted how my life has become richer because of connections made with golf shoes on my feet.  

I'm smiling again as I think of the  "friends I've never met" because golf connected us in some way.  I will be forever grateful for every Google search that introduced me to a golf site that allowed me to "meet" some insightful, passionate, smart, and funny people.  My bucket list includes playing a round of golf with each of them!

A new smile comes to my face as I think about great shots...it doesn't matter if it was me, a golf pal, or even a competitor - I love a great golf shot!!  Whether it's playing in a tournament, goofing around with friends, or Scramble Tuesday, you just have to celebrate the moments were all the mechanics of the swing come together and the mental drive to execute that great shot merge to make a little magic on the golf course.  If you know me, I don't give out hugs often, but this year I was more than happy to share a few "great golf shot hugs"...if you got one, cherish it!!  I think I have to give my "best shot of the year" award to the 2nd shot on #18 at Ridgeview CC during the Steve Anderson event...it might not have been textbook form, but when when it results in an eagle on a par-4 (and a skin!) it's a winner in my book.

The smile cannot escape my face when I think about the fun golf scrambles I've played in with some of my very favorite people in the world.  I love scrambles.  Team golf is that combination of no pressure, when someone makes a great shot and you just want to steal their glory, and complete pressure and frustration when everyone chooses to stink it up on one shot.  But even on those days when we just can't make a putt or get an approach shot close, I still love being out there with friends, everyone trying their best for the team.  I'm going to need a minute to let all my happy scramble memories filter through...

Ah, that was nice.

Sometimes when I walk into my home pro shop I'll say I'm just going to have some "me time" with the golf course...my happy place.  The grin that I have right now is because I'm thinking of countless evenings or early mornings of just me, my I-pod, 3 or 4 golf balls, and the golf course.  I treasure and am so grateful for those times when I "escape life" for a few hours and just soak in all that golf can offer.  Will my Titleist Pro-V beat my NXT or my Bridgestone?  How low can I go with a 3 ball best ball?  Sometimes, not that low!  I've had a lot of great conversations with God on the golf course, along with bursting out in song when a good song comes on the shuffle.  Lots of people have "go-to" places - a lake, cabin, backyard, or library...mine is the golf course.  It's amazing that I always leave with more than what I came with in my heart.

Finally, I'm smiling when I think of rounds of golf I've played with my family.  I think this was the first year in many that I didn't golf with my Dad...but thankfully I was able to tee it up with both my brother and Mom.  Nothing beats family time on the golf course for me.  Oh the stories I could tell!!!  So while we won't see flags on our course for many months now, I'm already looking forward to playing golf with family in 2014.

Family, friends, and happiness ...that's what golf is for me and for that I am most grateful.
Blessings and joy to everyone this Thanksgiving.