For love of the game

Social golf was something I hardly ever entertained throughout my playing career. During time off between tournaments, the last thing I wanted to do was go out and play 18. After being my occupation for so long, golf became just that, a job. Don’t get me wrong, if I was on an extended break, the clubs weren’t put away for too long without getting an itch to go hit a few, but rarely would I play holes for fun on a week off. All that’s changed now though. Playing less and less competitive events (now basically none) over the last few years has rekindled my love for the game and, when Covid-19 took it completely away for a while, golf has never been more enjoyable.

With a carry-bag and half-set, I’ve rediscovered my joy for golf from younger days. Toting fewer clubs (odds or evens) around not only lightens the bag it promotes creativity and makes golf more art than science. The correct club becomes obvious too. Arriving at the ball, I know it’s not a 5 or 9 iron for example (if using odd numbered irons), so it must be some sort of 7-iron. I rarely laser a shot and find it’s only needed when flagsticks are taller or shorter in length than the norm*. Playing by eye and feel is something I highly recommend anyway, because in less than perfect weather, feel becomes your gauge for distance, not the number.

My social rounds are still competitive of course with some action on the side, typically a glass of red or a few dollars, and that’s where this great game has no equal. The handicap system allows me to play against anyone of any skill level, something impossible in just about every other sport. It’s fascinating is how often the result comes down to the last hole too, and if someone does get the better of me, well, handicaps are duly revised for the rematch.

Living these days in Melbourne, the mecca of Australian golf, hasn’t hurt the enjoyment factor either. Within an hour’s drive are some of the great courses in the country… and world for that matter. I’ve navigated my way around a variety of sand belt masterpieces and coastal gems in the region. Recent visits to Flinders Golf Club and Lonsdale Links were memorable experiences, and I regularly play The National at Cape Schanck where fortunately I’m a member because views on a golf course don’t get any better. All this led me to start writing out a list of courses locally and further out that I eventually want to play. So, if you happen to see a lefty with a funky waggle carrying a half set at your local club, it’s probably me.

Cheers,
Nick

*Note - different height flagsticks create an optical illusion of being further away (for a shorter flagstick), or nearer (for a taller one) than they really are.