I still have the scorecard from my last round of golf from 12 years ago. It was still attached to the scorecard holder on my pull-cart. I was at par after 15 holes only to shoot a beautiful tee shot that landed about six feet off the pin on a par 3 hole 16. Four putts later, I stormed off the course vowing to never play the game again.
I never knew how to calculate handicap, which is actually why I'm at this site, but when I was a teenager through my early twenties, I was on the course 3-5 times a week. Inconsistency killed my game. I was always the guy who'd shoot 5 birdies, 5 pars, and 5 bogeys. The problem is, the other three holes would be close to or in double digits. I always dreamed of that elusive mistake-free round. It was never to be. Even though my score was usually in the range of 80-85, I never broke 80, and I was an idiot to walk off the course with only two holes to play on the best chance I would ever have to accomplish that feat.
I've been in therapy for anger management as well as addiction issues, and my entire philosophy on life has changed. I'm approaching the game differently this time. Yes, I want to be on the course every day. I'll be able to fit in 9 holes most nights after work and 18 on the weekends as soon as my wrists strengthen back up. The only thing holding me back right now is the fact that my wrists get very sore. However, my main objective is excercies. Plus, I'm out there to have fun. Each shot is a challenge. I'm not worried about an overall score anymore. I'm out there trying to play each shot to the best of my ability. If my game improves, great.
Yeah, I have a long way to go. My irons are playing great off the tee-box, and my putting was under 2-putts per hole tonight. However, I'm still shooting in the 50's on a 9-hole par-32 course because I flub a lot of shot, but every round so far has left me with something to be proud of. Plus, one thing definitely has not changed. I'm still going to get a 9 or a 10 from time to time. The difference, though, is quite simple. I walked off of the 362-yard par-4 at Prairiewood earlier today with an 8. I sunk a 50-foot putt to take that 8 home, and I'm dang proud of that.
