Kindred Spirits

[Diane]

There are many types of golfers out there, but there is only one real deal. This is the golfer who loves the game - the one who understands the challenges and employs strategy, knows the etiquette and follows the rules. This is the golfer who knows there's more to the game than how far you can drive the ball and what brand of club you own. It's usually the person who is quietly fixing several ball marks on the green. I think many of you are the real deal so you know what I'm talking about. Even though this quality is intangible, I think it's easy to recognize - you can see it in the way someone presents themself, the way they play and even their general attitude on the course. I also think that these people are not as rare as someone might assume from reading other threads.

[stlcard_25]

I, too, believe they're more common than a lot of people would probably believe...I know I personally have had some episodes on courses and behaviors that I'm not proud of but when push comes to shove, I love the game and the courses I play on, and do everything I can when I'm out there to show my appreciation for the wonders of both. Simple things like fixing extra ball marks...filling in divots with sand mixture on the par 3 tees if you're stuck waiting...saying hi to the maintenance staff and thanking them for their work as you pass by...it all makes a difference, even subtly, in the way the game is enjoyed by all who are associated with it.

[CG8]

This may sound stupid but I think golf should be taught in school , maybe to kids during gym class . Golf has taught me things that have carried over into regular life . Courtesy , honesty , respect , and alot of other qualities . When I am on the course I enjoy it . I hope that when I die someday I'll be golfing . I know that sounds morbid

I enjoy being with friends while golfing as well . For the most part I play with the same 3 guys but there are times where I play with a fellow co-worker and another guy that he plays with all the time . I like my fellow co-worker but he has a bad temper and he likes to bet and if you don't want to bet he pouts . So when you are betting it's almost like is he rooting for you to screw up . And when this guy hits a bad shot he will swear out loud , throw his clubs ect ... He is only happy if he is winning .

The 3 guys I play with are not look like that . We are always laughing and telling eachother great shot and we pull for the other guys to do well . It's like we are a team of 4 and I find that more fun . I like seeing good golf shots from the guys I am playing with . I am not very emotional on the golf course and I try to keep the same pulse rate going no matter what is going on and that seems to help . When I had a hole in one last summer the other 3 guys were being more loud than I was . The first thing out of my mouth was I hit that so poorly , it did not deserve to go into the hole . Even after a good shot I am not satisfied . Maybe I am too hard on myself . Maybe I should stop looking for perfection , I just keep wanting to do better and not just on the golf course but I am alway looking to be a better husband , father , employee , friend . So golf carries over into all aspects of my life .

Great topic Diane .

[Darth Fader]

When you break it down it doesnt take much to be 'the real deal'as Diane put it. Is it to much to ask or expect golfers to treat the course and fellow golfers with a modicom of respect? i like to think that it doesnt. we cant all be the next Seve but we can play with consideration of our surroundings and the company of fellow players.

[Diane]

Originally Posted by Darth Fader

When you break it down it doesnt take much to be 'the real deal'as Diane put it. Is it to much to ask or expect golfers to treat the course and fellow golfers with a modicom of respect? i like to think that it doesnt. we cant all be the next Seve but we can play with consideration of our surroundings and the company of fellow players.

That's true, but I wasn't just talking about respect. I was also talking about people who recognize that course management plays a major role in the sport, that club selection is is one of the most important decisions you will make on the course. They're the people that know they have weaknesses so they try to make sure they're never in a position to have to play that particular shot.