“You're only here for a short visit. Don't hurry, don't worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way” Walter Hagen Both shopping and wrapping complete, we stuff two stockings full of odds and ends, cram a few chocolate coins in the top, and another few in our mouths, and prepare for slumber. It is Christmas Eve, and I am reminded of quiet festive days in the distant universe of my old childhood, where the shuffle of Lego bricks was the background rhythm to the choral songs on the radio.
As per usual, a wonderfully thought provoking piece from my internet friend (I hope I can call you that) Mr. Pennell. My principal memory evoked from this missive was my '91 trip across the pond with my pro/instructor/friend and another of his students. Mike brought us along because he was incapable of driving the rental van (the previous year after being unable to exit from multiple roundabouts without great effort, turned in his rental car and took the train to the other stops on his visit). Upon reaching Turnberry -- pre-Trump! -- we played the Ailsa and then checked into the hotel. At the bottom of the hill is a little pitch and putt course. We went around as a group 3 or 4 times, and then the boys left me to go sit on the patio for a wee dram and to listen to the bagpiper that plays (played?) at a set time each evening. I stayed, and went around and around for the next 90 minutes by myself. One time using only the putter, another the hybrid, another the X wedge. Eventually most of the clubs in the bag had their turn. One of the best two hours of a golfing life.
As for hitting 10,000 shots to prepare for a new season, in light of my Achilles' woes I have instead purchased Dr. Mackenzie's stack, and will use his program to get this aging body in shape to attempt to get back on the links this season... hoping for the best.
As often happens, your excellent article provoked a thought. In this instance, which is more daunting, 10,000 shots or 10,000 words? Since I play off a handicap of 21 but like to think I write off scratch, or thereabouts, the latter should be less daunting. It would also take less time but, curiously, 10,000 shots is more appealing principally because golf is always preferable to work and writing, for all the satisfaction it can deliver, requires considerable mental effort. Apart from coping with disappointment and frustration, the principal effort with golf is merely physical. Happy New Year to you, Richard, and all your readers.
It is funny how the simpler ways of yesteryear hold memories that are often more precious and more meaningful. I have started the new year spending a lot of time in bed due to the dreaded sickness bug and hence any new year resolutions or planning for 2024 activities have been sitting in hold at the back of my brain. I promised myself I would practice more when I retired and that just hasn’t happened for one reason or another so maybe 10,000 shots needs to be added to my list of targets along with smelling the flowers. A great start to 24’, well at least from a writing perspective ;-)
Evocative ⛳️🙏
As per usual, a wonderfully thought provoking piece from my internet friend (I hope I can call you that) Mr. Pennell. My principal memory evoked from this missive was my '91 trip across the pond with my pro/instructor/friend and another of his students. Mike brought us along because he was incapable of driving the rental van (the previous year after being unable to exit from multiple roundabouts without great effort, turned in his rental car and took the train to the other stops on his visit). Upon reaching Turnberry -- pre-Trump! -- we played the Ailsa and then checked into the hotel. At the bottom of the hill is a little pitch and putt course. We went around as a group 3 or 4 times, and then the boys left me to go sit on the patio for a wee dram and to listen to the bagpiper that plays (played?) at a set time each evening. I stayed, and went around and around for the next 90 minutes by myself. One time using only the putter, another the hybrid, another the X wedge. Eventually most of the clubs in the bag had their turn. One of the best two hours of a golfing life.
As for hitting 10,000 shots to prepare for a new season, in light of my Achilles' woes I have instead purchased Dr. Mackenzie's stack, and will use his program to get this aging body in shape to attempt to get back on the links this season... hoping for the best.
As often happens, your excellent article provoked a thought. In this instance, which is more daunting, 10,000 shots or 10,000 words? Since I play off a handicap of 21 but like to think I write off scratch, or thereabouts, the latter should be less daunting. It would also take less time but, curiously, 10,000 shots is more appealing principally because golf is always preferable to work and writing, for all the satisfaction it can deliver, requires considerable mental effort. Apart from coping with disappointment and frustration, the principal effort with golf is merely physical. Happy New Year to you, Richard, and all your readers.
Happy New Year Richard - I particularly enjoyed your evocation of Christmas Past.
It is funny how the simpler ways of yesteryear hold memories that are often more precious and more meaningful. I have started the new year spending a lot of time in bed due to the dreaded sickness bug and hence any new year resolutions or planning for 2024 activities have been sitting in hold at the back of my brain. I promised myself I would practice more when I retired and that just hasn’t happened for one reason or another so maybe 10,000 shots needs to be added to my list of targets along with smelling the flowers. A great start to 24’, well at least from a writing perspective ;-)