12
A DOCTOR, A FIREFIGHTER,
A BANKER,
and a statistician
walk onto a tee-box. Sounds like
the beginning of a golf joke? It’s
not. This is how I started my last
round. While we didn’t have
similar day-job experiences we
did have a common love for the
game of golf.
We also shared a respect for the
rules of golf. In doing so, all drop
optionswere exercised accurately
and every stroke counted, even
for the two balls I put into the
neighboring driving range from
the first tee. And because of
this dedication, and the USGA’s
handicap system, we could each
compete in an equitable manner,
despite the doctor’s 7 handicap,
my 22, and the varying numbers
in between.
Golf
etiquette
was
also
observed. We supported
honors, took turns tending the
flagstick, tracking every shot,
seeding divots, fixing ball marks,
providing distances, and helping
find errant shots for each other.
Of the later, I had several and
each was found by one of my
playing partners. On occasion,
they were also ready with a divot
tool or grass mix before I was
even done swinging.
Playing with new acquaintances
can be exciting and rewarding
when you exercise golf manners
and adherence to the rules. Not
doing so can ruin the round for
everyone.
Throughout our time together I
saw pictures of burning buildings,
learned the proper way to
endorse a check, was educated
on statistical deviations, and
heard about the recovery of
disabled golfers. And after the
last putt was sunk we removed
our hats, shook hands and went
our separate ways.
It was a most memorable day and
a very enjoyable round.
Is This a Joke?
R I C H A R D E TOD D
Playing
with new
acquaintances
can be
exciting and
rewarding
when you
exercise golf
manners and
adherence to
the rules.
NWO Golf Links