The Heart of the Game

After a summer of golf in Scotland I now have a better understanding of why I play this great game. One of the rounds that helped changed my view of golf took place on August 19th at the Peterhead Golf Club on the Craigewan Golf Links. A chance meeting with golf professional Harry Dougal and the round of golf that followed will be remembered for a long time. I would receive a golf lesson from Mr. Dougal that was more about life, rather than swinging a golf club.

Harry became a golf professional after a long career as a very good amateur player in Scotland. His reason for turning to golf after his profession working in the “Oil Game” (as Harry referred to it) was because of circumstances that happen in life beyond anyone’s control. Harry lost his wife in a car accident. He shared this with me on the first hole during our day on the links.

After a few minutes in Harry’s company, I knew this was going to be a memorable day of golf with a true gentleman. We played through a group of members on the fourth hole and you were certain they respected their affable golf pro. Harry’s easy going demeanor makes you feel comfortable in his presence.

Our conversation during the round of golf covered topics from the oil business in the North of Scotland to winters in Guatemala. Guatemala sounds like a far more interesting place when said with a Scottish brogue.
Harry loves the game of golf, but more importantly he understands why we should play golf. Golf is about enjoying the day: the company of friends, camaraderie, laughter, and the development of friendships.

I was reminded of something that day that I already knew, but must have stuffed to the back of my golfing brain. Golf is not about your score! Golf is about the enjoyment of the game and the people you play golf with. Often golfers are caught up in their own game and forget to enjoy the day. I plead guilty to this statement and vow to work on changing my ways. Don’t get me wrong, I still want to return a good score, but this will not be in the forefront of my thoughts as I try to “Enjoy the Game”

Not once during the 18 holes did Harry make mention of score or even comment about it. He was complimentary to a shot well played for sure, but score was not mentioned.

I am grateful for the 18 holes of golf that I played with Harry Dougal. He reminded me of an important part of golf that I had somewhat forgotten. I look forward to returning to Peterhead Golf Club in the North East corner of Scotland. See you next summer Harry.

Peterhead Golf Club can best be described as a working man’s golf club. People from all walks of life gather to enjoy the “Healthful Exercise of the Golf”. The club certainly had a great ambience and welcoming air to it, even on a quiet Wednesday afternoon from the few members I did meet.

The politics at member clubs in Scotland is virtually nonexistent. After playing at 17 different golf clubs this summer it is apparent that all golfers are treated as equals. Some golf clubs do not allow you to sign up as a foursome on Saturdays, but rather you enter as a single and are paired with other members. This allows all members to be involved and prevents fractured groups and cliques within a club.

I feel more at home in the “Home of Golf” than anywhere else. Golfers like Harry Dougal are part of the reason I am sure.