"Write" Down the Fairway: Friendships and Golf

Friendship and golf go together like titanium and urethane. The correct combination can take you a long way. Looking at my cell phone contacts, almost all of the people have two things in common: friendship and golf.

Two friends I miss playing golf with are Don Day and my Dad. Don’s company was a pleasure and he was always complimentary towards your good shots. Don also had the great ability to share a different story on the golf course without ever repeating himself. His tremendous sense of humor never prevented him from having the utmost focus on the shot at hand. I believe Don’s passion for the game was exceeded only by his love of people. Four hours on the golf course is time well spent with friends. Unfortunately, the only bad thing about a round of golf with friends is that it must end. My last round of golf with Don was in 2004 before he passed away.

Another “friend” I miss playing golf with is my Dad. It has been a few years since we played golf and I wish we could have golfed more. Dad enjoyed his golf with friends and would be quick to organize a game wherever, whenever and with whomever. I always respected his knowledge of the rules of the game without compromise, even if it was to his disadvantage. Although Dad may not have been a scratch player, he liked to compete. I have never seen anyone so pleased to par the last hole at the Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland to shoot 98. Why? He won the match by one shot after receiving his allotment of strokes. I also never saw my Dad get angry on a golf course. Something I am still working on today, but this has been greatly improving of late.

Friendship can also develop from healthy competition. The 1977 Open Championship comes to mind. Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson had the utmost respect for each other after their “Duel in the Sun”. A great friendship would develop, after their battles on the golf course were finished.

I may not have seen a friend for a few years, but after a few holes of golf, it is like we never missed a day of contact. Enduring friendships seem to be the norm for those who play golf together. Golf Digest has a section dedicated to “Buddies Trips” with some great stories about friends and their exploits together.

A day on the golf course should be an enjoyable experience. Golf has a unique way of bringing out the best in all of us. Just ask your friends. I am sure they have some fabulous insights into your current psyche after 18 holes of golf. Excuse me, my phone is ringing. I am certain it will be a friend calling to make a tee time.