The Masters

I was glued to the TV set for much of the past four days, as the Masters Golf Tournament was being played for the 88th time. I have watched many of those tournaments, and they mean so much to me. Seeing Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player be the honorary starters brought tears to my eyes. I have such fond memories of watching these iconic golfers play at the height of their powers. They were amazing and awe inspiring to a young girl growing up in a small town.

Golf was our family game, and my Mom and Dad and brother and I played together when I was a teenager. I was the first female greenskeeper at my local golf course. What a great summer job for a university student! I would ride my bicycle up the main street at 6am, work until 2pm, then golf for the rest of the afternoon until it was time to cycle home for supper. Perfection!

I loved being reminded of those simple days of my life this weekend. I loved being reminded of Sunday dinners at my Nana’s where we were all huddled around the TV watching our golfing idols play to the finish. I love that I got to grow up on golf, and that as an adult, I got to take my Mom golfing many Wednesday afternoons, until she was no longer able to physically manage it.

Golf was a simple pleasure, but a powerful unifying factor for my family of origin. Now that Mom has passed away, I am feeling moved to try to reconnect with the game. When I am playing, will I feel the same way about it as I did when I was young? Am I still physically up to the challenge? I am feeling ready and willing to give it a try!