It really is so hard to believe. Firstly, it's hard to believe that I have not written since April 27th. Honestly, it truly does feel like a lifetime since I sat down and wrote about what I love. But the fact remains is that I have been extremely busy. Busy with work and there is an old saying in the industry and that saying is
"If you want to golf a lot... don't work in the golf industry". Believe me folks, there is a ton of truth to that.
As most of my readers know I became the
Director of Golf Services at Port Colborne Country Club in Port Colborne, Ontario. The course is a beautiful classic parkland-style golf course that dates back to 1929. The time in golf architecture where names like
Travis, Ross, Tillinghast and Canadian Stanley Thompson reigned supreme is golf course architecture. While our designer wasn't among these names our designer was a gentleman by the name of
Bob Moote Sr. who had a great resume of courses to his credit. The more that I talk to long-standing Members at the course, the more interesting facts and stories I learn about its history. It really is a remarkable place.
I love everything that I do at the course and to be honest I have a hard time leaving it behind or more to the point... staying away from it as I enjoy it that much. However, this doesn't come without it's drawbacks. Playing time!! Now don't misconstrue what I'm saying as complaining because it isn't intended this way. But the lack of playing time really does suck. Everyday I drive into this wonderful place where the fairways are lush and the greens are fast, firm and flawless. The old oak and elm trees that adorn themselves along the fairways. The smell of the fresh dewy grass accompanied by the whirring of mowers. The sweet call of the cardinals as they greet me as I exit my beat up Ford F-150. But as I greet my morning
"dewchasers" Peter, Sigi, Leo, Don, Howie, Bob and Alex I can't help but wish that I was one of them headed out onto the links. Jealousy? Maybe a little. As every day passes I am mired in the paperwork of arranging events and orders for the Pro Shop. At times there is a little confusion with
"the ways of the club" and I admit that I don't like the way of some things that occur. But then a part of the English vocabulary enters the fray and it's one that I wrote about some time ago. Acceptance. Accepting some of things that you don't necessarily agree with... and suddenly there is a little stress taken out of the equation. Of course there is always the stress of trying to make everyone happy which is mostly an impossibility but I like to think that I've done well to this point. After all, my employment hasn't been terminated yet.
When there's a will there most certainly is a way when you want something bad enough. Those long days turn into longer days if you want to stay "current". Routinely, I have hit balls on the range after a 10, 11 or 13 hour long shift. On a few occasions I have managed to sneak a few holes in as the sun was setting on the course. In fact, I have managed to play approximately 20 holes of golf. Not rounds... holes (not including our Member Victoria Day Scramble). But then there are the other days where I feel and am way too tired to even think about swinging a golf club and resign myself to going to the truck and driving home. The peculiar thing here is that even with the paltry amount of time that I have spent making swings I find myself in a really good place where I want to play... compete. The swing feels automatic, effortless and right. When I have played I have hit my spots and I have seen good results. Swing ownership? Maybe.
So even though my playing and practice time have taken a hit, the fact remains that I want to work in the golf industry. The fresh air, sights and sounds. The banter and company of the members as they get ready to tee off. The laughs with my staff (and at times frustration) which is usually at their expense. The juniors hanging around the shop and answering questions with their curiosity and unmistakable passion for the game. I love what I do... and as a bonus it's only 6 more years until 50.
#AllInFore50
Until the next tee.
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