The Anticipation of Golf Season

Once upon a time, I would look forward to my inaugural round of golf each year as though it were a wedding or graduation. I would become fixated on weather forecasts, silently pleading with the universe to clear the snow and banish winter’s gloom so local courses could open up.

Growing Up in Montana

This obsession partly stems from my upbringing in Montana, where the golf season often wraps up by November and doesn’t recommence until April. This eagerness carried into my adult life in Maryland, where I eagerly awaited the arrival of spring. While golfers in warmer climates like Florida or California might cringe at the thought of playing in 55-degree weather, we cold-weather enthusiasts are governed by a different passion.

A Call to the Course

After a winter spent indoors, when temperatures reach 40 degrees, my golf clubs beckon me. You know you truly love the game when you’re willing to hit a 3 wood off the first tee because the ground is still frozen. While a simulator can offer some satisfaction, it pales in comparison to the real experience of enjoying the outdoors with friends.

Shifting Enthusiasm

Unfortunately, my fervor for golf has dimmed in recent years, burdened by life’s responsibilities. Work, family issues, yard work, and unfinished writing projects seem to overshadow my golfing aspirations. Each February serves as a reminder of my missed winter workouts and broken promises to regain my former flexibility. It’s far easier to indulge in a drink and watch football during the colder months. The PGA Tour’s cancellation of the Sentry tournament this year only added to my discontent.

An Unexpected Invitation

When warm weather finally arrived, I was taken by surprise when my friend Ryan invited my daughter and me to join him and his son, Colin, for a round at his country club. Despite the cold and wet conditions, the course was finally open. Ryan and I had become friends through our daughters playing youth sports together, evolving from mere acquaintances into Junior Golf Dads.

Shared Challenges

While navigating the challenges of parenthood, Ryan’s warmth and perspective won me over. We both know we’re not raising future stars but share an interest in helping our children pursue golf at a competitive level. On the day of our round, with both girls emphasizing their competitive nature, I approached the game feeling somewhat stiff and unprepared.

A Healing Game

As we played, Ryan revealed that his youngest daughter, Evelyn, had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Their family was facing this challenge with incredible dignity, and Ryan’s outlook on the situation left me in awe. As I struggled with my swing, I found some rhythm on the last hole. Despite not keeping score, the joy of the day—and the sun breaking through—reminded me that golf can heal in ways that are hard to comprehend. Ryan later expressed gratitude for our time together, reinforcing the bond we share through this sport.