How does your interest in the game of golf stay fresh?
Obviously, there are countless ways, including something as simple as playing a few holes with a friend late one afternoon on an uncrowded course or reading a new book (Kevin Cook's just released Tommy's Honor is EXCELLENT). Maybe last month's Feature Interview with Gary Lisbon coupled with his striking
photography has inspired you to get serious about a long overdue trip to Australia/New Zealand? Now you're enthused about that.
The ways to stay fresh are many. Unfortunately, I know more people getting out of the game than getting into it. The two common factors are 1) they haven't played well for a period of time (me included
) and 2) they haven't played a neat course that re-vitalizes their interest (me not included
).
Last year, a friend in Chicago and I were grumbling about the game in August and September but not too bad as we looked forward to the GCA.com gathering at Royal Liverpool in October. Unfortunately, his plans unraveled and couldn't make it. His view on golf stayed in a funk until a recent March trip. On the other hand, I was as hooked on the game as ever after photographing an empty County Down on a rainy Saturday, spending time in Hoylake's clubhouse and a touring Fowler's work at Delamere Forest.
The opportunity to get out and see new courses/meet new people/go to different places is a HUGE factor in the game's enduring appeal. The question becomes where to go? Once there, where to stay/eat/etc. What about non-golf activities if we are with our families? None of us want to go on a dud trip. Life's too short, too many other time pressures, and trips are expensive. When we are lucky enough to go, we need to make it count.
The best guide for such information? The Golf Odyssey, without doubt, is that source as the many of you that are already subscribers testify. And David Baum, its owner, publisher and editor-in-chief, is the subject of this month's Feature Interview. Hope you enjoy!
Cheers,