Semi-OT: An Author's Last Round, at Freshwater Bay

[Benjamin Litman]

I'm sure (and certainly) hope many of you have read this remarkable piece of prose circulating today, but if not, you won't regret doing so now:


https://www.golfdigest.com/story/my-last-round

[Jason Topp]

Thank you Benjamin!

[Peter Pallotta]

I did read it, Benjamin. We have similar tastes when it comes to good writing. And this is, for me, exceptional (golf) writing. Nothing forced, nothing consciously arty or spiritual, nothing overdone/milked for effect -- and not a false note in it. The first time in many a year that i wished they included the author's email, so I could write him to express my compliments and thanks. if there were 3 or 4 essays of that quality and truth in every issue, the golf magazines would be still be in print and being read. (It also makes me more than a touch ashamed, embarrassed and aghast at some of the the rhetorical garbage I've spouted on here over the years in the name of caring about golf and gca.)   
Peter 

[mike_beene]

I found it sad but uplifting.

[Jeff Schley]

Wow that was emotional as I can certainly reflect on my own life and how this could be me someday, but certainly share a strong connection to my dad through this wonderful game. To say goodbye, we never welcome it, but I applaud the author for crystallizing his last round as symbolic of his life's journey forever linked with golf. 

Godspeed John Barton

[Richard Fisher]

 Older GCA readers may recall a similarly elegiac piece in (I think) Golf Monthly by the long-standing British  golf writer David (Dai) Davies who, diagnosed with terminal cancer, chose to play his final game at Brancaster - a location which would I think be shortlisted by many of us for the Last Round.

[Drew Groeger]

Great article. It certainly brings perspective.

[Tim Martin]

Very poignant and sheds some light on how much the game means to many. I loved the way he finished with a par on his own terms.

[Dan Kelly]

Thanks to the link to a good piece I would not have otherwise seen.


I wish I could have been his editor. I’d have argued loud and long to remove the two paragraphs beginning with the things he doesn’t miss about golf.

[Peter Pallotta]

I wish I could have been his editor. I’d have argued loud and long to remove the two paragraphs beginning with the things he doesn’t miss about golf.

Different tastes. For me those paragraphs were like the 'mistake' the Navajos purposely weaved into their otherwise perfect blankets. They reinforced the presence of an actual person instead of celebrating processed cheese. To bring it to gca: I'm told by posters I esteem that The Old Course has several weak holes...

[Scott Senior]

That certainly makes you sit back for a minute and reflect.....


Thank God we all have golf.

[Dan Kelly]

To bring it to gca: I'm told by posters I esteem that The Old Course has several weak holes...

I have heard the same thing, Peter, and what I would say about that is this:


Get rid of the weak holes, and the great course would be even greater.


(His list of grievances is the stuff of another essay. It doesn’t belong in this one. IMO, of course. Do I need to say that?)

[Ronald Montesano]

I'm with Peter on this one. Language is his craft; it is not ours, and his perspective weighs greater for me.


What kind of course is Freshwater Bay? If I were to play a last round under similar circumstances, I would have ... never mind...new thread coming.

[Tommy Williamsen]

About ten years ago my Dad wanted one more round. He was quite ill and at 92 was unsteady on his feet. Instead of a final round we went to the practice tee with my son. The three of us hit balls for about thirty minutes. We rooted for good shots and booed the bad ones. I have a picture of my Son and Dad sitting on a bench. Erik has his arm around Dad. It is a very special memory. Dad put my first golf club in my hands and I put the first one in my son's. I'm not sure when my final round will be, but I want my son there.

[jeffwarne]

What kind of course is Freshwater Bay? If I were to play a last round under similar circumstances, I would have ... never mind...new thread coming.

Played Freshwater Bay today.
I had read the article but hadnt grasped the connection when I researched Freshwater Bay.
Some really, really cool and unusual holes-the three coolest in a near secret unexpected location(14-15-16) while playing an otherwise out and back seaside course.
A really unique piece of downland-narrow and barely wide enough for parallel holes.
Spectacular views and a blast to play.
I often hear the word "Holiday Golf" when describing a course under 6000 yards with some awkward terrain and a few unusual holes.
Sign me up for a steady diet of Holiday Golf .They've yet to disappoint.


A grand choice by the author for a final round.

[David_Tepper]

https://www.freshwaterbaygolfclub.co.uk/

[Bruce Katona]

I just read the article.......good one & thanks for sharing.

[Duncan Cheslett]

Very moving and beautifully written.


This chap is a couple of years younger than me. That is very humbling.


My son has just come home from Glasgow University for a few days and we are heading up to Cavendish this afternoon for a game. Father and Son golf is a wonderful thing.