17 long years

[Dieppe]

Hi to everyone thought I'd introduce myself.

In 1990 I watched the Open on telly and took an interest for the first time in Golf. I was 24 at the time.

My In Laws surprised me that Xmas with a half set and I decided to give it a go. Without ever having been on a course I accepted an offer to play in a comp by a work colleague. As I was naturally good at most sports I eagerly accepted the offer and with my naturally competitive attitude couldn't wait.

The course was Hopeman Golf course on the east coast of Scotland.. No rough as such but lots of gorse.. I trudged off the course with my ego shattered and my macho desire to smash the balls miles resulting in an embarrassing score which I foolishly signed and handed in to much mirth.. (around 180 I recall)

I vowed never to play again but I've been an occasional golfer ever since. Unfortunately being a non driver I've never joined a club and have relied on the odd game here and there.

I do play in an Annual competition with around fifteen or so friends annually where we visit courses from Golspie across to Aberdeenshire and I love the opportunity to visit new places and courses.This year on day 2 I revisited for the first time the scene of my greatest humiliation. It was a beautiful day which was a rarity this summer and I thoroughly enjoyed the round.. I walked of with a net 65 and winner of day 2 .. runner up over the two days and a big beaming smile on my face...

I just love golf sometimes .... I've got the bug big time now and I'm determined to play through the winter this year and improve my game

 

[John_Findlay]

Good man, Dieppe. Sure it'll be worth the effort. And welcome to the forum.

Your post brings back some good memories. I played against Hopeman in the junior Moray & Nairn League as a boy. Our team were by far the worst in the league at the time (I was in it !). Our lowest handicap was 6 whereas all the other teams had no-one over 4.

We got gubbed every year but I'm glad to say that with their new Pro giving them coaching over the last few years they now play off a COMBINED handicap of about 0, I think. They're cleaning up. Just shows what a bit of good coaching does.

 

[RGuk]

I enjoyed reading your post, and welcome to you as it's your first. I started around the same time as you and turned my humiliation of shooting over 150 into productive learning.
If you gave up and play now and again, you can't have a handicap, so did you make one up to shoot a net 65?
You should keep it up, if you were 24 in 1990, you'd be a good age to sort out your game before it gets too hard physically. Take some lessons and find a time at least once a week to practice....it can be done!

Dave

 

[thebelgie24]

welcome Dieppe,enjoy the banter !

 

[Dieppe]

Dave

I was allocated a handicap by the friends group "committee" of 28. Unfortunately I must now practice hard as my unofficial handicap will be lowered by my "podium" finish ..

I will get my hands on the coveted tankard we play for yet though ...

that's the target .. now I've seen the look of astonishment on my friends faces at the progress I've made since coming last the first time we competed on a Stag weekend for it in 1998... mind you the beer was flowing that year but we're all much more professional now... and competitive ..