Wow! What a golf season!
For those of us who live in New England, the golf season is short. But during that limited span of time, both private and public golf clubs come alive with casual rounds and tournament play. June, July, and August are especially busy with Championship days for Juniors and adults, member-guest days, fundraisers, and Invitationals.
For those of you who read my memoir Taxi to America will understand when I say, “I had not heard of golf” until years after my arrival in the United States. When I think back to my first taxi ride in Greece and to the little girl I was before I knew of a game called golf, a feeling of gratitude washes over me.
I was a ten-year-old Greek orphan adopted and brought to America. I faced many challenges and I certainly did not know the life ahead of me as I managed to overcome them. But here I am decades later enjoying the game that was once as foreign to me as my new country.
To me, enjoying the game of golf is such a blessing. Who would have thought that despite my humble beginnings and subsequent hurdles I overcame, I would be enjoying this sport.
Here I am, playing and sometimes competing at prestigious Country Clubs in Massachusetts. Although I have a high handicap, I love playing golf so much that I welcome competitions at my home course, Bass Rocks Golf Club.
In July and August, I played in Women’s Invitationals, and Member-guest days primarily on the North Shore of Boston.
Months before the season begins the “Save the date” emails arrive from: Tedesco Country Club, Essex County Club, Salem Country Club, Kenwood Country Club, Myopia Hunt Club, and Renaissance Country Club. The member-guest invites come from individuals. Either from my friends or from women I have met at previous tournaments who invite me to play at their clubs.
Another aspect of golf I enjoy is my volunteering for MassGolf for over twenty years. Volunteering for the Massachusetts golf association has been delightful. Observing accomplished golfers qualifying and competing for championships, and I am always learning more about the game. It is enjoyable and rewarding. To my fellow golfers out there, if you have the time I highly recommend you get involved in your local golf association. I will leave the link for MassGolf below.
I know it may sound strange to many of you, but I almost want to pinch myself. The little girl back in Greece who was familiar with the village life, who had not heard of golf, never mind imagining playing the sport, would be golfing on beautiful courses in Massachusetts and other states.
When I reflect on my life from that perspective, golf is more than a game I love. It is an unexpected blessing among so many I have.
The reflection is a reminder of how life sometimes takes us to places we haven’t imagined. It is a reminder of the importance of staying open to see the opportunities the unknown reveals and to be willing to venture into seeing how we can capitalize on the opportunities. When we have come from humble beginnings, it is powerful to take time to look back and appreciate how far we have traveled.
As the end of golf season looms ahead, even though I haven’t improved my handicap as low as I had intended to do, I am grateful I have the opportunity to play at all.
What a golf season and there’s still more rounds left to play.
I’d love to hear from you -are you a golfer? Did you discover a sport you had not heard of as a child? Were you born into a golf family? Click Contact
