By: Fred Altvater
With Thanksgiving falling in the month of November, it makes us reflect on the great game of golf and consider the wonderful things it provides. Here is my list of golf things I am Thankful for.
First and foremost, I am thankful for: my wife, kids, grandkids and family that tolerate my Golfaholic proclivities. Being a practicing and unrepentant Golfaholic, I am very thankful that I have had golf in my life, as well as, what it has given me throughout the years.
I have met many amazing people and most of my enduring friendships are nurtured by the common factor of golf.
I am Thankful for: playing Golf with my children and grandchildren. There is absolutely nothing better in this world, except their births, graduations and marriages. Spending time with your children or grandchildren, on a golf course is priceless. No cell phones, no crying babies and no distractions, just you amid nature on a pristine golf course enjoying a few hours companionship and the game together.
I am Thankful for: “that look” on a golf student’s face, when they hit that first good shot. Their eyes light up and “that look” of wonderment and satisfaction gets me every time.
I am Thankful for: a beautiful sunny day, with green fairways, white sandy bunkers, blue ponds and meandering rivulets that dissect a verdant hole, cut between tall majestic pines.
I am Thankful for: classic golf courses like, Scioto, Inverness, Crystal Downs, Seminole, Pinehurst, Augusta National and The Greenbrier that I have been privileged to visit, as well as, the anticipation of someday exploring Bandon Dunes, Pebble Beach, Cypress Point, Shinnecock, National, Pine Valley and Cabot Links.
I am Thankful for: my golf buddies, when I collect a $2.00 bet, after draining a 10-foot putt at the final hole.
I am Thankful for: the sound my golf clubs make as I walk down a fairway and the best sound in golf, when your putt hits the bottom of the cup.
I am Thankful for: a drive that finds the fairway, an iron that bites on the green and a curling 20-foot putt that finds the bottom of the hole.
I am Thankful for: a cold beer with your companions in the 19th hole, after your round. Swapping stories, telling lies, applying the needle for errant shots and just the utter enjoyment of spending time at the golf course with friends.
As I am getting on in years, many of my golf friends are passing on to that great golf course beyond. I am extremely Thankful for the many days spent, on the golf course, in their company.
I am extremely Thankful for: talented golfers like, Jordan, Justin, Dustin, Rickie, Jason, Rory, Lydia, Brooke, and Lexi, and the greats like, Arnie, Jack, Bobby, and Tiger, that I get to write about.
Finally, I am Thankful for: our military men and women that sacrifice their holidays and lives to assure the citizens of the United States freedom to worship, however they please, live in peace and enjoy the great game of golf. Keep them safe and in your prayers.
Now, please pass the pumpkin pie.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!
