“You are never too old to set another goal, or to dream a new dream.”
– British writer C.S. Lewis (1898 to 1963).
It’s not hard to admit, but it is hard – very hard – to comprehend that I am now 68. That’s a pretty big number!
In golf terms, that puts me on the 15th hole. If I am lucky, I am in the fairway getting ready to hit my second shot from 160 yards. That means I have a 50-50 chance of making a par.
And even though I am well into the “back side,” I still find myself thinking about what is “next” rather than what “has been.”
I have nothing against history mind you. Two wonderful people – my parents – brought me into this world. I have a great younger brother, who has a good heart and, as you might imagine, saintly patience. My wife, Nancy, and Cate and Ruth, the daughters, are heaven sent and make every day extraordinary. And I have been blessed with a great set of friends. In fact, I would have to say that I am way over the 14-friend limit. Life has been good and great memories are innumerable.
However, I don’t think I am alone when I say that while the past has been a grand journey and much has been learned along the way, I am really excited about the future, including my ability to play golf at a proper level.
Despite the marching of time, I still believe:
I can lower my handicap from 13 to 10. (I have been a 10 off and on over the last 20 years.)
That I can find another 7, 8 or 9 yards off the tee. Maybe technology can make that happen.
Winning the 2nd Flight of the Club Championship is possible. (I just need to avoid the BLOW-UP hole.)
I can reduce my swing-thought number from six – or so – down to two.
I will eventually ace each of the five par 3s on my home course. I only have two to go.
For the next five years, I will continue to have four to six scores in the 70s each year. I will revise that number in 2025. Right now, I am thinking four to six scores of 84 or below should be a realistic goal for a 73-year-old.
That our Head Professional Andy Fisher will eventually give me a go-to technique for getting out of the bunker.
I will not take any round for granted because, well, you know, you never know.
Play Away!
Allan
