The wonderful world of Golf. It is challenging, it is fun, and it is downright frustrating. Not that I have ever been frustrated playing golf *lol*. I got involved playing the game from my brother-in-law, Michael, who was a very good golfer. I played my first round of golf the week after my father died on a course that was once closed but recently reopened, Pocoshock Hills. Needless to say, it was not Augusta National *lol*, although I shot my best round ever there, an 85.
My other great rounds were an 88 at Glenwood Golf Club in the morning round and a 90 in the afternoon round. Some of the other courses I have played over the years are The Highlands, Mill Quarter, The Hollows, Birkdale, Rivers Bend, and Belmont. Belmont is the old Hermitage Country Club, site of the 1949 PGA Championship.
I have never shot a hole-in-one or an eagle, but I do have a few birdies. I've been playing the Dynacraft metal woods and graphite irons for a few years now. I hit them okay, better than the undersized ones I use to hit. It seems like the more I play, the worse I play. I average in the mid to upper 90's, so, as you can see, I am just your average golfer.
As I learned about golf, I became VERY fond of one tournament and one course. That would be The Masters and Augusta National. There is no other place to play a round of golf, or tournament to watch. I watch other tournaments, but The Masters is the only one I make an attempt to watch all four rounds.
I remember watching Big Jack in 1986, coming from behind and winning the tournament. It gave me goosebumps as you could feel the electricity in the air. I remember watching Larry Mize chip in from God knows where to steal the championship from Greg Norman in 1987. And, in 1996, Greg Norman lost the tournament to Nick Faldo. Man, that was so heart-breaking, I can't even imagine how he felt. It was awesome to see Lefty, Phil Mickleson to you non-golfers, win this year.
I would love to play just one round of golf on this wonderful and majestic course. Unfortunately, I'll never be a member and get a chance to play. I guess life will still go on somehow *s*.
There are many great golfers throughout history, but, only one stands out among the best, Jack Nicklaus. The man has done everything in golf, winning every major tournament at least three times; he designs courses; he teaches; he's just awesome. However, I think the greatest thing about him is his poise, knowledge of the history of golf, and his humility. I don't know if he's more graceful in defeat or in victory, but he's just a classy person. It's hard to imagine how many more majors he could have won if he had concentrated soley on golf and not gone into other ventures. But, again, that's what makes him such a great golfer.
I also like Tom Watson, another quiet and humble person; Greg Norman, he's endured a lot; Curtis Strange, fellow Virginian; Phil Mickelson, just a good golfer, plus, my brother, Shawn, is left-handed and likes him; Ben Crenshaw; and Justin Leornard. There are your regular greats like Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, and Byron Nelson. Nothing has to be said about them.
Every year, me, two of my brothers, and one of our nephews play a family golf championship, The Pavey Family Championship. We have a trophy to present to the winner and a place for his name to be engraved. Unfortunately, my third brother doesn't play golf. As we each have children and they grow up, they will be eligible to participate in our championship. Each year, we take turns choosing where the championship will be played. For a rundown of the past winners, they are as follows:
1994 Jay Pavey
1995 Shawn Pavey
1996 Jay Pavey
1997 Jay Pavey
1998 Jay Pavey
1999 Paul Pavey
2000 Jay Pavey
2001 Jay Pavey
2002 Jay Pavey
2003 Paul Pavey
2004 Jay Pavey
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