There was a time, back in the day, that I was a putting fool. Not only did I play golf but I managed a Putt Putt Golf and Games complex. That’s actually how I ended up playing real golf. The owner of the Putt Putt took me for my first round and I was hooked from the beginning. That first round itself was an adventure; I had to rent clubs, but…even though I’m right-handed, my golf swing, as well as my baseball swing, comes from the left side. Only after I got me a set of left-handed clubs did I really begin to have fun.
Like most people, golf was a challenge. I never really got the hang of it, other than when I was on the green putting. It was getting to the green that made my score so high. But then, I did have a lot of practice putting. Since I was the manager of the Putt Putt, I got to play all I wanted during my off time, and I took advantage of that. Though not an actual member of the PPA, Professional Putters Association, being manager of a Putt Putt course made me an honorary member. I never putted on the professional tour but I did putt on a weekly basis in the local tournaments we held.
And even after I left the job, I held a couple of the course records which stood until the course shut down: I shot a 20 for one round, making 16 holes-in one out of a possible 18; and in a best-ball doubles tournament, my partner and I shot a 19, making holes-in one on 17 out of 18 holes. A highlight of my Putt Putt career was an exhibition round me and a lady friend competed in against Dick and Evelyn Florin, a husband and wife team of PPA members who were honored as the 1970s Putters of the Decade. And in that round, my partner and I shot a 20, 16 holes-in one out of a possible 18. Still, that wasn’t good enough; Dick and Evelyn shot a 19 with 17 holes-in one. But we come as close to beating them as any other team during their national tour around Putt Putt courses.
My skill on a regular golf course was, however, nothing to brag about. Though good on the putting green, I would usually shoot over 100, sometimes in the 90s for 18 holes. I did have one banner moment, making an Eagle on a 440 yard par 4 hole. I hit a good drive and then struck a sweet iron right at the green for my second shot. But when me and my buddy got to the green, my ball wasn’t to be seen. We walked around the edges thinking I might have hit it past. But then, out of curiosity, I walked to the hole and there was my ball! I still have that scorecard.
In the included photos, I’m on a practice putting green at the park our son’s soccer team practices at. Do not be deceived: that is not real grass; it’s astro turf, the kind that used to be used on baseball fields. And it’s just not the same as putting on real grass or Putt Putt carpet; you can’t look at it and read which way the ball is going to break. Still, it was fun trying after so long a time away from it. And maybe, since I’m retired, I may take up real golf again. Plus, just a couple of miles out the road, there’s a new Putt Putt opening soon and I can hardly wait to go there and set a couple of records. Dream on, but who knows?
I can not wait to get out on the greens!
The hubby and I try and get out a couple times a year but we only had a chance to get out once last year. I should drag out the clubs and practice my putt out in the back yard.
My husband loves to brave 18 holes, but Putt Putt is more my speed. Good job on that Eagle, though! That’s amazing.
I’ve only mini golfed and that was quite fun. I’d love to be out on the big kid green though!
My friend and her dad used to gold together. She even went to a few junior championships. So I have tried with her a few times but I think I am sports deficient. I applaud your attempt to get back out there and keep putting!
I haven’t been on the golf course in too long! I love golfing and am looking forward to hitting the green this year!
How fun! It’s so great that you have a hobby that you love where you can get outside and get some fresh air. I think I need one of those! I’m not sure golf is the one for me, but maybe I should try it and find out.
I personally haven’t tried golfing other than at Putt Putt. I haven’t done that in a long time either bc of my back problems.
My dad decided to take up golfing a few years ago. Now that he has retired he plays quite a bit now.
My husband loves to golf, but I don’t know a thing about golfing. We are moving and there is a golf course right near the house, and I would love it if my husband would teach me.
Wow, good job on the eagle. My husband can’t wait to go golfing again.
I tried golf one time and I’m pretty sure I dug deep enough hole in the ground that they could’ve had a 19th hole. I do minigolf every once in a while and even that I’m terrible at LOL. I know a lot of people love golf in where I live there’s golf course is all over the place. I need to try it again.
My husband thinks that golfing is stressful lol. I have never experience golfing, looks fun!
Golf is most definitely not my game since I spent my childhood watching my Dad on the course for tournaments and it was so boring. But this is great for those who love the greens!
My husband has been begging me to go real golfing with him, but honestly I just suck! Looks like you guys had a lot of fun!
I have always wanted to try golf. It looks like it would be so relaxing.
Your pictures look amazing. I wish I had skills to golf. I can try to hold my own with putt putt.
I know nothing about golf, but how impressive to find your ball in that whole from that distance. Nows the time to enjoy being outdoors.
You are brave! Honestly I have absolutely no skill at golf. It is good that you and your husband can enjoy a hobby together!
I have never played golf, just mini golf! But I would love to try!
My dad is a really great golfer, he’s taken me out with him before but I am NOT good at all! We even had the chance in high school to go to a golf course for gym and no matter how much I practice it just wasn’t for me.
The only time I’ve done any type of golfing was mini golf. ~lol~ I’m not sure if the real deal would be my cup of tea, but my brothers and a cousin of mine love golfing! Maybe someday. 🙂
I actually never been golfing in my whole life. Going to have to add this on my list of things I must try at least once!
Never attempted to play golf before but my husband loves it. He bought the entire kit, he just needs to spend more time on the ground.
My brother and father are the golfers of the family! I used to but I havent in soo long! great post!
One of the most fun dates I ever had was at a driving range. It was just so much fun to give a try and see how far I could hit!