Golf is a walk in the park with a small objective. If gimmies are illegal, why are conceded putts common?
What’s the harm in an unquestioned finish? Does picking up that “unmissable” putt really save much time? There are unspoken social factors at play, but so few people are great at golf. Why not relish a satisfying sound of that golf ball dropping into the tiny cup?
There’s no harm in keeping things casual to share time however you want, but tacit assumptions do leave room for misunderstandings. The truth is we all give gimmies to be given a break on putts we might miss ourselves.
When we keep score, see how it feels to play without gimmies. Appreciate the missed putts and count those extra strokes. The unequivocal finish feels good and builds confidence for when gifts aren’t up for grabs.
BONUS CONTEXT
Along with enjoying golf, I’ve created cinematic art at Glen Oaks Country Club since 2014. This calming header image was commissioned as a large-format canvas inside the clubhouse and is titled Lavender Finish.
I hadn’t touched a golf club in eight years, until Ben invited me to 9 holes to celebrate his 40th birthday.
LESSON #1: yes = adventure
After being away from a game I once loved, the first round back was intimidating, but why not? I picked up some golf gear and hit a driving range.
LESSON #2: now > later
When the day came, I arrived to find my friend sipping a Miami Vice with his good buddy and business partner. This set the scene. Whether it was strolling around the clubhouse or our carefree laughter along the way, it was clear we were here to have a good time.
Even with a relaxing vibe, my nerves got the best of me the first 5 holes. My shots were timid, and the wind wasn’t helping. Despite the double bogeys, I was having fun and it felt good being back on the golf course.
LESSON #4: humility + patience + fun = growth
Halfway through, a groove was returning. On Hole 15, Ben caught a birdie and I hit my first par. We then rolled up to Hole 16 at Glen Oaks Country Club, a 168-yard par 3. Feeling relaxed, I grabbed my 7-iron and hit a clean tee shot. It felt great and looked even better. The ball dropped on that freshly aerated green, just short and left of the pin. It took two small hops, then silently rolled into the cup. A freakin’ hole-in-one!
We started dancing in disbelief. Neither of us knew what to do. I threw on my giant fake gold chain and giggled while Ben captured the moment. The rest of our day was a blur, and we’ve continued to celebrate ever since. Without this yes to adventure, I never would have gotten my first hole-in-one or shared this epic experience on my fun friend’s 40th birthday.
LESSON #6: growth + opportunity = celebrate
Extra Shot This contribution is from Derek Brooks, a Midwestern American software engineer who enjoys thinking, building, fixing, traveling, camping, rocking, and once again, golfing.
As I appreciate these life lessons through the lens of my career as a technologist, I’m reminded that getting in over my head has been the fastest way to grow and move forward. When we push outside comfort zones and always celebrate in style, we have fewer regerts.
