I often think about Dale when I am playing golf. But I don’t like to think about Dale on the golf course. He is an excellent golfer and a lot of fun to play with. But I don’t like to think about him out there. There are other thoughts that capture my attention, as I enjoy a round of golf.

I often use the what if phrase while I am playing. What if I had a really nice and expensive set of irons? What if I had one of those awesome drivers? What if I could play with the high dollar golf balls instead of an array of used balls that I have picked up somewhere? The what if list in golf is endless…

I have convinced myself that if I had great equipment and a nice pair to Nike shoes to play in, my handicap would be reduced substantially. In fact, my score would come down overnight. The man who holds the course record where I play would feel immediately threatened. The upper echelon of golfers in Hood County would be calling me constantly. I would be the Cinderella Man of golf overnight. Isn’t it fun to have an active imagination?

I am forced to quote my professor and mentor, Charles Siburt. Dr. Siburt often says: Reality is your friend. Reality is: good golf equipment is a great thing. It really would shave a few strokes off my game. But the change would not be all that drastic. Reducing a golf handicap comes from old fashioned practice and lots of it. I played for the first time this season on Friday. I actually plan on playing as much as possible throughout the spring and summer months. The fall around here is a great time to get out as well. It will be fun as well as challenging. Every year I have seen a little hint of improvement in my game.

I will consciously choose to think about Dale when I hit the links this year. I don’t like it at all. But I need to think about him. Dale continues to play with the old set of clubs he purchased back in 1964. They are not stylish. They don’t feature the latest design. But he plays the game incredibly well. It just makes me sick. It blows my whole theory that if I would just buy the latest and greatest my game would improve overnight. Reality maybe my friend, but I don’t have to like it! I think I will head to the driving range and hit a bucket of balls. It will make feel better as long as the guy next to me is not swinging the latest and greatest…