I get called an optimist quite often. This past week was no exception. Despite a less than ideal weather forecast for Mens' Night, I kept texting people with my perceived good news. I noted how the drizzle was probably going to stop before golf began and resume after we finished. I mentioned how the temperatures were going to be warmer than initially projected. Several people who responded noted my optimism. Some seemed to suggest that I was delusional. One or two noted that I was crazy and stated how there was no way that they would golf on such a night.
I even had an interesting moment during the round that epitomized my take on things. On the 8th tee when I almost missed my ball. I grazed it and it rolled two feet from the tee. My first reaction was to laugh, walk to my cart and get a 3 wood, while saying "At least I can still make par".
For the record, I didn't par that hole...but I thought I was going to do so. I should also mention that it was pretty cold out and we did end up getting a little wet. But who cares? We got to hit some golf balls, hang out with some friends, and have a couple of beverages. I went home at the end of the evening a little damp, a little cold, somewhat tired, but pretty darn happy. I expect a few others felt it was one of the worst nights ever.
I have trouble with those who should be playing a game who spend more time golfing than complaining. If you are one of those people try a little experiment next time. Try to note the good things that happen during the round. Don't get hung up on the fact that it isn't as warm as you'd like. Don't lament the wind that blows shots off line, the bad bounces on the green, the lip outs, or the double bogeys. Just be happy that winter is finally over and you get to whack a little white ball around a great little golf course in our small town.
I expect the relationship between optimist and pessimists is similar to that between extroverts and introverts. Opposites that can't figure out why the other takes the perspective that they do. I know when I am around people with a less than rosy outlook on things, I try first to encourage them, before invariably just letting them do their thing while thinking something is slightly off within them.
Pessimists complain that it is only 9 degrees outside. Optimists talk about how that's better than 8 degrees. Pessimists are scorecard watchers who point out how the one errant shot or one bad hole attributed to their less than stellar performance. Optimists are ringer board people. They can have a string of triples leading up to a hole but know that just one birdie gives them a chance to lock in another score.
Of the 11 people that actually showed up on Wednesday in less than ideal conditions, I have to assume the majority were optimists. When we finished, everyone seemed to be smiling...although a few were less than happy with their final score.
Sonny Blackbird and Brad Benton were happy, having won two skins for a combined $60 on #1 and 4. Milt won a skin alone on #5 for $27.50 after pairing with the dummy card. The final skin of the evening fell on #6 to Robin Kimpinski and Dan Stokes who won $20 for their efforts.
There were actually two people who hit the par 3's this week, unlike the previous Mens' Night. Brad was closest on #5 and Blake Hunter was best on #9. There were no deuces or hole-in-ones...so that means both pots get bigger next week.
A few more words on the optimism thing before I sign off. You may have heard that people with positive outlooks on life tend to be happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer. If you haven't, it is true. There's actual research to back it up.
By the way, I just heard the Shoal Lake Band Concert is on a Wednesday in June this year. My daughter is in Grade 7 and plays the trumpet...so I will not be at Mens' Night. How lucky am I? I get to hear some awesome music before joining friends for a drink or two after their round of golf. Heck, I bet I even win Chase the Ace!
That's it for this week. See you next Wednesday when the weather will be much warmer and lots more golfers will be out on the course.
Until then, I encourage you all to be the yellow ball.
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