| Recently an editor spoke to me about doing an | | | | heard none of the above. It seems like |
| article dealing with the ultimate golf | | | | winning a British Open or US Open pales in |
| fantasy. I thought it made sense to speak | | | | comparison to a simple round of golf at |
| with some friends to see what kinds of dreams | | | | Augusta. I am sure people think this way |
| they had and what their idea of the ultimate | | | | because it is a more realistic dream. > |
| golf fantasy might be. | | | | |
| | | | Perhaps you have had visions, as I have, of |
| Early feedback was pretty overwhelming and it | | | | hoisting that big cardboard check over your |
| was kind of surprising. Almost to a person it | | | | head. You know the check; it has a one with |
| had to do with playing a particular course in | | | | six zeroes behind it. How many of us have |
| the southeastern part of this country (wonder | | | | dreamed of a final round like David Duval had |
| where that is huh). Handicap and occupation | | | | at the Bob Hope where he shot a 59? For most |
| had little to do with the response and the | | | | players, 59 is a good 12 hole total. Hey, |
| desire to play a certain "goat track" in | | | | forget the US Open, how about Annika's trip |
| Georgia. | | | | around Colonial several years ago? It was big |
| | | | news around the world and left a lot of us |
| Chris Obert is a scratch player and head golf | | | | wishing we could walk in her shoes. |
| professional of Millwood Golf and Racquet | | | | |
| Club in Springfield. Chris had the same | | | | I will probably never play a PGA tour event |
| response as did American Airlines manager and | | | | at Colonial. But I can sure dream about it as |
| 30-handicapper Mike Fink. Now, I realize my | | | | I stroll around my home course. Standing over |
| previous comment alone probably made some | | | | the putt that could win the Ryder Cup! |
| peoples skin crawl. Of course I am writing | | | | |
| about Augusta National, and of course I am | | | | It is funny how age and our declining |
| obviously kidding when I say "goat track". It | | | | athletic ability rob us of fantasies relating |
| is probably the most desired course to play | | | | to other sports. I know I will never dive |
| in the world. | | | | into the hole, jump up, and throw out that |
| | | | runner going to first. I will never dunk |
| My early polling proved that to be true. | | | | again, let alone make it up the court and |
| Augusta National, these two words send | | | | back without an oxygen tank strapped to my |
| shivers down the spine of true golf | | | | back. I must admit that my 50 extra pounds |
| enthusiasts. It seems not even the glorious | | | | would make me a heck of a line-backer. At |
| ocean views of Pebble Beach can compete with | | | | least until that 225 pound running back left |
| Magnolia Lane. I was surprised to hear talk | | | | his foot print on my sagging chest. Golf |
| of just a simple round of golf at Augusta. | | | | allows us to keep our dreams and to excel |
| There was not even a mention of putting on | | | | well into our golden years. Hale Irwin at 60+ |
| the green jacket. It seemed that dream was | | | | would still make a pretty good partner for |
| too far out there to even fantasize about. | | | | most of us. |
| Hey, how about playing in the annual event? | | | | |
| How about playing in the final group on | | | | We will look at more ultimate golf fantasy in |
| Sunday? How about taking a group of friends | | | | the next article. Where would you go and what |
| and staying for a week in the Butler cabin? I | | | | would you do? |