Squire Open 2007

Every year a friend of mine from work organizes a golf tournament to benefit St. Rose's hospice in New York City. It is mostly people from work who play. This is the third year that I have participated. This year was a little different because I didn't have to bum a ride. Ryan and I were playing so we took his car. Jenn came along for the ride and took pictures again this year. She took this picture posted here - which turned out to be my favorite from the entire trip.

The country club that we play at each year is very nice - well kept greens, beautiful views. Its so nice to get out of the city and into some greenery and sun for a day here and there. I can really think of nothing better than a nice sunny day, a round of golf, and a few cocktails with good company.

You are probably wondering why it is called the Squire Open (and spelled differently!). The guy that organizes the event has a nickname, "Squire". It's his tournament, so rightfully named after him.

There is something special to me about a round of golf. I am not sure how I began to love the sport - I never really had any interest in it until about 1998. I do remember my dad taking me on some of his golf trips when I was younger. I remember he had a hand cart that he would bring along on his trips. He gave me a ride on the cart along with the golf clubs (of course, I was much smaller then!).

I remember my first time that I actually golfed a real game. It was about 10 years ago. I had randomly decided to go with some friends from work. I specifically remember going to the driving range, and my friends were teaching me how to hit the ball. "Keep your head down (still a problem at times!), "Dont try to hit it so hard", "Use the club like a pendulum", "Plant your left foot", and all kinds of other stuff. I am grateful to those friends back then - Specifically Kim and Gregg, who taught me these first things and to love the game.

I had played a few sports prior to that like soccer or baseball, but really the extent of most of my physical activity growing up was in dance. So, golf was very out of my element but grew on me immediately. I never thought I would like it until I tried it.

I think the thing I like about it most is the pace. It is not too fast, but not too slow. I like the fact that it is semi social - you can really get to know your co-players over 4 (or in my case 5) hours and 18 holes.

My most memorable game was a tournament I played in Utah. It was at Homestead and I played a decent round... for me. The most exciting part about it was that I had won the closest to the pin contest on the par three. I really enjoyed it because there was a ceremony afterwards and I received my prize in front of all of my coworkers. I know it sounds a little cocky, but it really made my day. There weren't a lot of women, and I beat out a few of the better male players so it really boosted my golf confidence!!

Well, enough babbling... May there always be a green to play on and friends to share the tee box.