Introducing Myself

“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening - and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.” - Arnold Palmer

From 73 to Shanks: A Golfer's Journey

Hi everyone,

I'm Sid, also known as wedge9 from way back (you can find me at sidlinx.com). I'm here to share my love-hate relationship with golf, a game that's both incredibly frustrating and endlessly rewarding.

A Dream Round and a Lifelong Passion

Like many golfers, I was bitten by the bug early. At eleven or twelve, a school trip to the local course sparked a passion that still burns today. I can still picture myself, a young boy putting on the final hole with the clubhouse in the background, the warmth of a midsummer morning on my skin.

Unfortunately, my next golf experience wouldn't come until my early twenties, when I was a young husband and father. Thankfully, some avid golfer friends at church reintroduced me to the game. Every Saturday if I could afford it, we'd hit the public course, religiously (pun intended!). My only instruction came from a Jack Nicklaus book I found at the library, but that didn't stop me from enjoying those seventeen years. It was pure golfing bliss, mostly scoring in the low to mid 80s. It was also during this period that I achieved my golfing Everest – a magical 73 on the local course. How'd I do it? Beats me!

Life's Detour and a Rude Awakening

Life throws curveballs, and mine sent me away from the course for a while. But the love for the game never faded. I devoured golf media, following the PGA Tour – Tiger at his peak, Ernie Els, Faldo, Daly, and so many others. The LPGA and European Tour also held my interest.

Finally, about six years ago, I decided to get back out there. Big mistake! It was like everything I knew about golf – muscle memory, course knowledge, even mental toughness – had vanished. In my seventeen years of golfing heaven, I can barely recall shanking the ball. Now? Shanks were raining down like a hailstorm, some bordering on dangerous! Discouraged and defeated, I was about to quit mid-round when a good friend convinced me to keep going.

Life's the Real Course

We all have our metaphorical courses in life, and the challenges we face off the course shape who we are as golfers. My story is just one example. How did I get here? Well, you've heard part of it. Now, I'd love to hear yours. What's your golfing journey been like? Share your stories in the comments or find me online.

Signing off

SidLinx.com