When I was a boy, I dreamt of becoming a professional golfer. Jack and Arnie meant everything to me. Being an Ohio boy, I roamed the fairways of Firestone following my heroes from first light until dark. But like every young man that ever wanted to be a professional athlete, my hopes were dashed by reality and the lack of real talent.The 60’s changed my life as it did for many. Raised by parents that didn’t drink, curse, or even finish high school, I entered a quiet little state college call Kent State University. With a crew cut, clean shaven face, and lips that had never tasted alcohol, I walked into a school that was about to explode on the world stage. Nine months later I was long-haired, scrubby-faced, and well exposed to all libations and sins of the flesh. Just when I thought I’d found nirvana, early one morning in May of 1970, I found myself in the middle of a group of college kids, being shot at by Ohio National Guardsmen. A minute later, with four dead and thirteen wounded, many lives, including mine, were turned upside down.
No more school. No more reality. No more golf. I had to rebuild my life.
But life moved on. College finally got finished. Jobs turned into careers. Careers turned into businesses. Past time turned into no time. Most of my golfing skills from my former youth were gone. A 2 handicap became 22—then finally fought back to 12. That’s where it remains today, but in a golfing world where few can break 100, I’m pretty satisfied.
Now that I’m an avid “boomer” golfer, I’ve noticed that we’re overlooked a bit by the golfing establishment. Don’t get me wrong—I love Tiger and Phil and all the rest. I watch every match with the enthusiasm of a 12 year old, but they play a game I’m not familiar with. Most aren’t wearing supports for falling arches, knee braces, or are worried about erectile dysfunction, or prostate cancer. They hit a 1000 balls a day and we hit a 1000 a year if we’re lucky (especially us poor souls that live in the northeast).
But fear not, help is on the way. I’ve been doing my research and reaching out to the golfing establishment for help. This blog will be dedicated to finding those tools and resources that will help us improve our game and enjoy it more is as we age. From tips on the best clubs, grips, and shoes to the best arch supports, and pain medications, this blog will cover it all. And with your help and suggestions, together we will help one another. Think of this blog as a little cafe where we can all sit around and express our ideas and have a little fun while we're at it.
As Mr. Dean Martin once said....”Keep those cards and letters coming in.” And thank you in advance for being a part of the Boomer Golf Café.™
