It's kind of crazy how a number can affect us.

People come to me wanting to break 100 or break 90 or 80 or whatever.  The fixation with this number drives people to think they are inadequate or lacking in skill.

Totally false.

Never judge your character by the score you shoot.

It's just a number.

A few years ago I helped out at another golf course on the weekends.  A co-worker of mine asked if I wanted to play after we were done with our shift.  I wanted to get home, shower up, and go out with my girlfriend.  I know what you're thinking..."he didn't want to golf?"  Scratch that, you were probably thinking, "He had a girlfriend?!"

Reluctantly, I told him that I'd play 9 holes with him.

I had to open the course that day (get there at 5:30 in the morning and explain to the players that, "No, sir, you're not allowed to play the course when it's dark outside still."  Or, "Seriously, you want a hot dog?  It's 7:15am"

So, needless to say, I was a little on the sleepy side when I started playing that afternoon.

We got matched up with a couple of our regulars and played the back nine first.  I had a great time laughing and talking with the guys, but my mind was on getting home after 9 holes.

I had all pars up until the 15 hole.  I birdied 16, parred 17, and birdied 18.  So after 9 holes, I was 2 under.  (You're right, I preach about not keeping score.  And I didn't.  But after playing as long as I have, you know exactly where you're at.)

I had a fun time, but still wanted to get home.

I must have been half asleep because my co-worker convinced me to play another 9 holes.

Why I played, I'm still not sure.

I birdied number 1.

I birdied number 2.

I parred number 3.

I birdied number 4.

I was now 5 under after 13 holes.  The course record at the time was 5 under.

And then I shocked everyone in the group.

"I'm going home."

"What?!"  That was the consensus in the group.  They didn't know what to say.  They all tried to convince me stay, but I wanted to go home.

I wanted to eat some food, I wanted to get home at a reasonable time, and I wanted to see my not fake girlfriend.

The number didn't matter to me.  Playing the game for the score is not the reason I play.  I play to be with friends.  I play to hit crazy shots.  I play to tell stories.

So, I told them, "I'm playing this hole and it's my last one."

I birdied that one too.

Then walked to my car.

Thanks,
Bryan