Even though I've only been playing a few weeks and understand that it takes time, effort & practice to get even decent at a new sport, I still feel the "competitive juices" when I get on a course. Mainly because my brother in law is my "coach". He plays his home course (lives in a golf community right on an executive "short" course) on par most of the time. I've played 3 times on that little executive course & managed to shoot a lower score each successive time I've played it going from 105 to 95 to 87.

Yesterday, however, was a different story when I finally got the chance to play a full sized, championship course. I shot a 121 and only once or twice did I get the feeling I wasn't having any fun. I basically blew off everyone around me except my play partner even though on a couple of holes it took me 2 or 3 strokes just to catch up to his initial drive! I'd get frustrated simply because I'm competitive, but for some reason, each time that happened I was able to clear it away somehow & manage at least a decent if not good shot to get me back into having fun again. Just so you can see what I'm "competing" against...bro-in-law shot a 78 with the course par at 72.

I gotta tell ya...this is a weird game! LOL

Beemer, I have to say this too...I'm only 44, but I hope I'm able to shoot between 75 & 85 regularly when I get to be your age. I'll buy the first beer if I ever meet you!