golfrewind.com

That I start my first thread here. And it's a whopper of a doozie. But you've got to promise not to hate me after you read it.

Three months ago, I was at the local bookstore and picked up a golf novel and just glanced at a few pages. It appeared to be very interesting, so I decided to get it. The book is called Golf in the Kingdom, by Michael Murphy. It's basically about a man who ventures from the US to India for philosophical study, but decides to take a small detour to Scotland on the way over to play a round of golf... It is probably one of the best fictional golf pieces I've ever read, btw... Anyway... I was roughly halfway through the book when I got an urgent voicemail from an old friend, wanting me to call him back asap. I called him and we chatted for a bit, made a bit of small talk, etc. but I knew that there was a reason for the call.

So I finally came out with it, "What's up?" What he would say next would have lasting implications on me. "Hey, remember when we used to talk about one day taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip to play golf? Well, that day is here. We've got a group together and we need one more guy for the trip. We're looking at the end of April. I couldn't think of anyone better to join us."

"Where to?" I said... "Well, it's once-in-a-lifetime, which means you'll need a passport. We'll be spending a week in Ireland, followed by a week in Scotland. We've got some friends over there who are working on some deals for us, and it's not going to be as expensive as you might think." Well, cheap to him isn't quite inexpensive to me. "I don't know, Tom. I mean we do have some extra money finally, but I'm not sure that could afford a trip like this though. Email me the info, and I will let you know after looking at the bottom line." He ended the conversation -- "Just give it some thought. No one would appreciate this trip more than you. We're not going to live forever, ya know... Think about it and let me know."

My wife came home from work, and I debated even mentioning it to her. It's not that she wouldn't allow me to go -- our relationship doesn't work that way. We've been married for 17 wonderful years because we both understood from the get-go that both of us have hobbies and interests that the other doesn't care for, thus the freedom to enjoy them. But this was different. This wasn't just a weekend trip a few states away. This would require a significant expense, not to mention setting up childcare arrangements for the kids while I would be away. The more I thought about it, the less it seemed practical. But my wife sensed that something was on my mind, and she asked me. I was very hesitant. But I figured what the heck, here goes nothing... "Tom called me today. Get this, he's going to Europe to play golf for two weeks, him and some other guys. A week in Ireland and a week in Scotland" "Really..." she said. "Yep. And get this -- he basically begged me to join them." (okay, maybe "beg" wasn't exactly the case, but it sounded better... LOL) Before I could even get out the other details of the trip, she cut me off and said, "Well why don't you do it? No one would appreciate this kind of trip more than you. We can afford it, do it while you're young enough to enjoy it. Besides, you deserve it!"

Now granted I didn't expect stiff resistance from her, but I didn't really think that she would be overly excited about it. It almost seemed like she was more excited than me about it, up until she said that. Then I got really excited. "Really, you mean that you wouldn't mind me being gone for a couple of weeks and leaving you here with the kids to fend for yourself?" She said, "Nope, as long as you can arrange the childcare issues." Man, wanna talk about being a lucky guy...

So Thursday evening, April 27th, I will be leaving Boston and getting to Shannon, Ireland on Friday morning. The venues are too long to mention, I'll just say that we are playing some world famous courses, some of which are hosting professional tournaments this year. Twelve rounds of golf in 14 days. A week in Ireland, followed by a week in Scotland... Imagine that, me playing Golf in the Kingdom too.... It's almost eery, the fact that I bought this book and two weeks later I get invited to have a similar journey of my own.

Okay, feel free to hate me now.

Just thought I'd share this with you, since many of you would appreciate the significance of it.

Great post. It is my dream trip, so I am envious too. Have a great time and play well!

Wow! A trip this special must require new clubs, some new clothes, a few lessons to help you enjoy the experience more, etc. etc.

Enjoy the trip and bring your wife home something special! She sounds like she deserves it!

Excellent news, PA PLAYA! Golf Rewind benefits, too, because of the good posts you're going to give us. Hey, if you spot an Internet cafe while you're there, log on and give us an on-the-scene report. (That would be a low priority, of course!)

The golf trip of a lifetime and no static from your wife. You are truly blessed PA PLAYA. I know you'll have a great time. Take some pics for the gallery if you get the chance.

I hope the weather holds out for you PA PLAYA! My one-in-a-lifetime trip is across to your side of the pond for some golf and a trip to New Work. Might have to wait 20 years though

Weather's looking good for you in Ireland anyway for the next few weeks. Are you playing any courses down by Cork and Kerry (where I live)?