Golf

Golf

I am definitely *not* a golfer. I only mention it as I live next to a golf course and I have to say something when locals talk about ... wait for it ... golf. That's the nature of old blokes, despite my tenuous connection to golf, which fortunately for this conversation has a connection to SydUni Physics (late 60s - early 70s). I'm certain I have no photos.

The background as I recall comes first. Many will remember the workshop chaps organized a series of weekend golfing days and invited the other actual "workers" (TOs & POs & students etc). I had never played before like many others, but some golf clubs from a jumble sale were pressed into service. I got around the courses with the only 3 clubs I could hit. I had a 2 wood from the tee and a putter for the greens, and a trusty 4 iron for everything else. My scores were far too high for a handicap. How could I compete with "professionals" like Michael Ryan who arrived with an impressive bag full of matched clubs? Anyway those works outings were a lot of fun. Many will recall the golf ball in a cup trophy that the workshop whipped up.

That was not quite the end of my golf. A North(?) Irish Physics PO (?) chap xxx Green (?) - I cannot recall his name or his leaning to Orange or Green, but I remember we discussed it - Derek and Don will surely know - invited me to join him on very early morning rounds of golf on workdays. The fresh air and conversation were fine. He must have been patient to put up with such a bad golfer. Did he invite others in Physics and they weren't silly enough to get up so early in the morning? Or did he just enjoy beating me? I jest. He enjoyed the company.

When I was transferred by Defence to Adelaide, I had to buy a house within 21 days as I wasn't officially married. Damned Public Service rules - married couples get 6 months rental subsidy! Anyway it turned out my next door neighbours were real fair dinkum golfing *fanatics*. Conversations turned on ... wait for it ... golf. Hence my recounting the Physics Dept tenuous golf connection above. My neighbour coached two of his daughters to national championships and they still win all the local women's golf tournaments. Their opponents are said to be a little frustrated!

It's time I scratched playing golf properly from my bucket list.

--TonyP