Golf by David McPherson Most, in times of discomfort, seek out the familiar: hobbies, faces, foods, and myriad other activities that offer comfort. For me, that well-being is found in music. During the early days of the pandemic, especially as a way to ease my worried mind, I spun classic vinyl records such as Gordon Lightfoot’s Sundown, Joni Mitchell’s Clouds and Neil Young’s Harvest. Donning my headphones, l Iay back on the hardwood floor, closed my eyes and listened deeply to each album in its entirety − focusing on the lyrics, the melody and the instruments; most of all, just focusing on the experience and getting lost in the music. Lost is how many of us felt at times during this pandemic that dragged on and on. No surprise. This virus is unlike anything we’ve experienced in our lifetimes. But, as I sat down towrite this column at the appropriately named Lost & Found café in Elora, Ontario, I was filled with hope. As more and more people had received two vaccinations and the daily reports of coronavirus cases decreased, there was reason for this optimism. With this feeling of hope came strength and also comfort − the theme of this column. COVID19 brought an increased level of fear into our lives. This created unease and prolonged periods of discomfort. As humans, we fear the unknown. Many people think − and often wrongly − that they can control all aspects of their lives. What this pandemic taught us is that we can’t. Golf, throughout these prolonged periods of uncertainty, was one of the activities that offered comfort. Just like a pair of favourite shoes which you cannot dream of throwing away (for me, it’s well-worn cowboy boots) because they still fit and feel so comfortable after all the years of wear, the sport where you whack a little white ball into a small hole gives us this same feeling. Maybe you have a favourite pair of golf shoes that offer this level of comfort. For me, it’s a lightweight pair of black beauties from Oakley − best known for their sunglasses − but years ago, they dove in − and then back out – of the footwear market. Despite other manufacturers sending me shoes over the years when I was doing more writing about equipment and apparel, these are still my preferred pair whenever I head to the course. The moment I slip them on my feet and step onto the tee, I already have a wee more confidence thanks to this familiar footwear. For others, that comfort comes from a favourite club, such as a putter. One that you’ve removed from your bag over the years and replaced with the newest model, but which you always return to and use when you are having trouble on the greens. Think Jordan Spieth. The 28-year-old former world number-one-ranked golfer still plays with a Scotty Cameron Circle T 009 flat stick that he has had in his bag since he was 15. Or Willie Nelson and his famous acoustic guitar, nicknamed Trigger. The weathered Martin-N-20 has a hole in it, but it’s a creature comfort for Willie and he’s been playing and recording with this instrument since 1969. Finding Comfort in Uncertain Times 44 | www.snowbirds.org
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzMzNzMx