Apparently today is National Golf Day and I’m not outdoors in this beautiful Southern California weather to enjoy a round of golf. I could choose to be bummed out about it or I could choose to recall some fond memories…in no particular order…

• My first hole-in-one at El Dorado Park on hole #3 (9/7/08)
• Walking the grounds at Augusta National and losing my mind over how immaculate it is
• Seeing Tiger Woods for the first time and losing my mind
• Playing mock golf at Torrey Pines immediately after a PGA event
• Annika Sorenstam handing me a golf ball with the number 59 (an elusive golf score)
• Countless rounds of golf with friends and friendly strangers
• My best & worst round of golf
• Leisure golf in Hawaii
• Everything about Bandon Dunes
• Playing in a Pro-Am event with Chella Choi
• My second hole-in-one moments before my nephew Jacob was born (1/16/15)

Golf isn’t just about chasing a little white ball around for 18 holes and keeping score. It can definitely be frustrating, but as I reflect upon my past memories, I feel so grateful for everything the game has gifted me. I golf “because it’s FUN,” dammit!