A Little Bit of Hope

As most of you know, I’m a golfer.  Been playing since I was 14 years old.  Started because at that age Dad had a series of heart attacks.  When he got out of the hospital the doc told him to take up golf and walk.  Since there were 4 of us in the family, we all took it up together and became a fun family foursome.

I’ve never gotten good at the game.  But I love it.  Love being on the courses, love trying to hit a good shot, don’t get stressed when I play my usual game….just have fun.

Currently I am in two leagues.  Monday night at Hickory Woods and Wednesday night at Deer Track.  My partner at Deer Track is Leah.  She is an excellent golfer, has lots of wonderful patience, and much better eyesight at this stage of life than me.  Perfect partner for me. 

Last night as we made our round, she started talking about watching the pro ladies this weekend.  She made a comment about one of them hitting an albatross.  I immediately assumed the tournament was being played in California because that is one area in North America where I know albatrosses appear.  I was asking Leah about which course in California?  She was immediately confused, then said, “No, she hit an albatross.”  I said something about the bird….and then she smiled.  She explained that an albatross golf shot is hitting 3 under par…..also known as a double Eagle. 

First off, this means this lady golfer shot a 2 on a par 5 hole, which in my wildest dreams I cannot imagine ever happening.  For those not aware, an average par 5 course is 450 to 550 yards for standard tees, playing up to 710 yards (which converts to .4 mile) on championship courses.  That is a very long distance.  And to make the shot in 2 strokes …..well, it is rarely done. 

In my 64 years of playing golf, I have never heard of an Albatross (I have heard of a double eagle.)  So, I learned something last night at Deer Track.  Would love to see a video of this golfer and that shot.  It would give me hope!