What game can you enjoy a plush environment with green grass as far as an eye can see. A game that is so difficult there are only 120 successful professionals. A game in which a score is based on the fewest attempts, not the most points. A game that a referee is just not necessary for all penalties are called by each player. This is the game of golf.

To me there is nothing more exhilarating then showing up at the golf course first thing in the morning. The plush grass still wet from the night dew, the crows still cowling in the back ground, and the smell of a bloody Mary, when taking the first sip of an eye opener.

The anticipation is riser as the course pro starts calling off tee times and groups. "Next on the number one tee the smith foursome followed by the Jones foursome"... We have awhile before we tee off. It's relaxing, it's not like Monday morning traffic, when people are shouting and irritated they have to wait. It's a gentlemen’s sport. People speak to one another on common ground. There are golfers practicing on the putting green trying to get that last minute practice in to try to get the feel of the greens on this day. Every day the greens are at a different speed, and they change minute by minute.

I take a few practice puts starting with the standard 4 footers, then moving back to the 6 footers and then trying some long snakes. They come close but none go in.

I then take out the driver and take a few practice swings to try to loosen up the back and hips. They seem stiff for some reason today, perhaps because I'm out of shape, but I'm exercising right? well kinda. I take a few more swings, then a swig of my tasty Bloody Mary. Take a few more. Then it comes over the loud speaker. "Next on the number one tee, the Muensterman foursome, followed by the Woods foursome".

We're up!...We pull our carts to the tee, where an elderly gentleman welcomes us, and tell us the course rules for the day. Carts are 90 degree rule today guys until the course dries out a bit. He checks our receipts with our scheduled tee time. "Ok guys" he says, "hittem straight". and then the standard answer "we'll try".

A tee gets thrown in the air and whomever it points to then they get to go first, second, third, etc. The first guy tee's off and wham! the sound of titanium smacking the golf ball.  it's a high slice, we all yell "hang on Ball" then smack hit a tree and it bounces back into the fairway. " you must have paid your member dues" belts the old man. We all laugh and wish we were retired and were able to work on a golf course while playing everyday.

I'm next: my drives are either really good or really bad. I stand behind the ball and focus on this shot. I do this thing where I clear my head. I always say to myself "clear the mechanism". like Kevin Costner in for the love of the game. I spot my area in front of the ball where I want to aim. I step up, line my club up and set my feet. I say to myself, keep you ass down and swing thru the ball and don't snap your wrist too quick. I take a practice swing and everything feels right. I line up shift my weight to my back foot and start with the swing coming thru with a steady motion while saying to my self "bump pe dump dump dump. kinda like singing it. to help with my rhythm. The golf swing is all about Gloria Estephen, the rhythm is going to getcha. SMACK, Wow and come out of my swing and my eyes see the ball starting out low to the ground and climbing high straight as an arrow. The gallery, my foursome, say "Damn nice ball" I pick up the tee, without watching it land, with confidence and the attitude that I've done it before. one guy yells " f'king show off". I smile and feel good about my shot. I enjoy the shot for just a short bit, for there are several more shots to be made on this beautiful day. I pull up to my ball after dropping my cart mate off at his. I checked the yardage on the GPS system. 164 out, it says. "perfect" I think, that’s my perfect 7-Iron. I go thru the same routine. I swing my 7- Iron and it's a high draw, I yell "stop damit" it hits the green and spins back a couple of feet.

I have about 15 foot to the hole. I pick up my cart mate and drive up to the green, he's in the bunker and I make a joke, "I hope you brought your beach towel", he says no but my camel should be able to find the way in the desert. Everyone chips up and the pin is pulled. It's my turn to put. I line up the put and try to judge the speed by utilizing my putting motion. I hit the ball and it's rolling towards the hole. I yell "get in you f'ker" it hits the lip and shoots out of the cup. "you f'kn prick". I tap in for Par.

This is just one hole, 20 minutes of a 5 hour 18 hole adventure, where balls are struck, grass flies, and words are yelled. Mainly curse words for I am very critical of my self. I get disappointed after each hole for I know the end is coming. I love this game, the feeling of excitement and the image of that perfect shot flying at the pin. Looking the pin up and down trying to see if that ball is going to go in from 150 out.

I hit a ball or 2 in the water, I take the drop and my stroke and distance penalty. I hit it in the water, it's not a free drop, its a penalty on my self. that’s what this game is all about.

We finish up and say our goodbyes, and I drive home thinking I can't wait to see my girl, but I wish I could play another 18.  The friendships that are formed and the character that is built on a golf course is immense. Golf builds like lessons that I learn from everyday.

Well I'd better get going I have a tee-time at 4:00 today.

Life is good, Golf is better, Love is immeasurable.