First of all, I wrote this article a year ago and I had a number of folks tell me how much they appreciated it as it brought back many warm thoughts of their dad. So here it is again and I hope you enjoy it and take time to reflect
And hopefully not to forget the simple and important things in life.
Every year my kids ask me what I would like for Father's Day. All dads usually say nothing as I have everything I need.
I stopped and thought a while and realized what I would really like for Father's Day would be one last conversation with my dad!
It seems like just yesterday he was showing me how to golf. I will always remember the first time I beat his score and as I think back I am sure he was happier and more proud than I was. He was one of those guys that did not ask for much, and sacrificed many times so my brother and I could have more.
I know that he bought me my first set of clubs at the old Saunder's Sporting Goods on main street. I know for a fact that the golf set he got for me was nicer than any set he had ever owned! He also sacrificed a lot of his golden years caring for my Mother who had Alzheimers in her last years, but he never complained. I only hope that I can be half as good as the person and man he was.
So for Father's Day, if I could have one thing it would be one more conversation with my dad. I would tell him that I love him, that I learned so much more from him just by being around him. To tell him that I would miss him when he was gone and that I would think about him every day that I had left on the earth. I would tell him how proud I was to be his son!
So if you Dad is still living and you have the chance, then spend more time with him. If he does not live close to you then have more phone conversations. It will make your dad feel just as good as you, maybe even better!
Tip of the week: Try and not be stiff with your legs. Soften you knees and try and keep good balance. On your backswing transfer body weight to the back foot and on the forward swing follow through to the target foot (the one closest to you target)
You will hit it farther and more solid if you get your legs more involved with your golf swing.
Rule of the week: 4-2 a. During a stipulated round, the playing characteristics of a club must not be purposely changed by adjustment or by any other means.
Quote of the week: "The man who wants to play the best game that is possible in his case, need to keep himself in training always, or in other words, never to need training. His habits must be always be fairly regular, without making his life a misery to him, and he should take particular care to avoid anything that may have a tendency to disturb his nerves, such as excessive smoking and short hours of sleep." From Advanced Golf by James Braid 1922 Methuen and Co. Ltd
Keep it in the fairway.
(Steve Kottsick is the head golf professional at Souris Valley Golf Course. He writes a regular column during golf season and can be reached via email at sports@minot
dailynews.com)