Why?

Good question. It's a kind of love hate thing, I think. Either, I love to hate it, or I hate it for some things and love it for other in equal measure. But whatever way you look at it golf is a bloody nuisance.

On the downside is the time it all takes, the sheer frustration of it, many (but not all) of the people who play it, and of course the knitwear. I hate it when I play a crap shot, taking a lump out of the fairway and send it further than that blasted little white ball. I hate it when a good shot ends up with ball you just can't find, and I hate it most when it's wet.

But I also love it when you can be out in the countryside, and although I could hear the A34 in the background yesterday, by the time you've finished the 4th and gone out onto the 5th you could be miles from anywhere. It's pretty, natural countryside and the fairways and greens and so on seem to fold in naturally. It doesn't look over-maintained like some courses can.

And there's a ton of wildlife. Well usually there is. Yesterday was cold and damp and generally unpleasant, and on days like that sane wildlife tucks itself up in its bunker and watches re-runs of documentaries about David Attenborough on Sky. But in the past I've seen rabbits by the dozen, twenties, hundreds, thousands (sometimes I can take a while to complete a hole), a fine stag and several hinds, although not on the same day, an owl, a woodpecker, various feathered birds and some lovely carp in the pond by the 8th. There was one memorable round when we did the loop of 5,6,7 & 8, which, on three sides, is well wooded, accompanied by the sounds of stags calling in the rutting seasons. It was very eerie.

And I guess in the end that it is that that keeps me coming back. Not eerie stags, but the whole countryside deal. I just love being outside among trees and wildlife. It's invigorating. I also play with my mate P, who is about 6'4" and from Finland. He's a very affable chap and good fun to meander round a course with. He and I are also about the same standard which helps, and we play often enough for the honours to be even. For example, yesterday there was only a shot between us at the end. It all came down to the last. On the other hand, no matter how you look at it, Twain was right, golf is a good walk spoiled. And taking 80 or so shots to get round 18 holes of a golf course is unbelievably stupid. I hate it.

But I'm really looking forward to doing it all again next week.



And please Sir, when we do, may we have SOME sun.