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by Bruce Braun
“The only thing a golfer needs is more daylight.” – Ben Hogan
(and I would like to add… less rain”).
Well, for the third Tuesday in a row, our BB senior men’s league has been canceled due to the weather. I recall earlier this spring when folks were concerned about the lack of snow this winter and how that might translate to a more severe fire season. A legitimate concern that I would suggest has been somehow washed away for the time being.
Dan Anderson has informed me that the senior men’s match play has begun. The pairings have been posted in the clubhouse. You can also go to the Challonge website to stay updated. Simply key “Challonge.com” into your browser, then type “Beauty Bay” into the search bar. Scroll down until you see Beauty Bay and click “View.” Since this year’s match play is a double elimination event, please be sure to get your match in as soon as possible.
Once again, the continuation, and final part, of our multipart article on the proverbial gimmie.
Part 3: Gimmies.
“Human Kindness
Your buddy helps you tune up your car, mows your lawn when you are on vacation, and laughs at all your dumbass jokes. You owe him that testy three-footer as a gesture of friendship. It is golf’s version of sending a fruit basket.
No Mercy
If you are embroiled in a highly competitive match and your opponent has been talking smack, there is no such thing as a gimmie. Make him putt every putt. Its Cobra Kai time, its time to sweep the knee.
Retribution
If the player is an obnoxious blowhard, an arrogant know-it-all, a despicable cheat, or a relative of Donald Trump, there are no gimmies. The circle of friendship only extends to the rim of the cup.
Gimmies have been prevalent throughout history and occur every day of our lives. The Ruler of Greece once told famed sculptor, Calamitous, that his Venus di Milo statue was so beautiful there was no need to finish the arms. True. A gimmie is when a traffic cop pulls you over and only gives you a warning or when the grocery store clerk honors your expired coupon without price checking your Adult Depends over the store microphone.
So, remember, if someone does not graciously accept a gimmie, do not be offended. Understand that sometimes in the game of golf and in life; to derive a full sense of satisfaction, a man needs to hear the rattle of the ball at the bottom of the cup. Sometimes, you just need to putt out.”
And here’s a recently submitted true story with a small-world twist. Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved. Plus, I always wanted to say that.
So, Patrick from Europe, and his cousin, Terry, from western Canada, check in at BB golf course. The reason: Patrick’s wife, Betty, is from Kenora and they had come for a visit. Curiously, that same day, Betty’s brother, Mike, a local, is golfing at BB. Neither party had any idea who the other was. Terry had not been in the Kenora area for 60 years. Although Patrick and Mike had met several years ago, both were a bit beyond able to recognize the other. Yet there they all were in the middle of a first-class coincidence. Mike, playing as a single, had come upon Patrick and Terry on the third hole and asked if he could play through totally unaware that he was asking a first cousin! Mike was allowed to play through and happily continued his round. Upon completion an unnamed family advocate asked Mike if he was aware of who he played through on the third hole? “Nope,” was his response. “Well then,” said the mystery intervenor, “I would like to introduce you to someone.” They found Patrick and Terry on the 12th hole where shocking introductions were made. The two parties looked at each other as if they were from different planets! Mike joined them to finish out their round and to get reacquainted. Small world.
Looking forward to seeing all of you next week!