Rob,
Yes, there are some unexpected pleasures from exploring the terrain around the supposedly "errant" shot. However, some of our more erudite classmates may be familiar with a rather popular book from our era entitled Golf in the Kingdom. You can read about it at
and read a rather comprehensive review at
While the book was written over 45 years ago, it was only made into a movie in 2010 and, as life would have it, I watched the movie on Saturday. Sadly, the movie was not that impressive. However, it did intrigue me to find out more about the guy who wrote it. After all, the infusion of Eastern philosophy into a Western born game seemed fascinating to me. In my looking up the author, a certain Michael Murphy, I found this
In reading about him, I read that he had founded an institute -- the Esalen Institute -- before taking up writing fiction. This fascinated me even more so I went on to
It was there that I learned that the practices and seminars held at the Esalen Institute have impacted the lives of many and influenced so many people. It even had an impact on the ending of one of my favorite television shows... the critically acclaimed Mad Men
I suppose, Rob, in many ways, much like the game of golf, an errant wisecrack can lead to something of much deeper meaning than we can imagine at the time.
So, my friend, keep playing golf your way and please keep on making your occasional wisecracks. The Buddha would be proud.
Peace,
Everett "Skip" Jenkins
Class of 1975
Subject: Balls of Consequence and the Breaths You Take
P.S. Those of you who actually spend the time to watch the Mad Men clip will find a rather interesting message that seems to be worthy of a discussion all its own.
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Skip:
You have an unparalleled gift for spinning straw into gold.
It often strikes me that life’s most significant moments are the result of wrong turns, unexpected developments, and (if you will) errant shots. We have not travelled extensively yet, but my most valued memories of our trips were born of serendipity.
So maybe, just maybe, you found deeper meaning in my wisecrack.
With affection and gratitude,
Rob
PS: I played my version of golf for years before I discovered the yardage markers in the middle of the fairway. Then again, compared to the woods and tall grasses, there nothing very interesting in the middle of a fairway.
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Subject: Balls of Consequence and the Breaths You Take
Rob,
One of my favorite movie scenes of all-time is this one from the movie Forrest Gump
For me, Forrest's recollections are beautiful because his ability to recall them so well meant that he was in those moments and that, for each one of them, he was awake and aware. While you may have made your comment about "Balls of Consequence" in jest, upon reflection it seemed to me that the title does actually have significant meaning for me. A great number of memorable moments came to mind which provide such vivid threads to my life tapestry. I recalled getting ready to tee off on the 13th hole a week or so ago after a bit of wet weather. Framing the verdant bucolic hills above me was a double rainbow of such beauty that I had to stop for a moment to admire what I was seeing. I would not have seen it without having been there with that ball of consequence. Then there was the time playing on the 14th when the sunset was so stunningly beautiful when viewed from the tee only to be followed by an amassing view of an early rising full moon cresting over the hills when viewed from the green. Awesome stuff. And then there was the time at the driving range when a fox decided to casually watch and see what we were doing as though he was just a curious visitor. Those were some balls of consequence, I think. Or what about the time on the 11th hole, when while trying to measure a shot over the water hazard pond, a family of five river otters suddenly appeared and scampered by trying to make it from the 11th hole pond to a pond located on the 10th hole? And then there was the time while walking to the 12th hole, that I discovered a little bird's nest on the ground with three small eggs in it. I believe I will long remember these events, and I know that they and others have greatly enriched my life.
Reflecting on all this does make me wonder if others have experienced similar events while on the course or if others simply focus entirely on the ball.
In any event, for me, all of these special small moments are significant enough that I am compelled to conclude that your comment about "Balls of Consequence" is actually quite appropriate. After all, those Balls of Consequence have greatly enriched my life and have helped me keep life in perspective ... or, as George Strait puts it, helped me to remember that life is not simply the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away
Peace,
Everett "Skip" Jenkins
Class of 1975
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I like how you think. Perhaps we should start a new campaign called "Balls of Consequence."
Classmates : please discuss.
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Rob,I was finding the "ball liberation" philosophy to not be working very well... and to being a bit costly. I have revised it to trying to establish a relationship with the ball. To that end, I have lately gone in search of my balls when they have gone into the woods. It may surprise you to know that often when I find my ball, it is there amongst many other "wanderers". On quite a few occasions now, especially on my evening rounds, I have actually come home with more balls than when I started. That too, can be one of the great pleasures of the game.Skip___________________________________________________________________________________________________________Skip,I thought we had come to an understanding that our approach is to liberate as many balls as we can during a round... Let them fly free to find their own paths and destinies in the wilds.While it's possible that these particular balls shared your vision, but I hope that in the future you continue to send balls into the woods to romp carelessly with their fellow woodland creatures.Rob
Subject: Be The BallSteve and Dave,In my golfing experience, I have discovered that sometimes the ball just does not "want" to go into the hole. Ernie Els discovered that yesterday. Other times, especially on hot days, the ball may want to take a dip into the water or on particularly breathtaking courses go flying with the birds over cliffs or attempt to go swimming with the dolphins. Such "decisions" by the ball tend to sadden me. After all, in attempting to "be the ball", one does attempt to strike up a relationship with it thereby making an abrupt parting a bit sorrowful. However, for the most part, it does give one the opportunity to strike up a new relationship with another ball. I struck up twenty such new relationships playing the "jungle" course at Princeville on Kauai.Peace,Everett "Skip" JenkinsClass of 1975_________________________________________________________________________________________Skip:Glad you and the ball had a good understanding yesterday. Looks like Ells and his ball had a misunderstanding right from the start.Steve___________________________________________________________________________________________________Subject: Be The Ball
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