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Corey Creek

I was recently asked to tee it up in a major tournament. I used to love golf, but now it’s totally different. Yes. I still coach at my alma mater. I continue to enjoy my interactions with the Lycoming College Warriors. I don’t play much personally. It’s totally cool. I don’t miss it. I’d rather do other things. I am dead serious. I can’t remember the last time I golfed for fun. Nine holes with Jensen, maybe. He’s my bud.

I used to be a rather good player. I golfed in high school and for four years in college. I have a scrapbook downstairs with my achievements. Old scorecards. Newspaper clippings. ETC. My first real job was with the United States Golf Association. I worked at White Deer Golf Course for 15 seasons. I just wrapped up my 19th year at Lycoming. Golf was a huge part of my life. And I guess it still is.

I have played in many individual and team events. I was competitive, too. My window has since closed. I am blaming the Democrats and COVID. I peaked several years before. Eric Loudenslager brought me out of retirement. My gray-haired, free-spirited friend was persistent. He wanted to get the band back together. A summer reunion. I couldn’t say no.

We play well together. He’s the ham and I am the egg. Loudenslager and I have been partners for a very long time. We always have a great time. We were solid. Eric and I even won a few titles. Clinton & the White Deer Memorial. Champion flight contenders at WCC. Valley Farm wannabes. But those days have passed. Many blurry memories.

We signed up to play in the Corey Creek Invitational. A course that we both know and love. We teed up the past 13 years in their annual Member-Guest. Loudenslager and I missed it this spring. Scheduling conflicts. No worries. Let’s go back to the last week in humid July. I enjoy the layout, and her people are always outstanding. I love the big greens and wide-open fairways. Corey is always in great shape. I recognize several names on the tee sheet. Fun times.

But I am rather nervous. My game blows. I hit some balls this evening. It was a struggle. I am so dang inconsistent. I have all the bad shots. Slices. Hooks. Whiffs. Shanks. Skulls. Chubs. And the Tops. What happened to Spence? There was a time when I would smile. But not anymore, kids. I am really searching. Frustrated. I am a mess upstairs.

I have so many horrid swing thoughts. This can’t be good. Watching YouTube and the Golf Channel only makes it worse. Left arm straight. Chin behind. Maintain the V. Easy. Belly to buttons. Tempo. Tempo. No. Drop it fast. Stop. Eject. Eject. Not cool. I am even considering an equipment change. Nothing new. Jensen and I have multiple sets downstairs. Titleists. Taylormades. And Pings. Sure. I am desperate, folks.

Hopefully, I can help my partner. Maybe I will even find my swing. Perhaps I will get back in the circuit. I miss the camaraderie and my mates. Golf is a great game, but fishing is cool. Fairways and greens. Cheers.