by Robert Bicknell

There is something about coming back to former place of work which brings back memories, mostly good, but there is always the threat of past grievances raising their ugly head and, as we all know, revenge is a dish best served cold.

 I just returned from a mini tournament at VGCC (Thu Duc) and had a great time seeing old staff. It’s always good to see how they have grown into their positions and became active adults. It makes you feel like you accomplished something when you hear their stories.

 It also makes you feel quite old, especially when you see caddies who were the children of the caddies you hired and trained 20 years earlier.

 The revenge situation occurred on the golf course itself. You see, the West Course and I never liked each other and while I was able to impose my will over it 20 years ago simply through brute force, that is no longer the case and golf courses have very long memories. Yes, the West Course was waiting to get even with me.

 The feeling I had on the first tee was one of dread and I could practically hear the golf course saying “I’m gonna make you my bitch sucka!“

 And she did on the first nine holes. Big time. It wasn’t even funny. Let me put it this way, my score would have won most basketball games. I haven’t made a 10 on a Par 4 since I was 12 years old.

 So, we can safely assume the course got its revenge in spades. Hopefully, this will be the end of the feud, but one never knows because golf courses are vindictive.

 During the event, I was trying out the new TaylorMade M3 driver with the “twistface” technology. It is supposed to reduce errors from shots hit off the toe and heel of the club.

 On the driving range it worked perfectly, but on the course my legs gave out so I really couldn’t put it to the test. Then again, with a normal driver my score would have probably been even worse.

To be fair, I simply cannot play golf when a large amount of walking is required. On courses where they let buggies on the fairways, I have no problem. Otherwise, I’m dead after three holes. If your feet cannot take the weight shift required in a golf swing, you cannot play. End of story.

 I also can sympathize with what Tiger Woods was going through because when the feet/legs go, the hips will follow next and the lower back.

It got to the point that I addressed the ball with an open stance and just used my arms. This I gotta remember as there is less back pain.

 Honestly, nothing hurts like back pain and this is a beaut. Suffice it to say I will be visiting the doctor tomorrow, but first I’m going to burn my scorecard.

 Despite playing like crap, I had a good time just being out there with the guys.

 I did notice that they removed a lot of trees from the middle of the fairways and I’m not sure this is a good thing. Time will tell.

 They also added more bunkers, both Fairway and green side and this makes a big difference too.

 While I was happy to see everyone, it did remind me of what I’ve done in Viet Nam over the last 26+ years.

 It also reminded me that this is a young man’s game and it’s good to step aside and let the younger guys take over.

 This is not to say that I plan on buying a rocking chair or riding off into the sunset, but rather that it’s time to take it easy and smell the roses and keep putting off pushing up the daisies from below.

 The question for me is what I will do in the new year. I will certainly keep active in one way or another, but doing exactly what I don’t know.

 I wish all of you a happy, healthy and Prosperous New Year! VNS