On the ninth night of Christmas, I struggle with the fact that I am what is holding back my putting.

I contemplate how my local golf club professionals fulfill a role that I formerly found in my barber, my bartender, or my colleagues. Talker. Friend. Listener. Confidant. Fellow traveler. They are the fabric that binds me to my golf community,

Thoughts on the social and social media silo that I’ve landed in focused on golf swing speed and hitting the ball farther.

A playing partner, especially a randomly assigned one, can make or break a round of golf.

A rumination and three cheers for that collection of golf courses that are truly familiar, old haunts that are comfortable to play, no matter how long it’s been since it was last played.

On the fourth night of Christmas, I ponder my golf present and future after a fourth month forced layoff from the game.

On the third night of Christmas, I spend a few moments reflecting on the role and importance of daydreaming in golf. Daydreams sometimes turn into plans, and, occasionally, even come true. That’s enough to get me through, enough to keep me motivated,

On the second night of Christmas, I reflect on what it means, if anything, that I played the best golf of my life in 2022. Can I continue to get better? Or is this as good as it gets? And will any of it ever be good enough? Happy Boxing Day, everybody

On the first night of Christmas, I look back at the courses I played for the first time in 2022. Merry Christmas everyone!