Fore! October ’26 – Free to be You and Me
By Greg Johnson, For The Mountain Times
Hello again, dear readers. Thank you for taking a moment of your busy day to see what I have to say about golf. Now that fall is upon us, the leaves are changing color and before they fall to the ground, they provide us with majestic scenery throughout the Mt Hood corridor. For me, it’s the one upside for when I have to drive to the lowlands for errands and whatnot. Each year I am just as impressed with the beauty the foliage provides for us, giving us one last show before the dreariness of winter arrives – yet another reminder that we live in an amazing and gorgeous place.
Golf swings are a lot like foliage, some are prettier than others, and no two are alike. I guess you can say the same for snowflakes and Eggo waffles, but I’m going to stick with the leaf analogy for now. When I am out on the course, I often find myself observing other golfers, and really focusing on their swings. I try to see what techniques work and what swings result in utter disaster, and then use that data to formulate my own swing. I have to admit it’s been an ongoing process, and I’ll let you know when I have finally determined the precise formula for success. The only thing I have been able to deduce thus far is that there is no one way to swing a club.
When I am out with my kids, it’s difficult to not provide them with advice. Not saying I’m qualified to be a coach, but it’s the classic do as I say and not as I do situation. My dad does the same, and like he always says to me, “I may not be much of a player, but I’m a hell of a coach.” It’s true, he’s a much better coach than he is a player. What I try to share with my kids is that there is more than one way to swing a club. There are obviously certain aspects that deem repeating as well as certain traits which should not, but at the end of the day, do what works for you. Afterall, every person is unique: shouldn’t their swing reflect that? I also like to remind my kids that to find a successful swing, it shouldn’t be comfortable. Like most things in life, golf is hard. In order to be semi-successful in this game, it should feel a bit awkward and unnatural, but if you stick with it, good things will happen.
In other news, the Mt Hood golf club recently held their Labor Day festivities and while the weather wasn’t ideal, we all managed to have a few laughs and make a few putts. Top honors for day one festivities went to the ringer team of Ray McCue, Tim Bowie, Wayne Berglund, and the ever-feisty Steve Libke. Day two honors were captured by the formidable group of Mike & Cathie Anderson, Mary Thomson, and Tim Ramstad. Due to weather, the season’s final Horserace was not played. Congrats to all the winners – though at the end of the day, aren’t we all winners? Until next time, keep your eye on the ball and a smile on your face.