Well, after fanfare and three initial posts, it all went a bit quiet. Well, actually – pretty silent. I have a habit of doing that, and I hoped that this time I wouldn’t, but I did. Oh well, I can’t change it now. But, I can try to get back on track. In Sweden, we use week numbers, and this week is week 14, so I should be up to 14 posts on the blog. This short one is number #4. I will try to catch some up and I know I can still meet the 52 in the year target. I also slacked on some of the other resolutions, but that is what February and March is for isn’t it?
When I started this blog (in its first version) many years ago, one of the underlying aims was always to try to document (and motivate) my attempts to play as many new courses as possible. However, while I have managed to up my numbers in the last couple of years, I am still woefully lower than I would like to be. At the start of 2024, my course count is 62 (across 6 countries, on just the 1 continent). Over the last couple of years, I have set myself a target for the number of new courses that should try to play in the calendar year, targeting 10 new ones in 2023, and managing 8, and managing 10 in 2022. This year, in my ‘2024 – Golfing Resolutions‘ post, I set myself the humongous target of 20 new courses, in at least 3 new countries. The aim was to set the challenge high; but on reflection, maybe it is a bit optimistic!
In the past, when I have set myself this challenge, I haven’t really planned how I would do this, which I think has hindered my chances. Living in Sweden, where in reality, I am only golfing consistently from May to September, I need to make some serious plans about how and where I am going to play, and also factor in a couple of affordable golf trips in the parts of the year where I can’t be playing at home. So, this is my first attempt at highlighting some courses that I would love to try to play this year in order to get closer to completing this challenge.
Three courses I would to have the chance to play on once more Sources below in post
Sometimes, memories are best kept as just that. Going back to a place where you had great experiences has the potential to dilute those great memories, or, even worse, totally destroy them. Its like when you have played a tough hole well and get a birdie, then the next time you rock up, you double bogey it. However, sometimes, armed with more life experience, or greater abilities and skills, perhaps the memories can be enhanced or even made better. On a personal level, and from a golfing perspective, it’s fair to say, I am a significantly better golfer than I was when I was getting into the game, and also in my teens and twenties. I’m also much maturer, and I hope much more able to fully appreciate the situations I find myself in on the golf course. Considering this, here are three courses that I have played in my distant past that I would love to have just one more round on!
I have never been a prolific setter of New Years resolutions when it comes to golf because I have the kind of personality that when I fail to complete one, my whole world collapses and I don’t bother with the rest of them any longer. Last year, I didn’t set any specific ones, but I had a good year. My handicap stayed around the 10-12 mark, which I could live with based on the amount of practice that I did and I was fortunate enough to hit two hole in ones (within a month). I also bit the bullet and started to post some videos on YouTube, something I never thought I would have the confidence to do.
However, this year, after seeing so many people on Instagram and YouTube posting very honest summaries of their golfing goals for 2023, I have been motivated to try to actually post some and see if I can keep to them. On a personal level, I know that one of my biggest issues is the ability to really stick at things and then making excuses when I don’t. I am hopeful that by clearly stating some goals, I will take a little more personal accountability and make them happen. So, here they are – not all playing specific, but certainly golf related. If you want to read about them in a little more detail, you can below.
