Who Won The Golf Tournament?

     Who won the golf tournament? Yes, I do know that Dustin Johnson won the Genesis Los Angeles Open.  Congratulations Mr. Johnson for your dominating win in the tough conditions that were The Riviera Country Club.  I'm not talking about The Genesis L.A. Open though.  I'm talking about who won the NCGA qualifier at the local golf course.  Which do you think is more important to golf?
     We all know that golf is a great game.  The game can be played for many reasons and on many levels. There is the recreational player who really isn't out there for score but is playing the game for the sheer joy of playing it.  Then there is the player who keeps score and keeps track of their scores in order to improve their game. Thirdly, there is the player that keeps score and joins the course player's club and establishes an index through the G.H.I. N. system which determines their course handicap. Where do you go from there?
     I think the next step is to enter the club tournaments.  There is a bit of controversy when I say this because many feel that in every club there are "sandbaggers".  We all know that this a true part of the game and it will always be with us. The issue of "sandbaggers" causes many players to feel that they have no chance of winning one of these club tournaments so they don't enter tournaments.  However, you have to ask yourself why you play tournaments. Do you play specifically to win the club tournament or do you enter for the social aspect of the game?  The bottom line for me is that club tournaments are a lot of fun, no matter where you place.
     Yes, when I enter a tournament I do enter with a reasonable expectation of topping the leader board but that is not the only reason. More importantly, I want to get to know others in the club and enjoy the fellowship of playing the game in a more competitive setting. This was a four-ball event and the teams were not randomly made up. You chose your team. But most of the tournaments are individual events and you don't know who is going to be in your foursome. You meet a lot of people in the club you wouldn't normally play golf with. Its not the competition itself, but playing in the tournament with others.
     Yes, winning is the goal here but its more than that. Step back for a moment and watch the happenings in the clubhouse after the tournament with those waiting for the results. There is a lot going on. We can talk about the rubber chicken that I earned many times for coming in last place. That was quite an honor being recognized by your peers in such a way, but it was all in good fun.
 Just listen to the conversations and see the interactions among those who are there. Even though everyone in the room is totally different, there is a bond everyone shares and that bond is the game of golf.
      What is more important for the game of golf? Is it Dustin Johnson winning the Genesis L.A. Open?  Is it the televising of professional tournaments on TV? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy watching these tournaments and they give great exposure to golf. I feel that four ball tournament which was played at our local course is truly the real face of golf and is just as important. Players are of course the heart and soul of the game, and club tournaments are its true nature as far as people playing the game and competing. Keep in mind that not all gofers want the competitive side of the game, and that's OK as well. The idea is to play the game and have fun. Golf is a game for everyone, and the club tournament is one place that is a reality.

I miss playing tournament golf. I should be back soon though.