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(Should be read with a Scottish accent) With my wife of 23 year's blessing, I steeled myself for a long round of gaming today. In this case, it was about 5 hours duration. After 12 years of COD and MOH, I tried a new-to-me game last year: "Grand Olde Laugh; Fuck!" (Golf). Last year, I was hooked after two rounds. I took lessons in April of this year and practiced, practiced, practiced, read book after book, and watched the pros every week. Today, in a charity tourney, I played me arse off, and acquitted meself proud! Ach! Our team hit par in a scramble competition, and I was 3rd in a long-drive contest, and my putts helped us make par in 5 crucial holes. I've managed to ruin a nice walk in the country-side with a game that involves hitting an innocent ball with an intimidating array of sticks with no apparent purpose. I'd be ashamed of such wanton frivolity if it weren't so freakin' fun!!! Shockingly, no computers were involved. Discuss.

I tried golf over a dozen years ago and I didn't get it, and didn't really enjoy it. It held no appeal to me, and wasn't terribly fun, though I enjoyed randomly smashing a few buckets at the driving range now and then. I read a few books and worked on the basics, but it didn't take hold. Flash-forward to my mid-40's: In the Spring of 2012 my employer held a company tournament at a nice resort. I had tremendous fun and hit a few decent shots with my dad's never-used gifted hand-me-down clubs. Later that year, I rented very decent clubs and played a round at the best new golf course in North America (Cabot Links. Google it) and had a shockingly stunning round and just enjoyed the heck out of it - the scenery, the company, the shots, the...everything. I played further rounds that Summer and based on the kit used at Cabot, built up a nice set of clubs sized for my physique and novice status. Now I am hooked on the sport, reading avidly on it, perfecting my grip, stance, swing, etc, and watching the Golf Channel and keenly observing the technique of the pros, looking for hints and tips. Lessons for the Spring are being lined up and I've forged a connection with a group of like-minded colleagues. Plans are being set for weekly rounds at the nearby municipal courses and monthly excursions to courses in the surrounding area. Are there other avid newbies/experienced golfers in >XI<? Have >XI< members gathered to play a round? What courses have you played and would recommend? What's your favourite gear? Best shot? Best experience? Worst Experience? Funniest experience?