My favourite programs of 2024? They jogged my memory what’s necessary

We’ve typically used this area this time of yr to wax poetic — or at the least try and — about our favourite programs we performed over the past 12 months. There are two causes for that. One, it is a golf web site, and it’s one thing we will write about to feed the machine. And two, we prefer to suppose it’s useful resource for our readers. Perhaps it’s a course they’ve performed too, however ideally it’s one they haven’t, which might then educate and encourage them so as to add it to their to-do record. It’s an exquisite factor — opening peoples’ eyes to nice golf programs they may not have heard of.

However right here’s a slight twist to my entry. I already wrote about these programs. So as a substitute of writing about my favourite spots I performed for the primary time in 2024 — Chaska City Course in Chaska, Minn., and Sedge Valley at Sand Valley Golf Resort in Wisconsin — I’m going to inform you as a substitute what I discovered on golf programs in 2024.

I’m positive I’ve written earlier than that I’ve an unhealthy obsession with attempting to get my handicap as little as doable, and it hasn’t been simple. I’m a 14, was as soon as right down to a 13, have lengthy thought I could possibly be at the least an 11 but additionally by no means observe and don’t play constantly.

This handicap-lowering quest solely led to traumatic rounds, as dangerous days on the course grew to become extremely irritating and good days was white-knuckle rides, hanging on to get them into the clubhouse earlier than the inevitable crash.

However a while over the summer season, this all modified. I’m unsure there was an actual second, however in some unspecified time in the future I began caring much less however having fun with extra. A part of that was due particularly to my new technique when it comes to which programs I performed (like those talked about above), which helped rejuvenate one thing that wanted rejuvenating: having enjoyable whereas enjoying golf.

I discovered dearer doesn’t all the time imply extra pleasurable. Or that prettier doesn’t all the time imply higher. I discovered that golf programs are like a diner menu — there’s one thing for everybody, and never everybody will agree on what’s finest. Briefly, my standards for which programs I selected to play grew to become easy: much less on the punishing side of golf, extra on the memorable. Locations the place I can’t wait to return to, not ones wherein I’m afraid of the hazard at each flip. Perhaps that’s the important thing for Common Joe golfers like me. Playability. What an exquisite phrase.