For the past one year I was getting attracted to Golf. It was mainly because I am surrounded by friends who are "passionate" about Golf.  They all swear that once I play it, I will get addicted.

Unfortunately I am not a sports person. The games I play are Table Tennis and Tennis - You see, they are different. Golf is very d..i..f..f...e...r...e....n...t!.  The only common thing Table Tennis and Golf is probably the color of the ball!  Table Tennis is a fast game and Golf is...! Well you know!

However, I love walking and Green landscapes. So, at the bottom of my heart I felt I would like the game.

The opportunity came this Sunday, when my work colleagues organised a game to bid farewell to another colleague, Sriram.  Interestingly, Sriram made it clear that he would not come to play. Who cares! The organisers still decided to go ahead.

They chose the Geoff Heath Golf course which is not very far from where I live: http://www.geoffheathgolf.com.au/content.asp?pid=100875

I showed up at 1 pm, alightly nervous about the whole episode.  I paid the fees $9.50 to play 9 holes and $7 to hire the Golf clubs. I did not hire a buggy cart - which was a mistake. I ended up carrying the clubs which could have been avoided.

My friends Quyen, Simon and Jason were already there. I could see the excitement in their face. I asked Jason how long he had been playing. "5 weeks, mate", he told proudly. "I am addicted to it now. I am sure you will".

My first shot:

You can watch the hilarious first shot which was captured by Quyen.  To be frank, I was a bit over confident. I thought that there is unnecessary fuss about this entire game. I imagined the ball would land directly in to the hole or at least near the flag. I did not practice before.  With brimming confidence I hit the ball. It was flying h.....i....g..  NO, it just cruised above the ground and landed quarter of the distance I imagined.

The rest of the game was a mixed bag. Some times I could get in the hole in 5 to 6 shots. My friends said it is Ok for a first timer. I felt they were trying to encourage me. Would any one tell you on the face  - "Come on! Get real! This game is not for you!".

Thinking back, it was not too bad. Next time I have to hire a buggy which would have saved my lugging around. I should have done some net practice before venturing. I should take care of the Tees, which I leave every time.

I am not addicted to Golf (yet?).  Possibly I have to try few more games before deciding whether Golfing world needs me!

Salisbury, South Australia