The mystery of golf

Golf Things Considered column by John Rogers
JSpencerRogers@msn.com  

What is it about golf that brings out the spiritual, almost mystical side in people?

I remember giving a lesson once with a tall, somewhat disheveled guy. We worked on his grip, alignment and posture, and then I explained to him that when the setup is good, the ball, in a sense, is already at the target. The job of the swing is to let it stay there. The golfer, a bartender in town, got a far-off look in his eye and said, “Oh, man, that’s very Zen-like.” Read more

The skinny on golf fitness

Golf Things Considered column by John Rogers
JSpencerRogers@msn.com 

Let’s face it. Golf for some of us is no more athletic than folding laundry. Jump on a golf cart, drive over to the tree line on the right, kick the ball from under a cedar, a quick practice swing, take a rip, jump back in the cart, and head over to the left rough. Keep repeating this routine until we get within three feet of the hole, consider it holed, and scoop the ball up with the back edge of the putter. Read more

A hard lesson about lessons

Golf Things Considered column by John Rogers
JSpencerRogers@msn.com  

I remember it clearly – the young man, about 16 or so years old, was a cart boy and snack-bar attendant at a municipal golf course in Maryland. He had a mess of blond hair, and an earnest look about him. He begged the club pro to come down to the driving range and help him with his swing. The young guy was still a beginner. Read more