Golf Gratitude in 2026

As we head into 2026, it’s natural to set swing and scoring goals—but there’s a perspective I don’t want you to miss.

In Extraordinary Golf by Fred Shoemaker, an older golfer reflects on the game he can no longer play. His regret wasn’t poor scores—it was waiting his entire golf life to feel good enough to enjoy it.

He realized too late that he had spent thousands of hours:

• Obsessing over his swing instead of noticing the beauty of the course.

• Frustrated with his score instead of connecting with friends.

• Denying himself joy while waiting for a perfection that never came.

This is what I want you to remember:

• Don’t wait to enjoy the game.

• There is no perfecting golf.

• You don’t get unlimited rounds.

Our 2026 Mission: Play an Enriched Game

This year, I challenge you to focus on two things:

1. Relentless Gratitude

• Take 10 seconds during each hole to look up and notice where you are.

• Appreciate the walk, the grass, the trees, and the fact that you have a body that allows you to play.

• The “older you” would give anything for one more round—don’t waste it.

2. Be the Best Playing Partner in your Group

• Encourage more than you critique

• Laugh more than you judge

• Help your partner find their golf ball

• Be fun & play fast!

People won’t remember your score, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.

We’ll still work hard on your swing and your strategy—that doesn’t change.

But let’s make sure that years from now, you can say you didn’t just play the game… you truly lived it.