Mary teeing off on the par 3
13th hole at Green Mountain National.
Notice that fall foliage color is starting to appear.

Mary teeing off on the par 3
13th hole at Green Mountain National.
Notice that fall foliage color is starting to appear.

There are a lot of things going on around Killington. This weekend sees the return of the Killington Classic Motorcycle Rally. In addition, many locals have gotten involved in the Grow Killington Initiative. And of course, the area is entertaining late summer guests, preparing to receive fall foliage visitors, and trying to figure out how to work with the new owners of the Killington Pico Ski Resort for the upcoming winter..in other words, there is a lot going on...

I was lucky enough to play golf on Thursday and Friday. As you can see from the picture of Mary on the 13th hole at Green Mountain, the trees have started to change color. This time of year is very pretty in Vermont. While on the course, because so much is going on around town, I got to thinking about how you can learn a lot about life in a round of golf. Of course, some times too much thinking can get in the way of having a good round; but anyways...here is my list:

10. Golf is a game of rules. But it is also a game of "Ladies and Gentlemen". Always remember the golden rule...Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

9. If a person cheats at golf, which is only a game, what does that say about a person when they have to deal with more serious topics?

8. You are handicapped, not haunted, by your past performance. To influence future results, you must keep focused on the present.

7. The ball you have just hit, is already out of your control.

6. Only the preparation you do before hitting the ball has any influence on where the ball may land after you strike it.

5. There is no such thing as a good bounce or a bad bounce. There are only bounces. Our interpretation of a bounce molds our psyche about it's quality. My good bounce may be a bad bounce for my playing partner.

4. It is easier to hit the ball off the fairway than out of the rough. Stay in the fairway.

3. Golf is a worldwide game played with standard rules. Golf technology and physical conditioning regimes are ever changing. Build on the knowledge of others who play the game around the world. Integrate their knowledge of the game into your own.

2. Even though golf is a worldwide game, it is still played on local courses. Those who ignore local knowledge, or reject it thinking they know better, are doomed to make mistakes that locals learned long ago to overcome.

1. You are the one that is swinging your club to strike your ball. You, and only you, are responsible for the outcome of your swing.

Where ever you may be, keep it in the fairway, and don't forget your sunscreen.