Today I had the pleasure of being thrown in with a young couple out for a round of golf.  Ryan announced at the first tee that he hadn't played much lately.  Amy wanted me to know that she is a beginner and not very good.  I told her I was pretty good, but not to let that bother them.  We're all out here to have fun.

We had a great time!

Amy is doing very well for a beginner.  (There is an athelete in there.)  Ryan admitted his best was a 91, but if he simply plays some more that is going to change.  He has the foundation.

Anyway we spent the day having fun, encouraging each other when a good shot was made, and they even welcomed and benefitted from an occasional tip I offered.  After playing 18 holes we really didn't want it to be over.

We really had nothing in common that I know of.  They were young enough to be my kids.  Amy was a immigrant from Taiwan.  Ryan of Irish decent.  We didn't even get around to talking about what each of us do and such.  We just enjoyed each other's company and shared the one thing we knew we had in common--golf.

They both seemed pretty unsure of being out there at first.  But I have no doubt that there will be many years of golf ahead of them.  Whether they got "the bug" before today, I don't know.  But they have it now.

If I had even a small part in that happening--great.  But I can't help thinking this is a great way to grow the game.

Your thoughts and experiences?  Who introduced you to the game, or had a hand in you getting "the bug"?