President’s Corner
December 2024
Besides bridge, golf is the leisure (Well, sometimes, at least.) activity that consumes most of my waking hours. As I was contemplating my New Year’s resolutions for each this next year, I was struck by how the resolutions for the one activity overlapped with the other.
For starters, Slowing Down. Both activities are timed events. I know, who knew golf was a “timed-event? It is. My golfing partner, Martin, and I will often “complement” ourselves on playing a round in three and a quarter hour, only to realize that did not get us any reduction in strokes taken. Perhaps pondering that short approach shot on the third hole just a little longer might have result in a better outcome. Taking just a little more time on how the hand could be played and perhaps considering just a moment more on what could go wrong on the hand might result in a better outcome. Perhaps.
Heroic versus taking a plus. Sure, there was that time when I hit my fairway driver 205 and cleared the water on #16 at Tokatee. There were lots more times when “laying up” would have been safer and saved lots of strokes. That “brilliant” underlead of the Ace could work out. But come on. How many times does it? How bad can it be to make the “normal” play, take our plus, and move on to the next board?
Focus. Yup, that one. While it is perhaps related to “slowing down”, it really is its own thing. If I could pinpoint one thing that I am sure would improve both games, it’s, focus. Focus as I step up to the tee, pick up the hand. Focus as I consider a flight trajectory for this next shot or focus on the value of these cards and what might be working or not working, etc. Focus on what the “reasonable” shot/play here is as opposed to thinking partner might have the “perfect” 14 HCP for me.
Not bidding the same hand twice. Okay, I’m not sure what the equivalent is to golf here. It did cost me and my partner dearly at the Portland Sectional in Wilsonville. Yes, Roger, it was the same fourteen-count. However, I thought the sixth spade merited the rebid. Turns out, down three is not good bridge and it cost us first overall. I did “learn the lesson” which is an important consideration here.
Learn the lesson. I know from every missed shot and bad board that there is a lesson to be learned. I am committing to getting smarter/playing better. It’s not too late. It’s not too late….
Partners. While golf is a game that does not require a partner, all golfers will tell you part of the joy and verve that happens on a round comes from the companionship of playing with others. There are certainly assumptions made on how we will all interact, whether it is at the bridge table or on the links. We compliment another player when they make a good shot/play. We are supportive if they have hit a bad shot or misplay a hand. We are always courteous and thoughtful towards our opponents, partner, and other members of our playing two-some/four-some. And, at the end of the round/session, we express our thanks for the round/session.
I wish everyone the best for the New Year. As I said in my previous column, and it bears repeating, I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to serve as president of the district these past three years. My thanks to all. And a special thanks to Allison Evans for stepping forward to take on this role. We could not be better hands.
Ciao,
Don
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