The Game of Golf,

Mike's Way

This book was created
especially for

Michael Jeremy Smith,

A golfer without equal!

May 25, 2000

The game of golf, as we know it, was developed in Scotland in the early 1700's. Since its humble beginnings, the game has exploded in popularity around the world. From its legendary stars like Slammin' Sammy Snead to the current crop of rising young stars on the PGA and LPGA tours, the game has been played many ways.
Then, there is Mike Smith's way!

 Mike, along with Larry, often tees it up on their favorite golf course, The Moors Golf and Country Club. When this happens, the only thing safe from their golf shots is the middle of the fairway. Worms, trees, ducks, fish, and birds are in mortal danger!

 Rumors to the contrary, Mike is no cheapskate. Mike may be a bit frugal when it comes to less important issues like retirement planning, dental work and back-taxes, but not when it comes to golf equipment.

 Mike learned long ago that golf is a game you play to win. After all, there's usually a wager or two at stake.
Over the years, Mike has learned to hold his breath on his backswing, play the ball where it lies, and never worry about a little water.

 Golf is not the most important thing in Mike's life. He knows how to set priorities and how to put things into perspective. It is not true that Mike once played an entire round of golf in a tornado.
He played 17 holes, and then his golf clubs blew away!

 A perfect game happens when every drive is down the middle of the fairway, every green is hit in regulation, and every putt is knocked into the center of the cup.
Some golfers even aspire to the ultimate accomplishment: shooting one's age. Mike has no trouble shooting 23. The problem is that he does it on the first few holes.

 Most "good" golfers have a collection of shots for every occasion. These include a fade, a draw, a bank shot, and a bunker shot.
Mike also has a collection of golf shots, including the worm burner, the skull, and the pop-fly. His best shot is called "Ooops, that's a mulligan," so named by Larry.

Years ago, a golf handicap system was invented. This system was designed to let golfers of different skills and abilities play against one another on an equal basis. The idea is to take the best 10 rounds of a golfer's last 20 rounds and use these to determine one's handicap.
The system has one major flaw for Mike: he has never played 10 rounds of golf that were worth counting.

 One of the reasons Mike plays golf is for the exercise it provides. Other activities were just not right for Mike. He tried swimming, but he kept sinking to the bottom. He tried tennis, but the net kept getting in the way. Jumping to conclusions was fine, but it tired him out.
Golf provides exactly the right amount of exercise for a finely tuned athletic body like Mike's.

 After most rounds of golf, Mike usually joins Larry for a visit to the 19th hole. This provides them with a chance to rehash the shots of the day, settle the wagers, and plan their next outing.
The scene is usually the same. Mike delays in the pro shop until the drinks are bought. Then, he rehashes all of his unlucky bounces, pays off his debts, and leaves just before it is his turn to buy.

 Despite his apparent lack of skill, Mike still manages to hit the occasional good golf shot. There is still talk about the birdie Mike got last year, when he miraculously hit his shot out of a deep bunker and right into the hole."

 Mike Smith and his partners play golf for the love of the game. For them, it's an outing, a chance to get close to nature, and a way to relieve tension. Mike once said, "Every time I hit the golfball, my stress level goes down."
Otherwise, why would he hit so many shots?

 Mike has always dreamed about writing his own golf book. Some of the titles he has considered include:

Mike's Tips on Lining up Your 4th Putt

Golf and Divorce: Do It Mike's Way

The 19th Hole: How Mike Never Buys

 Despite suffering through years and years of frustration playing golf his way, Mike has always remained a good sport. His demeanor is beyond reproach, he never loses control, and his voice is never loud enough for anyone over a mile away to hear.
This, together with the fact that Mike always pays off his losing bets, makes him the perfect partner.

 The game of golf is certainly a challenge to Mike Smith. Many friends, including Larry, ask why he even plays the game. The reason is simple: Mike enjoys watching miraculous events such as a long putt dropping in or an iron shot finding its way into the hole.
Mike would enjoy it even more if he were the person hitting these shots.

 Dear Mike:

Enjoy the game as you play it. Don't let your scores ruin your day. Think of golf the same way you think about bowling: a higher score means a better game.

With love from

Grandma and Grandpa

May 25, 2000