Welcome to our first Newsletter of 2025!
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Mark S.
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No Golf in Northern Michigan in December
What a difference a year makes. Last year, I was sneaking in rounds on local courses. This December? Snow, freezing temps, and absolutely no chance to swing a club. A brief warm-up is coming—hello, 40 degrees—but the ground will be soggy enough to drown a Titleist.
If there’s no golf, then at least there could’ve been sledding with the Virginia grandkids. But nope, the universe had other plans. Annabella and Brayden both have pneumonia and couldn’t make the trip. Instead of the joyful chaos we’d planned, the Virginia Fancys had a quiet Christmas with two sick kiddos. Thank goodness for video chats and the excuse to leave the tree up until the end of January’s (it’s fake, don’t worry).
The silver lining? Four canceled plane tickets turned into eight, and we’ve got two visits lined up—one in January for a belated Christmas and another during spring break. That makes up for a lot!
2024: A Year of Firsts and Fore-midable Memories
2024 brought a lot of exciting “firsts” and the usual golf-induced frustrations, but whether we were celebrating or cursing the game, we had a blast. Our 2024 Year in Review
Hole-in-Ones Galore!
We’ve got to start with the highlights. Guy hit his first-ever hole-in-one on April 27th and hasn’t stopped smiling since. Then, in September, my oldest son joined the club with a barefoot shot using a 50-cent garage sale 5-iron. Who knew thrift shops had magic clubs? All of us believe that it had to be magic. No way his t-rex arm swings got a hole in one any other way!
My May Milestones
In May, during a Virginia trip, I played at Patrick’s club—my first time on a true private course and the first time I broke 100 (barely, with a 99). It was also my intro to GPS-equipped golf carts, which felt more like a video game than golf. Although I had better luck than the guy that ended up in the pond! 😊 Back home, my course upgraded to GPS carts, too. Jury is still out on whether they’re a blessing, a techy distraction or a big mean bully.
Japanese Golf Balls
We all tried Japanese Kaede golf balls, which promise 27% less drag. The verdict? Meh. Slightly better distance here and there, but nothing revolutionary. One of my kids felt they did help his short game, but even then, it could have just been the day.
Still, the daisy-like dimples are adorable, and I’ve been “planting” them on courses for others to find. You’re welcome, fellow ball hunters.
Played many rounds with my youngest
This year, my youngest and I logged more rounds together than ever, meeting up at courses across Cadillac, Mesick, West Branch, and Lake City. With them having a cottage 1.5 hours from me we were able to meet at various golf courses that were less than an hour from both of us.
Also made a trip to their cottage and golfed a course in Harrison, the Tamarack that I really liked. Later in the year we went downstate and golfed at one of his local courses Atlas Valley and a private course from my bucket list that I will tell you about in the next month or so.
Did You Know?
A putter typically accounts for about 41% of shots during a round of golf?
On average, golfers take 34 putts per round. And when you include the rest of the short game (from 100 yards and in), that percentage jumps to a whopping 60%!
Now, let’s break that down—34 putts per round is less than 2 putts per hole. There must be some seriously sharp putters out there pulling that average down. As for my circle? Let’s just say I know more than a few 3+-putt champs. 😊
More Exciting 2024 Year in Review
The 2024 golf season was fantastic! Highlights included breaking 100 (several times!). I am seeing improvement in my game, maybe not as quickly as I like, but I am getting better.
I loved playing with my sons and trying new courses. I am very thankful that I am invited along with them and their friends and try to say yes as often as I can.
Guy and Jeff’s hole-in-ones were brag-worthy, and Alex’s newfound passion for golf gave us more opportunities to play together. Patrick, meanwhile, is navigating the “young kids, little golf” phase, but we all know his time will come.
I joined a women’s golf group online, and while it’s inspiring, it’s also mildly infuriating to see ladies who have been golfing for a year or two posting about hole-in-ones. I truly thought hitting a ball in a hole would be super simple, jokes on me! I’d love to join the hole in one club, but even if I don’t, my love for the game isn’t going anywhere (though you might hear me whine about it).
Golf Quote of the Month
I chose this month’s quote because it made me laugh and hit a little close to home. As I mentioned, I feel so lucky to be invited to golf with my kids and their friends. But when I stumbled across this quote, I nearly spit out my pop. Could this be the real reason why I’m getting all those invites?
Now, there have been a few times where I’ve beaten them (humble brag), and I’m hoping that starts happening more often. But if the invitations mysteriously start drying up, I guess I’ll have my answer—though at least it’ll mean I’ve finally reached the status of a decent golfer! 😊
Looking Ahead to 2025
For 2025, my goal is to flirt with breaking 90—and avoid the sand while spending more time in the 19th hole. I also want to play courses I’ve read about, including a U.P. gem that I have tried to plan for the last couple of year. It just might end up being a solo trip (don’t worry, no Mustangs or Jeeps will be involved).
Wishing you all joy, laughter, and plenty of time on the course!
Here’s to long drives, true putts, and balls that are always easy to find in 2025.
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