Today was my first complete eighteen hole round of golf for the new year, and believe it or not I shot a 36+38=74. So far many holes have been closed due to the weather and lousy conditions, but today it was an honor and a privilege that I could finish an official round of eighteen holes.

Three birdies and a near eagle were as sweet as can be. No double bogies either, and I played with the same ball for the whole day.

This is by far the best start of any year, maybe even in my whole life come to think of it. How is this possible? It definitely puts me in good spirits and all of a sudden I enjoy the wonderful game of golf like never before.

Of course, I shouldn't forget that winter rules were in effect meaning I could bump my ball, and the tee boxes were in general more up front making the holes slightly shorter, especially the par threes. Still, because of the wet conditions of the ground the ball rolled much less and more often than not just plugged right where it landed, and the greens were pretty soft and irregular making putting accurately an impossible task.

Hopefully this is a symbolic beginning for a fantastic year ahead with many stellar rounds to come. I will have to practice a lot and time my peak performances to coincide with the most important club championships and other important tournaments.

For the first time I will also qualify for the senior championship since I'm fifty-five and going strong.