The Rifleman

I recently completed James (Jim) Dodson’s newest book, The Range Bucket List.

Mr. Dodson’s compilation of his own golfing journey is a celebration of all things good about the game; family, relationships, “remarkable people, places, traditions”, beauty, and the ongoing attempt to embrace his good friend’s approach to the game (NATO; Not Attached To the Outcome.)

Jim Dodson is my absolute favorite golf author. He had me at Final Rounds, a story about an aging father and a loving son’s long anticipated golfing trip through England and France. This is an absolute must read. In addition to The Range Bucket List and Final Rounds, a list of his other work includes:
• A Golfers Life (Arnold Palmer)
• America Triumvirate
• A Son of the Game
• The Dewsweepers
• Ben Hogan
• Faithful Travelers
• Beautiful Minds
• The Road to Somewhere

Early on in The Range Bucket List, Jim shares a message from his Dad (who introduced him to the game); golf “is a wonderful test of skill, character and imagination that reveals who you really are and what you aspire to be”.

As I digested the message, I reflected on my own golfing journey, my good fortune, my golfing friends, my places, my traditions and my experiences.

I immediately thought about a good friend with impeccable character, an attorney (pause…insert lawyer joke…okay, moving along) and a high school basketball coach who has played no more than five rounds of golf over the past twenty years. On those rare occasions he does play, I am usually in tow, I am usually his driver, we usually have a few beers and there are always plenty of laughs! To boot, he is a self-proclaimed cheater!

His scorecard is unlike any I have ever experienced; a curious combination of numbers (high numbers) and oddly enough letters. He counts every stroke and posts the numerical component accurately. His card/number is then adorned with a letter (i.e. 6K, 5T, 8H, 9D, 7P, etc.). The letters represent actions, such as K/Kick, T/Throw/Tree, H/Hole, D/Divot and P/Place/Pickup!

The beauty of his system/philosophy/process is that he announces his intentions prior to his actions (“I am moving my ball because I am behind a tree” 6T). At times, there are even double letters (“I am behind a tree and I plan to kick the ball” 7T/K). So, is it really cheating if he informs his playing partner of his intentions and marks his card accordingly?

My rounds with Kevin are always a blast! I only wish he wasn’t so attached to his couch and early Saturday morning viewing of The Rifleman (you know, Lucas, Mark and Marshall Micah). Maybe someday I’ll convince him to join me again and there will be new letters to add to his system.

Thank you for following Bad Golf Guy.

The back nine can only get better!