Swapping Stiffness for Sunburn

After several weeks away from playing golf due to a particularly bad flare up of my Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). I decided a bank holiday weekend was as good a time as any to return back to ‘hacking up’ someone’s lovely golf course.

With encouragement from my fellow playing partner, and the sunny weather likely to continue, a tee off time was agreed. Mindful of the fact I’d be a bit rusty, and more mindful of the fact I had only just gotten over a bad flare up, plenty of preparation was needed. Organisation and forward planning is usually something I’m pretty good at. So I wrote (in my head) one of my to do lists. In no order of priority, it started: Stretch off, clean golf clubs, reserve tee time, wash my golf clothes. Everything for a good day out seemed to be in order. So I happily went to bed looking forward to the next day ahead.

Unfortunately I had a rubbish nights sleep. I’d like to use that as my excuse for playing particularly badly (even for me), but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit it was partly due to a lack of talent on my part. I shot a rather embarrassing score that round. So embarrassing I’m not even going to tell you lot!

They say bad things come in 3’s. This was one of those days. 1) I played horribly/looked silly in front of strangers, though you’d have thought I’d be used to that by now. 2) My golf shoes gave me blisters almost the size of a golf ball! (yes I did compare). 3) I got sunburnt! After all my thought I’d forgot to put on suncream! *insert random expletive here*. I couldn’t believe it. I’m usually the first to remind people of the danger of going out without sun protection. Well once my wife has reminded me first 😉

So it didn’t turn out to be the day I had hoped, but then they rarely do. Despite the fact I was embarrassed, blistered, and burnt, I actually enjoyed myself. It was nice to get out after being stuck inside for a couple of weeks due to my flare. I definitely blew the cobwebs off that day, which felt very good. As far as the golf, well, I can’t get much worse. So next time I’ll be happier I’m sure (famous last words).  😉