Golf's Book of Awesome

The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha is a simple book with a genius concept. 

Basically, Pasricha was feeling depressed, so he decided to open up a website where he would post simple articles about the little everyday things that make people happy. 

The site grew to the point where he now has two books. 

To check out the website, please visit 1000awesomethings.com.

Recently, I have been struggling with my own golf game, so I decided to do the same, but about all the good things in golf. 

As always, feel free to comment on your own awesome things within the game. I might even add to the article.

Unconventional Swings

It's swings like those of Jim Furyk that give all of us hope. 

Surely, if he can do it, I can too, right? If every player had a swing like Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy we might give up. 

Thank you to the Jim Furyk's of the world. 

AWESOME!

Member's Bounce

Nothing like hitting a shot that looks like it is destined for the deep trees that with some twist of fate, hits a cart path or bystander and ends up back in the fairway or even better, on the green. 

See how happy the guy in the video is?  That is how I feel.

AWESOME!

The British Open

As a kid, the British Open was my favourite major, maybe for an unusual reason. 

Because of where I live, the British Open was always played in the early morning. So I would wake up and eat my breakfast while watching the Open. 

What made the British even better was that after the round was over, I still had time to play a round for myself, pretending to be my favourite player in contention. 

AWESOME!

Clutch Shots

When playing for a major tournament or just for a couple bucks in your weekend foursome, clutch shots are always something to behold. 

When you get that adrenaline pumping, there is no feeling like it. 

AWESOME!

Spectacular Recoveries

With a wall of trees between you and the green you could be given five options. 

The first is to punch out sideways, not much fun. The next four, if pulled off, definitely fit the AWESOME bill. 

You could go over the trees, maybe even through them. The smaller the hole, the more the awesome. 

Then, of course, you might choose to shape the ball. A 40-yard hook or slice might do the trick. 

Everyone has the ability to channel their inner Seve and when you do, you absolutely feel: 

AWESOME!

Career Low's

When you have a chance to shoot your lowest round ever, the feeling is incredible. 

Going into those last few holes, you know you have a chance. Then you start to grind. A couple more pars or birdies and it's yours. 

If you do break your best score, congratulations, now celebrate!

AWESOME!

BGS's

BGS's or "Boring Golf Stories" is a phrase coined by my mom. 

These are the stories I would tell my dad about my round. 

Over the years, I have realized that these BGS's happen all the time, as long as the two people did not play together. 

It happens mostly in tournaments like the Club Championship or some equivalent. People like to tell others about their good and bad holes.

These stories however, I would argue are not boring, but the phrase has stuck.

The stories are:

AWESOME!

Par 3 Contest

The Masters' par-3 contest is one of those rare events that are truly unique. 

The par-3 is an event held the day before the actual Masters' Tournament at the Augusta par-3 course. 

This is where you get to see the stars of the past, present and future of the game all compete on a relatively level playing field.  

This event is special because over the years it has become a family affair, where players have their young children carrying the clubs, or in some cases hitting the shots. The latter however does take you out of the competition. 

The par-3 is the only non-tournament event that I tune in for. 

AWESOME!

Horrible Collapses

I don't know what it is about those collapses like that of Jean van de Velde at Carnoustie or Phil Mickelson at Winged Foot, but I love them. 

I guess it kind of humanizes the players making you think that you could do better.

It may be a bad thing to say, but these are: 

AWESOME!

Aces

A hole in one is the ultimate AWESOME! in golf. 

I have one in my life, my father has none and he's been playing for 30 more years than me. This the ultimate in bragging rights. 

I do know people who have five or even six in their life. I can only aspire to be that cool. I even know a guy who got two aces on the front nine. 

Hearing stories of these people fateful days is truly incredible. 

I'm just glad to have one of those stories for myself. 

AWESOME!