Due to serious illness, I’ve been away from this blog for quite some time, and I apologize for that. I just didn’t have the energy to keep it going. What brought me back, along with some improvement in my condition, is Brooke Henderson’s win at the Canadian Open today. This was golf at its best, and its toughest. And Brooke rose to the occasion. No Canadian has won this event, their National Open, since 1973, and, with a one shot lead going into the final 18, Brooke was on the minds of Canadians everywhere. She did not disappoint, shooting 65, and fending off every challenger with gutsy, aggressive play. In the third round she stalled some and I thought she’d be beaten. She also had had a pretty rough year with the deaths of both of her beloved grandfathers. He family is very close-knit.
I’ve been following Brooke right from the start and predicted, in this blog, that she’d be a standout. Indeed, at 20, she’s won a major and six other LPGA tournaments. With her older sister Heather on the bag, this team is all business. No fist pumps here. Just the kind of concentration and dedication and skill that defines this game. Taught by her father, she’s got a big, John Daly-esque swing that goes a mile. A former hockey goalie, she shows how golf is truly an athletic sport. Balance, poise, patience, persistence, courage, power, and finesse around the greens. She’s got the whole package.
Congratulations, Brooke. You made my day, and brought me back this blog. I am grateful, and happy to return to it.
And for those of you who somehow found me on the web, and perhaps read some past posts, thank you. I’m still struggling with my health, but intend to continue to add my two cents, from time to time, to this great game of golf.
Richard says
Glad to hear that you are improving, Stephen. Yes she is the complete package. Used to be that we were told to emulate the women’s swing. But no more. They are so more athletic than they used to be. Give me a call sometime when you up for it. And if it works out I would be honored to accompany you on you first golf outing, whenever that might be!
David says
Stephen
So glad to hear you are better. With some grace and some grit I’m
praying you will be back to golf and posting your insights again on a regular basis. You have been missed!
Rob Wallace says
Stephen,
Nice to see a Mindful Golfer blog pop up in my email but much nicer to hear that you’re doing better. I know it’s been extremely difficult for you all these months, but please know that there are so many of us out here that love you deeply, think of you often, and pray for your continued improvement.
Stephen Altschuler says
Sorry for this late reply, my friend. It’s been rough going but I am making progress. Even played nine the other day and did OK, except for the two club loss in distance. But adjusting to illness and age: it’s part of life.
Take care. Look forward to meeting soon.
Carl Bernhard says
If physical therapy is part of your recovery, stay with it. Push yourself no matter how weak you feel. Missed your missives and hope you can get out there and hit those 357 yard drives again after continued recovery.
Stephen Altschuler says
Thanks for commenting, Carl. PT is part of my recovery, and I am pushing ahead, making progress. My swing remains solid and smooth but I’ve lost a helluva lot of distance.
Peace.
David Tabb says
You too have grace and grit. Welcome back.
Stephen Altschuler says
A bit late with this reply, David. Sorry about that. Thanks for your comments. It’s good to be back blogging. Health is improving, but still a challenge.
Mitch says
Great to hear from you again !! Wishing you the best Stephen !!
Stephen Altschuler says
Sorry this reply is so late in coming, Mitch, but health concerns caught most of my attention over the past months. Fortunately, I’m making progress, and am now a cancer survivor, at least to date.
Thanks very much for those good wishes. That means a lot to me.