Congrats. Have been on sabbatical since June 2nd. Mine medical and just had my second round of epidurals and completed PT. We will be leaving for Europe in a couple of weeks to celebrate my 78th BD and our 47 anniversary. My Dr's plan is that we can gently ease by into it by the end of September. It has been both medical and mental. See how it goes after this R%R. Did three rounds in a row, plus nine my last time out and it rally killed me physically and mentally, but Dormie was awesome with some great friends. Remember the days I play in high 70's and best round ever 69, self taught also, but learned in later years, a PGA teacher became a good friend. Back issues became my worst friend. At my age, we loose a golf buddy every year in our group that plays together three days a week. Understand. Fairways and greens. =)

Thanks Chuck, hope the rest gives you what you need.

Sorry to hear about your dear friend. It looks like his spirit was there to witness your round. I know we all struggle with swing from time to time. For me, what keeps me going is knowing a good round is just around the corner.

My condolences on the loss of your friend.

I hear you about bittersweet. My road back was very different. Last October I was laid off from my job, not my fault, larger corporate issues affecting hundreds. Gave up my club membership, pretty much stopped playing, except to take my son out who desperately would want to go to get ready for his high school golf team season. I didn't enjoy it all, the lay off took me to some not so great places mentally and emotionally.

Finally in July, the dam broke and I was able to find a new job. Rejoined the club and started playing regularly again. I'm so much more appreciative of what I have, but it's still been tough. The new job comes with some serious hurdles to overcome and a brutal pace, so not sure it's the best fit. Last weekend I fired a 79, which is the first time breaking it from the blues at my club (about 6,500 yards). Hopefully, both life and golf will meet in the middle and things will be back to "normal".

Thanks Keith, keep on keeping on. Have had some real rough patches myself, but managed to put one foot in front of the other and tried to do the next best thing. Now, other than losing some very close friends, life is better than ever. Thinking my friend is looking down on me, my index has dropped 2 pts. and I haven't been our of the 70's my last 6 rounds.

I've come back from a few surgeries, many little lulls in the game, and a few mental hurdles. The hardest part is trying to get back to my former self. I finally had to admit that guy is 30 years younger than me, doesn't hurt getting out of bed on occasion, and just chased birdies. Relax a little, enjoy the moment, and keep grinding. We focus too much on the number on the card. There's a reason so few shoot in the 70's consistently, golf isn't easy!

Hi Edward thanks, I have had a few issues myself health wise, the biggest was a kidney transplant 6 year ago. I think my friends passing has had a very calming effect on me, really letting me appreciate everything a little more. Since his passing I haven't been out of the 70's and my index has dropped a couple digits. Life is good although I still miss my friend dearly.