The Game of Golf As Art

The Artful Golfer

Approaching the age of 50, I finally found the opportunity to take up the game of golf.

I improved quickly, lowering my handicap from 16 to 4 in just 2 years. I broke 80 for the first time after a couple dozen rounds and shot under par only one year after increasing my frequency of play to more than once a week.

I accomplished this while continuing to work as a software engineer, and without taking lessons or focusing on technology, mechanics or technique. Instead, I approached the game creatively, learning to improve my inner game and discover my natural swing. I've continued to improve, reaching a low index of 1.4 and a low round of 68.

Although I didn’t take formal lessons, many helped me along the way. I’ve included links in the right column to introduce the golfers that helped or inspired me to play this game more artfully, hoping they inspire others as well.

I'm still learning, improving, and trying to get out of my own way. For, as Fred Shoemaker shares in his book Extraordinary Golf, "When you disappear, Golf as Art shows up. The resulting void is where all the important discoveries, personal development, satisfaction, joy and fulfillment take place."

Golf Courses Played (73)


Old Macdonald at Bandon Dunes

Central California

Southern California

Northern California

Arizona

Colorado

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Oregon

Canada

Wish List

The Artful Golfer

The insights and experiences of a middle-aged beginning golfer on a quest to play the game of golf as art.
–The Artful Golfer

Golf as Art

When you disappear, Golf as Art shows up. The resulting void is where all the important discoveries, personal development, satisfaction, joy and fulfillment take place.
–Fred Shoemaker, Extraordinary Golf

Artful Milestones

  • Mar 05 - Started playing (1 rd/week)
  • Jun 05 - Broke 80 (21st round)
  • Nov 05 - Increased play (2 rds/week)
  • Jan 06 - Under 10 Index (54th round)
  • Jan 06 - 10 GIR (62nd round)
  • Mar 06 - Less than 30 Putts (75th round)
  • Aug 06 - First Eagle (124th round)
  • Aug 06 - 5 Birdies (138th round)
  • Sep 06 - Broke 76 (146th round)
  • Oct 06 - First ACE (161st round)
  • Oct 06 - Under 5 Index (166th round)
  • Oct 06 - 13 Fairways (169th round)
  • Dec 06 - Broke 72 (184th round)
  • Dec 06 - 70's Streak (9/10 rounds)
  • Feb 07 - Under 4 Index (219th round)
  • Feb 07 - 15 GIR (219th round)
  • Oct 07 - 24 Putts (298th round)
  • Jan 08 - 70's Streak (12 rounds)
  • Jan 08 - Second ACE (332nd round)
  • Apr 08 - Par from Tips (370th round)
  • May 08 - Under 3 Index (382nd round)
  • Aug 08 - 50th Course (420th round)
  • Nov 08 - Broke 70 (460th round)
  • Dec 08 - 16 GIR (472nd round)
  • May 09 - 60th Course (510th round)
  • May 09 - 7 Birdies (511th round)
  • May 09 - Broke 70 (511th round)
  • May 09 - Under Par Streak (2 rounds)
  • May 09 - Under 80 Streak (13 rounds)
  • May 09 - Broke 70 (520th round)
  • May 09 - Under 2 Index (520th round)
  • Jun 09 - 70th Course (538th round)
  • Aug 09 - Third ACE (556th round)
  • Aug 09 - Broke 70 (559th round)

Artful Golfers

Artful Links

Artful Bag

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