In response to Golf Digest's recent contest question to readers, where do you want to play golf this summer?, Hilton Tudhope at The Shivas Irons Society created a summer contest of his own. He challenges his readers to describe the state of being (and doing) they'd like to explore in golf this summer, whether it's Nebraska or Nirvana. He will publish the interesting, the insightful and the downright crazy entries by the end of August. You can email your thoughts, of 200 words or less, to hilton [at] shivas.org.


Summer ballooning over Fairbanks Ranch Country Club by ms4jah

Hilton Tudhope is the author of A Golfer's Journal at The Shivas Irons Society. In his latest article, he shares the artful state of being he wants to be in this summer when he plays golf.

I want to play golf in a state of mind where I can feel the wind on my cheek, hear the birds overhead and remember my partners' names.

I want to play where the course forces me to stretch - my legs, my skills, my imagination - so that golf and learning walk the same fairway.

I want to play where the vision of the architect isn't compromised. I want to play without cartpaths and rooflines in my eyes.

I want to play golf where spin rates and launch angles have no importance. I want to play a game in which to hit it farther I see farther.

I want to play where I can have a match against my biggest fears - a respectful match with worthy adversaries, not a grudge game with my own ego.

I want to play golf in a place where there are like minds. With friends, old and newly met, who value the quality of the adventure more than the sum of the shots.

I want to play golf where I can just play, and have that be game enough.

Labels: Goals, Hilton Tudhope, Shivas Irons Society