Hazards

September 9

I am thankful for hazards. I know you probably think that is strange that I would be thankful for difficult situations and trouble. If all was no-risk and easy we would have no challenges in life. Golfers love to play difficult golf courses and holes that offer a huge challenge containing hazards. (Well, a hazard free hole every now and then is welcomed and a relief.) So we accept the challenge of hazards because we enjoy overcoming them.

This is the fifth hole at Santa Maria Golf Course in Baton Rouge. The course was designed by the famous golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. It is one of my favorite Baton Rouge golf courses. The fifth is a par 3, ranging from 117 to 217 yards long. There are dual water hazards on the hole, the lake to the left and Ward's Creek to the right. Generally, if your tee shot is not straight you can easily end up in one of the water hazards. There is very little margin for error. This is probably one of the most difficult par threes I know of. I get very nervous when I tee it up on this hole. I've even tried hitting a pitching wedge to hit that area in front of the green but that is also difficult because of the outcropping of water on the left. Now, I just grin and bear it and accept the challenge and hit away. And then hope. And pray.

hazards

well, here i stand

perched upon the tee

i see nothing but hazards

as far as i can see

water to the left

and water to the right

heck, there’s water in front

only water in sight

but there's just a little piece

of land to hit upon

so i tee it up and rip it

and watch ball after ball be gone

next time i come here

i’m going to hit into a little boat

then row across the water

and chip on the green past the moat

saving myself from penalty

having a good chance at par

with a little ingenuity

hazards leave nary a scar!

© rt tulley