[12 piece bucket]

Infrequent rounds is a true handicap. I'm not saying that you gotta play a ton, but fewer rounds tends to inflate the value you place on individual rounds, holes and even shots.

You gotta get out more, Bucket! Even for nine hole knockabouts. I for one have a personal interest in your progress...given your selfless contributions to our progress...and even just for the endorphins!

This is a very astute observation. When my buddy and I (who is in the same boat as I on rounds played) get to about 15 or 16, we always say "man sux that this will be the last time we play for 2 or 3 weeks." It definitely is in the back of your mind on about every shot . . . this is the last freakin' time I'll get to play this hole for 2 weeks I better hit a gurd'un. And the bad thing about it is . . . I LIVE ON A GOLF COURSE!!!

Plus you get soooooo keyed up to play. I usually stay up really late the night before I play so I don't lay in the bed thinking about playing. Plus I never get to warm up because I got to take care of kids and crap before I go. It's not ideal for sure.

I have changed my perspective on playing now. I used to just think "I gotta get out there and shoot in the 70's. I gotta . . . I gotta . . . I gotta. . . " Now I just am happy to be playing and hitting golf shots. I played 9 last week and walked by myself. Didn't keep score. Didn't even putt. Just hit 3 or 4 shots from different spots. You just gotta love hitting shots.

I'm getting better . . . just not reflected in the scores . . . YET.

Oh . . . I had to pay for my wife and kid to swim with them endorphins . . . they are EXPENSIVE man . . . ain't nuthin' but a cute carp. Unbelievable.