Back on the swing: the simple joy of going back to golf | Vic Marks | sport


TThe fairway was freshly cut and welcoming; A yellow flag, 350 meters away, flickered in the cold breeze that descended from Dartmoor as the sun appeared through wispy clouds. With the driver in hand and the provisional ball in my pocket, I went to the first tee of the Okehampton Golf Club and, for the first time in a few months, I tried to hit a golf ball beyond seven yards available in the yard. back. What a relief to touch this club, not only because the ball quickly rose in the air in the right direction; there was a dim light that life would one day return to normal.

The professional of the Ashley club welcomed us on the first tee. They usually don't have a starter in Okehampton, perhaps the friendliest and meanest club in Devon. But it looked like a special occasion; the club came to life, as did its golfers. The course was in excellent condition, perfectly maintained fairways, hyacinths in bloom, fast and real and treacherous greens (again). Ricki, the course director, had mowed the lawn again at 9 p.m. on Tuesday to make sure everything was perfect; Neither he nor the environmentalist Mike was fired; instead, this pair had obviously been busy for the past two months.

Vic Marks and his playmate, Gavin, are greeted at the clubhouse.


Vic Marks and his playmate, Gavin, are greeted at the clubhouse. Photography: Jonny Weeks / The Guardian

Ashley hadn't sold any golf equipment at the time or given any lessons, but she was still beaming now that the course reopened. He was also there to remind us of the new regulations if necessary. In fact, the members had already received specific instructions from the secretary, Bev, with a clarity that seems to have eluded some of our leaders in Westminster. Putting golf shoes in the parking lot is frowned upon on some courses. But now it has become mandatory in Okehampton; changing rooms are prohibited.

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