“Golf Milestones”

I recently reached a golf milestone – I broke 90 for a golf score! Yep – I am pretty sure everyone within a one-mile radius of the clubhouse heard me cheer! You see for me, scoring in the 80’s is a big thing. Even though Marc shoots in the low 80’s on a regular basis, I do not.

So for me, breaking 90 means I’ve played to around an 18 handicap, which indicates decent golf! A score below 90 in a round shows me that I am growing in proficiency in the sport. Truthfully at this level, I believe I am now exhibiting a more consistent swing, I am showing my improved shot-making ability, and I am making better shot decisions on the course. This accomplishment of breaking 90 does serve as a source of motivation for my continued growth and the pursuit of further golfing milestones.

I remember when I first started playing golf, it felt like everyone I played with scored in the 80’s. Not me though. I was just shooting to break 100! Which felt like forever before I did. So I guess you could say my first golf milestone was shooting to break 100.

My next golf milestone was to complete a round of golf without losing any golf balls. Hey, this is not something to be scoffed at as even professionals still lose golf balls. Beginning and ending the round with the same golf ball is always a bonus. It means I’ve kept it in play and played at least half-way respectable!

As I reflect on this major golf milestone, I realize golf is a game of milestones. From making my first par, and making my first birdie, to out-driving Marc, and of course, making a hole-in-one.

Of course, there is the milestone of golfing in 34 of the 50 states – #golfbucketlist goals!

And the really big golf milestone – golfing where the game was first played over 600 years ago….

St. Andrews….for our 25th wedding anniversary!

Each of these golf milestones has been something I have been working toward. Achieving my golf milestones, whether already achieved or still striving toward, requires a combination of practice, patience, and a clear understanding of my goals.

I recognize most golf milestones or achievements will take me years to achieve – but that doesn’t mean I am going to stop striving to reach them. And even though I might not be able to strike all of them off my list, the sense of accomplishment from watching my game get better over the years is absolutely priceless.

Milestones are part of my life off the course too.

I believe capturing the defining moments of my life – from joyous milestones to heartbreaking losses – has allowed me to weave a rich tapestry of stories that connect me to my family and friends, and has preserved our shared histories for the future.

To achieve any milestone, there must be a plan or idea that I must follow that is manageable, sustainable, and achievable. Many times I find myself biting off way more than I can chew, then I get frustrated, and stop on the path to success. I have to remember the process of improvement is relatively slow and should not be mistaken as a “quick fix” process.

I accept that my life is a unique series of moments that string together to tell a story about who I am. Many moments will be boring. Others will be beautiful. And sadly there will always be tragic moments to deal with. Sometimes it’s easy to forget the day-to-day moments in my life, but often, specific events will punctuate my memory and stand out as major markers in my life story.

Milestones like graduating bootcamp, or getting married are defining moments in my life. So too is receiving a commission in the U.S. Navy, and riding 100 miles on my bicycle in one day. As well as, clocking over 10,000 miles on my motorcycle, riding my bicycle along the Iron Curtain Bike Trail, hiking Mont Blanc, and running in the Midnight Sun Half-Marathon in Tromso, Norway. Or driving the ALCON Highway with my sister and seeing Mount McKinley together. Oh yea….I can’t forget meeting Santa while visiting the North Pole!

Milestones like these provide opportunities for me to capture and preserve the memories and emotions of the day so I can revisit and/or share them with others.

You see, I have come to appreciate the most joyous part of life is to share it with others. Whether I am reflecting on my own life story or trying to unravel the story of a family member in more detail – I am learning that recalling major life events is a great way to share and connect.

This summer we are getting ready to celebrate two separate family milestones. The first will be our granddaughter’s graduation from high school. I look forward to sharing in all the excitement this milestone brings her as she throws her graduation cap into the air signifying her transition to adulthood.

The second will be the 90th birthday bash for Marc’s father – Marco. Turning 90 is a significant milestone. It’s my chance to join in his celebration of a journey of nine decades, filled with memories, lessons learned, and the enduring impact of Marc’s father’s life on Marc’s family and friends.

Whether I find myself looking back on my own life events, looking forward to future milestones, or appreciating the path taken by a loved one, reflecting on my life’s milestones provides valuable insights into personal growth, encourages gratitude, and can help shape future goals.  By taking the time to acknowledge significant achievements and turning points, I can gain a deeper understanding of my life’s journey, appreciate the progress I’ve made, and cultivate a more positive and purposeful outlook. 

My Reads from the Reds – Each day presents another opportunity to write a life story filled with significance and connection, it’s never too early to start documenting the journey.

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting.   

Written by Kathy Festa