I turned 25 a couple weeks ago, and it made me realize that I have been played by this game for almost 4 years now. The reason I say I'm being played is because ... it's true.

This entire facade has been me seeking every answer imaginable to a swing concept. I have tried so many different types, and have found success in some - but not consistency.

So this past winter, I just decided to not even think about golf - which I did well. I was actually ready to hang up the "serious" clubs, and just leave it for the weekends with the Pops - yeah, I do not mind being dubbed a "weekend hacker".

However, something happened. One of my best friends picked up the game. He went all out and bought a set of golf clubs (on a very limited bank roll) used, and started playing pretty good. He has a baseball swing that needs to be grounded - and with a bit of practice on the Par 3 course, he started playing pretty well - even drained a 35 footer.

His thirst for the game has ignited my passion again. I think it showed too, because the combination of Stan Utley (short game) and Hips restrained (semi my own for long game) has been working. I shot a 33 (+6) par 27 for the par 3 course.

Just yesterday, my Dad and I played a round, both of us played good, had one or two blow up holes due to poor decision making. My swing was on target, only one fat shot and one thin shot the whole round. The driver was not up to par - and put me in trouble more than I would have liked.

In the end, I finished with an 83 (par 71) - and my Dad finished with an 85. Not too bad for the first round of the season. If the weather holds up, I will definitely be trying to play a little bit more. The work schedule of 12p-830p is unfortunate because it only allows me to play the Par 3 - but then again, could actually be more beneficial.

This post was my first in a while, I'm not sure if I have an audience - which is okay if not, I just want to review and state that my passion is back, and I'm not expecting to shoot in the 70's by next week, but I'm just going to keep playing my best.