So you're bummed knowing the last of the four major pro golf tournaments ended last month. Feeling the doldrums knowing championships came and went and The Masters is eight long months away?

Hey, don't fret.

You still get to play, right? And Physicians First Messages is going to perk you up by letting you in on something you might not know: August is National Golf Month!

That's right. Golf has its own national month. And as someone who thoroughly enjoys the game and coaches it on the high school level, I'm going to give you a handful of ideas to help you celebrate this wonderful game.

For starters, maybe you don't have the time today to hit the links, but sooner or later you will and how about preparing by hitting the range? You can work out the kinks on those hooks and slices with some practice shots off the tee.

Why not plan a golf trip with some buddies, perhaps to a place you've never been to before and, furthermore, why not get into more competitive golf by getting a USGA handicap?

Hey, would you consider playing on a par-3 course for a change where you can focus on irons and mid-irons for the day?

Here's something different: Grab that first tee time for a change. There's nothing like the morning dew and waiting on just the grounds crew before you hit your next shot.

Maybe consider keeping stats on yourself the next time you go out, and I'm not just talking about strokes. Why not keep tabs on how many fairways and greens you hit?

Use your imagination, there's other ways to celebrate the game that's shared by so many. But regardless, just get out there. Hey, it's National Golf Month ... there's no better reason to hit the links.

See you out there,

John Calhoun
Owner and operator