As a native New Englander, I have long lived my life by the seasons, and happily so, embracing the changes that come as we move from, say, summer to fall, and then autumn to winter. To be sure, I often feel a sense of melancholy during those transitions. But for everything we lose during the passing of a season, there is something we gain. A night by a crackling fire in the living room replaces a barbecue on the back terrace. Swimming may suddenly and sadly be a thing of the past, but that means it is time for duck hunting and paddle tennis. And changing my evening cocktail from the margarita that works so well in the hotter months to a Manhattan that warms both heart and soul when it’s cold is no burden.
In fact, I welcome the arrival of the new season as I look back fondly on what has just passed.
I even feel that way about golf, and in many ways late October signifies to me the end of that season as well.
One thing that helps me cope with that reality is participating in an event staged at this time of year by my mates at the Outpost Club. Dubbed the Punchbowl, it is a 27-hole, alternate-shot tournament that features as many as 100 golfers in two-person teams and uses Stableford scoring. We play in six-somes, completing 18 holes in the morning before a break for a traditional carvery lunch that also features champagne punch. Then, we return for an afternoon nine, followed by cocktails and dinner. Laughter abounds as players tell stories and relate jokes. Proper abuse is meted out to those who shank approach shots and bounce drives off of trees. Plans are also made for games next spring.
Outpost Club co-founder Colin Sheehan tells me that the Punchbowl was conceived as a way for members in our part of the world to celebrate the close of the golf season while enjoying one last bit of camaraderie before putting away our clubs.
“The turf is perfect, the humidity has long ago vanished, the leaves are changing colors, and invariably we are treated to one of the best weather days of the year,” said Sheehan, who also happens to coach the men’s golf team at Yale.
Thursday’s playing struck all of those notes. It was a great way to say goodbye.
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John Steinbreder