My Huge Mistakes

 I have said this several times, but the Austin Golf Association is a great group of people.  On September 19, 2021 we had a tournament at Morris Williams Municipal Golf Course.  I had not played there in probably 25 years.  I was looking forward to it.  I have been on a Paleo reset in attempt to become healthier and I know I need to walk more.  I had the brilliant idea that I would walk this course.  I purchased a really nice push cart, Bag Boy Nitron.

Since I was planning to walk I wanted to let someone in the group know so I emailed a playing partner, Paul.  Here was his response to my email, "So a 5 hour walk in 98 degree heat might be tough on me. The last time I walked that course it was 5.8 miles and 108 flights of stairs. I was exhausted."  This should have been a sign.  I think I was a bit optimistic because a few days earlier it was cooler in Austin Texas.  Of course the heat index for 9/19 was above 100 degrees.

I started off 3 putting the first hole for a bogie, but I was enjoying the walk.  Another player was also walking.  Paul was in a cart.  Before we teed off Paul offered that if I need to I could ride with him in the cart.  I had no clue how important that offer would be.  

We were on hole seven. where I hit a decent drive right down the middle.  I started walking up the hill.  I had to stop 3 times to catch my breath and drink some water before I could get up the hill to my ball.  Honestly, I got dizzy and my pulse was rapid.  I managed to finish the hole and make it to the number 8 tee box.  I had to cry "Uncle".  Paul may I take you up on your offer to ride.  He was so very kind and allowed for me to put my bag and push cart on his golf cart.

I was so mentally gone I failed to keep proper score for my opponent.  We dropped off my push cart at my car and headed to the 10th tee.  here is where I made my second huge mistake.  I did not stop in the clubhouse and refill my water bottles.  I had 48 ounces of water with me.  Damn glad I was not drinking beer.

Hole number 13 the beverage cart stopped by and Paul bought water.  I think here is my greatest mistake.  i did not purchase more water.

I played decent golf and the golf course was in great shape.  Honestly, I am not sure how that happened because I was in total brain fog.  Several times I got dizzy and I know I was on the verge of heat stroke.

Once we finished the round of golf, I drank 80 ounces of water.  I got home and drank more.

I am going to attempt to walk Jimmy Clay on October 3.  I definitely will reconsider if the temperature is near triple digits again.

Moral of the story fellow golfers is heat stroke can be a true risk to your well being.  These are trying times as indicated by the image below because municipal golf course in Austin are not putting water out on the course.

Play on!