PROBABLY one of the most famous songs relating to golf was sung by Bing Crosby. The title is, of course, Straight Down the Middle.

There is a lesser known song by a gentleman called Glenn Everhart, which goes under the title of “Golf is such an easy game”.

It’s a very amusing and enjoyable singalong sort of song, but we are not sure that the sentiment is exactly correct.

Playing in the Seniors Championship trophy this summer it evidently wasn’t the case. There were many shaking heads, lots of frowns and a few mild tantrums.

The weather was set fair, it was indeed quite a nice day, but there was a very blustery wind. So at least everyone who was struggling had an excuse.

If you ask Google AI to describe Golf it gives quite a long explanation. But you need to read no further than its first sentence, which we quote here “Playing golf reasonably well requires a blend of mechanical swing technique, short game precision, strategic course management, and mental resilience.”

It makes it sound clinically simple doesn’t it?

On this particular Monday the most challenging skill to overcome was probably the last on this list, i.e. mental resilience!

It’s surprising how cruel the game can be. A lovely shot played off the ground just clips a tree and plummets vertically into the grass.

An approach shot towards the green looks to be going well, hits an undulating piece of ground and finishes up in a bunker.

Just a couple of examples of how frustrating this wonderful game can be.

However, when shaking hands on the 18th green, completing the scorecard and retiring to the clubhouse for some refreshment, it all somehow seems worthwhile. Golf indeed is such an easy game! Well, enjoyable if not exactly easy.