Does take a while to come to grips with yourself, doesnt it? I have been playing for about 10 years now, off and on, lately more off than on for various reasons. When I do go out I drag my torn-up old 56-year old body slowly around the course, walking, limping is more like it, enjoying the beauty of the day and forgetting my errors. When I was first starting out I was all gung-ho about being the best there is at the game. I hit 50 by the time I broke into the ranks of mediocrity and age slowed me enough to actually enjoy the game, and the surroundings, and the humor in my many blown shots. At that time I starting enjoying playing in the evening hours, with a good friend of about my age or alone. When I first started to was tear around the course to get through in a reasonable time. Now I spend a lot of time standing behind trees while others play through, just enjoying being there. I once played with a 70-year old who beat the pants off me, and no longer kept score for he was just happy to be playing.
The game of golf is much more than numbers, much more than the quality of shots made. Its all about serenity, tranquility, being at peace.