LOTUS GOLF MAGAZINE

From the Editor

Among golfers it is often said that a “bad day at golf is better than a good day at work” ; well in my case I must say that this is axiomatic! You see, just after Covid, I ventured into a small business which prevented me from playing golf. Not that I was ever going to be any close to a professional golfer, but I played consistently. And then a month back after almost a 3-year hiatus I went to the golf course. As expected – it was a bad day at golf! But….. did I have a good time! This day allowed me to reminisce about why I played golf and what its absence meant to me.

As I laid up on the 1 st tee, I was already filled with trepidation and started to fear the intimidating hazards that lay ahead, and I allowed this fear to trap me from the greens. As you can guess, my game was quite dismal. When I reached the 10 th hole and as I reflected, I realised that the game of golf mirrors life. Your fears are your limitations. I made an affirmation that I will take one shot at a time. As ‘golfing luck’ would have it, the game finished quite decently for me. Philosophers continually propound the theory of ‘being in the moment’ as a life skill. Here on the golf course, you practice it with such ease. The game progressed, I practiced patience, and golf being a mental game, I garnered the mental acuity that patience brings. At the denouement of the game with my score being pleasantly better than expected, the greatest reward of the game was the 19 th hole. It wasn’t the excesses that made it enjoyable, but the camaraderie among the players and I missed the friendships I had developed over the many years of being a Lotus Golf Club member. The friendships are special. Hence, in the past year having lost two very dear friends was heartbreaking. Manish Devchand, fondly known as Monty, passed on the 10 th March 2023 and news of his passing devastated members and the community. The news of Lloyd Naidoo’s passing on the 29 th December 2023 was just as heartrending and shocking. Monty was an astute businessman but humble and unassuming. His modest demeanour masked his quick mind and wry sense of humour. Lloyd was the most generous and hospitable person I have met. His sense of humour, even now, brings a smile to my face. Both these gentlemen had extraordinary personalities; they will be sadly missed and forever remembered. Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, but the special moments we shared are memories that no one can steal. In conclusion, every round of golf played is a miniature battle against ourselves and the course. Golf demands focus, discipline, and self-awareness. It’s not just physical; it’s mental. The challenge lies in conquering our inner doubts, staying calm under pressure, and visualising success. When we sink that crucial putt or hit a perfect drive, we experience triumph. Golf is a canvas for our personal growth. So, next time you step onto the course muse on why you play. Remember the grass is always greener……. on the golf course!

Arvind Rowjee

Lotus Golf Club • 30 th Anniversary Brochure • Page 5