In Unprecedented Times in American History, Golf Provides a Small Bright Spot. Albeit for Five Short Hours (Updated 10/2/17)

I had the idea of writing this blog during Saturday play at this weekend's President's Cup. I wanted to share a small glimpse of hope and appreciation which golf can bring in a time in which people are scared, confused and angry in this country. Unfortunately, the acts of terror provided late last night in Las Vegas prove that this is indeed a time where I am so incredibly scared as to what the future holds as an American. As I watched Charley Hoffman chase down Daniel Berger with champagne in hand and cigar in mouth, I felt a sense of pride and appreciation at one of the most dominant team performances in golf history. However, upon waking up this morning at 4:30am for my morning bike ride, that feeling of pride was very short-lived. Say this to yourself: The deadliest mass shooting in U.S history happened last night. Are you kidding me?

Step back for a second, and think of the events which have transcribed in this country over the previous six months. Hell, think of the events beginning with the inauguration of our new president (that's all I'll say about that so relax). We've seen the most devastating flood in American history flow over Houston. We've seen one of the more dangerous hurricanes in American history fly through Miami and Southwest Florida. We've seen politics cross heavily into sports, we've seen attacks overseas which affect us as a people one way or another. And the one small period in time I personally had to look forward to as an American (this weekend's President's Cup), which offered unbelievable views of the New York skyline and featured 12 of the best golfers in the world, I am now sitting in front of the TV at work watching clips of Jason Aldean concert-goers filming what should only be considered fictional in a bad movie or a bad dream.

I'm 28 years old, I've had more jobs than you can count on one hand since graduating college in 2011 and have lived in a handful of different places as well. However, one constant I've always held true is I am proud and thankful of where I live and where I grew up. I am fortunate to have experienced what has proven to be historic snowfalls and snowstorms and only come away from it with a sore back from shoveling and have steered clear of anything of the magnitude of Charlottesville, Charleston, Orlando, Houston and now Las Vegas in recent memory. But now, more than ever, I feel lost.

In all honesty, what the fuck is going on? When did it get so bad? I understand these events happen and there are low-life, scum of the earth people with severe mental issues who decide to act in evil and heinous ways. But the frequency of these occurrences? I don't get it. I want to puke. I can't mentally go from watching this:

And this:

And admiring this:

To waking up to this: 

There are a few things I've always turned to in times of negativity and sadness: the ocean and the golf course. The President's Cup filled me with such a sense of pride and intimacy towards these golfers and I know golf will be exciting to watch for the rest of my life. Everyone should have hobbies, interests, sports, etc where they can steer their mind and allow them to become happy and feel a sense of calmness. Again, I don't get into politics nor do I want to. But I sit here, head in hands and am just so confused I don't know what to think. Everyday life should provide a feeling like someone is chasing you with a champagne bottle and a cigar in their mouth ready to celebrate something. Anything. That's what life in America should be. And instead we're scared, angry and nervous. This President's Cup allowed me to escape, albeit for a very brief time. Here we go again...stay safe everyone.