Four Itchy Feet

April 29, 2025. Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Five years ago, before I retired, I met Tony Martin, the owner of Nitro Signs in Brunswick, Georgia. Soon after meeting, we discovered our shared love for golf. We began playing regularly, and by the time I retired, we had a standing tee time at Jekyll Island Golf Course on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 PM. We would walk the course for only $20.00, never missing our appointments, and always competing closely, usually finishing within a few strokes of each other.

Coming back to the area, I knew I had to call Tony and see if we could rekindle our friendly golf rivalry and fellowship right where we left off. Tony immediately agreed, and we were soon off to play the Indian Mound Course at Jekyll Island. Tony claimed he had to “dust off” his clubs since he hadn’t played all year, so I figured I’d take it easy on him and not make him feel bad. However, Tony’s clubs had no dust on them whatsoever. By the first hole, I was behind by two strokes, and by the second, the deficit had grown to four. I made somewhat of a recovery, but by the end of the first nine holes, I was trailing by three strokes.

I started the back nine with a triple bogey, and a comeback seemed doubtful. But something shifted on the eleventh hole – par, bogey, par, par – I thought I had a chance! Then came a double bogey, par, par, and suddenly, we were approaching the 18th hole tied at 90. My drive landed just outside the cart path and the ball was completely buried in a patch of very wet ground. We were unaware of the golf rule regarding buried golf balls, this one was 95% underground, but Tony graciously allowed me to dig the ball out and move it without penalty. This act of generosity cost Tony the game, as he shot a 6 and I shot a 5, enough for me to win by one stroke. Tony and I thoroughly enjoy the game of golf, but I certainly love the friendly competition Tony brings.

The Indian Mound Course at Jekyll Island was in pristine condition, with lush greens and fairways that felt comfortably spongy underfoot. The course is challenging, with almost every green well-protected by sand bunkers. Sand bunkers are also strategically placed along the fairways, and we both spent a good bit of time swinging from within them. I loved getting to play once again with Tony. I also cherish how we always pray before we tee off, giving thanks to God for the great gift of fellowship and allowing us to play the wonderful game of golf together.