We know the Alaskan golf season is under way, because the local U.S. Open qualifier happened Monday. Adam Baxter, a multiple state title winner with a zero handicap, shot 84, so the conditions had to be tough. They weren’t tough enough, however, to prevent an out-of-towner from shooting even par 72 at Palmer Golf Course. That was the low score that claimed the lone qualifying position offered here.

Last week, there were still no leaves on the trees in Anchorage. This week, the leaves are so full, it looks like mid-summer. That’s how fast seasons change in Alaska sometimes and that’s the reason I scheduled my first round of 2023 for Monday.

The first round of the year always gets me a little excited, mostly to assess the state of my game. Like most, my game is ever evolving. The more I think about my game from year to year, however, the more I go back to square one and realize the swing and technique I used in my youth was the best. So, my plan is to swing free and loose and let her rip and see what happens.

The same could be said for my writing, which has been more than just a hobby at times. Time for a fresh start. I’ll be writing here all summer, mostly about Alaskan golf, purely for the joy of writing. I look forward to seeing where that takes me and invite you to come along for the ride.