This week's golf tip from the LPGA Teaching and Club Professional Membership is courtesy of Lori Tatum, Golf Advantage School at Kingwood Country Club, Kingwood, Texas.

The good old golf days: "This game of golf is fun, isn't it? I like walking along the practice area and seeing golfers slam their clubs down after a poor shot when they are not even on the golf course.

"I thought this was a game to relax, experience the outdoors, breathe the fresh air, and whoa! Can it make us mad? It lets us feel the agony of defeat more than the thrill of victory, or does it?

"We allow the complexities of the game of golf to suppress our past connections and accomplishments, which eliminates our chance for continued growth. I believe our attitude toward the game needs uplifting every once in awhile.

"Sit back and think about why you started playing the game. Write the reasons down. What was it like getting the ball in the air? What words would you use to describe that event?

"Remember when you broke your nine-hole record and then your 18-hole record? How exciting! Use those feelings, thoughts, smells, and sounds to get your connection to golf and fun back."

Just Joking: Stephen couldn't get up with the members of his regular foursome one Monday, so he went out to the club alone and was paired with a minister.

Beginning on the first tee, he noticed that the minister bowed his head before each shot and mumbled a few words of prayer.

After nine holes, when the minister had played at even par and Dennis was 10 shots over, he asked, "Reverend, do you think it would help me to pray a little, too?"

"No, my son."

"Why not?"

"Because you're such a lousy putter."

Did You Know?: The first U.S. Open Championship was held on the Newport (Rhode Island) Golf and Country Club in October of 1895.

The Open was considered to be a sideshow to the first U.S. amateur Championship which was played at the same course during the same week.

Both events had been postponed from September because of a conflict in scheduling with a more established Newport sports spectacle, the America's Cup yacht races.

A field of 10 professionals and one amateur started in the 36-hole competition, which consisted of four trips around the nine-hole Newport course in one day.

Horace Rawlings, a 21-year-old English professional who was an assistant at the host course, won the championship with 91-83 -- 173. He won $150 from the total purse of $335.

The U.S. Open gained stature in 1913 when Francis Ouimet, a 20-year-old American amateur, stunned the golf world by defeating famous British professionals Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in a playoff.

In 1933, John Goodman became the fifth and final amateur to win the U.S. Open.