BY HOWARD WARD

Golf Writer

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 a while.

Sit back and think about why you started playing the game. Write down the reasons. 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 ...

Dennis 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 1895.

The Open was considered to be a sideshow to the first U.S. Amateur Championship that 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.