Fore by Four

If you have ever played golf, undoubtedly you would be familiar with the warning “fore”. If a golfer hits a wayward shot potentially endangering another player, the common courtesy is to yell “fore”, hopefully averting any significant personal injury. Also, in golf, the maximum number of people in a group is 4, thus the foursome, so when it comes to the game of golf, those homonyms are used rather frequently. When I play a game of golf with any three of my siblings, the significance of “four” takes on a “hole” special meaning.

During Rangeley week, there is usually at least one outing to Mingo Springs GC for a round of golf. Over the years, we have played early in the morning, usually after starting the day out at the BMC diner for breakfast, or perhaps a twilight round when we tee it up, generally with just enough time to be walking down 18 to the setting Sun. We have played in the bright sunshine, the wind, under overcast skies, and even in the mist, but regardless, when you are not working and can be out on the links, that’s not too “rough” to take.

This year marked the first in many where my famous uncle and aunt were unable to join us in Rangeley, so they, along with one of my brothers who was still on the disabled list, we were unable to “par”take in the annual event. My sister, brother-in-law, a niece, two nephews, and two of my brothers all teed it up this year. Naturally, it is customary to have a little wager on the game, but over the years, the actual payouts have been nominal or not at all. And in the end, the purpose of this day is to enjoy each others company, more than it is about how seriously we play.

Yes, golf has been a consistent part of Rangeley week, although the significance has evolved some over the years. As the nieces and nephews have grown older, they have joined the fray, and there are occasions when even one round is enough to satisfy the diehards among us. However, we have created many fond memories at Mingo Springs, and that is definitely what "links" us together!