For most golfers, the game is as enjoyable as it is frustrating. It’s one of the few sports where, for the most part, you’re playing against yourself. The goal isn’t usually to beat your buddies but to play a few strokes below your last game. It’s all about measurable self-improvement. When you feel like you’re getting worse, you get a strange desire to chuck your putter into the nearest pond.
Golf is so challenging that only 50% of people who pick up a club can break a score of 100, which isn’t exactly impressive.
In a heartbreaking Reddit post, a golfer who goes by the name Drumsurf on the forum shared how he learned to enjoy every moment of an unimpressive round because he realized what the game was all about: hanging out with friends and, to put it simply, just being able to play.
Sadly, his great realization came on the final of his life.
“I’m 53 and have been playing since I was 19-20. Love the game. Got diagnosed with stage IV cancer in 2020 and kept playing between chemo sessions, surgeries, etc.” Drumsurf wrote on a May 15, 2024 post. “My cancer has gone nuclear and I took I turn for the worse 2 months ago. I can no longer physically handle playing 18 holes or so much of anything that’s active.”
But that didn’t stop him from playing one last round with his friends. His game started strong but quickly faltered.
“I went today with two long-time friends and managed to play the first three holes 1 over par, but then my lack of fitness caught up to me,” he continued. “I took a double on 4, hit my drive in the water on 5, and spent the rest of the round riding in the cart and nursing a Transfusion. Fun to hang with friends and be out of the house, but I’m done with the game. Brutal, really, as I will miss it greatly.”
He ended his post with a message for everyone who’s ever had a hard time on the course. “Next time you get frustrated with golf remember those of us that can’t play any longer. Hit ‘em straight boys!” Drumsurf wrote.
The piece was a welcome wake-up call to many of the duffers on Reddit’s golf forum who’ve all experienced frustrating rounds.
“Thanks, man. It really puts it all in perspective,” Helloholder wrote. “We are all one golfer. You’ll always be out there with us,” Downwithflairs added.
“I’ll drive one into the water for you,” Head_Attempt joked.
“I will not get mad the next time I hit a garbage shot. I’ll think of you and take inspiration. We are with you, my friend,” KbPHoto wrote.
Some people paid tribute to Drumsurf by writing his name on their golf balls to remember his wisdom on their next round.
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After the post went viral, Drumsurf updated it by thanking everyone who chimed in with messages of support. “Thanks for all the well wishes,” Drumsurf wrote. “My battle is over. Stopped all treatment last month and started hospice care last week. I’m 100% at peace with it all.”