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After visiting more than 40 states, some places might start to look like a blur, but not for The Happy Golfer. He was pretty sure he had arrived in Nebraska, because everyone was wearing red shirts that said “Go Big Red!”
Nick has played golf with seniors, juniors, veterans, men, women, beginners, pros and sometimes only geese. He shares his energy and enthusiasm for life and the game with all, and regardless of where he goes, Nick is makes fast friends with just about everyone. His wife, Fran, a retired teacher, told him to encourage the younger golfers he meets to focus on their report cards as much as their scorecards. And so he does. He shares energy bars and stories, and gives away the many lost golf balls he’s collected during his rounds to young players. The Happy Golfer leaves everyone who hears his story, well, happy. He marvels at the beauty and diversity of the country and the generosity of pros and courses who have offered to let him camp overnight in their parking lots. Many have given him complimentary green fees, lunch or a cool one after the round. He makes people smile, and in turn, people offer advice, swing tips and amazing support – constant reminders of why this is the adventure of a lifetime.
On Tuesday, Nick put a check mark next to Wyoming; another 36 holes in a single day. June 2 was the 42nd state in this adventure and The Happy Golfer finished the last five holes in rain and a cold, blowing wind, so the Callaway rain gear came in handy. Special thanks to Rob for the interview in Torrington, and to Eddi in the pro shop. She asked him how many of his Callaway golf balls he lost on the narrow, tree-filled back side. The answer: None!
He is WAY ahead of schedule, having played 36 holes 18 times. He has taken seven days off and is 11 days ahead of his original plan. While he originally set aside six travel/visit/unplanned days, his rate of play leaves him with five days where he’ll be looking for something to do. He’ was considering a trip to see Mount Rushmore and, enter Mystery Guest No. 2!
Nick will have a surprise visitor on June 13 in Billings, Montana. Stay tuned to hear who it is … In the meantime, here is another nice news story on The Happy Golfer:
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20090604/COLUMNISTS0104/906040304/1057/COLUMNISTS
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The Happy Golfer 
Hey Nick, It’s Lane I had so much fun golfing with you at Deer Park and hope we can do it again. I hope your trip is going well and so is your game! Keep it up!!!
Comment by Lane Hildebrandt June 8, 2009 @ 1:51 amlooking forward to seeing you in Spokane.
Comment by Ted Davies June 12, 2009 @ 4:32 pmLane, It was my pleasure playing with you. That first hole, on the second round, where you outdrove me by 35 yards was just great. I’d like to mail you a picture of the two of us by the bridge. Send me your address and I will put it in the mail. Good luck trying out for the high school team, keep those grades up. Nick-the Happy Golfer
Comment by fran karnazes June 14, 2009 @ 2:44 amHey Nick, glad to see your trip is going well. My address is HC 14 Box 12.
Comment by Lane Hildebrandt June 23, 2009 @ 2:56 amSorry, heres the rest of my address Valentine NE, 69201
Comment by Lane Hildebrandt June 23, 2009 @ 2:58 am