Byron, Mac & Tom

"I would rather play with 3 old codgers who were fun than 3 "good" players who were a pain in the toosh".

Thus said Chip when I told her about my half round of golf today. 

Byron (Welsh), Mac (Scots) & Tom (English) - I kid you not, invited me to join them.  I laid claim to my Irish ancestry just to make it representative of the UK.  (OK,  Grandad was actually from the south, but let's not be picky).   

They are well into their 70's;   Mac had a bad stroke a couple of years ago from which he has not fully recovered.. His wife died young and he brought up 3 daugters single-handed. Tom is apparently a High Court judge.  Byron feels the need to provide these personal details.  Actually he never stops talking, even when I am addressing the ball.  

They are totally relaxed in each other's company and put me at ease.  Supportive & sympathetic  in turn.  However, it cannot be said that they are conducive to low scoring.   They are oblivious to whose turn it is to play, whether from the tee, the fairway or on the green (where they merrily walk across, round, up/down, when someone (ME) is trying to putt).  The weather was cold but gloriously sunny and no wind.  The banter was gentle but hilarious. 

"I would rather play with 3 old codgers who were fun..............."    Ain't that the truth.  Thank you, Byron, Mac & Tom.