Golf Diary
Hudson Shaoxia Zhang
Professor, Art Historian and Artist
2021.12.30
In 2021, I played nearly a hundred rounds of golf and created over a hundred paintings. These paintings depict golf courses, some of which I had played on, some I had played on in the past, some I had hoped to play on but hadn’t, and others that existed only in my imagination.
One fellow artist was invited to paint at a golf course in Hainan. After two days, he concluded that golf courses were monotonous and uninspiring, not worthy of being painted. I chuckled at his assessment because he had never even swung a golf club.
There are tens of thousands of golf courses in the world, and not one is identical to another. Each course has eighteen holes, and no two are the same. Even the same putting green can be different due to the placement of the flag, the morning dew, the noonday sun, or the varying skill and mindset of a golfer as they putt. Moreover, I’ve never seen two identical fairways, bunkers, water hazards, or stands of trees.
Indeed, even for an artist who has played golf for over thirty years and created hundreds, if not thousands, of golf course paintings, it’s challenging to capture the myriad changes of any one golf course. At the very least, I find myself striking a balance between similarity and dissimilarity. I’m not a “resident artist” at a specific golf club, nor do I adhere to “hyperrealism,” and I don’t create art for the market. I must still give a painting a “name” or include the signature putting green of a particular golf course because my work may be viewed by audiences who have never played golf or paint ed.
Actually, the “names” of those paintings are not all that important. This is because, even if there were another artist as obsessed with painting golf courses as I am, and they were to paint the same golf course, the same fairway, or the same putting green at the exact same moment, the results would undoubtedly be myriad different interpretations. Just like how you cannot replicate Camille Corot’s Barbizon, Claude Monet’s Water Lilies, Giorgio Morandi’s bottles, or David Hockney’s Yorkshire.
My dream is to play on every golf course I’ve ever wanted to and paint every golf course I’ve ever dreamt of. The final images are not just green golf courses but dreamscapes, vibrant and diverse. Who knows, maybe my idols Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy would like to take a swing on them.
2018.7.6
I have been enjoying playing golf alone for many years. Although I do have a few golfing companions, there’s something quite luxurious about spending three to five hours on a round of golf. When playing alone, the time required is significantly reduced. Today, I ventured out alone to play golf on Jeju Island in South Korea. I had planned four rounds of golf over the course of a week. A morning round was sufficient to satisfy my golfing cravings. In the afternoons, I would read, write, and also take the opportunity to organize pictures and information from the golf courses while drawing some sketches. Playing golf in this way while traveling didn’t take up too much time, and, in fact, it contributed to keeping me fit and healthy.
2018.9.3
The Meishi Mayflower International Golf Club in Haikou is conveniently located near my house and is where I play most frequently – it’s like my home course. Whenever my golfing buddies come to visit, we usually play here.
Today, while at the clubhouse, I met a somewhat solitary foreign gentleman. I initiated a conversation, and he introduced himself as Neil from Scotland. He’s two years older than me and has already retired. He’s been playing golf since he was young and has been passionate about it for many years. Once he found himself with more free time, he dedicated much of it to playing golf, traveling all around the world to do so. At this particular golf course, he comes for a week every year, playing five or six rounds of golf before heading Golf Diary on to another destination.
I was curious about his Scottish English accent, but it didn’t hinder his communication with fellow golfers. there isn’t much time for casual conversation while golfing – staying focused on your swing is paramount.
He stayed at the hotel within the golf course clubhouse, and I extended my hospitality by inviting him to my home. He brought a bottle of vodka and a large bottle of cola, mixing them together – he clearly had a strong tolerance for alcohol. We talked mostly about golf.
We had intended to play golf together again, but our busy schedules got in the way. However, since the Scottish gentleman also uses WeChat, we can easily plan another round whenever we like.
2018.11.5
I finally played a round of golf in “seventies,” although I was just one stroke away from breaking 80. I was so elated that I even enjoyed two beers to celebrate.
Lately, my golf game has been in good shape. The other day, I played with our driver, Xiao Zhong, and I was surprised to find that I could outdrive him with my driver most of the time, with the longest shot reaching around 240 yards. It was quite satisfying to surpass this young man, who is only a few years older than my son. Moreover, my iron shots on the putting greens were spot on, almost like I could hit wherever I wanted.
However, even after playing golf for two to three decades, it seems that these moments of satisfaction only come every so often.
2019.2.20
On the morning of February 20, 2019, I boarded a flight to Beijing. The purpose of this trip was to attend the launch ceremony of the 2019 China Golf Tour.
Initially, I was merely an ordinary golf enthusiast, someone who had been playing golf for two or three decades without ever truly mastering the game – a perpetual “outsider.” It was quite unexpected for me to be invited to attend the formal launch event of a professional golf tournament.
My nephew, Jixiang, holds a prominent position in the legal and investment sectors, and his partner’s company was a sponsor of the China Golf Tour. On that day, they were signing a contract with the China Golf Association to operate and launch the event.
The opening ceremony was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including officials, industry experts, club celebrities, and sponsors. I exchanged contact information with a few of them and made arrangements to play a round of golf together if the opportunity presented itself. Amidst all the excitement, at the very least, I got to witness the operations and preparations behind a professional golf event.
Unfortunately, I’ve never been naturally inclined toward socializing, and to this day, I still prefer to play golf alone. However, the advantage of this is that during those three or four hours on the golf course, I can fully immerse myself in the composition of the course and the imagery it presents.
2020.3.5
Today, on March 5, 2020, upon entering the clubhouse at Shenzhen Guanlanhu Golf Club, I instinctively donned a mask. As I neared the tee box and contemplated removing my mask, a nearby caddy gestured for me to keep it on. I looked around and witnessed a peculiar sight – everyone on the golf course, both players and caddies, was wearing masks. However, golf is traditionally an outdoor sport enjoyed in the sunshine, which is one of its great appeals.
Later, I came to realize that even professional golfers on the PGA Tour and Challenge Tour were competing with masks on, which had a somewhat comical appearance. Moreover, the previously bustling US Open and the Masters, held on expansive open courses, were now devoid of spectators, except for the play- ers and caddies. Surprisingly, even a tournament that historically garnered global attention, one that had not been interrupted even during the gunfire of World War I and World War II, had temporarily halted.
In the face of a pandemic and death, discussing golf does indeed seem like a luxury.
2020.10
During my stay in Manhattan, I fell ill, experiencing a persistent cough and fever for seven to eight consecutive days. Soon after recovering from the COVID, my wife and I went to New Jersey. I played seven rounds of golf in ten days, and remarkably, I didn’t feel any discomfort. I continued to paint dozens of pictures of autumn golf courses in succession, and I didn’t feel the slightest bit of fatigue. It goes to show that playing golf not only stems from passion but also promotes physical well-being. It’s truly a wonderful thing!
2021.5.9
Today, Hui and I went to the suburban Kiseena Park Club to play golf. Interestingly, we were paired with a father and son during this impromptu game.
I had an excellent start and surprisingly managed to score a birdie on the second hole, which was a par three. I was thrilled with the outcome! As for the father and son duo, the father was about ten years older than me, and his son was not yet thirty. Initially, I was concerned that my “rookie” level of play might dampen their enthusiasm, but after that “birdie,” both of them were in high spirits. The father showcased precision in his shots, while the son exhibited impressive distance off the tee. I gave my best effort to compete, but I could sense that I might fall short.
Adding to the excitement, an unexpected downpour of rain occurred, prompting us to sound the horn and suspend play. The outcome of the game remained undecided as we were unable to finish it due to the rain.
2022.9.2
Today, Hui and I played golf in the afternoon.
Skyway Golf Course in New Jersey has only nine holes, but the fairways are impeccably maintained, and the putting greens feel like they’re laid out on a silk fabric. During sunset, the golf course offers a captivating view of the dreamy Manhattan skyline across the Hudson River.
Among the young golfers we played with was a gentleman who works on Wall Street and seizes the chance to indulge in golf during his leisure time. He’s just over twenty years old and possesses a powerful swing, easily driving the ball over 300 yards with his 3-wood. I, on the other hand, used a driver and a short iron, and I could only keep up with him somewhat.
What’s amusing is that my consistent performance on the putting greens and his occasional out-of-bounds shots allowed me to secure a solid victory in this round. If I were to make a rough estimate, there’s at least a forty-year age gap between me and the young fellow. This is one of the reasons why golf always fascinates me. It’s so much fun!
2022.10.19
Today, Hui and I went golfing at Preakness Valley in New Jersey. It’s truly a stunning golf course. Established in 1931, the course boasts a rich history of over ninety years, and both the fairways and putting greens are meticulously maintained. The course is especially enchanting with its diverse array of trees, each adorned in vibrant autumn colors. I took over a hundred photos, and it seemed as though each one could be a work of art.
I’m usually accustomed to playing golf in the morning, but today, under the brilliant autumn sun, there were many golfers, and our tee time was pushed to nearly noon at 11 o’clock. One of my fellow players in the group was from Nevada and had a robust, imposing physique. Surprisingly, despite his appearance, he turned out to be exceptionally polite. During our conversation, I discovered that he worked as an art broker. I showed him some golf course paintings on my phone, and he was genuinely amazed. He claimed to have been playing golf for over two decades and immersed in the art industry for several decades, yet he had never come across such a professional golf course artist.
After a game that lasted over four hours, we had a great time with like-minded individuals. Back at the clubhouse, a large glass of draft beer, some fries, and a few chicken nuggets were just the perfect way to cap off the day.
2022.10.20
Hui and I went to play golf at Van Cortlandt Park, located to the north of Manhattan. It’s a community golf course, primarily visited by local residents, particularly the elderly.
In the United States over the past few decades, many private golf courses have been donated to local governments for conversion into community spaces. It’s estimated that there are nearly 40,000 golf courses worldwide. In the vast expanse of the United States alone, there are around 25,000, and even in a relatively small country like Japan, there are two to three thousand. In contrast, China currently has only around three to four hundred golf courses in operation, indicating that the sport is far from being widespread in China. I’ve discussed this topic in my essay Chatting About Golf.
Today, my golfing performance was average, but the golf course’s scenery was picturesque and could easily be turned into artwork.
2022.11.15
On November 15, 2022, my old friend Wang Yao flew from Los Angeles to New York to join me for a round of golf.
The New York golf courses were transitioning from late autumn to early winter, with the vibrant fall colors fading away, creating a somewhat desolate atmosphere. Furthermore, we decided to play at one of Donald Trump’s golf courses located at 500 Hutchinos River Parkway, known for its distinct links-style flavor.
As we played through the open terrain, the cold wind howled, and the temperature had dropped to below 40°F. Wang Yao, who is a few years younger than me, noticed that my enthusiasm remained unflagging, so he decided to endure the entire round with me. After playing eighteen holes, it took us nearly five hours, and we were left with frozen hands and feet, feeling the deep chill. Playing a full round in such low temperatures for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised to find that everything went smoothly, and my performance was excellent!
Donald Trump also has a golf course in New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. I’ve already made plans with my old friend to visit it another day, but we’ll have to wait until next spring at the earliest.
2023.3.16
Lately, my golf game had been progressing as usual, with me consistently keeping my score below a hundred, at the very least. Considering my age in my seventies, I felt quite content with my performance! to my surprise, a few days ago, I started hitting a series of shank shots during a round, occasionally failing to make solid contact with the ball. It was disheartening! I am well aware that the shank is every golfer’s nightmare!
I’ve never been naturally athletic, and more than thirty years ago, when I was learning golf at the Shanghai Grand City Golf Club, Coach Chen from Taiwan once exclaimed, “There are still such clueless golfers out there.” Fortunately, I eventually grasped the intricacies of the game and managed to persevere, becoming somewhat proficient in front of “outsiders.” However, every few years, I would experience a “low point,” and the most dreaded aspect was a series of shank shots that could persist for days.
Thankfully, my good friend Wang Yao sent me a video featuring a golf coach from Las Vegas who specialized in overcoming shanks. I diligently attempted to emulate and understand the techniques at the practice range. Surprisingly, after just one or two hours, I began to see results and started hitting the ball confidently. In my next round, playing all eighteen holes, I had completely recovered!
This experience reaffirms the importance of having a good coach. Perhaps I should consider running a training program specifically aimed at conquering the “shank-nightmare” while simultaneously pursuing my passion for painting. Of course, it’s just a playful thought for now.
2018.9.5
I had a dream last night.
Unexpectedly, I crossed paths with Tiger Woods at the Augusta golf course, and he ended up in the same group as me. Exuding the grace of a master, he motioned for me to tee off first. Still feeling a bit woozy, my hands shook as I swung the driver, and much to my surprise, I completely whiffed the ball. The master smiled, signaling that I could take another shot. Nervously, I swung again, but it didn’t go well—more of a shank shot, and the ball ended up who knows where. The master calmly said, “Relax, try to relax more.” Summoning my spirits, almost miraculously, I launched a shot nearly four hundred yards, reached the putting green in four strokes, and even managed to sink an eagle with one putt. The master, pleased, gave me a hug.
Upon waking, I rushed to the golf course, just in case I might actually run into the master.
2023.5.28
John has been a golfer since childhood, boasting skills that far surpass mine.
Today, we played 18 holes together at the Sag Harbor State Golf Course in New York. I’ve always had a quick pace on the golf course, often due to being entangled in various matters, making it challenging to play at a leisurely speed. However, John surprised me by playing even faster. His tee shots with the driver often land beyond 250 yards, sometimes with the ball still in the air as he has already left the tee box, heading straight to where the ball is expected to land. After a round, we spent less than three hours on the course. John is generally swift in his daily activities, emphasizing efficiency. In truth, one’s personality and habits are vividly revealed in a round of golf.
2019.6.2
I often say that sharing a round of golf with my son is one of life’s great joys.
During my recent visit to Los Angeles, I played three rounds with Yihang. Despite his busy schedule juggling work and family matters, he joins me on the golf course, more for the sake of company. However, his golfing insight is remarkable. Even with minimal practice, he handles a few irons so skillfully that it seems almost magical. Occasionally, he can drive the ball close to 200 yards with a nine-iron, nearly catching up to the distance of my driver.
I often encourage him to play more golf, at least to accompany me for a few more rounds. I truly envy the attention-grabbing father-son pairings we see, like Rory McIlroy with his father and Tiger Woods with his son.
2022.8.12
It takes about forty minutes to drive from Manhattan to Silver Lake Golf Course. Today marks our second visit to this course with Hui.
The weather was sunny just a moment ago, but dark clouds gathered swiftly, signaling an imminent heavy rainstorm. We only managed to play five holes before reluctantly deciding to leave. According to the standard golf course regulations, players must return to the clubhouse during lightning and thunder, and no play is allowed. If it’s just raining, players can continue at their discretion, but if the rain becomes too heavy, it’s rare to see anyone persist in playing. Fortunately, today’s rain was moderate, adding a unique charm to playing in the rain. However, my glasses fogged up due to the rain, turning it into a somewhat “blind play.”
2020.7.6
The complexities of life can be set aside on the golf course.
A round of golf takes three to five hours, during which all my focus is concentrated on that moment of striking the ball. Even with a “novice” skill level, a rare sweet spot hit can bring joy, especially when occasionally pushing a shot 20 yards beyond and grabbing a Par.
Today, at Shenzhen Guanlanhu Golf Club, on the 158-yard, par-3 hole with an 8-iron, I landed the ball on the putting green in one shot. A smooth putt, and it went in, scoring a birdie. Excitement surged, and I exchanged a high-five with the caddy.
The morning’s unpleasantness from a phone call was cast aside early on.
2017.8.18
Today, I headed to the Shanghai Grand City Golf Club near Qixin Road for a round of golf. The course remains the same, but the familiar faces from my earlier days seem to have moved on.
Back in the early 1990s, I resided in Shanghai Nanguo Garden. A community member named Mr. Chen, who owned property there, served as a coach at the Grand City Golf Club just across the street. He graciously invited me to learn the game, offering dedicated guidance while I committed myself to practice. After a few days, he invited me for a beer and subtly conveyed that golf requires insight, implying that I, as a student, might be a bit challenging to “enlighten.” Golf, during those times, was a refined pursuit, and despite the challenges, I decided to step back under his guidance. This, however, only fueled my dedication to practice. As Coach Chen predicted, breaking a hundred proved elusive for several years. Then, in Brussels one day, it felt like a sudden revelation, and my game consistently improved, resulting in a score of eighty-eight. Confidence surged from that moment onward. If I were to cross paths with Coach Chen today, he might not underestimate me. How amusing!