No Thanks, But I'll Keep the Free Stuff

Haven't updated in a while, mostly because this is a blog about my attempt to become a better golfer and as it's winter in New England (go ahead, start singing if you must) I haven't had a chance to go golfing for a while now.

I did get some fun new golf toys over Christmas, including a practice putting green that I'm sure will make me a much better mini-golfer and a chipping net which I will use when it finally gets warmer and I've got some room to work. I also got six sleeves of Ram FX Soft golfballs, which I look forward to losing one by one.

But, before I can get back out on the links, I was getting the mail the other day and I recieved a very official looking letter from the USGA (United States Golf Association). They were letting me know that for the low, low price of $10 I could be a member. Now, to paraphrase Groucho Marx, I'm hesitant to join any club that would have me as a member. But, as further enticement I was given a free USGA sticker, notepad and the promise of a U.S. Open hat if I signed up.

What do you get for $10, you ask? A sample of some of the goodies:
The latest copy of "The Rules of Golf" This will come in handy to figure out just how many of them I break on average during a round.
Members' E-Newsletter with exclusive golf articles and more So, I'm paying to get put on a mailing list?
Volunteer Opportunites at USGA Championship Paying for the right to volunteer. There is something very wrong with that.

Also included are travel deals, discounts in the USGA Merchandise catalog and a bag tag, as if anyone would ever want to walk off with my clubs. You also get a membership card. I'm a sucker for a membership card.

Were I a better golfer then this is something that I would consider. But, given my short fuse when I repeatedly stink at something, there is a good chance that I'll have given up golf three or four times by August. Then I'm just out the $10. In the meantime I think that money would be better spent on lessons.