Seaside Golf - A poem by John Betjeman

John Betjeman - Seaside Golf

How straight it flew, how long it flew,
It clear'd the rutty track
And soaring, disappeared from view
Beyond the bunker's back -
A glorious, sailing, bounding drive
That made me glad I was alive.

And down the fairway, far along
It glowed a lonely white;
I played an iron sure and strong
And clipp'd it out of sight,
And spite of grassy banks between
I knew I'd find it on the green.

And so I did. It lay content
Two paces from the pin;
A steady putt and then it went
Oh, most surely in.
The very turf rejoiced to see
That quite unprecedented three.

Ah! Seaweed smells from sandy caves
And thyme and mist in whiffs,
In-coming tide, Atlantic waves
Slapping the sunny cliffs,
Lark song and sea sounds in the air
And splendour, splendour everywhere.

Credit: Reprinted with the permission of John Murray (Publishers) Ltd

Added: on May 5th, 2006 at 5:05 AM | Viewed: 5887 times | Comments (4)

Seaside Golf - Comments and Information
Poet: John Betjeman Poem: Seaside Golf Comment 4 of 4, added on December 15th, 2008 at 3:13 PM. A lovely poem and reminds me strongly of my most euphoric game of golf, at St Enodoc about which I believe this was written. JB was a member at St Enodoc golf course in Rock, over the estuary from Padstow in Cornwall. He is buried in St Enodoc church (see other poems), which was recovered from the sands where it had been covered for many years. A beautiful place well worth seeking out ! Dan from United Kingdom Comment 3 of 4, added on January 19th, 2007 at 5:03 PM. As we all know golf can be a very frustrating game. Even the best of golfers wants to give it up when they play badly so imagine the joy a good game can bring. John Betjeman does just that in Seaside Golf. The rhyme and rhythm and the choice of words that Betjemin employs reinforces the euphoria of a good game. JB used to holiday in Cornwall and he may have played at one of the seaside golf courses where he had this wonderful experience. I first read this poem in 1975 and I often think of it when I play golf. I am sure golfers would immediately identify with it, especially when they enjoy a good round of golf. In the last stanza he arouses all our senses and is literally "flitting" above the grass when he makes par. And it's not just about golf. It could apply to any game and to life too. A wonderful poem. Stuart from Australia Comment 2 of 4, added on May 5th, 2006 at 5:05 AM. I have been studying John Betjeman for English, i think that he is a wonderful poet and how ever much i hate golf, this poem does make it sound fun and something that can be enjoyed. What is most amusing is his way of being able to remember every single detail of what the day was like, it just shows that people never really grow old and he shows this within all his poems. Emma from United Kingdom More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, Seaside Golf, has received 4 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by John Betjeman with others on the Poetry Connection poetry forum!

Poem Info
Seaside Golf Last read: 2009-11-21 05:48:23 Viewed 5887 times. Added on May 5th, 2006 at 5:05 AM.

Betjeman Info
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