If you’ve ever lost a golf partner, you’ll relate to the following article well, I’m afraid.

The sacred bond between golfers is not unlike the relationship between family. Unfortunately (in the most selfish sense of the word), I just lost both in one fell swoop.

My cousin Nick, who loyal readers will recognize as my golfing partner of the past two years, has moved to Washington D.C. to start a new, exciting chapter of his life. It’s unquestionably a good thing for him, but that’s going to be a long commute for golf.

Luckily, our schedules aligned to allow us to play 45 holes of golf in a three-day stretch before he left. It was one final flurry filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows that come with this game that we love.

We began at our “home” course of The Vineyards in Fredonia. We’ve played there several times this season and have come to really enjoy the unique course. Score-wise, it was probably a forgettable round as both of us played pretty poorly. It was still great to get out there one more time together. The perfect mix of rain and sun we’ve been experiencing has the course looking wonderful, too.

That was the first nine holes. The next 18 came at a course that I hadn’t played since my first year as a golfer – Tri-County Country Club in Forestville. I’m planning on doing a full article regarding our round at TCCC, so be sure to come back next week to read that one.

Our final round was up in Silver Creek at Rose Brook Golf Club. We met my friend Matt up there on one of the hottest days in memory. If there wasn’t a breeze, I’m not entirely sure we would have survived the day.

Due to a tournament, we had to start on No. 10. If you’re not familiar with Rose Brook, No. 10 is a par 3 that tees off right outside the clubhouse. It’s one of the signature holes of the entire course. While listed at only 145 yards, it’s anything but easy.

For one, there’s a massive gorge between the tee box and the green. If you carry the gorge, you still have to worry about the sand trap that sits right in front of the green. It’s a hole that can eat you alive even when you’re nice and warmed up. Yet believe it or not, none of those hazards got any of us. All three of us were just off the green either to the right or left. It looked like we were in for a great day. Well… then we chipped. Or at least we attempted to chip. It was three of the ugliest shots you’ve ever seen. We couldn’t help but laugh at ourselves after that debacle.

Thankfully, we did warm up and played better (for the most part) the rest of the round. In fact, I had arguably the best stretch of golf I’ve ever played. Starting on No. 15 and wrapping back to No. 1, I was 1-under par. That’s right, I put together a par-par-birdie-par-par. The birdie on No. 17 was the second time in two rounds I’ve birdied that hole. Maybe there’s hope for me yet (Spoiler alert: I’m still not very good).

By the end of the round, we were all obviously getting tired. Our swings were lazier. The ball wasn’t exploding off the club anymore. It got me thinking about professional golfers, who hit countless shots every day and play in weekend tournaments that must put incredible stress on both their bodies and minds. We were exhausted after 45 holes of using a cart. These guys walk 72 holes with money riding on literally every shot.

That final round was the definition of bittersweet (no, really – look it up). We had a great time at a beautiful course, but we really don’t know when we’ll get to play again.

Has anyone ever had a situation like this? Please tell me it worked out for the best. I’d love to hear your stories. Email me at golfersdiary@gmail.com.

Again, come back next week to hear all about Tri-County Country Club and some of the upcoming events going on there.

Until then, golf is great. Go get some.

Stefan Gestwicki is an OBSERVER contributing writer. Comments on this article can be sent to golfersdiary@gmail.com.