You know, you’re researching a big purchase, you need something done or are otherwise considering your options and people say, “You should call my guy.”

My brother-in-law has a flooring guy. My girlfriend has a hotel reservation guy. (Don’t ask.) My former co-worker has a carpet cleaning guy. My friend gave NiceBallz her web guy. She also has a tax guy. And, everyone seems to have a contractor or a car repair guy.

People like to tell you about their guy (who, of course, sometimes is a she) because they feel like an insider with special, exclusive knowledge unavailable to the rest of us.

However, when someone tells you they have a guy it can inspire skepticism, like maybe they have Mafia connections and are in on the take. Other times it’s just an honest recommendation based on good service provided in the past. But, it can be difficult to know which is which.

Now, after three driving range dates this week – three days in a row with different people at the same place – I realize something profound: I’m that guy!

To my family, friends, former colleagues and even the lady at my chiropractic place, I’m their golf guy.

It provokes both tremendous pride and trepidation.

In some ways I have arrived as a golf enthusiast. People want to meet me at the driving range and hit balls for fun. They like to talk golf and want my advice on golf club purchases, what ball to play, which course to recommend for their clients or out-of-town friends and, occasionally, (to their detriment) they seek swing tips from me.

I’m flattered. But, being someone’s golf guy also comes with incredible responsibility, a weight I’m not sure I always want to bear. Being a golf guy means staying up on the latest and greatest. Playing the best courses before your buddies. Knowing the difference between a 2-piece and 4-layer golf ball. Whatever.

Writing a golf blog, at least in their minds, adds credibility to my case. Somehow I’m more legitimate. Official, even.

I didn’t think I was old enough yet to be people’s golf guy. But, I was in denial. Apparently I am that golf guy and I’m finally going to embrace it. Call it an early New Year’s resolution.

I may not have connections with the Corleones (although I am a godfather), but I can make a connection with my 3-wood. It seems, for some people, that’s enough to make me their golf guy. So ask me your questions. Bring me your concerns. Seek my advice, if it helps.

And, next time I hear someone say they have a guy, I’ll now share a secret, proud kinship as a perceived expert with the plumbers, tree trimmers and HD installers of the world who are someone else’s guy. Here’s to you, guys!

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