I have always appreciated Mark Twain as a great author in American history.

I do not agree with the banning of his books due to language.

Granted, some of the language is highly unacceptable.

However at the time when Twain wrote them, it was the social norm. Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer are two such legends.

That being said, Twain’s opinions went horribly awry when he tried to turn into a sports commentator.

Twain is notably quoted as calling the sport of golf “a good walk spoiled,” or something to that effect.

I am here to disagree wholeheartedly with Twain, as in recent weeks I have enjoyed my nine-hole walks immensely.

It started Labor Day weekend when a friend of mine was in town from Washington, D.C.

I decided a round of golf would be some fun bonding time, so Student Government Financial Vice President Joseph D. Cirillo, SGA Sen. Jack Coatar, Sen. Emeritus Jack Smedile and I played nine holes at Forest Park.

Coatar, Cirillo and I decided to continue this tradition on a weekly basis.

The exercise and ability to improve our golf games was well worth the time and money.

We thought it best to rotate our fourth player each week, and last Friday we had the distinct pleasure of the company of Associate Vice President of Student Development Phil Lyons.

Normally, one might find it awkward for three students and a member of the administration to meet in a casual social setting. But, the foursome meshed well, and conversation held steady, ranging on topics from the state of the stock market to SLU’s Greek system to fantasy football.

The highlight of the round came on the second hole. We were playing the third nine at Forest Park-the Hawthorne Course.

The second hole is a medium-length par three-about 160 yards. Lyons hit and left the ball a little short, and it landed in some long grass.

Without a word, Lyons pulled out another ball and set up to hit again.

No big deal-this was a friendly game with no gambling.

However, the ball Lyons pulled out of his pocket was translucent pink.

The glowing ball flew toward the green. Puzzled, we had to ask him.

Lyons explained he had found the ball and played well with it, so he didn’t have the heart to get rid of it.

Lyons and Cirillo battled for the group lead, and it would have been tough coming down to the wire, with both men playing well, but the end result never came to fruition.

The highlight of the round came a hole or two before Lyons had to depart.

Mired in a bunker, Lyons made a brilliant shot and the ensuing putt for a great sand save.

The save would mean that he beat Cirillo on the hole.

Cirillo quipped, “The fact that you made that great save with a pink ball makes me feel like even less of a man.”

Coatar, missing eagle putts on both of the lengthy par fives Hawthorne has to offer, was a tremendous source of disappointment for everyone in the group.

The scores turned out positive, even though Lyons unfortunately had to leave a few holes early.

We pressed on without him and finished as strongly as possible.

But at the end of the day, it was an enjoyable time.

We had such a good time with Lyons that Director of Housing and Residence Life Argyle Wade has recieved and accepted our invitation to play this Sunday.

To the members of the Saint Louis University administration: Keep your inboxes open-you might be next to receive an invitation.

To the SLU students: Your administration is filled with good people.

Take the time to get to know them take them on the golf course.

Clearly, they are receptive to the idea.