The snow is clearing and spring will soon come to our beautiful, green island.

Time to think of golf!

Since my knowledge of golf is minuscule, I have decided to interview an island golf enthusiast, and inquire about some of the mysteries and joys of golf.

Nick Graziose is a 26-year-long resident of Hicksville. A 48-year-old father of three (two girls, one boy), he is head of maintenance at the Hamlet Condominium. Nick started golfing in 1995. Prior to that he played softball and coached eighth-grade softball at Hicksville Middle School.

Q: Nick, Why do you enjoy this new game so much?

A: I enjoy the natural aspects. The smells. The grass. The birds, etc. I enjoy the sands. The clean hit of the ball and the ball rolling into the cup.

I love the competition and the challenges.

Q: Where does the pleasure come in?

A: The anticipation of the great shot!

Q: Do you need super-duper expensive equipment?

A: No, technology will help slightly, but it is the golfer and not the equipment (that determines success).

Lee Trevino once tied a coke bottle to a stick and beat his competition. Sam Snead used the branch of a tree once to outplay his foursome.

Q: Isn't it frustrating, at times?

A: No, because with experience you learn why you did something wrong. Knowing eliminates frustration. Hopefully you won't do it wrong again.

Q: Isn't golf too expensive?

A: It's relative to the pleasure you receive. Also, a youngster might find it expensive, except when he plays with his dad, who picks up the tab.

Q: Is golf really exercise?

A: If you walk the course and either carry your clubs or use a pull-cart, it is a good walking exercise.

If you use a caddy, it is less exercise.

If you use an electric cart, it is much less exercise.

Q: Should you take a cart?

A: Some people can't do the heavy dragging or long walking. They should decide what is good for them.

Q: What is your favorite course and why?

A: The Oyster Bay golf course. It is well-kept and I had a great round of golf there. I went around in 91.

Q: Other great courses?

A: Colonial Springs, near Pinelawn Cemetery, and Lido on the South Shore.

Q: What about the 19th hole? Isn't that beer (or cola) with the boys a reminder of youth and freedom?

A: Yes, definitely. It reminds me of the time after a softball game. The beer, or coke, and good conversation. I'm too old for softball so golf is the game of choice.

Q: What does your wife think about Nick and his golf day out? Does she think you should spend the time with her?

A: Grudgingly, she has accepted this one day of mine for golf. She knows it makes me happy and less tense.

Thanks, Nick for answering all these questions. All these questions and answers have given me a new insight and approach to this pastoral game.

If I can hit one or two good shots during 18 holes, while taking 150 strokes, maybe there is a future for me in this mystical pastime called golf.