Whenever I’m out and about – whether it be to the supermarket, the pizza joint down the street, or the Petsmart where we buy our rabbit supplies – invariably I’m always stopped and asked what it’s like to be part of Goodboys Nation. The question always humbles and amuses me, and I always reply that Goodboys Nation is a lot like the Roach Motel (or the Hotel California) – you can check in anytime you’d like but you can never leave.

There has been many a Goodboy who thinks after a year or two in the fold that they’ve had enough of the juvenile shenanigans and non-stop hijinx typical of a Goodboys weekend – after all, you think you’ve finally attained the status of “adult” and wonder what you’re doing hanging around with these idiots when there are so many other quality ways you could spend a pleasant July weekend. Heck, I’ve often wondered that couple two three times myself. And it’s true that there are few people happier in the world than the Goodboys who head out on Sunday golfed out and Goodboys’d out for the relative safety and sanity of home and hearth.

But inevitably, every March or thereabouts, perhaps at the first sign of Robin redbreast, or that first warm day when the driving ranges shed their winter cloak amongst still-melting snowpiles, anyone who has ever been a part of the Goodboys tradition gets to thinkin’ about warm July weekends, cold beers, blue skies, and emerald greens. They think about rekinding friendships and acquaintances, and and the usual what ever happed to so-and-so, the memories of years and good times and Goodboys past.

Because, in the end – unless you’re a cold-hearted, manipulative, and controlling son of a bitch – and the Goodboys know who I’m talking about – that’s what being a Goodboy is all about. It’s taking a weekend break from the humdrum of life, to whack a few balls, receive a few housecalls from “the Good Doctor”, and strive for the prized winner’s jacket and a share of the Spielberg Memorial Trophy – the epitome of success for every (well, almost every… sorry Goose!) Goodboy.

And this year, the 19th annual incarnation of this hallowed event, I’m pleased to announce that a bunch of fine chickens who had left the fold for several years have decided to come home to roost. Therefore, this year’s Goodboys will assemble a group of legendary participants like never seen before in the annals of Goodboys history and tradition. Consider the field assembled:

1. Doug “The Great White Shank” Richard – five-time winner (1991, 1993, 1996, 2000, 2007) and resident blogger and general keeper of the Goodboys flame

2. Pat “Doggy Duval” McLaughlin – four-time winner (1992, 1995, 1997, 2008) and reigning champion

3. Steve “Killer” Kowalski – three-time winner (1995, 2003, 2007)

4. Ben “The Funny Guy” Andrusaitis – three-time winner (1991, 1993, 1999) and resident rogue and all-about authority on just about everything

5. Paul “Possum” Shepter – two-time winner (2001, 2008) and reigning champion

6. Mike “Vegas” Clark – two-time winner (2002, 2004) and one blessed with the sweetest short game you’re likely to see on any Goodboys weekend

7. Jay “Crusher” Spielberg – two-time champ (1998,2001) and inspiration for the hallowed Spielberg Memorial Trophy

8. Tony “2 Times” Proctor – one-time winner (2004) and resident financial genius

9. Ron “Cubby” Myerow – one-time champion (2003) and artist-in-residence

10. Steve “Deuce” Doucette – one-time champ (2005) and survivor of Goodboys 2005

11. Bob “Bobcat” Kelley – one-time champ (1996) and back for the first time since 2001

12. Kevin “Goose” Dwyer – perennial “BGNTHNWAGC” (Best Goodboys Never To have Won A Goodboys Championship); without a doubt this is his year.

This year, the Goodboys will be taking a break from the Cape, those crazy New Yorkers, and the snail trail of cars snaking along Route 6 and the Yabbada-Dabbada bridge (or whatever it’s called) and return to New Hampshire for the first time since 1999. It promises to be a weekend of laughs and reminiscing, and planning for the “Big 20” celebration slated for next year.

Me, I can’t wait.