Being of Scottish ancestry, I have experienced the social assumption that I must be a golfer of some repute. But truthfully, my initials RB actually stand for ‘RidiculouslyBad’ and best describes my level of play. However, this fact does not discourage me from playing when the opportunity presents. It is a commonly known fact amongst golfers that, unless you are on the professional tour, we all share the same capability of ‘duffing’ the odd shot. This truth is like a secret handshake: We all know it exists but we never talk about it out of respect for each other. It goes without saying that laughing is a major NO NO.
For example, have you ever been at the driving range and had to take the last available stall next to a professional handicapper who is using a driver that costs as much as your car? Then, to your amazement, he trickles his tee shot a mere 10 feet in front of your nose, muttering a few inappropriate words under his breath and blaming his parents for not paying for lessons when he was three years old.
Remember how you felt when you saw that? Did you laugh?
For me, I wondered if there could be a more positive approach to golf. If I was to treat golf as a valuable mode of exercise first, then regardless of how I did, I will likely finish my eighteen holes without wanting to throw myself and my clubs into the nearest water hazard or blame my parents sitting at home watching Tiger Woods win yet another tournament, shaking their heads for not having bought me lessons when I was three years old.
Think about it. If you scored 200 on the front nine, you will have accomplished a major workout. Because you would have had to hike 10 miles through some of the most treacherous terrain on the planet to achieve such a score, you can likely pass on the back nine and can go straight to the nineteenth hole.
How great is that?
On my recent foray to Whistler a few weeks ago, my dear and patient friend booked us for a round at the Chateau Whistler Golf Course. I had not been on a major golf course in six years and not even a driving range for the past two. A year ago, I had received a set of left clubs as a gift and had not even taken them out the bag. At my friend’s advice, I spent a few days before at the driving range. My son accompanied me to give me some feedback and bolster my confidence.
Still, by game day, I had been awake since 4:30 am, stewing over the fact that I must be crazy to think I am going to keep up.
On the first tee, I watched my opening shot trickle for 10 feet in front of me. Collecting myself in the golf cart on our way up the first fairway, I turned to my friend and said that I was not going to keep score per se, just have fun. He was most supportive.
From that moment on, I had a great time. I even made a few long puts and am now encouraged to play more often.
I can see the day when I will keep score. Maybe.
Next week: Walking and Singing in the Rain
Have a week of good health.
Rick
