I remained at the scoring table today, Zen-like as the wind whipped at the tent and detached from the individual dramas played out on the course. Max was on Rob’s bag, Bear caddied for himself. It all went well. My boys were happy and relaxed and scored in their usual ranges.
A few observations.
When you are in the US Kids Golf family for many years a lot of growth takes place – mentally (with luck) but definitely physically. Bear (aging out at the end of the year and playing only a few US Kids tournaments these days, largely as practice rounds for multi-day events) started when he was seven years old. He is now pushing 6′ and nostalgia creeps in if you let it – although on the other hand there has been so much growth and preparation over the years that one has to be excited about where it is all going.
The physical growth that kids go through during their US Kids ‘careers’ is quite dramatic. The tournament director saw Rob hanging on the putting range and went over to wager a 10lb bag of dog food for Rob’s Rescues on a putting competition. “He’s just how I was at that age – all legs!”. He has long legs like his mama – with his torso still to catch up.
Puberty and the accompanying growth spurts generally wreak havoc on a junior golfer’s game and brain. Its a whole new ball game in the teenage years but US Kids Golf is the perfect playground for learning. And learning is just what it is.
It is not helpful when a caddy-daddy loudly exclaims to another across the practice putting range: “There’s just no point – if you’re not top five – you should just go home!”
So short-sighted.
As I have grown with my boys through the system I remember caring so much more about their scores when they were 8 years old than I do now. Partly possibly because of my pursuit of Zen-like detachment from outcome, but also because I know now that the player’s post-puberty swing and mindset is really going to steer his course. Which is not my course.