It’s a helluva game.
On the first tee.
Dad Caddy 1 : Focus. Focus well, because if you don’t focus you’ve got problems.
Dad Caddy 2 : Aim at the house. No not that house.
Rob slams it up the fairway, straight and true. It’s a good start. We are quietly going along well. Birdie on the first ! Par on the second. Cruising !!!
Hole 4 we crash and burn and reach the stroke limit for the first time ever. Bad drive – short, left and into the rough. Bad hybrid into a bunker. Bad 5 iron into the water. Drop. Bad 5 iron into the water again. Drop. Water again …….. He’s mad. It’s all my fault …. of course.
He’s driving it off the hozzle, not the middle of the club face. I tell him.
I’m not TRYING to.
Well then don’t. It’s not a case of not trying, it’s a case of doing. Like in Star Wars when Yoda says – don’t try to do it, just do it.
Well how can I do it if I don’t try to do it …..
2 Birdies, 2 Pars and large scale sabotage. A little apology thrown in for bad attitude, but forgotten by the next hole. At the end he reminds me that he plays his best golf when I don’t say anything. I feel I am already a model of self-control. A model of quiet self-control – probably not happening, that is. Unless I can get Yoda on the bag.
There were many moments today that I wonder what on earth I’m doing out here besides burning up in the heat and simmering internally. Yet as much as Rob walks around after a few bad holes with what looks like a black cloud hanging over his head he assures me he is happy, wants to be here, and really enjoys hanging with the players on and off the course. If he could wave off the black cloud before it rains on the parade we would both be better off – mentally and mechanically.
It’s a helluva game ……. with little victories thrown in just every now and again to make you want to come back for more.