Me: We are both available to caddy this weekend. Who do you want?
Rob: It doesn’t matter to me. Either. (Pause) Daddy.
So Max was Dad on the Bag today. I think if I don’t say much about the game. Or about anything really. I am quite an acceptable caddy these days. The big advantage that Max has is that he is a good golfer in his own right (my knowledge gained from a lesson here and there, watching, reading and listening is apparently negligible) and Rob is more inclined therefore to tolerate corrections from his father.
They had played at our club the afternoon before and spent some time after on the driving range, ironing out kinks. Rob played pretty well and was receptive to a few further adjustments, including in attitude. He only got upset with himself once and Max reminded him of how this has been a problem with Bear over the years – one bad shot can quite literally sink a round with an ensuing quadruple as he flounders through the rip-tide. Rob responded well to this reminder and ended only 2 off the lead.
Text from Max : Rob played really nicely. A lot of nice shots. 4 over 40 with a 3 putt on last hole …..
Text from Rob : I lipped out 2 putts and if I made both I would have been playing in the playoff. This was followed by various frowney face emojis. 63 to be exact.
Text from a dad of one of the country’s top ranked kids in a younger age group : Greetings! Great round for Rob today. Tell him T and I said congrats!
Golf is a great game and the ultimate bonding experience. It builds character, friendships and come Spring, a healthy immunity towards the ubiquitous pollen !