Facing Embarrassment on a Dream Day
As I prepared for my exciting day, a wave of anxiety hit me. I realized I hadn’t considered the valet aspect of my perfect outing. My old Honda CR-V was a mess, complete with my pillow in the back seat. I also neglected to clean the bird droppings that were crusting one of the backseat windows. To add to my stress, I fumbled around my car trying to locate my wallet, repeating the frantic search as if it were some awkward dance move.
A Tradition of Social Blunders
I have a knack for embarrassing myself, and this day seemed no different. If only a golf commentator were narrating my misadventures. “He seems to have found trouble right at Founders Circle…” they might say, detailing my blunders regarding bird poop and a misplaced wallet. Those who know me well can confirm that these mishaps were genuine and probably accompanied by even more social faux pas.
Getting Ready at Augusta
Fortunately, the day took a turn for the better. Arriving at Augusta National sparked both excitement and anxiety. Having played with my dad and friends as a youth in Chicago, I realized it had been three years since I last swung a club. Although I practiced at the driving range the day before, my confidence dwindled as I began hitting shanks instead of solid shots right before my once-in-a-lifetime round at the legendary course.
Time for the Round
I was at Augusta National an hour before my tee time, delighted to join my colleagues and a pair of Chinese journalists. After storing our belongings in the champions’ locker room and visiting the pro shop, I met my caddie, Kemp Hooper. Even though I hoped to regain my swing, I struggled to connect with the ball properly. It was a depressing sight, especially as I compared my performance to the flawless drives from professional golfers who had just practiced there.
Finding My Groove
Panic set in, prompting me to seek Kemp’s advice. He quickly identified the issues in my swing and provided guidance. His instructions helped me gradually improve, and before long, I secured my driver and struck a solid shot. Even though my first tee shot veered left, I started hitting some decent shots consistently, forgetting my worries about my score.
A Memorable Experience
As I played, I felt exhilarated despite overlooks at several holes. I made wise shots, like landing on the green at the par-5 13th with a chance for birdie. I celebrated my progress with Kemp, who provided invaluable insights and motivation throughout the round. He kept me relaxed with jokes, ultimately making the day a joy. My par on the sixth green was particularly sweet, considering how my day began, making it one of my small triumphs.
Final Thoughts
After finishing the round, I was amazed to hear I had likely broken 100, though I still harbored skepticism regarding my score. Regardless of my final tally, the day was unforgettable. If given another chance to return, I know two things for certain: I’d want Kemp as my caddie again and ensure my car windows would be spotless this time.
