Golfing Journey with My Son
During a recent outing, my son and I played 18 holes of golf for the first time on a large course, but, thankfully, we didn’t keep an official score. My aim was to share the enjoyable aspects of the game with him, from zipping around in a golf cart to enjoying some Gatorade and hot dogs while basking in the summer sun and sharing laughs.
What could be better on a summer morning? To my surprise, my son managed to par a hole, while I struggled and ended up with a double bogey—frankly, he played wonderfully, while I didn’t.
Learning the Ups and Downs of Golf
However, my 13-year-old son also encountered the more frustrating elements of golf, which many players simply refer to as “golf.” After shanking a shot into the woods, he exclaimed in exasperation, “Aarrghh!”
He expressed confusion about his performance, noting, “Last week, I was hitting everything well. Today, I’m doing the same things, but nothing’s working!” I couldn’t help but chuckle and replied, “My sympathies; sounds like you’re already a golfer.”
Finding Calm amidst Chaos
While some players may consistently hit their shots well, most of us struggle to achieve our ideal performance every time, which can be maddening. To keep my own frustration at bay, I follow specific habits: for instance, I refrain from keeping score during rough patches. A Labatt Blue Light for every nine holes and a hot dog at “the turn” contribute to maintaining a relaxed attitude during the game. After all, how stressful can it be when hot dogs are a part of the round?
As my son learned, the gap between our expectations and reality can be vast. A golf instructor once pointed out that my perception during swings didn’t match reality, and I realized that in my mind I was Rory McIlroy, but in reality, I resembled a duck trying to take off in a sweater.
Embracing the Game
Even when I face setbacks, the hope of hitting a perfect shot keeps me coming back. Just last week, I had a satisfying swing at a local driving range that felt euphoric. Yet, those moments can lead to distortions in self-perception, as golfers often overestimate or underestimate their skills. Personally, I tend to shoot in the low 90s, which is relatively decent for a weekend golfer, sitting comfortably between “OK” and “not terrible.”
Looking Forward to Future Rounds
I find joy in being average at this challenging game, and as the season changes, I eagerly anticipate more rounds of golf in Western New York. With crisp air, fewer crowds, and the Bills on TV, every round, even the bad ones, holds beauty.
I’ll keep showing up, armed with my two Labatt beers and a hot dog. I’ll embrace the hope that the next swing might bring clarity and improvement, while also celebrating the moments when my son bested me on the course. Next time, who knows? He might win even more.
And when my shots don’t go as planned, I’ll remind myself: this is more than enough. It’s truly plenty.
Dan Higgins is an editor and columnist.
