GOLF 101
Opportunities to attend sporting events that involve our kids are few and far between these days. When I was first brought into the fold, each of our two younger ones each played two sports. When contemplating dates for our wedding, we actually consulted a master sports calendar schedule! Seriously. But now with our youngest just having graduated from high school, we have just about come to the end of the road.
However, today I attended one of the youngest’s golf tournaments in a neighboring city. With record heat over the past few days, I was none too excited at the prospect. Once there, however, it hit me that we are making memories. These little bits and pieces here and there are memories. They shape us. They nurture us. They keep us going. Especially when the teenage potty mouth returns.
But it is a great reminder that my presence there may be the memory that reminds him to be the dad that he needs to be someday. No, I didn’t want to get up at 5:45 a.m., drive 60 miles and spend an entire day in the blazing July heat. (And if not for the good example my husband sets, likely would not have, by the way.) Still, this morning, I did it. We made a memory. Nothing spectacular happened. (That 10 on hole 14 was not spectacular I assure you!) It was just a day when a choice was made to go and support my “son.” It was merely time we could spend together. It was something I could do to show my interest in his life. Hopefully, he will make that same choice for his kids someday.
But now I digress….Since I have done this “golf” thing for some years now, I feel as though I can offer some advice.
“SEVEN TIPS FOR SURVIVING GOLF TOURNAMENTS IN THE BLAZING JULY HEAT”
1. GET A CART!
You do not want to have to walk a golf course when it feels like Satan is breathing fire on you. So get there early, pay the fee and have a freaking good time scaring the hell out of people with your very own golf cart.
2. WEAR A VISOR AND/OR SUNGLASSES.
Obviously!
3. BRING SUNSCREEN AND BUG SPRAY.
Again, pretty obvious.
4. WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHING AND SHOES.
So you would think that since you have arrived early, paid your cart fee and are officially scaring the hell out of people with said cart that you should not concern yourself with your attire. Au contraire. You will find yourself running for water and Gatorade for your dehydrated child. You will find yourself on the greens searching for a ball gone way off the beaten path. You will be sweating like a marathoner. Thus you will find yourself sticking to the faux leather cart seat. Trust me, be comfortable.
5. HYDRATE!
Yes, the kid needs to be hydrated but so do you. Pack a cooler.
6. BRING SNACKS.
You don’t want to go all day without food. And the snack bar is not where I would be spending my dime unless absolutely desperate. Therefore, pack snacks.
7. BRING A GOOD BOOK.
It’s a long day.
HAPPY GOLFING!
