First, I would like to mention one of the most ‘Kick Ass People’ I have EVER *met*. A big fat ‘Thank You’ goes out to my friend Gina, for giving me This Award. Seriously, her and I have so much in common, I think I may have found my ‘Twin’!
Now, as some of you may already know, I just started playing Golf last summer.
Well, that’s not entirely true.
Let me give you some back-story.
When I was a little girl my mother used to send me, and my younger brother Abercrombie, to Daytona Beach in Florida to spend the summers with my grandparents Manga and Poppa Sye. My grandmother Manga spoiled us with her delicious ‘Liverwurst Sandwiches’ and her famous homemade ‘Polpetta Soup’. And my grandfather Poppa Sye was in charge of teaching us how to play golf, and taking us out to the ‘Country Club’.
My brother and I absolutely loved spending the summers with them. But that’s another blog post for another time. Now, I haven’t really played the game of golf since I was around 11 years old. And that’s because I quit, mostly due to the fact that my younger brother always won. And I really hated losing to him.
So, fast-forward to last summer.
Some of ‘The Girls’ from my local Country Club [KHCC] started playing golf on a regular basis. And I would go out with them, but only to play the role of Paparazzi. I never dared to pick up a club. That is until one day, when ‘Amy The Bartender’ made me take a swing. Much to everyone’s surprise, I was NOT terrible. I suppose some of what I had learned as a child stuck with me. And that’s when it became clear my ‘Inner Athlete’ was still very much alive. I spent the rest of that summer enjoying the game and playing nearly every weekend.
That being said, I really couldn’t wait for the ‘Golfing Season’ to start this year. I was even more excited because for the first time since we were kids, my brother would be joining us. Little did I know the ‘Psychological Effect’ having my brother ‘On The Course’ would have over me.
The first time we went out to ‘Play Golf’, my girlfriends Suzy Mazz, and ‘Amy The Bartender’ totally reaped the benefits of having my brother Abercrombie present because he was more than helpful. In fact, he instructed them so well, it was just like they were receiving ‘Private Lessons’.
But when the time came for my brother to help me?
That’s when the difficulties began.
I was completely awkward. I felt almost as if I had never swung a golf club in my entire life.
Which is clearly demonstrated in the photographs below:
No matter what my brother told me, I kept ‘Popping Up’ on my back swing, rather than ‘Staying Down’.
I heard his words loud and clear, and I understood exactly what he was saying, but it felt completely unnatural for my body to stay in the ‘Correct Position’.
Fortunately, no one was hurt.
Amy and Suzy continued to receive advice from my brother. And they both did a great job. They were easily able to implement all of the ‘Knowledge’ my brother shared with them and rather quickly. I was highly impressed when they both made Par on the Third Hole.
Sadly. Yours truly did not do so well.
Seriously people. All day long, my game went more like this:
A ‘Swing’ and a ‘Miss.’ [insert cursing.] Another ‘Swing’ and another ‘Miss.’ [insert MORE cursing.] Another ‘Swing and a near ‘Miss.’ [insert almost crying and MORE cursing.]
‘Rinse And Repeat’.
According to my brother, I was ‘Choking Down’ way too much on the club because my ‘Grip’ was wrong.
And my brother was absolutely right.
Because….
It was nothing short of a Miracle when I actually made Contact with the ball.
And even though it really took us FOUR HOURS to play a mere SIX HOLES we enjoyed each other’s company and we certainly laughed a lot.
The second time we went out to ‘Play Golf’, my brother was more than happy to join us again. Honestly, he must have the patience of a ‘Saint’ to be able to withstand teaching three ‘Newbies’ that move very, very, very, very, very, very slowly around the course. And who like to take many, many, many, many, many, many, many ‘Do-Over’ swings and shots.
Once again, Amy and Suzy learned a lot from my brother and they both did very well.
And once again, I was out of sorts.
My grip was still wrong, my stance was way off, and my swing was absolutely disastrous.
I looked more like I was fleeing from the ‘Scene Of A Crime’ than ‘Playing Golf’.
Seriously?
As much as I would like to blame my ridiculous stance, crazy bent knees, and my horrendous swing on the fact that I am wearing one too many layers of clothing since it was probably only 30 degrees outside. I simply can’t.
I also tried to disguise my ‘Total Lack Of Motor Skills’ by at least sporting a Matching Set of Burberry earmuffs and scarf in hopes that the other people would become too distracted by the pretty pattern and forget all about the fact that I kept MISSING THE BALL!
Now, I was becoming increasingly frustrated.
I really couldn’t figure out WHY this was happening to me every single time my brother came any where near me.
At one point, I almost gave up completely. I thought it might be better for everyone if I just stayed in the cart taking photos.
But, I am not a quitter.
Not by any stretch of the imagination.
When I am determined to accomplish something, come HELL or HIGH WATER, I will reach my goal!
Then, suddenly it dawned on me. I used to have this exact problem when I was a little kid. It’s the very reason I quit the sport all together. For whatever reason, as soon as I realize my brother is watching me? I cannot hit the ball. I just can’t.
So, I told Abercrombie that he was NOT ALLOWED to come near me, or talk to me, or even LOOK at me while I tried to hit the next ball.
And he obliged.
Moments later, as if my magic, I got my swing back.
At least a little.
I felt completely different without the stare from my brother’s eyes on me. Thankfully, everything my brother had been trying to teach me sunk into my brain. I remembered to rotate my body rather than ‘Pop Up’ and I kept my weight on my left foot. I remembered NOT to ‘break my wrists’ during my back swing. And I tried my very best to ‘Stay Down’.
Eventually I made a few good shots.
I even had one ‘Excellent Drive’ on the Fifth Hole.
And sometimes, you just need that ‘One Good Hit’ to make all the difference in your game.
Because after that? I was able to find my center. And, I did MUCH better.
I am absolutely looking forward to improving my skills and playing as often as possible. And of course, my brother is more than welcome to join us ANYTIME he wants. Just as long as he does not look at me while I am taking a swing! And for obvious ‘Safety Reasons’ he probably shouldn’t stand too close to me either.
In spite of all of the practice and lessons you get, I find that golf is 90% mental. I can hit a long drive, chip from the fairway, hit out of a trap, and even do a half-assed job at putting. But if I stop to think about it, I might as well be playing putt-putt. Grip, stance, back swing, follow through, club head position, don't bend your elbows, head down, eyes on the ball, shoulders straight. No wonder I'm tired at the end of a round. If I start out loose, I can play pretty well. If I start trying to correct myself, the game goes to hell. On occasion, a friend would try to give me pointers on how to improve my shot and that usually has the opposite effect. After that, I stopped taking advice. It's easy to get frustrated, discouraged. Just how can it be so G-D difficult to hit a little white ball with a skinny metal club? Then, when you least expecte it, out of nowhere, you connect a shot, you make a perfect drive, you reach the green, you sink a 40 foot putt and it doesn't seem so difficult.
That's the mystery of the game. It'll lead you on and tease you with tantlizing shots, but leave you cusing like a sailor (ever thrown a club?). You're better off sticking with something more productive – like bowling. At least the balls are bigger…
Side story – used to play (back in my younger days) every week with a group of engineers at a local course. One guy was the typical hot shot who thought he was the next Arnold Palmer (this was before Tiger hit the links). He was a hot head that, whenever he missed a shot or got frustrated, he would throw his club. One week, he had bought a new set of high end clubs to give him a better game (shoulda kept the old ones). After a badly muffed shot, John heaved his 3 iron halfway down the course in frustration. I opined: “Gee, John, you really do get more distance with those clubs.” I don't think he really appreciated my observation…
I gave up golf after four years when I realized that I found more ticks on me than the actual balls I was searching for in the first place in the middle of the goddamn woods.
Sometimes we feel we are being judged by the standards of others when we are young. Hopefully you can let your brother watch you play one day. It's something to work towards. Another DTD?
I love to golf and have many many many do overs myself. I adore this story ! And you just might have bitten me with the golf bug. I got a new driver for my birthday a couple of years ago that doesn't have nearly the use it deserves (and it's purple !) Luv ya !
Never got into cow-pasture pool myself, but it looks like you're having a good time, so that's all that counts.
I know absolutely nothing about golf BUT! I do know a lot about hanging out with people you love and having a great time no matter what. That's the best part of it all. Laughing, enjoying, being in the moment. Isn't that what life is all about? AND to have a brother that is willing and patient enough to not only do this once but twice with three women. That's awesome!
I have never golfed, with the exception of mini golf. And I suck at that.
Golf is crazy like that!
Hmmm. Maybe I have to start thinking like I am DTD and stop feeling like I am 11 all over again!
Nice! Purple is my favorite color!
Thanks Bob
It can be REALLY fun!
Thanks G. We do laugh a lot. And we do have a GREAT time with each other. And yes, THAT IS what life is all about.
PS: My brother totally rocks!
“Grip, stance, back swing, follow through, club head position, don't bend your elbows, head down, eyes on the ball, shoulders straight.”
I KNOW! And OMG, how the heck am I supposed to swing the club with all of THAT in my head? I was paying too MUCH attention to what I was supposed to be doing rather than just having fun.
“Then, when you least expect it, out of nowhere, you connect a shot, you make a perfect drive, you reach the green, you sink a 40 foot putt and it doesn't seem so difficult.”
Totally! And when I make those kind of shots? I really FEEL a difference!
Your side story is pretty funny. There is always at least one 'tool' on the golf course!
That's exactly what I mean. Leave is behind you 🙂
Babs x
http://beetle-blog.com
ooo a pink ball !
I am only getting interested in golf – but I can't find any friends to play with ! Or do I have any idea about what kind of clubs to use or where to find a good course !
For now, I'm playing online at http://www.wgt.com/ – It's fun during breaks !
Seriously Babs! That was Perfect Advice for me! Thank you!
xoxo
You should TOTALLY start playing golf in real life too! 🙂
Hi! It won't be long before you're playing alongside one of best female golfers in the world, Australia's most successful female golfer, Kerry Webb!
Yes, not only is golf good for the body but it is one of the best ways to spend time with good friends.
Mind you, I'd stay away from people that like to wrap the golf clubs around trees or throw them into the water hazards everytime they hit a hurdle!
Take Care,
Peter
I'll do my best.
Speedy is at WGT too ! But he still hasn't be-friended me – Todally cool if me an him can play together.
He spent his Monday playing golf all day – check out this twitpic ! http://twitpic.com/photos/hollydale
Believe me. NOBODY would want to be in my vicinity if I learned to play golf. Especially the fish and the birds… The only ones that might be safe are the gophers as long as they are in their hidey holes. So I abstain from golf for humanitarian reasons. (and I don't want to tangle with the SPCA) Just sayin'
Yeah, I do love me some golf. I doubt I will ever be THAT good, but I sure
do have fun. And dint worry. I steer clear of the people that throw clubs!
OMG! I love Speedy!
Ahahahahahah!
I have a lot of trouble with my swing too, although I play very rarely these days. For me the social aspect of golf is the best part. I also love riding around in the golf carts. Wheeeee.
Exactly! Its more FUN than anything!
xoxo
Golf is the most frustrating activity I know of and I love to hit the course with my hubs and friends! In 4 or 5 hours of play all you need to do is hit one or two decent shots and it just swells your heart and brings you back for more! Socializing and enjoying the outdoors play a bigger part than the actual sport itself for me.
Awww. Sounds like a serious case of your brother (unintentinally by being there) bringing up all kinds of insecurities from when you were kids. The important thing is that you got to spend some quality time with him, and that nobody got hurt! LOL. It sounds like you each have respect for each other as adults and that is absolutely wonderful. 🙂
Congrats on finding our swing! I have always wanted to learn to play golf, but I was a tennis baby. Now I don't do either.
first amythebartender would like to say that was HYSTERICAL, and by HYSTERICAL amy means sooooooooo fucking funny!!!!!!!! that being said, anytime you spend a day on the golf course with amy, and anyone, it's gonna be a GREAT time, AND hysterical!!! you have the potential to be a GREAT golfer, but i think adm walters should continue to coach amy & suzy!! you need a coach that is NOT related to you! although, after reading this post, i hope we continue as the foursome that we are, and get more great blog post material from it!! here's looking at sunday, and another GREAT day at KHGC!!! the most awesome place to work, and to play golf!!
who the f**K is gina??
has never heard of gina???
gina??? wtf???
Keep swinging baby! 😉
Golf is pretty much the toughest sport to play. I do well when in sports when the ball is moving: basketball, baseball, tennis, football, you name it. But something about that little stupid ball just sitting there intimidates the crap out of me. It's like it's just looking up at me saying, “Yeah, just try and hit me you little punk.” And I get pissed, overswing and sure enough, back in the woods!
By the way, your swing on pic #6(Contact it's a miracle) looks damn good! There is hope for you yet, just not w/your brother around.
ps. I intimidate my sister too. And I absolutely don't mean to. Weird!
Our Foursome will REMAIN in tact! I have way too much fun!
A fellow writer! And shes awesome!
Click on her link to find out more!
AHAHAHhaahhaha. She rocks. You will LOVE her too
Will Do!
Golf IS the toughest sport to play! THANK YOU!
Oh and Im so happy to hear about another brother/sister situation. Because honestly, my brother has always been my BFF since we were LITTLE, and I am TOTALLY SUPER PSYCHED to have him back in my life, ad out of the course with me. I wouldn't have it any other way! But he just cant LOOK at me while I'm playing. At least not yet!
Great post and I loved the photos! I've never attempted the game of golf, unless miniature golf counts. Please keep us updated as the season progresses. Somewhere there's a Tiger Woods joke to be had here, but it's escaping me at the moment. Fore!
It really looks to cold to be out golfing… I used to golf in high school. I like it and all, but I can think of a lot better things to blow my money on. We live ten minutes away from Whistling Straights, it's a public golf course and I have been over there a couple times to eat and look around. It costs $340 to golf 18 holes and that is without the mandatory caddie fee. So I am just like YAH right- I would rather blow $400 at Home Depot or Kohls or something. I am thinking I might get tickets to the US Open there this summer to watch- since children are free and it might be fun.
Well you KNOW I love this post. I played for the first time this year on Monday.
Easiest swing thought and trainer ever?? Set up to a shot. Drop the club and fold your arms. Now keep the same spine angle and twist around it. Imagine your your body spinning around ( your spine ) like toilet paper on a roll. As you twist around back, you feel tension, and a coil somewhat like torque from a spring. Do this a few times, then let your arms follow the same move. WHAAALAHH!!
Jaffer, when I was a kid I read all kinds of golf training books and practiced in a horse pasteur. Crazy but true.
Best way to start? You can find a cheap set at a garage sale, and try hitting a few at a diving range. You will either love it or hate it right away, kind of like a first date. HA HAAAAAAA !!!
Jaffer, if you are ever in MN, or if I am Canada, golf sounds great!
Speedy love Meleah too! 🙂
ps: The picture of you connecting with the ball is super.
Whistling Straits is no ordinary course tho … once of the top 100 PRIMO courses in the entire world. Kohls stinks (( heheheee ))
Hi Michelle G 😉
is wondering if Meleah's curse words are the same or similar as mine between swings…:)..
OMG funny post! I can totally relate. I play differently (no matter what sport) when loved ones are around. I cant explain it. Performance anxiety I guess.
Great pics and someday…we'll play!