My First Tournament~
By: Lisa Manyon www.writeoncreative.com
Here’s a little background about my golf prowess or in reality my lack thereof. I’m not extremely athletic and have never played sports well.
I tried little league when I a was kid but the carsickness dilemma kind of put a damper on that. To say my middle name is not “grace” is at times a gross understatement. None the less, I’ve taken a liking to golf. This is really rather ironic because up until about three years ago, I thought the entire idea of chasing a little white ball around the course for four hours was, well, ridiculous. I simply didn’t get it.
My newfound interest really boils down to the old saying “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” My husband is an avid golfer and he introduced me to the sport. Not only is he an avid golfer, he’s good. This year he made his first hole in one and yesterday he shot a 68. Plus, my brother in law Scott Manyon is a golf pro (no family pressure here).
Anyway, John (that’s my husband) finally talked me into trying golf. I started with a hand-me-down set of hodgepodge clubs and I’ve been dabbling in the sport for a couple of years now.
Here’s how I got hooked.
The year before last John singed us up to play couples golf league (otherwise known as Friday Night Fights). So, we’re cruising along playing a Chapman and John lands, kerplunk, in the sand (okay, it didn’t really sound like that but I love sound effects). In a Chapman, that means I have to chip the ball out of the sand. Keep in mind I’m a newbie, but I do know that I need a sand wedge for this job.
Problem is there isn’t one in my starter club set. I ask John for his and because he’s seen me play, he doesn’t seem to think having the right club it going to help. We have an exchange about the sand wedge (I did mention they call couples league “Friday Night Fights”, right? Finally, I have his sand wedge in hand.
Now, I’ve only been playing golf for a short period of time but THIS IS IT. The glory shot that hooked me. I took my position and launched that little white ball out of the sparkling sand and right into the hole! I turned to my husband and said “See, I told you I needed a sand wedge!”
That’s what did it. I have to admit I haven’t had a shot that sweet since, but I’m trying. And, today I’m playing in my first tournament. About a month ago John and I came in first on couples closing at our club and now apparently I’m tournament worthy. We’ll be playing in an official tournament today.
So, wish me luck. I recently took a lesson and realized I need to break my wrists when I swing. Who knew? I’d taken a chipping lesson a year ago and was told not to break my wrist. Guess I thought that applied to all shots. Wrong. I’m hitting it a lot farther now, too.
Anyway, I’ll keep you posted and if you happen to see me out on the course, I’ll say it in advance: FORE!
