Returning to golf to impress my toddler...sort of

helland · July 30, 2013

New to the forums so I thought I should say hi.

I returned to golf in October 2012 after about a 16-17 year hiatus. The last round I played was in 1993 (high school team) and the last time I went to the range was in 97 or so. Obviously a long time.

First round back I shot a 143 and felt very discouraged. Second round a 130-something. And I was sure I should just stop before I bought clubs and wasted money. Well my two year old got a set of plastic clubs from his uncle and took to it really quickly. Staying out in the yard till dark wacking balls, yelling fore, the whole bit. This gets my wife on the old interweb, looking up the 2-year-old Tiger video and college scholarship stats.

I start thinking about learning the game from my dad and walking the course talking and laughing at bad shots and hollering at the ball.

Then I look at this little punk's swing and his follow through. I had the distinct impression he could beat me from 20yds in.

9 months later I just broke 100 and have a repeatable swing. And my little buddy is working hard smacking dandelions. I've got his feet stable and knowing the difference between putting and full swings. We watch a little golf on the weekends before his nap and play/practice just enough to keep him interested.

Beyond the hopes of a scholarship or anything far fetched, I'm just so thankful that he likes a sport that will eventually teach him honesty and patience; that no matter where you are, you can go play a round and meet nice people.

(Now that I've made that proclamation, he'll probably never touch a club again)

Here's to a great forum and learning a lot to impart on the next generation.

IvanDAG · July 30, 2013

[i]Welcome back, I am pretty much in the same situation returning after 15 years, Hope you enjoy the comeback, I have so far.[/i]

Latt · August 2, 2013

Great story! I too myself am starting to get back into it.. not that I was that geat before. I was just starting to get into it and playing alot, then had kids and took a break. Now my boys 2 and 4 are showing interest, not quite as disciplined as yours, but they just enjoy taking whacks at the ball. To me, they're having fun and thats all that really matters to me... spending time and just hitting the range with them is priceless.