-William Shakespeare
The following little tidbit is a story from a little while back. I meant to share this sooner but a little thing called "The Birth of My Child" got in the way. (Which actually isn't the real reason. Mostly, I was playing a lot of Bejeweled Blitz). But I think it's a tender little morsel to share as it clearly shows how I'm not the only one dealing with certain, shall we say, "obstacles," in this sport.
As you may recall, I have firmly committed to the idea of never using my driver off the tee. It is a big, mighty and awesome power that I am neither responsible nor skilled enough to wield. I've accepted this fact and I'm and cool with it. Even if it means that I am the subject of ridicule from all of my playing partners.
And yet, one cannot deny the results.
Yes my friends. It turns out that this little strategy of mine is actually starting to pay off. Now bear in mind that there are many facets to the game of golf that I can screw up so the improvements are not necessarily reflected in the "score." However, over the past few months, I've felt confident that I can put the ball in play 90% of the time using this philosophy.
And that's pretty damn good.
So good, in fact, that my idea actually started to gain a little bit of popularity. (You can't see it, but I'm giving you all a very smug expression right now.)
So a few months ago, I was playing a round with a friend of mine, a friend of said friend, and a miscellaneous fourth person that we were randomly paired with. As I proceeded to keep my driver in the bag on tee shot after tee shot, I could feel everyone's scorn and derision. I proudly announced that I had no intention of using my driver and they could silently chastise me all they wanted. (Or words to that effect).
But pretty soon, friend of said friend could actually see the method to my madness. He tacitly acknowledged that maybe, just maybe, this game would go a little bit smoother if you kept the ball, oh I don't know...in bounds. Next thing you know, he's adopted my style and has put the driver away.
But then...we arrived at the 9th hole. And this is were friend of said friend could no longer stand up to the mockery of original friend and miscellaneous fourth person. I could see the shame in his eyes as he reluctantly grabbed his driver to tee off. (By the way, the 9th tee is one of the most unforgiving tee shots on the course).
Goodbye golf ball. 'Twas nice knowing ya'.
I wanted to give him that very specific, "I told you so" look. So I did. But at the same time, I understood his plight. Sure, hitting playable tee shots that don't fly 300 yards isn't very manly. Sure, it may seem a bit girlie. Sure, you're playing partners will point and laugh at you. But isn't it so much better to confidently do what you know you are capable of doing rather than awkwardly try something you know you can't do. You have to play to your strengths while working on improving your weaknesses.
As I like to say, "If it ain't horrifically damaged beyond complete and total recognition, don't fix it."
