"Golf With
A Smile - I May Be In Trouble"
By Russell G. Bell
I did it. I caused this problem and now I am
faced with the consequences. I knew that I was possibly opening
Pandora’s Box but I had to do it. What was this grievous
error I made? What had I done which has caused me to pause and
wonder the ramifications of my actions? Mind you, these actions
were not impulsive, they were well thought out and performed with
love and yet I shudder at what I have possibly wrought.
What have I done that is now viewed with fear
and trepidation? I gave my wife 3 one-hour private golf lessons
with a local lady pro as a Christmas present. You ladies are saying,
“What’s the problem?” There is no gray area
here for you ladies. You ladies think of this as an act of love
(which it was, dear) and you see this as further proof of my desire
to make the game of golf more enjoyable for my wife (which it
was, dear). There are, however, two sides to every coin; go ahead
and check your coin purse - I assure you this is the case.
The male readers of this article are cringing and muttering bad
things under their breath and whereas I don’t feel these
epithets are deserved I can understand from where they come. Men
have long intimidated women by reminding them how weak and frail
they are compared to the male of the species. Rarely have we conferred
the rank of excellence on the female outside of the kitchen or
bedroom and never would it be applied to a co-ed sport. Once upon
a time I too would have muttered these same things about a man
who had violated these sacred teachings, but guys, I have news
for you, those were the old days. This is the new world order
where Annika Sorenstam can play in the golf skins game along with
the men and make a good showing for herself. If women have the
ability to compete with men and are not an embarrassment to themselves
or their sex then I say "Go Girl!"
I know I am feeling angst over this decision but I just have to
put those feelings aside and say “So what if she starts
beating me at my own game!” If it was meant to be it was
meant to be. However, as soon as she beats me I will pull out
the PGA rule book and polish up my vocabulary and knowledge of
the rules. I know I will have to abide by these same rules but
I am only trying to level the playing field. Speaking of level
fields, if she beats me too badly I will just have to take up
Polo - I know her fear of horses will keep me safe for years to
come.
Keep swinging.
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