Somewhat apropos to the previous 2 posts….
Being married to The Golfer, and having children, means I have sat through many golf lessons and practice sessions. I usually read a book. Or do crosswords. But even when trying to figure out 5 down, I do notice whats going on. And I would like to say something to a certain set of parents out there.
You are paying a very good instructor to teach your child golf. You should not be standing behind them commenting to your child after every swing. Your child should be looking at and listening to the instructor after each swing. Not at you. They should not have an anxious look on their face until they see what your reaction to the shot was. And you don’t need to talk in a loud voice to make sure all the rest of us can hear how sage your advice to your child is. The instructor has taught a lot of kids, and they should be the ones to make club recommendations. You should not tell the instructor, in front of your child, about the new wedge you bought your child in spite of the fact that the instructor said your child didn’t really need it, because you are sure that your child plays well enough to need it, because after all, they came in 2nd in their last tournament. And yes, we all heard that. Once again, you don’t need the loud voice. We can all hear you when you tell the instructor that your child needs to leave now to go do the extra homework they have because they will not be in school this Thursday and Friday because they will be playing in an out of state tournament. We can all also see the look on your child’s face. And quite frankly we would all really like to say a few choice words to you, and take your child out for some ice cream. The kid really looks like they need it.
Let me tell you something. I’ll write it very slow. Read it very carefully.
You. Are. Not. Earl. Woods.
In fact Earl would probably have had a few choice words for you himself.
And I know your child’s name. And it is not Tiger. Or Eldrick for that matter.
You are not creating a Tiger clone. Far from it. You are creating a child for whom the great game of golf represents nothing but anxiety and parental judgment. And as soon as they gain a modicum of independence they will throw those clubs away and never go near the game again.
Please. Put the clubs in the back of the garage somewhere. Pull your kid out of the out of town tournament and let them go to school. And then take them out for some ice cream.
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