Reflections on Golf and Parenthood

In a previous blog post, I wrote about my experience caddying for my 6-year-old son during a regional golf tournament. Being a caddie is a challenging job; as a dad, it's also a learning experience for both the caddie and the golfer.

Throughout these experiences, I've learned about setting realistic expectations, managing emotions, and the importance of good sportsmanship. Today, I want to share a poem that my friend Memo T shared. It captures the essence of what golf teaches and why we, as golfers, like to pass on this hobby to our children.

It highlights the emotional journey and the growth opportunities that come with the experience, and the life lessons that can be learned through the game of golf.

To Teach Your Kid

Teaching your child to play golf is leaving a part of you with them. That means that even if you're not there anymore, you'll still be present.
Teaching your child to play golf is talking to them about life. It's teaching them that competition is with oneself.
That in order to get good results, you have to prepare.
That the more you prepare, the better your luck becomes.

That you will go as far as you're willing to commit.
That talent is not enough.
That no one will play for you.
That you are responsible for your decisions.

That sometimes things won't go as planned.
That if you keep dwelling on your mistakes, you won't be able to correct your course.
That what matters most is not in the past or in the future; it's in the present.
That it's okay to feel bad after a bad shot, but you have to quickly recover to keep playing.

That you shouldn't take everything so seriously.
That attitude counts more than it appears.
That success is in the recovery.
That the difference is in the details.

That you should always evaluate your options.
That every shot counts.
That the greatest achievements arise from adversity.
That no matter how bad your day was, there's always another opportunity.

That you shouldn't take something for granted or lost if the game isn't over.
That you have to follow the rules.
That honesty is an essential part of the game.
That there are many ways to reach a goal.

That success is the result of teamwork.
That you need a coach to improve.
That no matter how much experience you have, there's always something new to learn.
That sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn.

That being on time means arriving ten minutes early.
That life is much more enjoyable when you're in the company of your friends.
That between shots, there's always a moment to be distracted.
That at the end of each day, there are always stories to remember.

I don't know who wrote this, so I can't accredit it. If you know who wrote it, please let me know.