Becoming our parents.
This weekend is one of my favorite weekends of the year. Garret and I are playing in the West Virginia Golf Association Parent-Child Championship at Glade Springs. Seventy-two teams from around the state compete in this fun and memorable event. Garret and I have played in the tournament six times before and we cannot wait to tee it up this weekend. My Dad and I played in the tournament probably fifteen times. It is a special event that he and I looked forward to all year. He is always in my thoughts as Garret and I play this tournament.
The best my Dad and I ever did was second in our flight. Garret and I finished second in our flight two years ago and it would be such a thrill to win one together. Something my Dad and I could never quite do. This event is a great example of what makes golf such an amazing game. What other sport can a dad and his son compete together as a team and as equals?
I remember how much my Dad wanted to play well in this event. He would be thinking about it months in advance when we were playing a casual round at home. Now, as the dad, I understand how he felt. I know when I was the “child” how much I wanted to win, but I know I want to win it more now.
As parents, we want success for our children even more than we wanted it for ourselves. It used to make me laugh a bit when my Dad would hit a good drive in May and look at me and say, “I think that would get over the water on 16 at Glade Springs, don’t you?” He was already thinking about it. But I get it now. Nothing would bring me more joy than to have success this weekend. To compete and win with my son would be a beautiful thing.
When my Dad and I were playing in this event, I thought we would play in many more than we were able to play. I didn’t realize at the time how precious each one was and that we might not get many more chances to play in it together. So, I am going to enjoy the weekend, give it my very best, and hope that the golf gods are smiling on us. I am sure my Dad will be smiling down on us, rooting us on, and remembering how much he loved this weekend.