Tales From The Teebox

Written by Deb Richlen

You Meet the Nicest People!

Golf is a unique sport in that it attracts folks of all ages, races, genders, sizes and fitness levels. You don’t have to be a young, buff athlete to find success golfing (thankfully). While you may not be able to out-drive the youngsters, you might be able to out-put those little whippersnappers. Granted, it does require a lot of practice but we’re planning to start doing that right away, I’m sure. Right?

So, this long-winded introduction leads me to my topic – people you meet while golfing. Our league play is great in that we know we’ll be golfing with nice women of a certain age. We’re comfortable and usually not too nervous at the prospect. However, do you ever fret when you’re playing other courses and being paired up with people you have never met before and with whom you don’t appear to have anything in common? It does happen and I am here as your unpaid and unskilled counselor to reassure you that there is nothing to fear – you could easily end up making new BFFs! 

When I was out in Missoula, MT last summer visiting family, my sister and I went out to golf nine holes at the course near the university. While in the pro shop, my sister, Pam, began to hyperventilate because she had spotted the star running back for the University of Montana Grizzlies. (she is a huge fan, obviously) She was sneaking around behind a rack of polo shirts trying to get a better look at him – typical behavior for a 69 year old woman. I think she was considering asking him for his autograph or something equally embarrassing when our tee time was called and we had to head out to the first tee. 

Imagine her shock and my amusement when we found out that we had been paired with Mr. Star Running Back and another even larger football player! Pam insisted she couldn’t do it, she wasn’t good enough or worthy enough, etc. A good slap across the face by her older, wiser sister brought her to her senses and we headed out. Pam’s drive is the best part of her game and she did not cave in to her nerves. She smacked that little ball and sent it down the fairway. The hulky boys were impressed and praised her fantastic shot. Pam was thrilled which caused her to start relaxing and chatting at every opportunity. 

I’m sure the 20 year olds were pretty thrilled to be golfing and chatting with their grannies, but you’d never have guessed otherwise. They were very friendly and respectful. Pam grilled them about the team, their long-term plans, their girlfriends, families, pant size (no, just kidding). Unfortunately, she never asked Mr. Star why he wasn’t wearing any shoes! Was it a style thing? Did he even own a pair? Was this his first time on a golf course? I don’t suppose a lot of courses would allow you to play without shoes, but being a local football hero has its privileges, doesn’t it? Whatever the reason, it didn’t seem to affect his distance. The accuracy is a topic for another day. :)

 In short, we all had a great time. We even took a photo of the four of us! Pam got a lot of mileage out of our outing. She was definitely the envy of all the rabid Grizzlies fans! Pam has kept in touch with Mr. Star. She cheers loudly at the games, she waves at him when the team runs onto the field and she texts him with pointers for the next game. She had hoped to get together with them, maybe have them over for dinner sometime, but it has yet to happen. That’s probably just as well – Pam is not known for her cooking! I plan to go back to Missoula again this summer. Maybe we’ll set up a round of golf with our new football buddies. I sure hope so!