From Shagging to Caddying to ...

I was hooked!!!  One golf lesson from the Pro at Belmont Country Club and something inside of me was filled up. I'm on the road from shagging to caddying to ....

I had been introduced to the game in 1960 when I happened (?) upon a golf club near my home.  The Pro had me shagging on the range and shortly after engaging in that activity, he gave me a lesson.  As I said, I was hooked.

It wasn't very clear at the time, but, shagging at the Belmont CC became a job and a fulfillment for me, even at 8 years old.  I was consumed with it during the Summer of 1960.  Sure it was hot most days, but, the sun, the grass, the image of those golf balls flying off of the clubhead bouncing and, by the end of week two, I was catching them on the first or second bounce (or so I remember, lol).  I vaguely recall the positive comments from the Pro and his encouragement each and every day.

I believe that God places passions/desires in us while we are in our Mother's wombs and the basis for this is my own experience over the past 34 years growing up as a 'new' man in Christ and from Psalm 139:12-14 "You created my inmost being; you (He) knit me together in my mother's womb. I am fearfully and wonderfully made.."  as well as Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  The question being answered is; "Why do I have such a passion for golf and everything golf?"  I believe the Lord meant it to be so.

"Dad, I have been going to the golf club most days and I really love this golf stuff."

"Ah, that golf nonsense is not for you, Bill.  It's a rich man's game." Dad says.

Total deflation!!!

"But, Dad, the Pro gave me a lesson and he thinks I might be good at it."

"Bill, I said it was not for you.  Just work at the club and forget about playing the game."

I couldn't.  I, just, couldn't.

Honestly, the rest of the details are quite foggy, but, I know I kept going to the club and shagging.  I, even, remember a few "loops" or caddying that I did at Belmont.  It was pretty arduous work for an 8 year old, carrying that bag that seemed overly large and heavy for just a dozen or so clubs, balls, and lots of other paraphernalia.  And, the harassment from my caddie brothers was merciless!!  But, I kept at it that summer.

The day of all days during that time came when I got home from the course and my Dad was standing in the living room with his hands on his hips with a huge grin on his face, just waiting for me to come in.

​"Well" Dad said, "I went by the dump today and look what I found."

It was an old canvas bag, tattered and torn in some places, with seven or eight irons, a putter and two woods.  There were scrapes and rust and dirt, but, they were perfect for me.  I pulled out one of the irons and the shaft looked like wood, but, it was, actually, an adhesive wrapping around the steel to make the shafts look like hickory.  They were beautiful.

"But, I thought you said golf wasn't for me, Dad."

"Ah, I just happened to find 'em at the dump, whatever."

"Thank you, thank, you, thank you!!!!  I can't believe this.  I have my own clubs.  I can't believe this."

Do you remember a time when you received something that you really, really wanted?  Did you let it accompany you to bed the way I did that summer?

Just sayin'.