Summer Golf

When we were trying to decide where Eli would attend Middle School, one of his 'pros' for the private school was the fact that they had a golf team that he could participate in as a 6th grader. He has really come to love the sport, so Lehr found a few tournaments he could play in over the summer. The first was in June and Lehr took the day off to join him/caddy for him. They were paired up with a kid who was amazing, both in his talent and in his tendency to compliment and build Eli up as he was way out of his league in this tournament.

In July I was able to join/caddy for Eli in another tournament. We had a crazy day full of pop up storms, delays and intense heat. The golfer we were paired up with was really good as well, but he kept to himself more, which didn't help Eli's morale. Especially on a day where nothing went right for Eli. (Seriously sometimes I had to chuckle because of the extra putts required or sand trap hits made...he couldn't win that day no matter what he did.)

All in all, these tournaments were good investments of time. Mostly we learned that there are some really good young golfers in our area, and that if Eli wants to pursue it, this is a sport that is supported. (But he has to practice a lot more!)

Golf

Eli has dabbled in the sport of golf for many years. Usually in the spring, with the Masters and the warm weather, he will pick up a few clubs and create a course around our yard, we will take a family trip to the driving range to hit a few bucket of balls, and Lehr or Grandpa Jim will take him to play 9 holes once or twice before summer arrives. When we were deciding about middle school for Eli, golf was on his 'pro' list for private school. He was very excited at the opportunity to join a golf team.

Just after the holiday break, Eli had to make some quick decisions regarding sports. He has always loved baseball, so he was interested in trying out for the school team. Given how sporadic and full the rec league that he usually plays in is, we told him we would not be able to do both school and rec. The kicker was, registration for the rec ended before the team tryouts for his school. Eli made the choice to take a chance and hold out for his school team.

Then we found out that it would not be possible for him to participate in both baseball and golf at school, given their schedules. So if he made the baseball team, he wouldn't be on the golf team. Another hard choice, but he decided to go ahead and try out for baseball. Unfortunately, he didn't make it. It was a long week of tryouts, following a few months of practices with the team. Instead of being disappointed though, Eli smiled and said, "Now I can play golf!" We were super impressed with how Eli handled this; I know he had to feel at least a little deflated. His best friend made the team, making it even more difficult, but that day they walked out of school (after having just found out), arms around each other, joking and laughing. They tried so hard to make the other one not feel bad about the way it turned out...best friends indeed.

Golf started up a week or so after baseball: Eli has one practice a week and one match a week. There are 12 kids on the roster, and each match only needs 4-8 players, so we knew Eli would not be playing in many matches. Being a new member to the team meant that he could earn spots in some matches, but likely not many. However, he was able to participate in the first three matches, based on his work at practice and a last minute schedule change for one match. During his last match, the score was kept off of the best team ball each hole, and Eli had several of his balls counted for the team score!

Eli is nothing if not passionate about his sport de jour. It was very evident to me this week as I drove him to his practice in 32degree weather and 17mph winds. He loaded on some warm clothes, hopped out of my car and started swinging his clubs outside while he waited for his coach to arrive. (I would have waited in the car until the last second!)

Junior Golf Course

Eli has long since enjoyed the sport of golf. Lehr sawed off an old golf club when Eli was younger - maybe four - and Eli's been putting and hitting around the yard every since. Whenever Grandpa Jim and Eli are together, they go to the driving range, and the last few times have resulted in 9 or 18 holes.

When Masters week rolls around, Eli's fondness for the game increases, as one might expect. This year it was heightened even more because a visit from Grandpa Jim coincided with Masters week. So not only did they visit the local par 3 course, they also created a course in our front and back yard. It was all Eli's idea (so I've been told), but Grandpa definitely helped in the manifestation.

So El's "Junior Golf Course" includes a sign, tee markers for each of the ten (five, repeated) holes, and a flagged 'hole' in the front yard. Eli chose five different spots in the front and back yard to tee off from, all aiming towards the same hole. He even named one of the holes "Azaleas", just like in Augusta.

While Grandpa Jim was here, there were a few days that the duo had an early tee time. Since then, he's hurried through his homework each day to get four or five holes in before the rain hits, or before soccer practice. On his own, Eli even changes into proper golf attire (a polo shirt and plaid shorts) before hitting the links.

Golf Pro

When the kids went to visit my parents last summer, my dad took Eli golfing...the whole experience with the golf cart and everything. Unfortunately it was a crowded day, and Eli may have felt a little overwhelmed. Not that you'd know it from talking to him; he has been asking to go again all year. So when Grandpa Jim booked his tickets for Ruby's birthday, Eli's first request was another day of golfing. As luck would have it, a friend of mine just handed down a great set of smaller clubs for Eli.

The two of them opted to tackle 18 holes and, as luck would have it, the day was slated to have some dicey weather, so the course was pretty empty. This allowed for Eli and Grandpa to enjoy golf at their own pace. However, Eli started the morning with chipping a ball in on the first hole. Not too shabby, especially for an 8-year-old rookie!