A few days ago I was at a local golf shop checking out new clubs I probably won’t buy and can’t afford. As I was waiting to demo the club in their little area in the back, I see a 8 year old kid knocking the snot out of some drives. “Holy crap, this friggin’ kid is killing the ball!” I thought to myself.
After a few more drives the kid finishes and leaves the demo area. As he walks towards his father the in-store pro asks “Do you want to be a professional golfer when you get bigger?” The kid replies “Nahhh…that’ll mean I have to practice all the time. I just want to play!” Everybody there laughed at the cute comment but after a few minutes I thought about it. Why did this kid say that?
Are kids today exposed to too much emphasis on working hard with the whole “practice makes perfect” and “push it to the limit” theories? Don’t get me wrong, I am a firm believer in putting in the time and working hard, but does all this hard work really pay off? Just ask your friends and family who might be pushed aside while you do “whatever it takes to get there”.
Moreso, I thought it was rather odd that an 8 year old would have formed this opinion. I think it’s great that he wants to “just play” but I hope his view changes; He seemed to have a natural gift at playing golf and it would be a shame to see it wasted. I guess as long as you follow your heart, you’ll be happy.
Hit’em long…yell FORE! Don’t grow up too fast.
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