Not what you want to hear as you drive your 3 year old to his first golf tournament. Luckily, he was able to hold it until we arrived at Shoaff Park golf course. Once seated on the pot, he chose to let the suspense build by saying he didn't have to go any more. I envisioned him dropping a load in his pants as he hit his first tee shot.
His excitement for this event has been building over the past few days. He loves going to the driving range and proclaiming to others "I'm Tiger Woods", and "I'm the best golfer ever". Jen and I were worried that his excitement would turn to fear as soon as we actually got there. We were glad to find out that wasn't the case.
We walked up to the registration table and he announced "I'm Cole and I'm 3." While I filled out the paperwork, he headed to the practice green and started hitting putts. After each putt was made, he would hold the ball in the air and nod his head, mimicking the PGA players he watches on TV. I don't think it bothered him that the other kids around weren't doing the same thing.
Before long, they called his name to the first tee. The volunteer explained the rules. I'm not sure he realized who he was talking to. "Play the ball as it lies" and "Pick up the ball after 10 shots and put it on the green" aren't things that register very well in a 3 year old's head. But Cole stood there and nodded his head and acted like he had heard it all before.
After Cole's playing partner hit his ball (he held the club like a hockey stick - what an amateur...), it was his turn to go. The volunteer teed the ball up for him, and Cole took his stance. After a nice practice swing, Cole hit one of the best shots I've ever seen him hit. Dead straight 30 yards down the fairway. The parents of the other kid looked at each other with a "wow" expression. I tried to suppress a few "my kid is better than yours" thoughts.
Cole handed me his club (because I was his "caddyin", as he likes to call it) and walked down the fairway like it was nothing. He asked for his "i-rin", and hit a few more shots until the ball was on the green. After a couple of putts, he carded an 8 for his first real hole of golf. I'm not sure it's true, but I've heard Tiger took a 10 on the first hole he ever played. I'm just sayin...
The next 2 holes - they only play 3 - went by in similar fashion. Cole demonstrated one of his special skills on the 3rd hole. During his backswing, he turned his head and looked back at us, while at the same time swinging down and hitting a nice shot in the fairway. I think he just wanted to show that he had many different facets to his game.
After the round was over, Cole was back at the practice green. He had been missing his putts left, and I think it was making him angry. I was glad he didn't say "dang it!" after any of his shots. I'm not sure who he picked up that nasty habit from.
As he was putting, the tournament director called out "Cole Wieland, please come to the registration table". We walked over and realized they were having an awards ceremony. The director announced "5th place in the 3-5 age group, Cole Wieland!" Everyone clapped and Cole walked up to receive his trophy. He held it over his head and smiled for the pictures. I felt a little rush of emotion...All he's been through flashed through my mind. The surgeries, hospital time, all of that behind him, and him standing here with a trophy over his head.
I know that he won't remember any of this, but to see him happy in that moment was awesome. Jen and I won't soon forget this day.
