Phil breathed in and out trying to remain calm and keep his cool. Adjusting his grip on the rubber covered iron shaft, he pulled the club back and swung as hard as he could. Almost throwing his club with him, he put his foot out and balanced himself to keep from falling over. Looking down he saw the small white dimpled ball staring at him in the exact position it had been for the past half hour. He growled, How does anyone find this enjoyable? he thought. More importantly it hurt his pride that the overweight middle-aged man with the spare tire easily pulled his club back and sent the ball flying past the 200 yard mark. He averted his eyes before the man could see him staring. Taking a breath, his head pounding in anger, he swung again. And missed. He almost roared in rage but caught himself. Instead he brought his club back and aimed at the glass divider. Suddenly he was jerked backwards and fell. Quickly recovering and picking himself up he whirled around and faced Arnold. The old man held his club between his hands and smirked.
“Be patient Philip, no one can hit 200 yards on their first swing. Most people don’t even make contact with the ball for the first few times and those who do only travel 10 yards.”
Glaring at the ground Phil said, “I’d rather hit 10 yards than look like a fool.”
“Because growling like a bear and smashing glass with clubs looks normal.”
Phil’s expression faded and he relaxed his tensed muscles.
“Arnold, instead of telling me those little proverbs and stuff couldn’t you give me some actual advice on my swing?”
Raising his eyebrows, Arnold crossed his arms. For an old man, he did not look sick and pale but instead was tanned and slightly muscular from hours in the sun. Wrinkles outlined his crinkled eyes.
Clearing his throat, “Fine. How about you actually look at the ball when you swing?”
“What do you mean? I was looking at the damn ball.” Phil responded, frustratedly.
“No.” was the old mans reply, “You were looking at the damn ball but then you turned your head. How will you ever get where you want to go if you do not see where you are starting from.”
Turning around, he picked up a Titleist cap from his chair and placed it on Phil’s head.
Holding the brim of the cap to keep Phil’s head straight he said, “When you swing you have to keep visual contact with the ball at all times, and only after you’ve made contact do you ever look up.”
“Okay, fine I’ll try that” Phil said reluctantly.
Arnold twirled the club in his hands and smiled as he handed it back to Phil.