We all know how a lot of people find golf a boring sport. And when introduced to a golfer, sometimes, you don't really know how to start a conversation with one. I bet, you will mention Tiger Woods' name. But after that... there is silence... (hahaha!)
To help you start a conversation with a golfer, ask this question, "how was your first golf tournament?"
This is such a fun question to ask any golfer.
Seriously, if you do get to meet a golfer and ask him that question, look at his face. No matter how terrible his first tournament was, he usually makes a silly facial expression at first and with a nice smile and a lot of excitement, he starts to tell you what happened. He'll say at first, "ohhhhhh!" or "ewwww!" or "hahaha!" or "yikes!" or "oh My God!" Then say how embarrassing it was. Sometimes, it takes him forever to finish his story, so be prepared to listen...for a looong time.
It sure does bring back memories. I remember my first golf tournament, the first time I heard the phrase "On the tee, 'golfinbabe'" on the megaphone, (with everyone around watching) I was so very nervous, and I was praying. At first, I prayed, "Lord, please make sure I hit the ball straight and far," then, after a few seconds, I changed my prayer to--"Lord, never mind `far,' just please make sure I hit it straight." Then after my practice routine, and after addressing the ball and getting ready to make my backswing, I changed my prayer again to--Lord, never mind `far,' and never mind `straight,' just please make sure I hit the ball..period!"
No one expects you to do well and score well on your first tournament. Expect the worst. Murphy's Law--what can go wrong, will go wrong. Expect a high score, more than a hundred strokes. (A note to non-golfers-the more the strokes, the worse the score) I will bow at players who scored less than 100 on their first tournament.
Regardless of how terrible your game was, and regardless of how many strokes you've had, just make sure you finish the game. It says a lot about a person, you know, if you quit in the middle of the game. And the people around you will notice that bad trait of you. Don't be a quitter. Finish with pride! And go back to the driving range where you belong. Hahaha!
Please make sure to check all the scores--yours and your playing partner's. Please don't forget to sign the scorecard and let your playing partner sign too, or else, you will both be disqualified.
I remember the number of times my ball went to the sand trap and I couldn't get it out. I remember the number of times I missed short putts (which I still do even at present). I remember the expression on my playing partners--that frustrating look, being paired with a super beginner, wishing they could blast and putt for me so we can finally move on to the next hole and maybe finish the game before night time.
The first golf tournament jitters...I feel like covering my face just thinking about it. But I got through it. I wonder if the other golfers experienced what I felt then--the trembling knees, the shaking hands, unending perspiration, stiffness of the body, praying for a good first shot, heart beating fast, doing a `look-up' after the shot, which is obviously wrong.
Golfers are usually quiet around non-golfers. They hardly speak because they know that you won't find the golf topic that interesting. But once you show interest, watch out. You won't be able to stop him from talking.
