Magical for Leela

As it should be for all kids!

If there was a time that was magical for Leela and myself, then it had to be those first two seasons on the short course. We played together at least four times a week and we seldom grew bored or tired of our experiences.

Leela was learning to play golf and I was learning to be a better coach.

Our first venture down to the short course was in April 2003 when Leela was an eight year old. She had already shown an aptitude for the short game and it was time to see how she could cope with the power side of the game.

So with her miniature bag, clubs and trolley, we found ourselves playing nine holes together and from the start we played competitively. At first I would give her three shots per hole with plenty of mulligans and we would follow a matchplay format. The three shots quickly turned into two and the format changed to strokeplay.

There were days when Leela scored very well and even although I was playing this par three course as low as 5 under par, the two shots I was giving her per hole left her quite easily in front.

I did not have the heart to drop her to one shot per hole and had also promissed at the start of the season that we would be sticking to two shots.

If I could sum up her first season, I would say she had...

• Great fighting spirit
• Hated to lose
• Had great feel about the greens
• Holed incredible putts and chips when I was least expecting it
• Jumped for joy with good shots
• Cried tears of disappointment with the bad ones
• Holding my hand walking along the fairway
• Not holding my hand when I played too good or better than her
• Thinking, "would she ever have the strength to send the ball soaring in the air"
• How she would talk all the way home about her two birdies or how she beat me on the last hole

And this was only the first season.

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