My son's first round....a thank-you to the site

[redanman]

Wonderful post Ian

Nice to see the continuity through the generations in your family.

Great advice to let the kid pine to play, our daughter showed rela talent when younger and is still a great putter (putt-putt) but has little desire to play regularly as a 14-year old.  Maybe it'll click again and she'll understand.

Enjoy your blessings.

[A_Clay_Man]

Ian- As one who is precluded from such a feeling, your post brought a tear to my eye. ty

[Tony_Chapman]

Ian - What a great post. Some of my fondest memories of childhood are heading out to play nine holes after supper with my younger brother and dad. We both really got playing at about 5 or 6 and he slowly let us inch along. I remember when we first started playing he would hit his drive and then we would tee it up next to his ball. My father never made us go, but we always wanted to be out there with him. Much better than playing Nintendo if you ask me. Those two guys are still my favorite playing partners.

Appears your son is a natural. Does he have a long waggle, ala Mike Weir yet?  

[Paul_Turner]

Ian

You are the spitting image of your Dad!

9 is just about right, no need to wait until a venerable 14.  I learnt at about that age, my Dad would just take me up to his club on quiet evenings...nobody minds.  Vivid memories for me.  

Occasionally pace out his best hits.  He'll get a thrill as he hits it further and further (I distinctly remember my first 130 yarder).

[ian]

Paul,

Don't I know it. That pacing of drives is a great idea, I know he loves to hit it by the yardage sign. I can't wait for spring.

To everyone,

I thank all of you for your kind words and encouragement. As I wanted to show, it was the encouragement from many of you that brought this day. I thought it would be a fun thread in the middle of a long winter (for us north-easterners).

Thanks agin,

Ian Andrew

[W.H. Cosgrove]

Congratulations!  He looks as though he has a great swing and he had fun!

1) Golf was the most important thing my Father and I did together.  We played together when I was young and after we drifted apart in my teens and twenties, we restored our friendship on the golf course.  

2) Now as to the local muni........I could easily become furious at their attitude.  I am sure that the nature of our society has a lot to do with this but of all places entrusted with the health of the game the local municipal should be promoting the game to young players.

Maybe you should suggest they close one of the three nines one day a week for exactly the activity you were involved in.  I might also consider a stiff letter to your local council.  

[Mark_Rowlinson]

Get yourselves entry forms for the Father and Son Tournament at West Hill, one of the three lovely courses near Woking (Woking, Worplesdon and West Hill).  I think there's 5 year waiting list so that's just time for your son to get down into single figures!  It would also give him a very decent introduction to British heathland golf.

http://www.westhill-golfclub.co.uk/

[ian]

Cos,

The round was in Florida, while on holiday to see his grandparents. We will be fine here in Toronto. I'm fortunate to have extra options, and the local nine hole muni (while busy) is available.

Mark,

That sounds really neat. Outside of my parents, my entire family is still in England. A good excuse to take him "home"

[Pat Brockwell]

Ian, About parents who bring their kids out to play I can only say bless your heart!  My dad started us (me and my three brothers) by having us practice being quiet (usually while watching golf on TV) at home.  We then graduated to the position of caddy on a quiet Sunday afternoon nine.  From there a chance to putt now and then and we were begging to be signed up for the kid's clinics at the club.  Now we thank Dear Ole Dad for not trying to teach us the swing, only the game.  Good luck and good parenting to you!

[Chris Parker]

Ian,

Is this the thread you were looking for?

[Ian Andrew]

Chris,

Thanks, I owe you. How did you find it?

[ed_getka]

Ian,
  We were just talking about you today when a couple of foursomes got together to play Callippe Preserve here in the Bay Area. I didn't realize you had a son. I am even MORE impressed by your decision to follow your heart. That takes serious cojones. What a great role model for your son to see you break out of the comfort zone. Hats off to you.

[Doug Wright]

Ian,

You do some wonderful writing on here. Here is another thread about your father that I saved after I lost my Dad last summer. Thanks for putting these thoughts down on cyber-paper...

http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forums2/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=19978;start=msg355343#msg355343