The Best Score Wasn't My 81
Yesterday, I played golf at Phantom Golf Club, only ten minutes from my house.
To be honest, it has always been my toughest golf course.
The fairways are narrow, the greens are difficult to read, and I have probably lost more golf balls there than at any other course.
A week ago, I shot 91 at Lotte Sky-Hill CC. My swing had fallen apart, and although I figured out the problem after practicing twice, my confidence wasn't completely back.
Before leaving home, I told myself,
"If I can't avoid it, I'll enjoy it."
When I arrived at the first tee, I laughed and said,
"Today, I'm going to tame this golf course!"
Everyone laughed with me.
I had watched The Open Championship, imagined my swing again and again, and reviewed the basics in my mind. I even thought about going to the practice range one more time before the round, but it was simply too hot.
So I decided to trust my preparation.
The course looked much better than I expected. Earlier this year, the fairways had been replaced with new grass. After weeks of rain and humid weather, the grass had grown beautifully.
It felt like the course was finally ready.
We played from the red tees because one of my younger female friends joined our group, while the two men played from the white tees.
The result surprised even me.
I made one birdie and finished with 81, the best score in our group.
But when I drove home, I realized something.
The best part of the day wasn't my score.
It was the people.
Before we started, someone suggested playing for money.
Normally, I don't mind a friendly bet.
But one friend had been struggling with his swing.
Another was wearing a back brace because of a herniated disc.
One simply smiled and said,
"I didn't even bring any money today."
So I said,
"Let's just enjoy today's round."
Golf is much more enjoyable when everyone feels relaxed.
One of the funniest moments happened on the first tee.
One player hit a terrible topped shot.
I smiled and said,
"I will give you mulligan. This time, imagine pushing the club about 30 centimeters farther after impact."
He did exactly that.
This time, he made beautiful contact.
The ball took off beautifully.
Unfortunately, it flew straight to the right and landed out of bounds.
I laughed and said,
"Nice shot! Well, the extra 30 centimeters definitely helped... we just forgot to tell the ball which way to go!"
Our whole group, including our caddie, burst into laughter.
Later, he quietly said,
"I've never met anyone who encouraged me like that on a golf course."
His words stayed with me.
Sometimes, people don't need perfect advice.
They simply need someone who makes them feel comfortable enough to smile again.
Another player in our group was a retired school principal.
He had also been struggling with his golf recently because of back pain, but yesterday he played wonderfully and shot 82.
Every time he hit a good shot, I shouted,
"Excellent! Well done!"
More than once.
He even made a birdie.
Later, when I uploaded our group photo, I made sure to write,
"Congratulations on your great 82!"
He replied,
"Thanks to my wonderful playing partners."
That comment made me smile.
Maybe that's what golf has taught me over the years.
A good score makes you happy.
But good companions make the day unforgettable.
As I get older, I realize that consideration is one of the most valuable gifts we can give each other.
It doesn't cost anything.
Sometimes it is a compliment.
Sometimes it is a laugh after a bad shot.
Sometimes it is deciding not to play for money because someone isn't having their best day.
Small moments of consideration create trust.
And trust creates wonderful memories.
Yesterday, I shot 81.
But my favorite memory wasn't my birdie.
It was hearing laughter in the golf cart.
And seeing everyone go home with a smile.
Today's English Expression ☘️
Consideration creates connection.
Meaning: When we sincerely think about other people's feelings, we build stronger relationships.
Korean Summary
어제 저는 가장 어려워하는 골프장에서 81타를 쳤습니다. 하지만 집에 돌아오며 가장 기억에 남은 것은 스코어가 아니었습니다. 스윙이 좋지 않은 친구에게 부담을 주지 않기 위해 내기를 하지 않기로 했고, 뽕샷을 한 동반자에게는 웃음과 격려를 건넸습니다. 허리가 좋지 않았던 은퇴한 교장선생님께는 좋은 샷마다 크게 칭찬을 했고, 결국 82타라는 좋은 결과를 함께 기뻐했습니다. 골프는 점수도 중요하지만, 함께하는 사람을 배려하는 마음이 하루를 더욱 특별하게 만든다는 것을 다시 한번 느꼈습니다.
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