The author shares his experience of dropping off his youngest child at college, reflecting on the journey of parenthood and the emotions that come with seeing his children grow up. He questions the impact of his parenting, particularly in regards to his children not taking up the game of golf, a sport that is dear to his heart. Growing up with minimal exposure to golf himself, the author recounts how he fell in love with the game later in life, and how he tried to pass on this passion to his children.
As a teenager, the author was introduced to golf by a friend and immediately fell in love with the sport. He married a woman who is tolerant of his obsession with golf, despite not sharing the same enthusiasm for the game. The author views golf as a language that he has learned to speak with an accent, and he hoped to impart this language to his children from a young age. While his daughter showed early promise in golf, her interest waned over time, and his son, despite initial interest, eventually found other pursuits more appealing.
The author reflects on his parenting approach with his children, realizing that each child is different and may not share the same interests as their parents. Despite his efforts to expose his children to golf, he acknowledges that they have their own paths to follow. The author recounts moments of bonding with his children over golf, as well as the challenges of teaching them the game. Ultimately, he accepts that golf may not be a shared family tradition in their household, but recognizes that the lessons learned from the game have influenced their character in positive ways.
In considering where he may have gone wrong in fostering a love for golf in his children, the author shares a profound piece of parenting advice he received from Lou Holtz: show love for your children’s mother. Reflecting on the impact of his own love for golf and how it has shaped his family life, the author realizes that the values and lessons learned through the game are just as important as the game itself. Despite his children not pursuing golf, the author finds solace in the ways in which they have been influenced by the sport and his passion for it.
As the author navigates the empty nest phase of parenthood, he comes to terms with the fact that his children have their own interests and paths to follow, reflecting on the ways in which golf has shaped their family dynamic. While golf may not be a shared activity among the Sens family, the author finds joy in the ways in which his children have embodied the values of honesty, empathy, and resilience that he believes golf has helped instill in them. Through his reflections on parenthood, golf, and family, the author discovers the profound impact of love and values in shaping meaningful connections with his children.
