I’m a headcase on the golf course. At least on the first tee box, and especially when it’s my first time playing with a group.
Experts say “Don’t grip the club tight,” but I damn near blister my hands on that initial swing. They say “Keep your head down,” but I’m too often whipping my head up to see the ball dribble off into the weeds. They say “Slow your swing,” but I’m coming out of my shoes like Gary Sheffield.
My dad knows this about me. So when I joined him and his buddies during our recent trip to Florida for my first round of the year, he suggested that I ride in the cart with his friend, Cuddy. “He’s a fun guy. He’ll be good for you,” Dad promised.
From the few times that I’ve hung out with him, Cuddy reminds me of a combo between Owen Wilson and Pete Carroll. He has an accent from his upbringing in New England, a chill demeanor from spending most of his adult life in Southern California, and a love for golf with the boys from his retirement in Florida. I’ve been a big fan of the guy since meeting him, so I happily threw my bag on his cart.
The round began how it often does when I entrench myself in internally manufactured pressure. I duffed my first three tee shots, and I was staying true to my generous handicap early in the round. I was about ready to forfeit my “Dad’s day out” on the course to go swim with Charlie and Jack in the community pool.
But then Cuddy cracked open the cooler. He got the banter going. We had great conversations. He got me to loosen up without ever having to say, “loosen up.”
As I settled in and started playing better, Cuddy was more excited about my comeback than I was. And when he chipped in on 6, we laughed like little kids and celebrated with a group shot of “Birdie juice.” He grabbed the speaker in our cart, changed the song, and turned up the volume. I looked at him confused and asked, “Dude, is this Kygo Radio?” “Hell yeah,” he responded. “We’re playing too well to listen to that Oldies music coming from your Dad’s cart.”
For the rest of the afternoon, I relaxed my swing and struck the ball with confidence, and leveraged my handicap to help us win our friendly competition. I soaked in the beautiful day, gorgeous course, and quality time with the boys. My cart partner was always right there – to read the green, supply an extra tee, provide a high five and a laugh, or open that cooler one more time.
It quickly became one of the most fun rounds that I’ve ever played, and because of it, I played the best back 9 of my life. My takeaway: “Who rides in your cart” can make all the difference. (And while it makes for a better story to write about one main character- I have to thank Dad and Brownie for being just as enjoyable to play with.)
Cuddy and the crew’s positive vibes turned a good time into a great memory. Their genuine interest instilled confidence and reduced pressure. Their hospitality as my pseudo-caddie made the whole experience effortless. Thanks Gents!
Going forward, I hope to bring that “Cuddy effect” to people that ride in my cart- or my life. I hope friends and clients walk away from a day or a meeting with me and say – “Damn – that was fun” or “I play better when I ride with Janiec.”
This spring – Who do you want riding in your cart? Maybe more importantly, who will want you to ride in theirs? Quick pro tip: Sometimes it only takes a cooler, a big smile, and a little Kygo radio to change the entire experience…
The Janiec Reflection 