Making the cut
The 2017 junior male and female Newfoundland and Labrador golf champions have been crowned for another year.
There were many outstanding rounds of golf played at Grande Meadows golf course in Frenchman’s Cove during the week. All connected with the event would probably agree it was another highly successful tournament.
As a volunteer, grandparent of a participant and a fan of the game, I felt honoured to be part of such a first-class event. Although scores often determine individual achievement and success, I wonder if any kid walked away feeling down or defeated. However, the thought occurred to me: what if we had a cut after day one or two?
Now the dreaded cut is used in sport to separate the worthy from the unworthy participants. My first experience with such negativity came in 1964, during my Grade 9 year. My mother decided that I didn’t measure up to siblings because she witnessed me cutting class to replace a window for a teacher. I felt that I was being cut because my standards were too low for the family.
Then a few years ago my wife rescued a beagle named Jo Jo. On the eve of having her hip replaced, she welcomed a new addition to our family who failed to respond to all efforts to train him. Totally frustrated with my failure to succeed, I admitted my weakness to our local vet. He shocked me with his response.
“Art, keep doing what you’re doing and he’ll be fine.”
Years later, the results speak for themselves. I managed to scrape a couple of degrees in education, and Jo Jo has developed into a first-class pet.
Now how does all of this tie into golf? Well, I do my fair share of talking to anyone who crosses my path. Sometimes it can cause minor irritations, but often I meet those who inspire me. Such was the occasion when I talked to the parent of a boy who had average scores but a winning attitude. She beamed with pride about her son, even though he didn’t rank high, and told me about his ability and desire to work hard at any sport he plays.
I smiled at her positive attitude and told her that I was a fan of the underdog. I told her, “I appreciate talent and great performance, but I’m also a fan of the young person who shows good character despite a disappointing result.”
I’m glad this young man didn’t get cut, because his best performances are surely ahead of him.
The cut is necessary, especially in the pros, to field the best team when there is a limitation on the number of players.
However, in the junior golf championship, it may also be used to describe the many young athletes in our province who cut themselves from participating.
I have been a sports addict all of my life and have reaped the personal benefits of athletics. Numerous young lives have been shaped for the better through sports, but how many more with great abilities deny themselves the experience of doing something positive?
This event was super on so many levels: the course and the manner it catered to golfers, the volunteers who provided support services, the families and the individuals who provided the care for their youth, and Golf NL, which ran a highly professional tournament.
My best impression came at the end of the tournament when a rules official congratulated and thanked each golfer for their participation — first class all the way.