Kobe and Dad Golfing

For those that didn't know - Justin loves to golf.  So naturally Kobe got Golf clubs for his 4th birthday.  He was soooo excited! 

But as mentioned in a previous Blog entry - Kobe was not nearly as excited as Justin! Just look at his face LOL.

This is Kobe a few days later, still excited - getting ready to practice with Dad in the back yard.

The weather was bad for about a week after his birthday.  Finally the sun came out and Kobe and Justing went  to the practice range for almost and hour and a half.  Below - Kobe lining up after some instructions from Dad.

Looking down range to line up his target...

SMACK!!! He hit the ball on his first swing.  A slight hook - but nonetheless, he hit the ball.

After repeated attempts it, Kobe started getting the his form and swing into a better rhythm.  He actually was getting the hang of it. By the end he realized it was more about finesse and timing than brute determination and strength.  He was hitting the ball well about 50% of the time.  Below - great form and follow through, yet this was one of those times he didn't hit the ball = ).

Of course every golfer needs to work on the short game - this Kobe enjoyed a lot. He would the ball about 5-6 feet at a time, closing in on the hole little by little.  When it finally went in he was so happy with himself.  He'd say, "look Dad - I did it! Let's try again from over there" (pointing to a new practice hole). Kobe didn't understand that the putting surface was called "The Green".  Justin kept trying to explain to him that he was putting on "The Green", but Kobe kept saying, "but Dad all the grass is green". Finally they compromised and called it "Special Grass".  

Kobe turning around for a photo opportunity.

Kobe and Dad spent 1.5 hours out there and came home so happy.  Justin plans on taking Kobe out once a week to simply gain familiarity with the game, terminology and allow Kobe to use his clubs.  We aren't worried at all about technique or skills at this point, we want him to have fun and want to keep going.  We want Kobe to enjoy the game like his Father and that probably won't take too long.  We'll work on the fine tuning of his talents next year - when he turns 5 = ).

They say golf is like life, but don't believe them.  Golf is more complicated than that.  ~Gardner Dickinson