Slightly off Topic: Playing a Young Man’s Game –
By Wayne Halm –
I haven’t golfed much lately because I’ve been playing a young man’s game – and losing badly.
Sally asked me to pressure wash the house.
Yeah, it needed it.
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(Click on any picture to get a larger view – then click on the browser ‘back’ button to return.)
To begin I washed the concrete patio, just so I could get used to the machine. That was easy and built up my confidence.
The machine – or “The Little Monster” as I came to call it.
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But there is a world of difference between washing the concrete you are standing on and washing the side of a two story house. The biggest difference is the ladder.
The ladder – or “The Beast” as I came to call it.
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Moving the ladder around and climbing it is hard work. But standing on it, holding on with one hand and directing the spray wand with the other is absolutely exhausting. It is a young man’s game. After a couple of hours each day I would no longer trust myself on “The Beast” and stop.
After one of my two hour stints I sat and watched a British golf tournament on television. This didn’t last long. The tournament was on an ugly course in ugly weather, my interest faded fast.
The television did get me to thinking about golf though. I wondered what effect the exercise was going to have on my game. So I scheduled nine holes the next day to find out.
My play was everything I feared it would be. I felt stronger but any rhythm I ever had was gone. I did keep the ball on the golf course but only hit one green – and that that was a fluke from 205 yards out.
A fluke – but a NICE fluke.
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With that lone exception my iron play was way off, but the short game suffered even worse. I had no “feel” and quickly lost confidence. It was not pretty – not pretty at all.
I am sure that in a couple of rounds I will adjust my rhythm to my new strength (or more likely my strength will fade back into my old rhythm). However, it does make me question the wisdom of “getting in shape for a tournament”.
Tell me what you think … and …
Come play golf with me.
Golfing on Kauai 
Wayne, it’s hard playing golf after a day of strenuous activity using muscles that are not often worked. Set aside ample time for both. Your golf will be fine in time. Play well. Brian
Aloha Brian,
Thank you for the vote of confidence. I am always amazed at how a sudden change in my physical conditioning throws everything off. Perhaps I can use this as an excuse to get out on the course more often.
A Hui Hou,
Wayne
Didn’t your Momma tell you to do your chores first and then you can go out and play⛳️
Aloha,
Yes she did. My Mamma tells me lots of things. But she couldn’t tell me how to play well after a chore like that.
A Hui Hoju,
Wayne
Aloha Wayne,
As Brian mentioned, it is possible your muscles weren’t fully recovered from your strenuous chore workout. In a day or two, I’m sure you’ll be back to playing off the short grass and many birdie putts. Good luck my friend!
Cheers
Josh
Aloha Josh,
I went out Sunday – it was better. I hit more greens and had more birdie putts – they were mostly 40 footers but that was better. I still have a ways to go. Thanks for the well wishes.
A Hui Hou,
Wayne
It does look so much better. It is worth the effort.
Aloha Eugenie,
Thank you girl. It was a lot of work – I may have to throw a party so people can come over and see it.
A Hui Hou,
Wayne
You’ve got me thinking about pressure washing my house. 🙂 I feel the same way after a workout that uses different muscles than I’m used to. Cross training is boss!
Aloha Michelle,
Pressure washing, like grass cutting (but unlike writing), does provided instant gratification. Think about it if your house is one story, think about hiring someone if it is two. But the house does look better. And okay, I admit it, every time Sally tells one of her friends, “Wayne did it”, I suck my gut in and stand a little taller.
A Hui Hou,
Wayne