I thought I came to the course early but my teacher Miling Bisera was already in the practice putting area of the old Lanang golf waiting for me. Thirty minutes ahead of our tee time but Miling told me, better early than late. That’s your first lesson for today.The most important lesson in golf.
It was my first time to hit fairways after two weeks of hitting in the range. Excited and with high expectations. A few minutes later, they arrived. Two young caddies/ golf pros and one gray haired golfer who look tanned and sun baked but rather look fit for his age.
My pro and the two caddies hit from the blue tee while me and the old guy took off from the White tee. I was given the honor to hit first. Later on I found out, its not really the honor per se but rather to avoid being intimidated and awed by the length and the power of their drives,,,hahaha.
While walking after hitting our drives, the old man gave me some unsolicited advise after getting permission from Miling. Sure Tay,ok lang.
Lesson number two. After teeing up your ball, relax and calm down your nerves. Imagine the shot you are planning to hit and set a target. Don’t hit the ball until you feel relax, comfortable and have settled down.
The guys from the blue tee hit long drives of not less than 250 yards. Tatay hit a 150 yard drive more or less but dead center. I was able to reach green on a Par 4 luckily in 6, the pros in regulation while Tatay hit his 3rd shot a few inches from the cup. A gimme for par.
I admire his 3/4 swing executed in a relaxed fashion. Although his body did not finish in full rotation due to limited flexibility , I admired the fluidity of its execution. It was poetry in motion.
As we finished the front 9, and compared score, my golf pro had an even par, the two caddies in 1 over, while the old guy surprised me with a 2 under. Me? I made 6 over. Six over sixty or 66 ,,for front 9 alone.
Along the way I paid attention to the lessons I learned while playing along with the guy. On a par 4s,don’t make the mistake of trying to hit a shot beyond your capacity. Hit a shot with a club you are most comfortable with. You may not hit the green in regulation since you are not expected to hit it everytime unless you are a pro or a low handicap player thus the need to practice more on your short game to hit the third shot as near as possible to the hole. Putt, putt and perfect the putt stroke you are most comfortable with.
Par 5’s are the chances you can hit the green in regulation but the same, don’t push it so hard. As you improve and lower your handicap always remember not to rush and push yourself ahead beyond your capability. Par 3 is your best chance for a par thus the need to practice your range/club selection for the right distance and take advantage of having the ball teed up.
Golf is management. Manage your shots, manage the course and avoid hitting high risk shots unless you have hit those shots during practice at the range. The thought of trying to emulate Lee Trevino or Greg Norman hit those shots you see in the TV is so tempting.
As we gather around the table for our breakfast the old man continue to amaze me with his words of wisdom. Me, looking as a wide eyed boy listening intently to every words he uttered ;impressed with his humility and down to earth decorum.
We laugh and enjoyed our meals until I silently whispered to my pro,,,Miling, who is this guy? We’ve been playing and talking for the last two hours or so but we haven’t been introduced well.
They both laugh and laugh.. Sorry sir. Tay, this is Engr Chito my student. He has been practicing with me for the last 3 weeks or so and this is his first fairway.
Sir Chito, this is Tatay Celestino. Celestino Tugot…WHAAAAAT?
I am shocked with disbelief. Bewildered and amazed by his mere presence. I literally walked with one of the gods of golf in the grounds of Lanang.
It was such an experience walking with the maestro.The living legend of Philippine golf at that time. The greatest Filipino golfer who played the game.
Oh how I wish I have that Smart selfon is already available during that time. It could have been a great selfie and Facebook post….wew..what a walk remember.
