Jan 13, 2025

Playing with My Mother at the Cali Crush Invitational with Alix

handicap index on the course podcast tournament golf

In this episode of T-Time with Tori, my sister Alix joins me as we look back on our mom's first golf tournament, the California Crush Invitational. We talked about what went into the planning, the successes of the day itself, and the little things that caught us off guard and added to the event's magnitude. From overcoming travel hesitations to scoring a memorable birdie on the final hole, we explore how our 72-year-old mom's journey can inspire and teach valuable lessons to women golfers of all ages and skill levels. Join us as we discuss the power of stepping out of your comfort zone, the importance of supportive partnerships on the course, and the joy of embracing new golf experiences.

Why Alix Thinks I Need To Change My Photo

I've always believed that a good profile photo can make a lasting impression, but I never realized how quickly it could become outdated. Alix brought up an interesting point about my current photo. She feels it's time for a change, suggesting we update our photos every two years to keep them fresh and current.

Listening to Alix's perspective, I looked rather young in the current photo and have aged since. It is interesting to contemplate how our features may change, perhaps without one even being aware. Indeed, we are most likely to see our reflection in the mirror, yet the changes are noticeable from someone else's angle.

Mom Joined Us for the First Time at the California Crush Invitational

When we decided to host the California Crush Invitational event, I never thought my mother, aged 72, would ever come out with us. You see, Mom isn't fond of traveling. She feels at ease going back and forth between her New York and Florida homes, with long travels irritating most of the time. But with 152 signed up ( which is nowhere near our targeted goal of 200 players but still quite good) players for the tournament, I knew it was time to respect the invite for Mom.

I was thrilled when Mom agreed to participate, but she had one condition - she would only play with Alix. So, of course, I made sure to invite Alix as well. It was heartwarming to see so many players from Florida make the trip, including our mom. With Mom's 28 handicap index and Alix's 7.5, I knew it would be an interesting pairing. I was excited to see how they would fare in the tournament and how Mom would handle her first-ever competitive golf experience.

Watching Your Golf Swing on Video Helps

I've always firmly believed in the power of visual feedback, especially when it comes to improving our golf swings. Watching your golf swing on video can be incredibly helpful. It's one thing to feel what you're doing wrong, but seeing it on camera brings awareness to our bad habits and areas for improvement.

This great technique is particularly effective for visual learners or athletes who played athletics at a young age. It's fascinating how we can revert to our younger years when making adjustments, especially if we've had experience with coaches. The video lets us see our movements objectively, making identifying and correcting issues in our swing easier.

The California Crush Invitational Experience

As we prepared for the California Crush Invitational, we weren't sure what to expect from Mom's first tournament experience. Surprisingly, she wasn't nervous at all. Alix was more concerned that Mom might hit out of turn or do something that would make her feel bad.

Despite never having played in a tournament before, Mom impressed Alix with her knowledge of the rules. However, the responsibility of figuring out how to play and what to do fell largely on Alix's shoulders. The first day was challenging - they ended up in last place, with Alix shooting a 92, which was problematic for her 7.5 handicap. But they didn't let that discourage them. On the second day, they decided to change their strategy and focus on not getting zeros. Mom had 16 strokes and performed much better, feeling more comfortable, warmed up, and knowing what to expect.

The Last Three Holes

The last hole, a challenging par three over water, loomed before us. Having already played 35 holes, my mom was understandably tired but still determined. I watched with pride as she and Alix discussed their strategy, with Alix insisting that Mom take the first shot.

We held our breath as Mom stepped up to the tee. To our amazement, she hit a spectacular shot that sailed over 100 yards across the water, landing just 6 inches from the hole. The tension was palpable as she lined up her putt. We couldn't contain our excitement when she drained it for a birdie. We jumped up and down, celebrating her incredible achievement. It was a moment I'll never forget, watching my 72-year-old mom score her first birdie on such a difficult hole.

Reflecting on those final holes, I'm in awe of Mom's performance. Despite the tough course conditions and the fatigue from playing so many holes, as Alix shared, she did an outstanding job. Her birdie on that last hole was the perfect ending to her tournament debut. It shows we can overcome challenges with determination and a positive attitude, regardless of age or experience.

The Awards

Standing on the stage to announce the winners, I felt pride for all the participants. We had structured the awards to recognize a wide range of achievements, with overall gross and net categories and eight flights with three winners each for gross and net scores. It was important to me that we celebrate our golfers' diverse talents and efforts.

I couldn't help but feel a special thrill when I confirmed that Mom and Alix hadn't finished in last place. That final birdie had made all the difference, pushing them up in the rankings. It was a testament to the unpredictable nature of golf and how a single great shot can change everything.

Playing With New People You Don't Know

What I looked forward to the most about attending the California Crush Invitational was the fact that players would get to meet and interact with new people. I would particularly like to know this from Alix since she has always been eager to play with different partners. Overall, she has very refreshing views on trying new things and making new friends on the course.

Like many people, Alix would rather meet new people and play with them than with people she knows. I find that entertaining because it adds the element of surprise, which makes every round different. It is a good way to remember that golf is more than just the game; it is about the people behind it and meeting new ones.

Overall Thought on Mom's Performance

Looking back on Mom's performance at the California Crush Invitational, I'm filled with pride and admiration. One interesting tidbit during our discussion was that both Mom and Alix are right-handed but play golf left-handed. They share a unique characteristic, and I wonder if it contributed to their compatibility as playing partners.

We all agreed that Mom had a fantastic time at the tournament. Despite being her first competitive experience, she embraced the challenge enthusiastically and gracefully. Her performance, particularly that stunning birdie she scored at the last hole, was commendable, especially considering her age and little experience in similar tournaments.

Looking back at the occasion, I must say I felt an air of gratitude for being able to experience this with Mom. It made me appreciate the spirit of golf even more in uniting people, pushing boundaries, and creating pure happiness irrespective of age and proficiency level. My mother's achievement at the California Crush Invitational speaks volumes about the kind of welcoming environment that we're fostering in women's golf.

Key Takeaways

Embrace new challenges in golf, regardless of age or experience level. It's never too late to try something new and push your boundaries.
Supportive partnerships on the course can significantly enhance your golf experience and performance, providing encouragement and motivation.
Utilize visual feedback, such as video analysis, to improve your swing technique and more effectively identify areas for improvement.
Adaptability is crucial in tournament play. Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on course conditions and your performance.
Remember that a single great shot can dramatically change the outcome of your round. Stay focused and give each shot your best effort.
Playing with new people excites your golf experience and provides opportunities for personal growth and new friendships.
Maintain a positive attitude to overcome physical limitations and course challenges. Your mindset can significantly impact your performance.

Conclusion

Mom's participation in the California Crush Invitational strongly emphasizes that golf is a game that knows no boundaries of age or experience. And throughout her adventure, we have all understood that achieving remarkable victories and growth is possible by taking risks and trying new things. Collaboration is also necessary, and we should not forget about Mom and Alix; it is significantly easier to enjoy the game with the right person. As we look back at the events of this tournament, we are filled with the spirit of struggle, adaptability, and, most importantly, the happiness that comes from playing golf. It underlines the message that golf, like life, is ever full of fresh challenges, and overcoming age barriers to seek one's dreams is possible. Mom's success story motivates all women golfers to accept new ventures, be there for one another, and be fond of accepting and tackling hard challenges. Ultimately, her experience at the California Crush Invitational exemplifies the inclusive and empowering spirit we strive to foster in women's golf.