Walk a Mile in My (Golf) Shoes

Having practically grown up on snow, I have a bad habit of forgetting that most of my friends are not nearly as comfortable on a snowboard as I am. This inevitably leads to me either losing them or getting them in way over their heads, at which point they start screaming at me to "prove how good a snowboard instructor you really are!" Even when repeatedly reminded that "Johnny's only been snowboarding for two years," the ADHD portion of my brain still manages to direct my board down the gnarliest trail on the mountain, with Johnny the intermediate faithfully following (and often cartwheeling) down behind me. I recently learned that Johnny can and will have his revenge.

Surprising or not, like many skiers and snowboarders I'm also an avid golfer, with the emphasis on avid. Despite my lifelong love of the game, my handicap is still in the high 20s. Johnny's, however, is in the single digits, which provides him with ample opportunities for revenge once the snow melts. Standing on the 4^th tee of our local club recently, he asked me, "How's it feel to be mediocre at something, buddy?" Point taken, John. Point taken!

Aside from causing me to pull my drive into the woods, John's comment got me thinking about how beneficial it is for each and every one of us to "walk a mile" in someone else's shoes. I honestly can't remember the last time I felt anxiety or fear while snowboarding, which I'm sure contributes to my legendary ability to drag my friends into places they don't belong. Watching John hanging out in the fairway as I was wishing I had swapped my 3-iron for a machete made me realize how important it is to consider the ability levels of everyone in the group when guiding friends around the mountain. Some of you may be thinking, "So you're not as good a golfer as your friend. Where's the danger in that?" Trust me...the jams I manage to get myself into on a golf course are at least as dangerous as dragging a beginner snowboarder through the trees!