Growing Through Golf

The other night, as I walked back to my golf cart, I watched as Dawson clapped for my most recent shot. A rush of pride and joy swept through me.

Not because I had just hit a killer hybrid shot worthy of his applause—though that was a feat in itself—but because of the long road it took to get here, to a place where Dawson was enjoying golf and celebrating others.

Two years ago, Santa brought Dawson and Kamden each a set of golf clubs. To say Dawson was disappointed is an understatement (I even wrote about that day here). He had been dreaming of a Pokémon card box, and instead, he found what he considered “useless” clubs sitting by his stocking. Why would he need golf clubs? He couldn’t even play golf!

But that spring, my husband began taking him out to the course. At first, it was rough—learning the structure of the game was a challenge for Dawson. My husband even started recording short videos at the end of each round as a way to keep Dawson motivated to show up and try again each time. Then we realized something important: Dawson is a lefty. He had been trying to copy his dad, who golfs right-handed. Once we made that adjustment, something clicked. He began to blossom.

In hopes of continuing to support his growth in golf, we signed Dawson up for a week-long golf camp and a youth golf league this past summer. Almost instantly, his skills grew. His drive became increasingly impressive, and his face would light up with pride when he saw his progress.

Not long after, Dawson played in his very first golf tournament with my husband—and placed first. The joy on his face in that moment said it all, and to this day he still loves talking about that win.

But this love of golf has done more than build Dawson’s confidence—it has brought our family together in a new way.

Week after week, we carved out time to head to the course as a family. Dawson got to know the clubhouse staff, greeting the women behind the counter by name as he ordered his “fountain Mountain” (Dew). Slowly, he was finding his place, a space where he felt both comfortable and capable.

Of course, it isn't always sunshine and rainbows. There have been—and continue to be—moments of frustration and meltdowns, especially when he lost his beloved Crunch golf ball. But we keep showing up. Sometimes, as we drive to the next hole, I remind him how many compliments he needed to give others, firm goals to redirect his attitude when frustration got the better of him.

And so, when he clapped for me the other night—unprompted, simply celebrating someone else’s success—I felt an overwhelming surge of pride. Golf has been shaping him into more than just a player.

He is becoming someone who shows up, even when the last shot, hole, or round doesn’t go his way. Someone who understands the complexity of body control as he swings his club. Someone who celebrates others, cheering them on wholeheartedly. He’s the brother who helps Kamden adjust his swing and hugs him after sinking a great putt. And he’s someone who carries a passion that will serve him in life.

He is, in every sense, a golfer.

Getting here took time and persistence from us all, but it’s the simple rounds on the course that are shaping who Dawson is becoming—both on the course and in life.

Exciting Bonus: Today, Dawson hit his very first birdie on a par 3 hole! He continues to improve, and I love watching how his hard work keeps paying off.