Charlie was so excited he could hardly finish his breakfast. “I’m going to be driven up the coast today to Squamish Valley Golf Club where I will get to visit with Big Charlie. I’m going to see huge mountains with waterfalls and swing my golf clubs at the driving range,” he thought to himself, while having a big smile on his face.

Big Charlie was a person who made you smile. Yes, he was a Golf Pro, but even more than that, he was a person who had a talent for bringing out the best in a person. He made you feel worthy and cared for, and though you maybe didn’t have a Tiger-like swing, he was happy to fix the imperfections and reward your courage for trying to better your golf game and yourself in the process.

As it happened, Mrs. Tucker had met Big Charlie some years back on a driving range. She had been trying to figure her swing out with not very much success. Big Charlie had come over and given her a tip that had really helped. From then onwards, Mrs. Tucker received many golf lessons and life lessons from Big Charlie.

Truly, some life lessons did not happen over night, but over time. One such lesson was the awareness that with enough hard work and discipline, along with the right attitude, anything is possible.

“Hello, doll,” he said while giving her a big bear hug. “How are you both today, and where’s your little man,” he said in his deep voice, soon shaking Mr. Tucker’s hand to welcome him to the course as well.

Before either of the older Tuckers could respond, Big Charlie said “Ah, there you are,” while watching little Charlie run towards him with his little golf clubs clanking on his small shoulders, and his arms open to receive a bear hug from Big Charlie, too.

“Hello, Big Charlie, and how are you today?” little Charlie asked.

“Better, now that you all are here,” he replied with a big smile. “Let’s all make our way to the range, but first I have to pick up some golf balls. Does anyone want anything from the ‘Ninth Hole’?” Big Charlie questioned, looking over to the food stand.

“No, thank you, Charlie, but we probably all will come in after the range for some of those famous French fries,” Mrs. Tucker replied.

“Good to see you are still spoiling yourself once in a while,” Big Charlie said in reference to her food choice.

Now at the driving range, little Charlie, who wanted to impress everyone, was trying to swing with all his might, but he kept topping golf balls.

“Let’s see, you should sweep the club away as you are picking the club up, so take the club back with your arms and shoulders, keeping your left arm really straight. Bottom line, make your swing bigger and ‘no chopping wood’, young man,” he said.

“Got it,” little Charlie responded.

Little Charlie then took the golf club back with both his arms and shoulders while keeping his head still. He made sure to make a big swing and avoided picking the club up at the start of his take away.

“Wow, did you see that mom and dad, wow, I just hit it so far, thanks Charlie,” little Charlie said gleefully, looking up at the tall man with the large brimmed hat.

“Great hit, now that’s how it’s done,” Big Charlie responded.

And so the day went on, and many more solid golf shots were hit. Some tasty French fries with ketchup were eaten, and everyone had a great time.

For more information about Squamish Valley Golf Course and Big Charlie.

© 2011 Crystal Buchan