I did not know it would be that soon. A Japanese colleague mentioned that he plays some golf (or practice in the driving range) and I asked if we can do it together sometime in the future. Two days after he came back to me with another jap colleague who seemed to be more keen about the matter. And they set the schedule four days after. i said yes thinking at the back of my mind when was the last time I had a hold on a golf club – it was about 11 years back. And I was not even good.
It was gloomy and raining the day before we were set to play, and my ‘golf comrades’ were doubtful if it was going to be sunny or at least fine enough that Saturday. The japanese and Mongolian forecasts predicted opposing weathers. So we just agreed that if it was not raining that morning, we will proceed with the plan.
I got up at 6. had tinola (chicken stew) for breakfast, done with my shower at 715. still gloomy morning but no rains so far. Also got my call confirming as planned.
The trip was about 70 kms away from the capital. There was no rain during the ride. I and 3 japs were set to play 18 holes that day.
We reached terelj where the only golf course in mongolia can be found. It is a national park, and famous for its distinct rock formations. The sun was not out. But there was no rain either. The clubs were put on carts. My colleagues had their own while I rented mine. We had female caddies – young college students doing part time work on weekends.
I did my first shot – missed the ball. Several attempts till I hit it and left hole number 1 a few meters away. My older jap colleague couldn’t help himself from giggling.
After two hours on the fairways and greens, it started drizzling. Consistent enough to wet our shirts and jackets. To each his own mishaps in the hits and swings. After 9 holes and about 5 hours, we decided to cut our play short. i ranked last.
We proceeded to a nearby hotel restaurant for lunch. It was fun despite the wet and overcast weather. I learned a lot from my jap acquaintances – some basics of golf, Japanese golf terms like ‘tempura ball’ (flying ball), views on working in Mongolia, and other personal stuff. It was not just a weekend about hitting a ball to get into a hole.
Now I think I will have a new sport to be good at.
