by Cecile Cinco
It was in 1989. The Subic Naval Base in Olongapo still existed at that time. A couple (black American married to a Filipina) friends invited several of us young people in the Church to learn how to play golf. There were about 7 of us. It was exciting as I really wanted to know how to play golf. That time, playing bowling for about half a year, I thought that learning another sport was just a great opportunity. I knew golf is sport for the rich but since the door was open, why not grab it?
We were taught all the different golf equipment we need to know about at that time. The stance was very important, as much as the importance of how you hold the club, how you swing and follow through. Even the twist of your body was important.
We were all doing great and having fun until we reached the putting area. I was just a few feet away from the hole. I was told the twist of the body was a bit different. It’s sort of like twisting your upper body leaving your legs in place except for one that twists also. When I tried it, I suddenly fell on the ground, my right knee in pain. I realized that my kneecap moved to the outer side. Realizing I will not be able to stand in that situation, I bravely slapped my kneecap into place, with a loud cry. I asked for ice to apply first aid and stayed sitting on the ground for an hour before I was brought up to a bench.
Going home, I had to be carried. I rode the back of the guy who invited us. It was a sorry state. I was in the middle of a bowling tourney that time and I could not play. I could not even walk. My knee was in bandage but I kept trying to walk. Little by little I did.
The next week I tried to play bowling without the initial strides. I usually make 5 strides instead of the normal 3 that other players make. I stand the farthest from the lane and almost always at the edge because of the 5 strides I have to make. That time I could not walk well, I had to practice playing without a stride at all. It wasn’t easy and my score was not good but it opened opportunity to make bowling more fun. Another was playing bowling with eyes covered. If you did not get a strike, you will be told what pins are left.
I don’t regret that day when I tried to learn to play golf. With the bad incident, I made bowling more exciting. Not that it wasn’t but I was able to have others play with me the new ways I thought of. Oh, and that was the tourney I got the 3rd place in the women’s division. The first 2 were players for 5 and 10 years. I played with passion. 
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