My Greatest Sporting Achievement

Since the Olympics start today in London, a sport-themed story seems appropriate. This, then, is the tale of my single greatest accomplishment in sports: the day I became the Tiger Woods of mini-golf.

Back in 2003, when Sylvia and I first started dating, we drove down to the hot springs at Radium, British Columbia. There was a mini-golf course next to our hotel, so Sylvia and I ambled over to give it a try. Astounding Sylvia - though no more than myself - I found myself completely in the zone, scoring several holes-in-one and only rarely missing each hole's score for par. In the end, I wound up with a final score of one under par for the course, and Sylvia immediately christened me "the Tiger Woods of mini-golf!"

Sadly this performance was not to be repeated. We played another couple of rounds, but I couldn't recapture the style and finesse I'd managed during the first game. Still, Sylvia was impressed enough that I sometimes wonder if this single example of sporting prowess may have convinced her that I was a keeper.

Clearly, the Earl-y birdie gets the girl.

Go Speed Racers

In August 2003, Sylvia and I travelled to BC's Radium Hot Springs. It was our first trip together as a couple, and Sylvia introduced me to the pleasures of go-kart racing. I was holding my own until the final lap, when Sylvia pulled up from behind and left me in the dust. In my defence, this was my first time racing, and Sylvia had driven on this track before, so she was on familiar terrain.

I found go-kart racing surprisingly exhilarating. I wonder why we haven't raced since. Sounds like a good activity to pursue this summer.