This has been the most hectic summer ever.  Long after major milestones took place last month such as my wife's move from being a prosecutor to corporate lawyer, and my birthday march into 40, we simply got ourselves busy with entertaining visitors from abroad, from the province, plus a few more summer activities like the usual swimming lessons for kids.

Somehow the end result of the six day daily trek to Cavite early last month slipped my mind.  Taking a back seat to all the current happenings including the string of presentations I've been doing with clients and agencies, I simply forgot about IT(signs of aging?).  Then yesterday, IT all came in as a big surprise.  As it was texted by the secretariat of the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines, my 5 year old son earned his slot to be part of Team Philippines in the Callaway Junior World Golf Championships in San Diego, California.

For those who are familiar with the game, we know that this is THE olympics of golf for kids.  San Diego is Mount Olympus for junior golfers.  At my son's age group, there will be no halfway cut.  All kids, 6 and under will play for three straight days.

It is obvious that as a parent, I am excited, elated, and ecstatic.  I have to confess though.  I am also somewhat confused.

Allow me to explain.  In Oaui's (Joaquin's nickname) age group, he will be competing against boys who are practically seven years old.  Although his category is the defined as the "6 and under", the rules allow kids into that category provided that that they are not seven years old on the days of the tournament.  As it is, Oaui may be up against those who are 6 years and 11 months old.  In that category, there is a big difference between a 5 year old like him and another who is on the verge of turning seven.  Driving power is different, pitching more accurate, putting skills more sensitive.

I'm not trying to come in with the mentality of a defeatist but I think I have enough common sense to see what we're up against.  We won't be any different than the Philippine Olympic team battling the Chinese in Beijing this August(LOL!).  However, for a parent who values sowing seeds of confidence and other positive intrinsic values into a child, this experience may be priceless.  Laying the golf aside, there could be no better venue to plant in Oaui's heart, timeless values which may serve him well as foundations for life.

Just in case you didn't know it, GOLF also stands for Guidance Of a Loving Father.

I used to hate golf.  My friend Minnie Bobe will actually tell you how much I hated it as compared to the former sport of fencing.  But little did I realize the great value of this sport.  No, it's not about the personal discipline and dedication involved.  It's about the mentoring.  I honestly believe that there is no other sport (save for fishing) where a father can mentor his son or daughter both in the sport and in life itself with greater depth than golf itself.

And then some more...like on the long drive home from the golf course you get to ask your kid, "Why do you like to play golf?".  And suddenly you get stunned by answers like, "because I want to be with you".

Man, even Tiger Woods missed his dad and broke down in tears at the end of  the 2006 British Open.  This was his first major win after his dad passed away.  Daddy Earl Woods was no longer there to relish the victory and see him at the end of the 18th hole.

So here I am, perplexed to a great degree.  Do we go?  Or do we wait for another year? If we pass this year, we may not be assured of the same slot next year.  That will be another gruelling 6 day elimination. If we go, obtaining that little crystal trophy will be an uphill climb.  But if we go, priceless memories including the honor to carry the Philippine colors shall surely serve as a higher reward.  After all, I have also dreamed of being Oaui's caddy one day.  For now, it's time to pray about things.