By Rick Rodriguez
Some of my most fantastic travel experiences have come from a sense of being driven toward a destination. Figuratively speaking, I was driven to get to England in 1996, and yes that's where I ended up that summer; almost as if fate interceded and got me there! Leek Wotten, a small town outside of Warwick (central England) and in the heartland of Shakesphere Country, is where I arrived to compete in the 10th Annual World Left-Handed Golf Championship.
The championship is held around the world every two years. Several countries are represented and compete in a medal play golf championship. In England, the host course was The Warwickshire Golf Club, located in the quaint town of Leek Wooten. This is also very near the Warwick Castle, a famous tourist spot in central England!
It was my 1st trip to England and after arriving at Heathrow International Airport in London. I rented a car and caught the M for a few hour trip North to Lemington Spa and The Courtyard Marriott. After about 20 miles, I realized that I was in fact heading South and had to negotiate a roundabout to get on the right track! I did, and what ensued was a pleasant trip right through central England. I vividly recall the sense of freedom I experienced out on the open road, seeing unfamiliar terrain, and being alone in a Country knowing not a soul. I've had this experience quite often, and only twice, have I experienced anything other than a very calm sense of being! The other two times I was homesick in Mexico and Australia.
Once I arrived in Leek Wooten, I immediately found my hotel, got situated, and then headed downstairs to the lobby. I sat down and relaxed at the bar and met a man named Walter. This Englander was kind enough to drive me to the golf course. Once I got to the Warwickshire golf course, I was overwhelmed by the sense of pride I experienced seeing each participating country's flag fluttering in the wind. I was so proud being there representing the United States as a participating player!
I played a practice round on the Warwickshire and found the course a generous lay out. Most of that day is but a blur; I was severely jet-lagged. So, needless to say, my golf play was uneventful save for a few memorable swings with the driver. After befriending a man, Bill Hickey, from Montana, we had dinner at The Hilton, and I, shortly thereafter, tried in vain to get some sleep but to no avail.
The next day I headed off to Blackpool on the west coast of England, and the site of 1996 British Open. The bus trip from Warwick took about 2.5 hours but again I was treated to some fantastic countryside. My trip coincided with "The Open" and I had tickets to the final round of the championship. Tom Lehman, an American, had established the lead, but was paired with England's own Nick Faldo. Journal Excerpt Rick Rodriguez "The Open was fabulous! I spent most of the day at holes 2, 4 & 5. I got to see most of the stars: Couples, Pavin, Nicklaus, Norman, Crenshaw, Woods, Mediate, Singh, Faldo, and eventual championship winner Tom Lehman. I followed Faldo and Lehman most of the way home (18th hole). Couples made a charge. Mark Brooks chipped in on 5. I like him. The roar of the gallery at The Open is unbelievable especially when Faldo birdied! I hung out after and took a close up photo of the Claret Jug and Lehman being interviewed by Jimmy Roberts of ESPN." It is interesting to note who the stars were in 1996. Back then Faldo, Norman, and Couples were pretty big stars--and a relative unknown--Tiger Woods was playing in his last event as a non-professional golfer. He turned professional shortly thereafter!
After two tournament rounds of the world tournament, I met a local named Duncan Glover; we were paired together in the 2nd round. Since we had an off day on Wednesday, Duncan invited me to stay with him at his home in Birmingham. Naturally, I accepted and after the round we headed down to his home. Birmingham is a big city and somewhat industrial. I met his wife Joan and son Ian, and then we headed out to dinner where I had my 1st Indian food experience. I had curry and it was fabulous! Our conversation centered on the unlikeliness that I ended up with them in their hometown, knowing not a soul but with the capacity to take a chance and make friends (years later Ian would stay with me in Danville), and now the memory is part of my history! On Wednesday, Joan made us a nice English breakfast and we ate in their narrow backyard. We also made it to Gordon's golf club, Moseley, and while there I got a chance to play Snooker, a billiard type game played on a larger table with smaller holes. I don't remember the final outcome but I do know we knocked down several pints of England's finest before heading home!
The last two rounds were uneventful. The golf club gave us an excellent send off and we enjoyed a taste of English dance along with fine cuisine. Afterwards, I hopped in my rental car and headed back to London. While I didn't get a chance to see much of London, I did take a city tour which covered the most famous London landmarks including Big Ben. I almost missed my flight back to the States because I couldn't find my rental return spot. I was so close to missing my flight that I had to leave my rental car in the short term parking area. What an experience! Needless to say, I was the last one to board the flight home and the airline (British Airways) had to hold the flight because my bags had already been checked earlier in the day. Yikes!
I learned a few valuable lessons in this tournament and the trip. Basically it comes down to rest and preparation to excel in these tournaments. I underestimated the jet lag and didn't catch up on my sleep until mid week. I spent hours awake gazing at the Warwick Castle and lamenting my inability to catch some ZZZZZZ's. I also learned that I never would regret traveling abroad. Despite some harrowing experiences! Nothing compares to the freedom of being alone in the world and discovering new things. Not only has this broadened my experience of life, but it has built friendships for me; given me a greater appreciation of where I'm from, and has allowed me to continue to follow my dreams!
