Disclaimer: I own nothing except the current gender bender for Frances and any alterations to the original storyline plot this creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
A Woman's Game Chapter 7
That night before Francis went to bed she was up reading the book for got from Mr. Campbell, studying it intently as he advised her.
One line in particular from Harry Vardon got to her. It said that there are only two types of players. Those who keep their nerves in control and win championships, and those who do not.
Francis fully intends to be one of the former.
As Francis settled into bed a picture of her father on the nightstand caught her attention. Francis held it in her lap, tracing his stern face.
Frances wonders if he'll ever fully accept her and her dreams.
Finally, the day of the competition arrived.
Time for Francis to make her mark. She and her hired caddie Billy were up bright and early at the start of the course. As the only woman competing here Francis certainly was on the receiving end of a lot of looks, but she refused to let them bother her. It's as Harry Vardon wrote in his book. As long as she keeps her cool and nerves then things will end up just fine for her. Plus Mr. Campbell and Mr. Hastings are there to lend silent support for her.
The tee-off started really well despite Freddie Wallis being her opponent for the Qualifier. The guy is a jerk, but at least Francis knows where she stands with him.
Halfway through Francis spotted her friend Sarah in the crowd. Initially, she's supposed to be here to support her brother, but Sarah wants her friend to succeed too.
Francis smiled and nodded in acknowledgment towards her.
By the final leg of it on the eighteenth hole, it's becoming a very close race. Francis is careful to keep her confidence in check. Similar to her nerves if she allows it to get away from her even for a moment she could lose everything.
Walking beside her on the way to the tee-off for the eighteenth hole, Mr. Campbell said "Five or less and you make the cut."
"Eighteen? I can make five here in my sleep," grinned Francis, clapping him on the shoulder.
Francis was true to her word. Francis easily got the ball to the hole in four swings. Now it's down to if she can get it on the fifth one. The distance wasn't far so Francis was sure she could get it in there.
As Francis was getting into her stance she made the critical mistake of lifting her head at exactly the wrong moment. Behind the massive crowd gathered to watch, at the top of a small hill, stood her father.
Unbeknownst to Francis her father came to observe her play and see if she would keep her promise. Francis could feel her heart practically almost pounding out of her chest in fear and anxiety. She exhaled shakily, hands trembling slightly on the handle of the putt. Suddenly she recalled Harry Vardon's advice in his book.
This is her one chance. Francis needs to keep it together. She can't mess this up.
Shutting her eyes Francis sucked in a calming breath and let it out slowly. Afterwards, Francis could feel her anxiety melt away.
Francis snapped open her eyes returning to how she was before she spotted her father.
With one precise and gentle swing, Francis rolled the ball for the last hole. As it got closer the ball appeared to be slowing down. That the ball wouldn't make. Then just when it was about to cease in its stretch the ball dropped into the hole giving her the total of five she needed to gain entry.
Francis had done it.
Cheers and applause broke out at the same time a shining smile took over her face. Mr. Hastings and Mr. Campbell came over to congratulate her, beyond pleased that Francis has passed the Qualifier to enter officially.
Stone-faced Mr. Ouimett turned his back walking away off the course. Francis watched him go the smile transforming into a bleak frown on her face.
Was she ever going to gain his approval?
Authors Note:
I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
For those of you just starting out with my stuff there are other works on my profile that may catch your interest. I highly recommend you take a look as soon as the opportunity presents itself to you. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure. I swear it's like they're getting worse and worse all the time and it's like officials are simply just ignoring it or pretending it doesn't exist entirely just to go on with their daily lives. Especially those in multi-million dollar companies that rely on certain elements of our planet that we rely on to naturally keep us safe instead of adapting and finding new safer ways to keep in business. There are so many options out there where they can adapt, but they just refuse to see it because all they care about is money. Climate change is altering so much faster than anyone can really keep track of.
So, in light of all this, it is important to live life to the fullest as much as anyone can.
I know I am. ;) See you guys next time.