The high trajectory keeps the ball from rolling too far once it lands on the green and allows the golfer to avoid costly sand traps. The three guys ahead clear the green. I address the ball and begin the swing. The takeaway is sure and true. My weight shifts back to my right foot.
Potential energy builds to a crescendo.
Like a hundred piece orchestra in perfect unison I begin my downswing, and then suddenly a string snaps on a violin in the third row. I come out of my swing too early, blade the ball, and instead of a graceful high arch, the ball takes on the characteristic path of a bullet. Worse yet, it s traveling with lethal purpose at the chubbiest of the three gentlemen ahead of me. No grassy knolls to hide behind, if I fell him, there will be little room for courtroom denials. The smoking club is in my hands.