The Dumbest Thing I’ve Ever Done

[RSinSG]

Well, since I’ve been an adult anyways.

 

Background - I’m old but still active and somewhat athletic. But I’m also pretty cautious about unstable situations like ladders and uneven surfaces. I rarely go hunting for lost balls in rocky or hilly areas unless it’s a tournament or competition. On July 4th I broke my own rule and am not happy as a result.

 

Playing an early morning round with a son and grandson. We go out before the course opens, play and pay when we’re done. It’s the prefect start to a day. My son and grandson are both pretty good, and are both WRX long. I’ve mentioned before in other threads they are 70+ yards farther than me off the tee but as I can typically keep the ball in play and have a decent short game they rarely beat me.

 

The time we played before this round they both beat me and they were quick to remind me of that and promised to do it again. Of course that got me grinding and when we were on the 8th hole (nine hole course) I was +1 for the round and one up on my son. The hole is an extreme uphill par 3 with a gully (canyon?) from the tee box to the green. My son puts his ball on the green and I pushed mine into the trees, where it bounces out and goes down into the gully. Normally its gone but my grandson spotted the ball in a really good lie so not wanting to lose the hole and possibly the nine I decide to crab walk down to my ball.

 

My teenage brain was telling my 73 year old body you can do this - just go slow. Slow baby steps turned into a Usain Bolt sprint, followed by an olympic triple jump and impressive face plant - scorpion style. I get up dazed and confused but I figure I’m OK. Thats when I noticed my right shoulder wasn’t where it belonged. I climb back up and my grandson runs and gets a cart so they can drive my sorry butt to the parking lot and then the ER. X-ray shows 3rd degree AC separation but thankfully nothing worse. I’m in a sling for 2 weeks and then PT for a couple of months. So much for summer golf in the good Idaho weather.

 

I’ve done dumber and more dangerous things when I was in my teens and 20’s but I thought I was smarter and wiser now. Apparently not.

[larrybud]

Got video?

 

Sorry, could have been worse!

[Buddon _Burn]

Totally understandable that your competitiveness got the better of you - hard to be on guard all the time. Sorry to hear but does sound like it could have been worse - here's hoping it is only the 2-3 months... that's not so bad in the scheme of things.

[RSinSG]

23 hours ago, larrybud said:

Got video?

Ironically one of the FB groups I follow and think is hilarious is "People Falling Down." For some reason watching people do stupid things is entertaining to me and had I been videoed I would for sure have been the weekly spotlight reel. My son and grandson were at the green - so high up they couldn't see me so my acrobatics were lost to the world. I agree that it could have been much worse, and after one week I'm already experiencing a lot of improvement. Pain mostly gone, range of motion and strength suggests no additional rotator cuff or other damage. My P.A. son says the only lasting effect will be an unsightly lump on the shoulder that will preclude me from shirt off glamor shots.

[caniac6]

Did you get the ball?

[Springsteennut]

It is so hard to shut the teenage part of the brain off. 

[Ghostwedge]

File that under " WTHWIT " stuff. If I even think it looks like a tree root.... take the drop and add a stroke. RSinSG, we only have so many good swings left, rehab well friend.

[FuzzyDunlop69]

I was playing The Vineyard in Cincinnati back in the beginning of June.  We finish the front 9, go in for a dog and a 6-pack, and head back to our carts.  I take what I think is my cart to #10 tee.  Some dude starts storming at us.  Well, I took the cart from a group behind us that also stopped at the turn.  He had Minnesota Twins headcovers that looked exactly like my Atlanta Braves ones that I use when I travel.  Exact color scheme as the Braves.  That was embarassing.

[Socrates]

Approaching 65 this fall so I try not to do stuff that I shouldn't and so far so good.  However, back in 2020, I decided to build a shed.  I didn't need a shed, but my wife said we needed one and it was Covid restrictions and so I did.  Got to the siding and I could either nail on the siding or screw it on.  Decided to nail it on.  What could go wrong?

 

13 sheets of siding with about 20 nails each and by the time I was done, I couldn't let go of the hammer.  Instant "golfer's elbow" which afflicts me to this day.  A fateful decision that has cost me a 1000X the cost of the screws vs nails and it ain't over yet.  But, damn it's a nice shed.

 

I can't wait for my next moment when I forget I'm not 20 any more.

 

FWIW, I would have gone down to hit the shot too.

[StoutKing]

Good thing is you survived and will recover.  There's lots of golf in your future.

[Ghostwedge]

13 hours ago, FuzzyDunlop69 said:

I was playing The Vineyard in Cincinnati back in the beginning of June.  We finish the front 9, go in for a dog and a 6-pack, and head back to our carts.  I take what I think is my cart to #10 tee.  Some dude starts storming at us.  Well, I took the cart from a group behind us that also stopped at the turn.  He had Minnesota Twins headcovers that looked exactly like my Atlanta Braves ones that I use when I travel.  Exact color scheme as the Braves.  That was embarassing.

Braves over Twinkies every day. 

[Golfbit2X]

I'm glad that you're on your way to a good recovery. 

 

I also really appreciate your willingness to share such a painful and obviously embarrassing moment. 

 

If I were in your shoes, I would have definitely done the same thing given the circumstances with you leading and having the possibility to redeem yourself. 

 

On the other hand, with the consequences that happened, I'm going to take your life experience as a good lesson to learn from if I'm faced with a similar situation in the future. 

 

[ctonr]

As I get older I'm not getting smarter, I'm dumb less often.

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

On 7/11/2025 at 12:10 AM, RSinSG said:

Well, since I’ve been an adult anyways.

 

Background - I’m old but still active and somewhat athletic. But I’m also pretty cautious about unstable situations like ladders and uneven surfaces. I rarely go hunting for lost balls in rocky or hilly areas unless it’s a tournament or competition. On July 4th I broke my own rule and am not happy as a result.

 

Playing an early morning round with a son and grandson. We go out before the course opens, play and pay when we’re done. It’s the prefect start to a day. My son and grandson are both pretty good, and are both WRX long. I’ve mentioned before in other threads they are 70+ yards farther than me off the tee but as I can typically keep the ball in play and have a decent short game they rarely beat me.

 

The time we played before this round they both beat me and they were quick to remind me of that and promised to do it again. Of course that got me grinding and when we were on the 8th hole (nine hole course) I was +1 for the round and one up on my son. The hole is an extreme uphill par 3 with a gully (canyon?) from the tee box to the green. My son puts his ball on the green and I pushed mine into the trees, where it bounces out and goes down into the gully. Normally its gone but my grandson spotted the ball in a really good lie so not wanting to lose the hole and possibly the nine I decide to crab walk down to my ball.

 

My teenage brain was telling my 73 year old body you can do this - just go slow. Slow baby steps turned into a Usain Bolt sprint, followed by an olympic triple jump and impressive face plant - scorpion style. I get up dazed and confused but I figure I’m OK. Thats when I noticed my right shoulder wasn’t where it belonged. I climb back up and my grandson runs and gets a cart so they can drive my sorry butt to the parking lot and then the ER. X-ray shows 3rd degree AC separation but thankfully nothing worse. I’m in a sling for 2 weeks and then PT for a couple of months. So much for summer golf in the good Idaho weather.

 

I’ve done dumber and more dangerous things when I was in my teens and 20’s but I thought I was smarter and wiser now. Apparently not.

 

 

So, if I'm reading this right, your son and grandson beat you for the second straight time?

 

 

/jk, glad to hear you're healing well. 

[mshills]

On 7/10/2025 at 11:10 AM, RSinSG said:

Well, since I’ve been an adult anyways.

 

Background - I’m old but still active and somewhat athletic. But I’m also pretty cautious about unstable situations like ladders and uneven surfaces. I rarely go hunting for lost balls in rocky or hilly areas unless it’s a tournament or competition. On July 4th I broke my own rule and am not happy as a result.

 

Playing an early morning round with a son and grandson. We go out before the course opens, play and pay when we’re done. It’s the prefect start to a day. My son and grandson are both pretty good, and are both WRX long. I’ve mentioned before in other threads they are 70+ yards farther than me off the tee but as I can typically keep the ball in play and have a decent short game they rarely beat me.

 

The time we played before this round they both beat me and they were quick to remind me of that and promised to do it again. Of course that got me grinding and when we were on the 8th hole (nine hole course) I was +1 for the round and one up on my son. The hole is an extreme uphill par 3 with a gully (canyon?) from the tee box to the green. My son puts his ball on the green and I pushed mine into the trees, where it bounces out and goes down into the gully. Normally its gone but my grandson spotted the ball in a really good lie so not wanting to lose the hole and possibly the nine I decide to crab walk down to my ball.

 

My teenage brain was telling my 73 year old body you can do this - just go slow. Slow baby steps turned into a Usain Bolt sprint, followed by an olympic triple jump and impressive face plant - scorpion style. I get up dazed and confused but I figure I’m OK. Thats when I noticed my right shoulder wasn’t where it belonged. I climb back up and my grandson runs and gets a cart so they can drive my sorry butt to the parking lot and then the ER. X-ray shows 3rd degree AC separation but thankfully nothing worse. I’m in a sling for 2 weeks and then PT for a couple of months. So much for summer golf in the good Idaho weather.

 

I’ve done dumber and more dangerous things when I was in my teens and 20’s but I thought I was smarter and wiser now. Apparently not.

Dang. Sorry to hear that….and glad you avoided some of the other injuries that can come from taking a digger like that (wrists, elbows…) and if you don’t need surgery on the shoulder that is 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼.

 

Going downhill is the worst. I’m 49 and had a major series of injuries a few years ago — greatly diminished lower body. I have to be really careful going downhill but man, the competitive juices get the better of everyone. 

[Santiago Golf]

I know what course this is 

 

we have videos of us chipping off the cliffs next to the putting green

 

sketchy stuff

[Warrior42111]

4 hours ago, mshills said:

Dang. Sorry to hear that….and glad you avoided some of the other injuries that can come from taking a digger like that (wrists, elbows…) and if you don’t need surgery on the shoulder that is 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼.

 

Going downhill is the worst. I’m 49 and had a major series of injuries a few years ago — greatly diminished lower body. I have to be really careful going downhill but man, the competitive juices get the better of everyone. 

Damn I'm 37 and I've tweaked my back a) picking up a gum wrapper of the floor, and B) changing my babies diaper. I warm up each round with the 4 Mackenzie stretches just to be 'normal' 

 

Side note whoever says wait for kids is wrong you have more energy and flexibility in your 20s ....side rant over

[RSinSG]

On 7/15/2025 at 7:06 PM, No_Catchy_Nickname said:

So, if I'm reading this right, your son and grandson beat you for the second straight time?

The matter isn’t settled actually since we stopped playing. My grandson was out of the round but my son argues he would have been at least one if not two up going to the final hole. I maintained I could have gotten up and down or be tied with one to go. Such is the nature of our games.

 

 

[Socrates]

So in keeping with the theme of doing something stupid....  Yesterday I decided to follow through with my plan to fix some holes in my garage approach and back lane with asphalt.  Done it before and it's just a bit of work.  Three bags of asphalt from the local hardware store and get at it.

 

To pack the asphalt down, I built a packer out of 2x4's (essentially 5 screwed together) and you just lift it up and drop it on the thing you want to pack down.  It only weighs 15 lbs but you've got to lift it up about 6-12" and drop it.  Do that a few hundred times.

 

Long story short, I've now got the start of Tennis Elbow in my left arm.  Another none golf related injury that could have serious repercussions long term.  Not my first rodeo with tennis/golf elbow as I have it in my right arm.  I'm now cursing myself at being so stupid as to over-do it.  Again.

 

Started a course of ice and massage and hope I can nip this in the bud. 

[TNwanabe]

On 7/11/2025 at 10:04 PM, Socrates said:

Approaching 65 this fall so I try not to do stuff that I shouldn't and so far so good.  However, back in 2020, I decided to build a shed.  I didn't need a shed, but my wife said we needed one and it was Covid restrictions and so I did.  Got to the siding and I could either nail on the siding or screw it on.  Decided to nail it on.  What could go wrong?

 

13 sheets of siding with about 20 nails each and by the time I was done, I couldn't let go of the hammer.  Instant "golfer's elbow" which afflicts me to this day.  A fateful decision that has cost me a 1000X the cost of the screws vs nails and it ain't over yet.  But, damn it's a nice shed.

 

I can't wait for my next moment when I forget I'm not 20 any more.

 

FWIW, I would have gone down to hit the shot too.

Did the same thing but was laying a brick patio. I already had bad elbows from work but I thought I could still manage. Gripping brick after brick probably 2 thousand times did me in. I had to have PRP treatment and 2 years later I still have problems. 

[TNwanabe]

On 7/16/2025 at 11:30 AM, Warrior42111 said:

Damn I'm 37 and I've tweaked my back a) picking up a gum wrapper of the floor, and B) changing my babies diaper. I warm up each round with the 4 Mackenzie stretches just to be 'normal' 

 

Side note whoever says wait for kids is wrong you have more energy and flexibility in your 20s ....side rant over

THe day will come when you injure yourself whilst sleeping. Some days I wake up hurt...........

[RSinSG]

11 hours ago, TNwanabe said:

THe day will come when you injure yourself whilst sleeping.

While this sounds funny it sadly is true.  Other activity to be cautious of include things like sneezing and coughing.

 

I used to be a big DIY guy when I was younger due to not wanting to pay some guy to do what I could do better myself. After retiring I've changed that mindset and I happily pay someone younger to do most of the DIY projects I used to do. No more climbing on steep roofs to repair tiles even though it's technically an easy job. This recent faux pas of mine has reinforced that decision. Even if I don't wound myself working around the house I'd rather not risk injuries that would keep me from playing golf. 

 

As I reflect back on my decision to try to hit that ball I don't understand what compelled me to do it. I rationalize that it was my competitive nature, but I'd like to think that my maturity and common sense would be the voice in my head that wins out. It didn't then, but I'm pretty confident it wont happen again. On a positive note I'm out of the sling and have full use of the arm. I don't try to lift anything heavy or do anything too strenuous as it still hurts but I'm optimistic I'll be swinging a club in a couple of weeks.

[mn723]

On 7/12/2025 at 11:09 AM, Ghostwedge said:

Braves over Twinkies every day. 

1991 says otherwise

[Hawkeye77]

I keep my front lawn immaculate and it can be mowed in about 20 minutes or so and never touch it with the riding mower.  After a couple of nights walking 9 holes in 88-90 degrees and 85%+ humidity, dripping with sweat like a teenager (course basically closed because of now three nights of rain), and probably not the smartest thing I've done lately (but I just got new irons and no way I'm not hitting them) we now have a little window of cooler weather.  I'm taking the day off and watching the ladies Open in about 30 minutes, will mow because the rain has taken my grass way too high, and will play golf.  I was considering using the push mower for the 1/3 acre backyard for some good exercise, after all I've carried my clubs a couple evenings (usually have an electric trolley or ride) and would have to make a couple of passes, so I'd really get in some steps.  Reading this, my dodgy shoulder and repaired knee are literally suggesting that would be incredibly stupid.  So this thread has saved me from the dumbest thing done at least this week, lol, so long as I remember to sit up straight on the riding mower so I don't get the familiar golf-interfering catch in my upper middle back.  Don't age!

[cardoustie]

Old guys rock, we don’t give up, we can do it, step aside and watch young pup !

 

two days ago I had 25 curb-stones/garden edgers delivered at 170 lbs each 

 

I had to pull them off a truck at chest height, pin them against my ribs … and walk them 50 feet to my newly cut out driveway garden … which was on the far side of the truck.  All this with horrific right tennis elbow

 

(the guy delivering said the large truck with the skid steer was broken down and he’d had both shoulders repaired over the winter)

 

last 2 days at the range took some excessive time to limber up 🐵

[McMunch]

Like this thread. Mainly because i have one son in law who finally beat me this spring. He's crazy long but wild so i usually get him on course management and short game.

On family vacation last week I had a terrible round and he got me again by one stroke. That was Monday's game and the next was Thursday. he started talking smack (playfully but it hit my ear differently) Tuesday and Wednesday and I decided then and there that he wouldn't beat me again. I played smart and grinded to beat him on the front 9 by 6 strokes and ended up playing pretty even on the back. I didn't say anything other than good game and thanks but inside i was like thanks for the motivation kid. It was very satisfying.

[RSinSG]

I tested my swing with some chips and it didn’t hurt so I moved up to 50-70 yard shots. Again not much pain so I kept hitting longer clubs until I was hitting driver. I’m swinging around 70% but the balls had a nice trajectory. My son and grand son are playing soon, and this time I don’t care what I shoot. May not even keep score. 
 

Still taking OTC pain meds several times a day and using an ice water circulation system on the shoulder, but I’m feeling pretty lucky considering how bad it could have been.