Writing Assignment Due February 18th: Brush With The Stars

Over the summer at home I work at a Tournament Players Golf Club a few towns away. Every year we host a PGA Tournament named the Traveler’s Championship. The first year that I worked the tournament I was star struck by all the professional golfers that I got to serve and watch. Growing up around golf because my father and brother are both avid players and huge fans, I was familiar with most of the athletes in the tournament. As a bartender and server however, I was in much closer contact than the previous years as a spectator. Even though most of the athletes are well known, some stand out more than others. In this particular tournament, that golfer is Vijay Singh. He is one of the most prominent players on the tour, and certainly the most legendary player at our tournament. But when I think about Vijay I do not always think about his golf game; Singh is very well known for being a chauvinistic person who has a history of being degrading to women. Knowing this, naturally I was very excited to serve him. I remember being so nervous to even clear his plate or ask him what he would like to drink; I was so intimidated and avoided his table at all costs. Not only does Vijay have a reputation on tour for being degrading to women, but he is known as being one of the cheapest tippers as well. Even though the man has millions upon millions of dollars, I did not expect very much from him. So the nightmare was almost over, he was packing up his things and preparing to leave, when all of a sudden he motioned for me to come back to his table. Shaking in my black slacks, apron, and dress shirt, I went over. Thinking I would be reprimanded for something I did wrong or asked to do a ridiculous favor, Vijay handed me a 20$ bill, creepily winked, and said “Thank you for your excellent service, Christina.” Shocked, I said “You’re welcome Mr. Singh, good luck tomorrow.” This moment was definitely my closest brush with a star, and one that I am sure I will remember for a while.