He took his stance. Keep the head down. Pivot. Follow through.

Arthur’s glove was a second skin, slick with the kind of sweat that doesn’t come from the sun. He looked at the digital display on the cart:

"You’re overthinking the wind," Leo said, leaning against the bag. Leo had been Arthur's caddy since they were kids, back when "breaking 80" meant not getting grounded before noon. "The wind is fine," Arthur snapped. "It’s the water."

Arthur didn't cheer. He didn't throw his hat. He just took off his glove, looked at the empty hole, and felt the weight of ten years finally lift off his shoulders. "Drinks are on you," Leo said, grinning. "Double scotch," Arthur replied. "And make it a large one."

It rolled, slow and deliberate, catching the lip of the cup, circling once, twice, and then—with a sound like a tiny sigh—it disappeared.

The 18th at Blackwood was a spiteful design. A narrow fairway that hugged a lake like a nervous lover. To the right, deep bunkers sat like open mouths.