Page 21 of Fore-Ever Yours

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Matthew and his partner. They’re moving in perfect sync, their long strides covering ground quickly. But Matthew’s laughter rings out in the air as he stumbles and nearly brings his partner down with him.

It allows us to pull ahead in front of them. My partner and I cross the finish line before them, and I throw my arms up in victory.

I turn back to see Matthew helping his partner up, a sheepish grin on his face as he dusts himself off. He meets my gaze and salutes me in mock defeat, his eyes dancing with amusement.

“Well, it looks like you need a bit more practice, Wilkes,” I say lightly, struggling to suppress my smile.

A lopsided smirk tugs at his lips, but before he can respond, Milo appears beside us and claps Matthew on the back. “Good try, but it looks like the ladies had the upper hand this time…or should I say leg.”

Milo lifts the wireless microphone. “You know what they say, kids—well, actually, no one says this, but I do, and I think it’s good. If you trip on the way to your dreams, at least you’ve got a funny story to tell when you get there.”

Matthew grimaces, but takes it all in good humor, bowing his head in acknowledgment of Milo’s words. I stifle a laugh.

“Alright, folks!” Milo announces. “Next up is the infamous egg toss! You have two minutes to find your partner and meet me at the center of the field!”

One of the boys that Matthew was teaching earlier runs up to him. “Mr. Wilkes, will you be my partner?”

“You bet, buddy. Let’s do this,” Matthew replies, ruffling the kid’s hair affectionately. He turns to me, an excited gleam in his eye. “Wish us luck?”

“Don’t drop the egg,” I warn him teasingly, snapping another picture of him with the boy before they make their way toward the field.

Matthew’s not just a professional golfer. He’s a mentor, a role model, a friend to these kids. He doesn’t pose for the cameras; he’s genuinely dedicated to giving back to others. The way his eyes light up in excitement when he’s with these kids, it’s endearing. This is a side of Matthew Wilkes that few people get to see, and I feel privileged to witness it.

Chapter 8

Matthew

Twofocusedweeksofpractice and all in preparation for today—the Savannah Marsh Classic, my season opener. And to say I’m nervous is an understatement. Typically, I’m the king of cool and focus. But the extra pressure is getting to me. I don’t know if it’s the pressure of my public image being, well, so public, or the sponsorships that are weighing heavily on my shoulders. It’s like there’s this whole other world of expectations I have to fulfill now, and being a fake boyfriend is the icing on the expectation cake. This is why I wasn’t looking forward to them in the first place.

But I know this is what needs to be done. If I let Beth and Travis handle all that stuff, I can focus on what I love: the game. At least, that’s my hope. I know I still have to be a part of decisions, but I can let them handle the rest.

I’m taken out of my thoughts when I feel a warm hand on my shoulder. I turn around to see Beth, her radiant smile lighting up the room.

“Coffee?” she asks, holding a paper cup out to me. “I went to a cafe down the street. I got a variety of breakfast items. I wasn’t sure what you’d want.”

She starts pulling items out of the bag and setting them on the table.

“Thank you.” I take both from her and take a sip, expecting the punch of bitterness from the roasted beans, but instead, it’s sugary and ridiculously sweet.

“Beth, what is this?” I look at her as her coffee cup is pressed against her lips.

She quickly pulls it away with a disgusted look on her face. “Ewww. They labeled them wrong. Here, take your dirt water.” She quickly grabs her cup and takes a drink. “Much better. Sorry about the mix up.” She grins sheepishly.

“Just don’t let it happen again,” I playfully grumble as I stare out the hotel window.

We’re in a large luxury hotel overlooking the golf course. I like finding smaller, more unique and historical places to stay, but with Beth joining me last minute, I’ve had to work with what’s available. I’m not a history buff or anything, but I do like learning interesting facts and staying in places with character. Staying away from the paparazzi and crowds is a bonus, too.

I hear Beth shuffling behind me, and I notice the earlier tension has evaporated. Is it just simply because I’ve been distracted? Or is it because of Beth’s presence? It’s only been a few weeks since we left Meadowbrook but she has adapted incredibly quickly to being my brand manager. She’s been in contact with Travis about endorsements, she’s fully taken over my email and calendar, and has this content thing down to a tee. And not the kind of tee I’m used to (That was my sad attempt at a joke.).

After the Play It Forward event, the pictures Beth posted of me with the kids went viral. I had to ask what that even meant. The same sources that picked up the original Chai and Chatter post picked up the pictures. Headlines like “Matthew Wilkes’ Sweetest Swing Yet? Inspiring the Next Generation!” and “Pro Golfer Turned Mentor? Matthew Wilkes Lights Up Play It Forward Tour!” are everywhere.

That’s not why I spend time with those kids. I don’t do it for the fame or the cameras. I like offering my time and pouring into the next generation. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the people who invested in me. I know they were getting paid to do it, but I want to give back to these kids, the ones who don’t have the opportunity for a private tutor or coach like I had.

“Are you ready?” Her voice pulls me from my thoughts.

“Hmm?” I turn around to find a large ring light with her phone on a tripod. All things I never knew existed.

“Day in the life of Matthew Wilkes.” She waves her hands in the air. “First game of the season.”

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