Page 129 of Putting Out
“Absolutely, he’s on autopilot right now. Hitting quality shots, making every putt. Starting early this morning to finish up his third round doesn’t seem to have impacted him in any way. He picked up where he left off yesterday afternoon and he hasn’t slowed down yet.”
“Not so for Sinjin Rye, who many predicted as a possible winner this year.”
“No, Sinjin struggled this morning and he’s still trying to grind his way around this course. He told anyone who would listen that Reilly was responsible for the attack last night against her brother. As if just by playing she asked for what happened. He’s lost a lot of fans with his remarks regarding her and I have to say it sounds like sour grapes. There aren’t a lot of people out there on the course following him anymore. The number-two-ranked player in the world. That’s highly unusual.”
“They’re all following Reilly, who is playing in the group behind him.”
“I think it has to affect him, Steve. He’s hearing them cheer for her. And right now they’re cheering loudly. She’s turned things around. Two birdies so far on the back nine. One on 10 and one on 13. She’s crushed her drive on the par five 15 right down the fairway.”
“Do you think she’s considering going for it in two?”
“Her strategy has been not to do that on the par fives. She’s been content to take what the course will give her and it’s served her really well. But I have to say, she probably knows she can’t win at this point and she hit a beautiful drive. If she does attempt to go for it in two, more important, if she makes it, this could really set the golfing world on its backside. An eagle would send a powerful message. The common thought behind why women can’t compete is because they don’t have the length in their shots. If Reilly Carr manages to make an eagle at this event people are going to think differently. They’re going to have to.”
“Let’s check it out. What have we here…call me crazy, Dave, but does it look to you as if she is once again arguing with Luke Nolan over the club selection?”
“It does, Steve. Let’s go down to our on-the-course man and see what’s happening.”
* * *
“Give me the hybrid.”
Luke shook his head. “Do I need to get out the video of David Duval again on the 13th? Do you need to see the ball go in the water one more time?”
“I’m telling you I can make it,” Reilly insisted. “I’m a little over two hundred yards to the hole. I’ve made this shot with my hybrid before. This is my one chance at eagle.”
“But you don’t need it. You birdie this then a one or two more coming in and you’ve got a legitimate shot of cracking the top fifteen. You do that and you’re guaranteed an invitation for next year. Guaranteed.”
Reilly nodded. “You make excellent sense.”
“Thank you,” Luke huffed.
“But I didn’t do all this for next year. I’m here. Now. And I’m going for it.”
“Please don’t do this.”
“You said to have fun! Going for it is fun.”
“Going for it is suicidal,” Luke groaned. “Even if you clear the water there’s no way it’s going to hold the green.”
Reilly’s expression, however, remained stubborn.
He was fighting a losing battle.
“It’s your downfall in the making. Please know I will mock you when you miss.” Reilly took the club he offered and swung a few times. Uncertain of whether or not she could do this, she took a step back and picked up some grass she let fall from her fingers.
“What are you doing? There’s no wind at all.”
She glared at him. “I’m stalling. Maybe I should…”
“No,” he said, shaking his head. “You can do it. Stay committed to the shot.”
“You think I can make this?”
“No,” he answered honestly. “But I think you’re right. It’s more fun to try.”
She nodded and moved to stand over the ball.
“Wait,” he stopped her. “Just so you know… I’ve been thinking it over and instead of living together I do think we should get married. If you want.”
