In the midst of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, set against the backdrop of a global pandemic, the Olympic golfers found themselves navigating not only the challenging course but also the quirky new norms of the COVID era.

The scene was surreal: Tokyo’s stunning Kasumigaseki Country Club, usually bustling with fans, was eerily quiet, save for the sound of chirping cicadas and the distant hum of golf carts. Masks and social distancing were the order of the day, turning the fairways into a bizarre mix of sport and health protocol.

Among the competitors was a particularly jovial group of golfers known for their lighthearted banter and camaraderie. This group, affectionately dubbed “The Fairway Funnies,” included players from all corners of the globe, each bringing their unique sense of humor to the game.

First up was Lars, a tall, lanky golfer from Norway known for his deadpan delivery. Lars had taken to using his golf club as a pretend microphone, conducting imaginary interviews with his fellow golfers. “So, how do you feel about playing without fans?” he’d ask, before dramatically passing the “microphone” to himself and replying, “Well, Lars, it’s a bit like playing to an audience of trees. They’re not very responsive, but they do provide great shade!”

Then there was Mia, a bubbly golfer from Australia, who had brought along a plush koala she affectionately named “Koalafied Caddie.” Mia insisted that Koalafied Caddie had been giving her invaluable advice. “He told me to aim for the bunker on the 7th hole,” she said with a grin, “but I think he just wanted to build a sandcastle.”

Diego from Spain was the group’s resident prankster. On one particularly hot day, he swapped the regular water bottles in the team’s cooler with bottles labeled “Miracle Water – Guaranteed Hole-in-One!” As the golfers took a swig, they quickly realized the water was sparkling with a hint of lime, a refreshing twist that had everyone laughing. “Well, if it doesn’t help my game, at least it’s delicious!” Lars quipped.

The highlight of their antics came on the final day, during a particularly tense moment on the 18th hole. As Lars lined up his putt, a small, remote-controlled drone descended, carrying a banner that read, “Good luck, Lars! Remember, it’s just a game!” The drone was Diego’s latest gag, controlled by a device hidden in his golf bag. Lars burst into laughter, completely missing his putt but scoring high on the fun scale.

The group’s humor wasn’t just about lightening the mood; it was also a way to cope with the strange circumstances of the pandemic. They embraced the absurdity of the situation, from elbow bumps instead of high-fives to the occasional muffled cheer through a mask.

As the tournament came to a close, the Fairway Funnies gathered for a socially distanced group photo, each holding their own unique memento from the games: Lars with his imaginary microphone, Mia with Koalafied Caddie, and Diego holding up the drone’s banner. Though they didn’t walk away with medals, they left with something far more valuable—a collection of memories and stories that would become legendary in the annals of Olympic golf.

In the end, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics golf tournament was less about scores and more about the spirit of camaraderie and resilience. And as they parted ways, the Fairway Funnies knew that no matter where their golf careers took them, they’d always have the memories of that unforgettable, pandemic-stricken, laughter-filled summer in Tokyo.

Yours truly,

Socially Out Of Bounds (SOB)