This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
As a former wrestler and boxer, actor Michael Peña has always valued discipline and strategy in sports. However, his 10-year-old son Roman's approach to golf is a refreshing departure from the norm.
With every swing, Roman aims to hit the ball as far as possible, often resulting in a wild and unpredictable trajectory. In contrast, Peña himself plays golf with a strategic and patient mindset, analyzing every detail of his swing.
Despite Peña's best efforts to teach Roman the finer points of golf, his son has consistently chosen to swing as hard as he can, often with surprising results. However, it's not the outcome that matters to Roman – it's the joy of the game itself.
Peña has come to realize that Roman's unorthodox approach is actually a valuable lesson in itself. By focusing on the present moment and letting go of past mistakes, Roman is able to move on and enjoy the time in between shots.
As Peña notes, 'Golf is a game about the future. Each hole is a new opportunity.' By embracing this mindset, Roman is able to stay focused and have fun, even in the face of adversity.
One memorable incident that drove this point home was when Roman shanked a ball into a sand trap. Instead of trying to fix his next shot, Peña put down his clubs and let Roman play in the bunker, watching as he climbed out covered in sand with a smile on his face.
It's a valuable lesson that Peña has taken to heart, and one that he believes can be applied to life beyond the golf course.
