Golf Stories · Chapter
The Awakening of Rollo Podmarsh explained
The Oldest Member tells the story of Rollo Podmarsh, a coddled young man who lives under his mother's overprotective care.
What happens
The Oldest Member tells the story of Rollo Podmarsh, a coddled young man who lives under his mother's overprotective care. When Mary Kent comes to stay, Rollo falls in love at first sight. Despite his mother's disapproval, Rollo takes up smoking to improve his golf game, impressing Mary. Their first round of golf together sees Rollo playing exceptionally well, driven by his feelings for Mary.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Improvement and Confidence
Rollo takes up smoking to improve his golf game, inspired by Ted Ray, and his performance dramatically improves when motivated by love.
Love and Marriage
Rollo falls in love at first sight with Mary Kent, and his romantic feelings drive him to excel at golf.
Humor and Absurdity
The contrast between Rollo's coddled lifestyle (arrowroot, flannel next to skin) and his sudden burst of golfing prowess is played for comedic effect.
Characters to notice
- Rollo Podmarsh
The coddled son of Mrs. Podmarsh, a golfer who falls in love with Mary Kent and begins to assert his independence.
- Mary Kent
A young woman staying with the Podmarshes, an enthusiastic golfer who initially dislikes Rollo but warms to him after seeing his determination to improve his game.
- Mrs. Podmarsh
Rollo's overprotective mother who coddles him and disapproves of smoking, but is devoted to her son.
- Poor Jenkinson
Mentioned as one of the best players at the club, scoring under eighty.
Key passages
“If he had been a golfer, he would have ignored the Armada altogether.”
A golfer would have been so absorbed in the game that even the Spanish Armada wouldn't distract him.
The Oldest Member's humorous retort to the young man's defense of bowls.
“Rollo Podmarsh was a golfer, and consequently pure gold at heart; and in his hour of crisis all the good in him came to the surface.”
Being a golfer meant Rollo had a good character, and when tested, his true worth emerged.
The Oldest Member's assertion of the moral value of golf.
“A woman does not fall in love in a flash like a man.”
Women take longer to fall in love than men do.
Narrator's observation on the difference in romantic attachment between genders.