Sunday, April 9, 2023

Golf 2199 (short story)

 In the year 2199, golf had become a sport reserved only for the elite. With the scarcity of land and the rise of towering skyscrapers, there was no room left for the sprawling greens and fairways of old. But that didn't stop the wealthy from indulging in their favorite pastime.

One such golfer was Jameson T. Hollingsworth IV, a wealthy industrialist who had made his fortune in asteroid mining. He had a passion for golf that bordered on obsession, and he spared no expense in pursuit of the perfect game.

One day, while browsing the latest offerings from his favorite sporting goods manufacturer, he came across an advertisement that caught his eye. "Introducing the GolfPod™ - the ultimate golf experience for the 22nd century!"

Intrigued, Jameson placed an order for the GolfPod™, eager to see what it was all about. A few weeks later, a sleek, egg-shaped vehicle arrived at his doorstep.

The GolfPod™ was unlike anything Jameson had ever seen. It was a fully self-contained golfing experience, complete with holographic greens and virtual caddies. The interior was plush and comfortable, with room for up to four players and all the amenities one could desire.

Jameson invited his three best golfing buddies to join him for a round in the GolfPod™. As they climbed inside and buckled up, the vehicle sprang to life.

"Welcome to the GolfPod™," a soothing voice intoned. "Please select your course and preferences."

Jameson chose Pebble Beach, one of the most challenging courses of old, and set the difficulty level to "expert." The GolfPod™ began to hum as it lifted off the ground and soared into the sky.

As they approached the virtual course, Jameson and his friends marveled at the realism of the holographic greens and the virtual caddies, which offered tips and advice as they played. They took turns hitting their shots, each one more challenging than the last.

But it wasn't until they reached the 18th hole that they truly understood the power of the GolfPod™. As they lined up their shots, a sudden gust of wind blew across the course, sending their balls veering off course.

"Correction required," the virtual caddy said calmly. "Adjust your angle by two degrees."

Jameson and his friends did as they were told, and to their amazement, their shots sailed true and straight, landing perfectly on the green.

They high-fived each other and whooped with joy as they finished the round. As they stepped out of the GolfPod™, Jameson knew that this was only the beginning of a new era of golf.

"Gentlemen," he said, grinning from ear to ear. "I think we've just discovered the future of golf."

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