THE ROOKIE driver ✔

Chapter 5: Miami International Autodrome

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The Miami sun was already high in the sky, casting its warm rays over the lush green fairways of the Miami International Autodrome's golf course. The palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, and the sound of distant waves provided a calming backdrop to what promised to be a calm afternoon. With race week in full swing and tensions building ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, this round of golf was the perfect escape for Matteo and his fellow drivers. The roar of engines and the intensity of the track was soon replaced by laughter, friendly competition, and the occasional errant golf ball.

Matteo had never played golf before but was exited to try something new for a change. When Oliver and Liam had invited him to join them, he couldn't resist. Some of the other team members from Scuderia Stellar Racing and the rival teams had also tagged along. The group included engineers, mechanics, and a few other people looking to unwind before the weekend's serious business. It was a rare opportunity for everyone to relax together, leaving the rivalries and the race strategies behind, if only for a little while.

Adam had joined them as well, though his focus was less on golf and more on making sure Matteo didn't overdo it. After all, with a race just days away, the last thing anyone needed was an injury from a poorly executed golf swing. Still, even Adam was glad to see Matteo unwinding. The young driver had been hard on himself, and a day like this was exactly what he needed to reset.

Matteo was unsure of his own abilities for this sport but the idea of spending time away from the pressures of racing, even if it meant embarrassing himself on the golf course, was too good to pass up. After all, how hard could it be to hit a ball with a stick?

Matteo stood on the first tee, holding a golf club awkwardly. He glanced over at Oliver and Liam, who were already chuckling at him. "You sure you guys want me here? I'm more likely to knock out a window than hit the ball," Matteo said, grinning sheepishly.

Liam waved him off, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Come on, Rossi. It's just a bit of fun. Besides, I've seen you handle a Formula 1 car at 300 km/h—I'm sure you can manage a little white ball."

Oliver nodded in agreement, twirling his club like a pro. "Yeah, and if you can't, well, we'll just enjoy watching you try."

Matteo rolled his eyes "Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you."

As the game got underway, Matteo quickly realized that golf was a lot harder than it looked. His first few swings were wild, sending the ball in every direction but the one he intended. Oliver and Liam were in stitches, doubling over with laughter each time Matteo missed the ball or sent it flying into the rough.

"Maybe you should stick to racing, mate!" Liam called out, barely able to contain his laughter as Matteo whiffed another shot.

"Or at least get some golf lessons," Oliver added.

Matteo laughed along with them, not taking himself too seriously. "You guys make this look way too easy," he said, finally managing to hit a decent shot. The ball sailed down the fairway, not quite straight, but at least it was progress.

"Hey, now that's more like it!" Adam called out from the sidelines, clapping his hands. He watched Matteo fumble through his first few swings, finally connecting with the ball in a somewhat respectable way. Adam's eyes stayed sharp, though, like a hawk in a trainer's polo, always ready to step in if things got too wild.

It was hard not to laugh at the way Adam was half-cheering, half-worrying, like a mom at a little league game who's just glad her kid didn't kick the ball into his own goal. "Careful, you're going to sprain something with that form!" Adam joked, shaking his head with a grin.