The story revolves around Vincent Jopp, a skilled golfer who has won numerous championships. However, on this particular day, he faces an unexpected challenge: his three ex-wives have come to watch him play in the final round of the championship. Luella Mainprice Jopp, his first wife, is a kittenish woman with blond hair and a Pekingese dog. She greets Vincent affectionately but also teases him about wearing knickerbockers, which she thinks make him look ridiculous. Agnes Parsons Jopp, his second wife, is a kind-looking, motherly woman who has divorced Vincent for his calculated and inhuman brutality. Despite this, she still seems to have some affection for him and worries about his health, suggesting that he wear a liver-pad to protect himself from the wind. Jane Jukes Jopp, his third wife, is a genial-looking woman with a humorous horror on her face as she looks at Vincent's legs. She teases him about wearing knickerbockers and suggests that he take Flesho, a product guaranteed to produce firm, healthy flesh on sparsely-covered limbs. As the game progresses, Vincent becomes increasingly unstrung by his ex-wives' comments and suggestions. He starts to play poorly, topping his ball and hitting it into long grass. His opponent, who has been playing magnificent golf, takes advantage of Vincent's mistakes and eventually wins the championship. The story concludes with the Oldest Member reflecting on the unpredictability of golf. Even the greatest experts can have a bad day, and anything can happen at any stage of the game. The story is a humorous commentary on the challenges faced by athletes in high-pressure situations and the importance of staying focused and composed under stress.
By P. G. Wodehouse · First published 1902 · Genre: Humor, Comedy, Romance