You know how people can get passionate about some particular activity? They adore it so much that time passed talking about it just flies away. People listen to them, it puts a silly smile on their face, and sometimes they get so much into it, they even decide to try it themselves.
Everyone has that one thing that makes their life more fulfilling. For me, ever since I was a child, that was golf. I’m particularly sure that every time I feel the smell of turf, chills run through my body. Just like that one time I got a hole-in-one at my father’s golf club.
Look, I may be biased after all these years spent playing, but I can assure you that you’re missing out on an amazing experience in case you never touched the club. For the last 25 years, I’ve played with amateurs, professionals, even trained some kids, but my favorite experiences are ones when I get a chance to introduce someone new on the course.
The most frequent question I get asked is – why should I try? Well, let me tell you some things…
Anyone Can Pick Up and Play
I know – the first image that comes to your mind is an older guy in cargo shorts, polo shirt, with leather gloves on the hands and a baseball cap on his head. True, there are a lot of retired men who enjoy their free days on the course, but they’re not the only ones playing!
From 4-year-olds with their grandmas, rockers, rebellious teens, all the way to metalheads – I’ve seen so many different characters on the turf. And once it is picked up, many of them stick to it long after.
Many people second guess themselves, thinking they won’t be good enough, or they’ll embarrass themselves. Listen, no one is born a pro, but if you follow the basics, the sky’s the limit!
It’s An Amazing Family Bonding or Team Building Activity
Golf is a great way to get away from usual daily routines and spend time with loved ones in the great outdoors. Especially in today’s world, when so much of our time was spent indoors.
It is a sport that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages, so a family outing may potentially involve all four generations. You can even create teams – youngsters vs. seniors. Or even, take your office pals out and play marketing vs. sales. Don’t be surprised if Pam from finances shows some tricks up her sleeves, though!
Also, golf is a very common sport among high-level executives because:
- In a broad range of industries, there is a strong presence of golf tournaments and basic after-work golfing.
- It is a popular way for salesmen and their clients to build ties.
- If you’re interviewing with someone who enjoys golf, you’ll have a better chance of being considered a good match for the organization.
Developing New Friendships is Made Easy
You know how anxious we get in a bar when we want to introduce ourselves to someone who seems interesting to us. Most of the time it is because we don’t know what to talk about.
The good thing about golf is – you’re both here, at the same place, doing the same thing. Ask them if this is also their first time. You may even run into a pro who can give you some useful advice to make your game better.
Leagues, tournaments, and social events are commonplace at both private and public golf clubs, as well as at public courses. They are amazing social activities that can help you not just polish your technique, but also make buddies for life.
It is possible to meet new people on the course or at the practice area or clubhouse if you are willing to put yourself out there and engage in conversation with others. So don’t be shy, because people LOVE to talk about things they are passionate about.
Character Development
There are moments when golf may be difficult, but that’s part of the fun.
We, on the other hand, view this as a chance to grow as a person. You have a decision to make if you miss a putt or end up in the sand trap three times in a row. You have two choices: you can become irritated, which will almost certainly make your game worse, or you can take a big breath and acknowledge that life doesn’t always go according to plan.
Not only that, but you may also take a step back and look at the broader picture when you’re out on the course. Even if your children trash your home office or your secretary forgets to make you copies, you don’t necessarily need to be angry about it.
Every City Has Its Own Spot
Wherever you are – Florida or Alabama, California or Arizona, there must be at least one course where you can try this glorious sport. Heck, even in NY you can check out this indoor golf Manhattan club where you are able to try out a golf simulator. Yes, you read it well, it can even be played indoors!
Don’t blame bad weather conditions or traffic jams because you can even practice at home. Just, be careful that the precious china service behind you stays intact…
Calories Fly Out of Your Body
It may seem like golf is not that demanding on the body. But look, in order to walk through the whole course, while wearing a bag with clubs on your back, our blood starts to pump after 30 minutes.
The average round of golf may result in a calorie burn of 800-1,300, even for those who use a cart.
Depending on your physique, health, and the intensity of your practice, you may burn anywhere from 150 to 500 calories in an hour, even if it’s not as enjoyable as performing.
Since I started playing golf, I’ve noticed a strange side effect: I’m more likely to stick to my daily workout plans. As I became more invested in developing my game, I understood how much strength and flexibility might help me.
Spending More Time in the Great Outdoors
After the lockdowns and many hours spent in front of our TVs, we realized how much we miss the outdoors in our daily routines. In fact, spending time outside has many benefits, like:
- Better overall health
- Improved sleep (since a lot of energy is put into all this fun)
- Higher levels of self-esteem
- Your body’s defenses are enhanced
- Calcium absorption is aided and bone loss is prevented
- Reduced stress
- Improved focus on things that are in front of you
Also, let’s not forget about all that vitamin D! And since we’re at it, please – put sunscreen on your body before going out. Your skin will stay healthy, and the possibilities of getting sunburns are as low as zero.
Variety of Competitions
You may choose to compete with friends or attend tournaments/leagues/events if you want to get the mental advantages of competing against your personal bests. With the help of the handicap system, golfers of various levels may compete on an equal footing.
Straight stroke play is the easiest method to participate in, but golf’s handicapping system allows individuals of different skill levels to compete against one another in stroke play or other scoring forms like match play.
A variety of team golf events, such as scrambles and shambles, are also available.
Winning or Just Chilling – Either Way is Good
Even though I quickly said that going outside might help you relax, I feel the need to reiterate it in light of the fact that playing the game itself can do the same. Especially if you’re playing by yourself, this is essential. When all you have to focus on is your club and the ball, it’s simple to forget about the rest of your troubles.
There is no need to worry about anything else than putting that ball into that hole. Taking a break from your work or home life might help you see things in a different light. When you return, you’ll have a clear head and a revitalized sense of purpose.
Challenges, Obstacles, and Creative Thinking
Golf is a game that puts us to the test. It’s a game that’s both surprising and flawed. Drives become shanked, putts miss the hole because of a bad bounce or an imperfection in the grass. The core of golf is the ability to bounce back quickly from unavoidable blunders and setbacks.
As a successful player, you must always strive to improve your game while accepting and adapting to problems that may arise during a game. And implementing that mindset into your daily life can only bring good things.
So, What Are You Waiting For?
These are just several things I could think of at the top of my mind. And if these didn’t motivate you to go on Google and find the nearest course, just check out Rory McIlroy’s arms – it is a great motivation to get out there and finally get a figure you’ve always dreamed about.
Jokes aside, from all these basics I’ve covered today, the most important takeaway is that golf can become your next passion in life.
Taking up golf as a kid has given me a hobby that allowed me to adore my free time and always have something to fill it up with. And maybe the most important thing – when I feel frustrated to the point of boiling, not one thing can bring me back into my groove like a trip to the course.
It’s up to you now – will you try out a new thing, or never find out how amazing your hands feel when a club starts to pulse from your strikes?
Author bio
Travis Dillard is a business consultant and an organizational psychologist based in Arlington, Texas. Passionate about marketing, social networks, and business in general. In his spare time, he writes a lot about new business strategies and digital marketing for Life & Style Hub.
