I first hacked at golf when I was in high school.  My high school boyfriend and a couple of our friends worked at the local county golf course and as a result I found myself “on the links” without a real clue as to what I was doing.  Fast forward to college and I took golf for P.E. two semesters—I had thought we’d be out on the beautiful Duke golf course but instead we spent the entire time (both semesters!) hitting balls on the driving range.  While I learned the mechanics of a golf swing and individual clubs, I still didn’t understand the lie of the land (get it?) of golf until over 15 years later in my life when I was invited to a golf outing for work.

I showed up at the outing with a set of clubs that my dad had given my mom in hopes that they would play together sometime.  Well, as it turns out, she had never even used the clubs.  So, in the parking lot of country club, I discovered that every club was still tightly encased in the shrink wrap.  I had to sit there and try to cut through the plastic with my teeth (don’t judge me) and then discreetly peel it off without all the folks, primarily men, seeing my predicament.  Boy, was I embarrassed!

As, it turns out, I enjoyed myself even if my game wasn’t all that great.  And so, my golfing career was born.  Like many people, golf has taught me some valuable lessons about life and yup, I’m gonna share them here.

Patience (lots!) and Persistence Yield Improvement

Golf, like life, can be super frustrating but then you hit the perfect shot or make that putt and bam, you’re hooked.   With a little practice and persistence, my golf game slowly improved.  It’s the same with life, things can be super frustrating and then something goes well and you realize, life is good!

Focus and Concentration Can Be Developed

When I was a kid, I could easily get lost in a book and be completely unaware of my surroundings, but as an adult, I’m easily distracted….so focusing on the ball, focusing on where I want it to go, and then attempting to make that happen (plus a little praying) has helped improve my concentration.  What’s more, I was surprised to find that focus and concentration I rediscovered in playing golf carried over to my efforts at work and other pursuits.  On a more humorous side, I like to image the face of the person who’s causing you the most stress at moment on the face of the ball and then giving it a good whack.  I find it’s a great stress reliever. 

Adaptability and Flexibility Can Make Things Fun

So hitting balls at the driving range only prepares you for the course. Golf courses vary and weather conditions can change unexpectedly—like the downpour a friend and I found ourselves in one summer afternoon while on the course.  We were soaked to the bone but had a grand time, laughing and chasing our errant balls through puddles and wet grass.   It didn’t take long to realize that I needed to adapt my strategies and shots accordingly. Similarly, when life hits me with some unforeseen circumstances, being adaptable and flexible has helped me navigate through challenges and find creative solutions.

Be Positive, Be Grateful and Maximize What You Have

Sadly, I suffered from a frozen shoulder in 2018 and my fledging golf game has thus far has not recovered but I haven’t given away my mom’s golf clubs just yet.  Life, like golf, has its ups and downs. It can be challenging and unpredictable, and it’s up to us to appreciate the positives (that one perfect shot), be grateful (just being outside and active with great people) and make the most of what life presents to us—sand traps and all.