More than Just a Game

SOME PEOPLE BELIEVE that hitting a little ball, and then attempting to get it to drop into a small cup at the far end of several connected fields of short grass, is only a game. But, not from my perspective! The sport, or the activity, of golf can be correctly referred to as a game - but it is also much, much more.

Playing golf provides the opportunity to be in the great outdoors. It's a chance to stretch views beyond usual indoor space to see blue sky, white clouds, green grass, trees, perhaps some flowers, and most likely water and sand! Often it's a time to feel the warmth of the sun, or the wind, or just a gentle breeze. As some golfers have expressed, "It's great to enjoy God's great outdoor cathedral." Most of the golf courses I've seen have been unique places of beauty.

Getting exercise is a definite benefit of golfing. Whether a player is walking the course and carrying a bag of golf clubs, or pulling a two-wheeled cart which holds the bag and clubs, some physical activity is required. Even riding in a golf cart for 9 holes - or especially 18 holes - gives golfers a considerable amount of exercise. Standing, walking, bending, stooping, and swinging the clubs are all involved in playing a round of golf.

Golf provides occasions for friends or family members to be together to enjoy a leisure activity. It is amazing how a spirit of friendly good fellowship can develop among people in a golfing group. An older golfer said recently, "I couldn't care less about my score. But golf gets me out of the house." Indirectly, he was speaking about the social aspect of being with his golfing friends. The camaraderie factor is a good reason to be on a golf course.

My first golfing experience was over 50 years ago, and I continued to enjoy it as time permitted during my working life. However, in retirement golf became a main leisure activity for me. In the spring, summer, and early fall I play with a group of friends in southwest Missouri. During the late fall and winter, other friends join me for golf outings in northwest Florida. Thus, I have this pleasurable free-time activity on a year-round basis!    

Those of us in my golfing groups have figured out how to play with any number of players from 2 to 8. So, it doesn't matter how many are present on any given day. We play best-ball (scramble) with rotating partners and extra strokes for pairings with an uneven number of players. I really need to give credit to all my golfing buddies who help "carry" me when I'm their partner! Following are members of my two groups over the last couple of years: Rex, Joe, Jack, Dick, Bob, Hodge, Gerry, Dave, Tom, and Pete. On occasion, someone will invite a guest to join us. And, I should add that I've been playing golf with some of these guys for many years.

While all the fellows in my groups are competitive, none of them get mad, curse, or break clubs over their knees! To us, it's really not all about scores and winning  - but rather golfing, and having fun doing it together.  

Golf is a leisure activity that can be enjoyed by almost anyone who is in reasonably good health. This includes men, women, boys, and girls. This includes children, youth, adults - even senior adults. In fact, golf is known as a "lifetime sport." If you've never tried it, now is the time!

As a golfer I've had my share of sliced drives off the tee, fairway shots which have gone too far right or left, chips that have been topped, and missed putts. But, take this advice from me: one good shot will bring you back for another round of golf! Therefore, enjoy a golf outing; feel the thrill of hearing the "clunk" of the ball in the bottom of the cup. Believe me when I tell you, it truly is more than just a game!