This past week, the Hillcrest Golf Club hosted the Golf Saskatchewan Juniors’ Provincial championships. The young guns shot the lights out and showed their expertise on the course; congratulations to all the winners.
Twenty-five years ago or more, I made a decision to be one of those golfing wives that wasn’t initially keen on spending a few afternoons on the golf course throughout the summer. It was painstaking business, some tears and frustration, a little embarrassment on occasion when I swiped at the ball numerous times or duffed-it when seasoned peers were present, but in the long-term, it was a decision that has paid off in aces over the years.
After all these years, I can personally attest to the many benefits golf can provide for an individual. My initial reasoning to golf was because it is a relationship builder and provided an opportunity to spend more time with my hubby, maybe a little selfish but never-the-less, a good time to get some exercise, have some fun together and bond. He was graciously patient with my skill level, too, offering a little advice at times that was either appreciated or ignored, depending on the level of frustration experienced during the game. He continues to coach because I am still a work in progress.
As one knows, it seems that not all games are equal. On certain days, the golf clubs and ball align to accommodate a good game and pleasant outing; other times, the rogue ball avoids any semblance of order. One thing is for sure, during the ‘rough’ games, a person’s character is challenged so you decide whether to push-through or give-up; it becomes a suck-it-up or-else experience. After a while, pride goes out the window and a person realizes you’re only playing against yourself so perfect your swing and lessen your strokes and putts, set new goals and make new friends.
That has been one of the greatest benefits for me. After playing in a women’s league for a few years, faces become acquaintances and friendships develop. It has become an afternoon a week that I look forward to as we share the few days’ goings-on in-between the swings and sometimes swears, but all with smiles in camaraderie. On other days, it’s fun, too, as we golf with our sons and grandsons, sistas and bros and games with others of-like-kind. It’s just an all-round good time and it’s so great when people can bond around something that is healthy and challenging. The ‘19th-hole’ is probably my favourite, though; that’s when we debrief, refresh and recoup.
We should consider ourselves very fortunate to have three golf courses within city limits that offer different strokes for different folks. Within an hour or so, the list of courses is astounding for golfers at all levels.
It matters not if you are young or old, golf is a sport made for you. One of our 5 ½ year old grandsons has embraced the game wholeheartedly and is already working past his first set of lessons. It seems, the love of golf is contagious from generation to generation!
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
