How Has Golf Affected Your life?

[JBirdUt]

My father built a golf course just after he was discharged from his military assignment in 1970. When the project was completed he had the opportunity to work in Chicago and move his young family there. He decided to stay in Salt Lake, as he viewed it as more family friendly.

Golf was more of a recreational outlet than a competitive endeavor. I met all sorts of unique and colorful individuals while playing. I met a  couple of old professional wrestlers who gave me life advice and insisted I listened intently. I didn’t have much of a choice when they put their enormous hands on my shoulders.

Golf has allowed a connection between my daughter and her grandfather. Both enjoy going out and playing, talking about life and grandpa teaching her new words she shouldn’t say in mixed company.

[golf9596]

I learned long ago that no one cares what you shoot,  but you. Don’t beat yourself up, but enjoy the experiences and revel in the friendships you have gained. 

[zaccaf]

Probably more negatively than positively lol. If I have a bad round I feel it for the rest of the day and I shouldn’t but I’m just too damn passionate. 

[monty09]

I started to smoke weed and gamble.....  

[dukedoc]

It’s probably why I drank so much.

 

It’s also probably another reason I quit drinking for good.

[Haroputt]

Stopped playing for one year cold turkey 

Back last week and loving it again 

playing everyday this week 

[bekgolf]

Started late at 39 years old.  I went from something I was at the top of to sucking hard at golf.  Golf is the only hobby I've had that I couldn't master in a few years.  I don't suck nearly as bad as I did when I started 18 years ago and that's the thing that keeps me coming back, the fact that I can always improve no matter how well I'm doing.

 

I love it.

[NoTalentLefty]

My wife gets angry, says I think less of her than golf. I say to her, ‘It’s not true whatever your name is’.

[HeyHenlee]

My wife realizes that golf is a necessity for my mental wellbeing. I spent 2 winter months drowning in work, not golfing at all, and noticeably more irritable. One weekend round back on the course and I felt like new again. Everyone needs a little mental break. 

[BigDivotEnergy]

Glad you enjoyed the story! Single malts are definitely good to explore as well. Have you tried any of the Balvenie or Macallan releases? Let me know what you find on your journey, and thanks for sharing yours too!

[lefthack]

On 1/7/2021 at 7:35 AM, Soloman1 said:

There's nothing wrong with wanting to play by yourself. It's pretty hard to do if you're not a member of a private club, though.

 

I guess it depends on where you live. Mckay Creek opens at 7. I get there and tee off at 6:30. I can play 2-3 balls and finish before 8, I pay on my way out. I'm in the office by 8, it's 15 minutes away. I have 6 courses within 30 minutes. I can get first tee time and I'm usually solo. I don't try and play 18 before work, but first out weekend tee times aren't tough around Portland. 

[parbung]

negative effect on my bank account. 

 

My physical and mental health, however, are at their peak, thanks to golf. 

[jpgolfs04]

Golf has had a huge impact on my life. It’s more than just a sport for me; it’s taught me patience, focus, and how to handle pressure, both on and off the course. There’s something about being out there for four hours, away from the noise, that clears your head and puts things into perspective. I’ve also met some great people through golf. Whether it’s casual rounds or competitive matches, it has a way of bringing people together. Honestly, I’ve learned more about myself through golf than I ever expected.

[NMarko]

Learned patience the hard way…. If you want to be humbled and learn that anger won’t ever help the next thing you do, start playing tournament golf.

[Scootre]

I think without golf I wouldn't have nearly as many friends as I do. I moved away from home about 26 years ago. The first (and best) friends I met in the new city were through golf in those years. 

[TravMitch29]

Oh boy where do I begin with a question like that... I was 14 when Phil the Thrill won his first green jacket in 2004. I was watching on Sunday with my dad and when he soared (3 inches) above the earth, I looked at my dad and said,

"I think I want to play golf." 

21 years later, golf has taken me all up and down the east coast. It was my job as an assistant club professional for six years; it's been my best friend and my worst enemy both on and off the course. I'm back to the game now, unfortunately I lost my old account on here (Mulligan26) but I was really active for a while on here under that name.

I had a lot of highs and a lot of lows chasing scores; I was never one of those club pros that could do a whole day in the shop and just go shoot the lights out. In fact, I never passed the full PAT. The last one I took I missed by one and I just couldn't handle the industry anymore. Basically I was doing head pro work for assistant money with no time to take the steps needed to pass the playing part. But I was a good pro and the members at my old club will attest to that. 

Now? I just want to get to scratch and beyond. By 40 I want to be a + 'cap. I'm not playing for anything or anyone else now other than myself.

 

I'll stop yappin now, good thread OP.

[Saijin]

It's opened doors for me in business, friendship and community.

It's also taught me about me and it's kept me humbling me when I thought I'm good and I won't have to struggle playing golf again.

 

It's a roller coaster, but very rewarding and this is my game for life.

[CPT_LHR_ATL]

Very negatively. There isn't a day that goes by where it doesn't annoy me how much I suck at it. It's probably the single most frustrating thing in my life. But what are you gonna do?