Before this year, I had never given golf a second thought. The only golfer I knew was Tiger Woods, and the only reason to watch it was, well, Tiger Woods. Then I turned 45, and golf suddenly became part of my life.
Things changed when I turned 40. My friends changed. My work changed. My body definitely changed. Most importantly, my purpose for life began to shift. I started to think more about my long-term future. What would 65 year old me want the 45 year old me to know? The answers lay in a round of golf.
Golf for Work
On a recent company offsite, I was asked to play a round of golf with the big boys (i.e., CFOs and VPs). I was up for a promotion, and I knew playing a game of golf would definitely bode well for my chances. The problem was that I didn’t know a lick about golf. Sure, I could jump in the cart and join them as the beer girl on the green. But then I’d forever be known as Beer Girl, and that didn’t sit well with me.
So, golf was at the top of my list when it came time to select 2022 new year’s resolutions. Since then, I’ve watched Youtube videos to get myself up to speed, and I visit the range once a week. I’m not golf game ready yet, but when I am, watch out!
I did get that promotion after all, and my goal is to be on the green with the boys at next year’s offsite.
Golf for your Marriage
Playing golf with my husband has been a trip. I’ve been married for 20 years, and the thought of the two of us in a golf match never made my vision board.
Aron was so humble when we first started. He kept reminding me that he’s not a pro, and he’s never had one lesson. He made it a point not to give me direction, saying that any advice he’d give me would probably be wrong. I appreciated that.
We tried playing tennis together in the past, and even with lessons from a tennis pro and playing on the local club team, he could still beat the snot out of me. I hated it and secretly cursed him every time I turned my back on the court. When we initially talked about playing golf, I had visions of whacking him during this gentle game.
Fast forward, and this could be furthest from the truth. For the first time in many years, I find myself asking my husband so many questions. What’s par? When do you know which club to use? How do I stand when I hit a driver? Why is it so quiet at the range? I thought men were loud. And so many more.
The truth is that golf has reignited my curiosity for him. I’m not afraid to ask dumb questions like what the P stands for on my club. More importantly, his answers are never condescending. He just answers them.
Golf gives us more time together and opens a new dialogue and a new language for both of us to communicate. After 20 years, the newness of marriage can wear off. Golf keeps it fresh.
Golf for your Future
Golfing for your health is an obvious bonus, but golfing for your 65+ year old retired self is even better. Among the many epiphanies I’ve had in my 40s, the one I keep thinking about is what my life will be like when I’m older. Will I be able to climb a flight of stairs? Chase my grandchildren? Will I hang out with friends? And if so, what will we do?
I gave Mahjong a go just before the pandemic, and I can attest that although it was a social game A. It doesn’t withstand a pandemic, and B. There’s no movement involved.
I currently do Barre for strength training and Trampoline classes for cardio, but I didn’t think that intense workout was sustainable. Seventy year olds on Trampolines sounds deadly. I’m just sayin’.
I imagined my retired self traveling to Palm Springs, Hawaii, and Arizona. The warm weather would be perfect for my achy bones, and yes, there would be golf.
The walking. The sunlight. The friends. Yes, this is what my 65 year old self would love.
The more I play golf, the more I realize how many older people play golf. They don’t play for perfection and they definitely don’t play for strength. They don’t try to whack it as hard as they can. Instead, they’ve developed a finesse in their swing, something I hope to acquire in time.
Over the next few years, I’m sure new reasons will arise for the game of golf. Maybe I’ll play with my kids or grandkids. Who knows? All I know is that for now, this seems right. Excuse me now while I crack open Golf for Dummies.
College Collabs 