Photo credits: www.myparkingsign.com
Spring is finally here and it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors. For many of us, we’ve been waiting patiently to dust off our golf clubs and get back on the course. For those who have never fully appreciated the game, here are a few ways that golf can improve the overall quality of your life.
Practice, Persistence, and Lifelong Learning. The game of golf can seem tedious, challenging and intimidating for most of us. The hardest part is getting started, but once you know the basics you’ll be on your way to spending time playing a great game with friends. Do a little research before you venture out onto the course, and perhaps even visit the driving range a time or two. The more you learn and practice, the better you will be, and the more you will enjoy what you are doing. The same goes for anything, really! The more you put into a hobby, relationship, or you career, the more you are likely to get out of it and the more enjoyable it can be!
Problem Solving. If you’ve ever stood at the tee box and wondered how you are going to get a tiny white ball into a hole in the ground, you probably gave it some thought before you swung your driver. Unless you are Happy Gilmore, you might need more than one club or in his case a hockey stick, to get that ball in the hole. Golf is an excellent way to apply this same problem solving into a difficult moment. In your mind, you can probably envision where you want to end up, but not sure of the method to get there. Take a step back, evaluate what is ahead of you and don’t swing until you are ready.
Focus. Trying to get a little white ball into a hole is more difficult than you may think. Golf courses tend to be very quiet places to help golfers focus on each shot. While out whacking balls, I appreciate the peace away from the noises of everyday life. In order to succeed in the sport, one must take a few moments before each stoke to evaluate the correct speed, angle, direction and spin to put on the ball.
Fun. My absolute favorite part of playing golf is the 19th hole. Even the worst day on the golf course still beats the best day in the office! Grab a bite to eat or a cold beverage and chat about how the game unfolded with friends. Everyone can use a little more fun in their lives, so get out there and above all else…make the most of this great season!