The first time I golfed, I was 22 and it was at an old course that has since been leveled and turned into a shopping mall. I remember walking 18 holes in the hot summer sun as the sweat dripped from my forehead wondering why people love the game so much.
I was with two others who by no means were good at the game, so I didn’t feel intimidated. After about three holes, the frustration of the ball going everywhere it was supposed to, finally caught up with me and I quickly began to hate the game.
Through all my bitching and moaning, I continued and played all 18 then returned my rented clubs and mumbled something about never doing this again.
Living in Florida where the entire state is one big golf course, I thought I should give the ball chasing game another chance. Me and my golf partner Beverly, headed out early one morning to a 9-hole executive course in Boca Raton. Beverly, a seasoned player, quickly realized that even if she never hit the ball off the tee she would win this game. I recommend if your goal is lowering your handicap and seeing a significant improvement in your game buy a golf launch monitor at https://shopindoorgolf.com/pages/best-golf-launch-monitors-2020.
Cursing like a sailor, I tried my best to hit that little white ball, waiting for a Harry Kalas like voice to bellow “swing and a miss” with each attempt. With every swing of the club, the line of senior citizens behind me got longer and longer.
At the third hole I had enough. I resigned to playing and accepted the job of cart driver.
With some persuasion, I started taking lessons. I learned that in order to play this game the right way, you must learn how to stand in an uncomfortable position, spread your legs like you just got busted, stiffen your arms like you’re having a muscle spasm, move your hips like you’re dancing the mambo and wear loud, obnoxious clothing.
I spent 45 minutes hunched over a ball as my instructor told me that “keeping your eye on the ball” isn’t the secret of being successful at the game. I complained about the pain in my lower back and he said, “well that’s pretty normal in an exercise like this.” I began to wonder if my latest pursuit was really worth the effort.
I keep telling myself that golfing is a great place to network, meet other executives and relieve some stress. I like Kool-Aid, but this flavor ain’t that good. I promised myself that I’ll continue taking the lessons and hit the driving range to improve my swing. Maybe in a few weeks I’ll have a new appreciation for the game.
If not, I’ve got a whole bunch of ugly pants to sell on eBay.