A few years ago I met a man. He was smart and funny and kind and we shared a lot of the same interests. And he loved golf. I quickly figured out that in order to maximize my time with him I, too, was going to have to play golf. So I went to the driving range with him, used his clubs, and started trying to make that little ball actually move somewhere besides six inches from the tee.
I have improved some since that first evening. I have also learned several things about golf, myself, and life. I have learned the differences in liking golf and loving golf. I have learned some more differences in men and women in golf. And I have learned just how much I love that man who is now my husband.
I wanted to share some of those things I have learned in hopes that others will see how the great game of golf can effect the way you see the world.
A Girls Guide to Golf
Step 1: Buy a cute golf outfit. Not just any golf clothes. But what you feel looks good and gives you confidence. Make sure you are completely comfortable in it. This is one of the most important parts of the game.
Step 2: Buy the right equipment for you. Make sure you like the way the clubs look and feel. Test hit a few balls. Do not just buy any set. Do not buy the cheapest or most expensive. Price does not matter as you are starting out but you want something that is going to be a good fit for you. Remember, as you improve these clubs will change. You want to make sure you have something that will grow with you, at least for now.
Step 3: You know your own body. Do not let someone else tell you how you should or should not stand, swing, hold the club or anything else. Remember, men and women are different. We have different mental views as well as physical abilities. Use your hips. That’s where your strength comes from, not totally your arms.
Step 4: Remember to have fun. Don’t pressure yourself to be the best right away. It takes time to learn new skills. It takes time to learn what works and doesn’t work for you. Remember it is just a game. It’s not life or death. I promise you it will be hard and you will fail. You will get discouraged and want to give up. Don’t. Throw the club on the ground. Throw a temper tantrum. But Don’t give up. You can do it. And the more you try the better you get.
Step 5: See the little improvements. Relish in the little victories. Don’t sweat the small setbacks that you will have. Forget about them and focus on that one hit that went further than the others. Or the one time the ball actually went almost straight. It does not matter how many times you had to hit the ball to get it in the hole, only that it went in. After all there is always the next game to get the score one stroke lower.
So this is what I have learned so far from golf. I have also learned that each of these steps are important in life as well. I have learned that being comfortable with yourself leads to confidence. And having the right equipment for you make things easier. Don’t get caught up in what everyone else thinks- just be you. And lastly, don’t sweat the small things. Count your blessings not your mistakes. After all, there are such things as mulligans and do overs in life if you call them out.