Golf Minus Guilt

Now that spring is officially on the calendar and the thermometer, many of us have gazed longingly at our golf clubs, wondering when we are going to have the time and opportunity to visit the local golf courses. For those who don't play and wonder why they don't, I have a number of observations regarding the noble sport of golf.

For those of me who entered the fascinating world of golf after many years of threatening to do so, I offer what I believe the best reason of all to play. Get out in the sunshine and walk (or ride) what generally amounts to some beautiful landscape and visions that we don't often take time to absorb. We make it a point to visit a golf course in Estes Park, CO at least once per year, if only to have the opportunity to see deer or elk on the course making silent observations about our drives and chip shots.

To me, the most important concept is not to take yourself or the sport too seriously. It didn't require too many rounds of golf to determine that the ladies professional golf tour had nothing to fear from my entry to the sport. If you stop playing to shoot par, you'll do much better than if par looms over your head like not washing the dishes or making the bed before you dashed off to the links.

Golf provides the occasion for numerous types of gratification. If you enjoy clothes, golf clothing and accessories are varied and often perky (especially for women). In the event that you're looking for the perfect putter, the golf industry can satisfy that need as well. I wouldn't hazard a guess as to how many types of putters are available. Mine is usually my ally and I find it desirable to take responsibility for poor putting rather than blaming it on my trusty putter. That option is also available to you if you're so inclined - "My putter is just not cooperating for me today." Hope that works for you.

Contrary to misconceptions, you don't need to be fabulously wealthy to play golf unless you require custom-designed clubs,your own designer golf cart and a caddy. Many amateur golfers elect to buy used (experienced) clubs, filling in the gaps once they know the difference between a driver and an iron, a fairway driver and a sand wedge. If you don't buy one new club, you can probably enjoy the game as much with veteran clubs as you would with shiny new ones. Family and friends can always help support your habit if you drop subtle hints about how much your life would be enhanced with head covers, a new wedge, a golf bag or whatever it is that you believe will impact your game or your image.

And as far as green fees, a little diligence will reap substantial benefit. Check out the public courses (county, city, village) and you'll discover that your green fees are lower, you may be able to become a season card holder for a nominal amount and your golf deities can be worshiped on an ongoing basis. Every now and then it's a good indulgence to visit a more gourmet course, if only to see how the pros live. In many cases, this may amount to the equivalent of a car payment if you add lunch and all the amenities, but it's a justifiable journey.

Most of all, golf is a social, outdoor, physically challenging and extremely gratifying activity, provided that you don't do guilt. At the end of the nine or eighteen holes, only you will remember your score. If you truly want to enjoy the experience, don't keep score at all until it somehow matters. Don't be surprised if the veteran golfers get frustrated with your inability to drive the ball 300 yards during your first outing. They were all beginners at one time and you're entitled to hack to your heart's content, provided that you don't delay the progress of those behind you. If you do, suggest that they play around you, thus reducing your frustration and preventing the golf marshal from driving up and scolding you.

Just a warning - the sunshine, demands on your focus and feeling of accomplishment are all addictive. If you don't want to think of yourself as a golfer, don't buy the used clubs and give it a try. But you may be surprised at how much you will derive from the sport historically associated with the elite, as long as you do it without judging yourself too harshly.