Iowa Golf Association
Enjoying the Game
Chad Pitts | Executive Director | Iowa Golf Association It’s hard for those of us that work in golf to feel the same way about the game as we did when we had so much more time to play it. After all, it’s hard to separate the work part from the fun part, sometimes. It makes sense though - if you work at a downtown office building you probably aren’t spending your off-hours at the said building. That is what happens to many of us in the golf business. We spend so much time at the course or working around golf when we do get some free time being at the course still sort of feels like work and then other “life stuff” takes precedence. Would venture to say that the further you are into your career, the less you want to spend your free time at the golf course (i.e. your workplace). It’s too bad that so many of us feel that way, but it is also understandable. We have other commitments in life and, given the seasonal nature of golf in Iowa, we have to be very busy during the spring, summer, and fall which leaves little time to spend with our families, do our house chores, or even other hobbies. I’ve found a few things that help me bring back that desire to play. I just took a “buddies trip” to Bandon Dunes Resort in Oregon. We spent a week playing all of the terrific courses and it brought a desire to get back and practice a bit more than I have in recent years. It was somewhat of a rejuvenation. I have a young daughter and will have a son sometime in June. I am hopeful that they will try golf and enjoy it when they are old enough. If that happens, I already know that it will bring me out to the course with a totally different frame of mind - one which I am looking forward to. I think the biggest thing is making time for yourself to play and enjoy the game, even if you do work in the business. I’ve found that if I just go into a round of golf with the right mindset, it increases my enjoyment exponentially (not a surprise to anyone, I’m sure). So part of my pre-round routine nowadays is to take a few minutes to set my mind right. And for me, right now, a good portion of that is lowering my expectations (I smile when I say that but it is true) so that I enjoy my time and appreciate it more. Because, after all, time is precious so where you choose to spend it means a lot. Personally, the enjoyment of the game is going to be a focus for me this year. I know that I won’t play as much as I have in the past (again, we have another baby on the way!), but when I do get the chance to tee it up for fun, I’m going to try to focus on the positives golf gives us all - the exercise, the time with friends, being in the sunshine. I hope many of you get lots and lots of rounds of golf played this year, but more importantly, I hope you truly enjoy every single one of them, no matter your score.
20 Iowa PGA Golf Magazine - Spring Issue
