GOLF: There is a saying, “Golf is a good walk spoiled.” But I think it’s more a good walk made better. And I believe there are plenty of reasons why taking a stroll on the golf course could be one of the best things you can do for your mind, body, and soul.

One of the true gems of the game of golf is that it has no age limit Whether you’re 8 or 80, you can enjoy swinging a golf club and chasing that little white ball around a golf course And it’s not just for men women have been playing golf for centuries, and there are countless female golfers who have made their mark on the sport

I didn’t start playing golf until long after college In fact, I was married and well into my thirties when I picked up my first golf club I was on President’s Club in Hawaii with my wife one of the many Club trips my wife has won during her career. While in Hawaii, I was asked by some of her coworkers to join them for a round of golf. To which I quickly replied, no. I was not in the habit of embarrassing myself or my wife. I had never played the game and this did not seem like the ideal time to start.

Later on that day my wife and I were relaxing just off the fairway of one of the holes We were sitting on the patio of our bungalow where we had a great view of her coworkers playing The same coworkers who earlier invited me to play with them As we watched them attempt to hit their golf balls, it seemed as though the vast majority of the balls were flying in every direction, except the right direction Very few of the golf shots went in the direction of the flag on the green But with many of these errant shots, what I came to notice was the facial reactions of the person taking the shots More often than not, they did not reflect that of a person who’d just taken a dismal golf shot In fact, there was either a sense of calmness in the person, or some were just simply laughing and having a jolly old time.

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I’ve been hooked on the game ever since.

One of my attractions to golf is the history and the tradition of the game. Golf has been played since at least the 15th century, and today it’s a sport that’s enjoyed by millions around the world. Unfortunately, like many sports and social activities in the United States, golf did not always welcome all who wanted to play. In fact, African Americans could not play at many public courses in the United States for many years. But even with these barriers to the game, African Americans have created a great legacy in the game. Thanks to people like Lee Elders, Althea Gibson, Charlie Sifford, Calvin Peete, Renee Powell and Tiger Woods to name a few.

Golf can be an expensive sport, but there are plenty of avenues into the game that won’t break the bank. You can start with a few lessons at your local driving range, or join a club that offers affordable membership options. And once you’re hooked, you can invest in some better equipment and start taking your game to the next level.

Golf is a wonderful game to enjoy with family and friends Whether you’re a parent teaching your kids how to putt, a grandparent introducing your grandchildren to the joys of the game, or you are explaining the etiquette of the game to a friend, golf is a way to bond over a shared passion and create memories that will last a lifetime I always enjoy playing a round of golf with my sons and my wife It’s an amazing opportunity to spend 2 to 4 hours together with family, friends, and co-workers laughing and catching up with people you simply enjoy being with. Not to mention the countless hours folks spend on the golf course discussing business

However, it is a sport that one can develop a love-hate relationship with. It can be frustrating (very frustrating) when you’re not hitting the ball the way you want to, but it can also be incredibly satisfying when you finally nail that perfect shot. The key to enjoying this great game is to manage your expectations. Like anything else in life, you get out of golf what you put into it. Practice doesn’t necessarily make

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WWW.COFDC.ORG perfect in golf, but it does make the game that much more enjoyable

Through golf, one can travel and see the country and the world There are golf courses in every corner of the globe, from Scotland’s historic links to the sun-drenched fairways of California And every course has its own unique character and challenges and wonderful people that you meet during a round Golf is a social sport, and there’s a real sense of community among golfers. Whether you’re playing with friends or strangers, you’re all united by a shared love of the game help you find a sense of peace and calm And when you finally hit that perfect shot, it’s like a moment of transcendence

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For me, golf can be a spiritual experience. There’s something about being out on the course, surrounded by nature, that can

So is golf a good walk spoiled? I like to think it’s a good walk made better and a nice ride to remember It’s a sport that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or gender It’s a way to bond with your family and friends while creating lasting memories. It’s a way to travel and meet new people. And ultimately, it’s a way to find joy, peace, and adventure So why not take a stroll on the golf course and see for yourself why this sport has captivated so many hearts and minds? You just might find it blends in nicely with your perfect, imperfect world See you on the links Cheers!