Why play golf?

What can we learn about ourselves and what skills do we cultivate from playing?

 

  • Social skills as etiquette and manners are very important in golf

  • Decision making

  • Patience

  • Importance of playing by the rules

  • Self-discipline

  • Self-control

  • Focus/concentration

  • Work ethic

  • Perseverance

  • Goal-setting

  • Sense of accomplishment

  • Self-esteem

  • Learn the importance of strategy

  • Planning ahead

  • Organization (Your golf bag, mind and thoughts, plan of action, etc.)

  • Sportsmanship

  • Humility

  • Fitness

  • Balance

  • Coordination

  • Adaptability (deal with changes in weather, course conditions)

  • Time management

  • Self-awareness

  • Goal-setting

  • Overcoming nerves, anxiety

  • Performing under pressure

Why did golf allow us to thrive during Coronavirus?

 

  • Social distancing is a natural part of golf

  • People can spread out

  • We don’t touch one another, sweat much, breathe on one another or need to have any contact

  • People who are not in great shape can take up golf and get in better shape without going to a gym

  • Driving ranges, golf courses and even lessons allow for social distancing. Only driving a cart puts people really close and people who wish to take a cart can take their own. (Not important with junior golfers as they usually walk.)

  • People who never played came out in droves as there was nothing else to do and not much else was open. We had a captive audience.

  • New comers are often surprised by how much fun hitting a ball is and how beautiful many golf settings are

  • We could still hold competitions, leagues and tournaments (though without spectators)

What did having golf camps/clinics/classes allow for this summer?

 

  • A sense of normalcy

  • For many people and families, the golf course was the only place they were allowed to go and play with others

  • Social distancing is naturally built into golf so we provided as safe an environment as possible

  • Being around others but being able to practice by yourself made many people feel not so isolated

  • In our classes, if you did not have any equipment we provided sanitized equipment

Why public golf courses are particularly suited to coronavirus

 

  • We are open to anyone

  • There is no dress code so you can come as you are

  • Greens fees are often affordable and there are different times of the day where the prices go down

  • For junior golfers, YOUTH ON COURSE allows for $5 rounds after an $18 up front cost

  • Most public courses have putting greens that are free to practice on. (Think of mini-golf—you have to pay but at public courses, you can practice on REAL grass and make up your own course and challenges and it is free and no one takes your ball at the end!)

  • Driving ranges are affordable

  • Lessons, classes and camps are usually priced so many people can afford to learn (Especially in a group setting)

  • Equipment can be affordable

  • (Many courses are not permitting rental or the borrowing of equipment so players need to purchase or borrow something before coming out.)