Yesterday I played golf. Golf is okay.
My family really likes golf, especially my Mom’s side of the family. My parents had me taking golf lessons at, I’d guess, age 7 or 8. They wanted to make sure I knew how to play and the basic rules of golf. At the time I was never very excited about it but now I’m grateful they did that.
Today golf is probably the most convenient sport to play with my friends. I play softball in the summer. All softball requires is that I show up with a glove. But you have to get together a team of nine or more and schedule a season. Golf involves lugging a heavy set of golf clubs so public transit is out of the question. But you only need a friend or two and you can play a round.
I have never been particularly good at golf. Golf isn’t about physical strength, or physical fitness at all really (hello John Daly). It is about technique, consistency, and mental strength. These are not traits you find in young people. During my teenage years I found golf too frustrating and only played it when I had to do so. About two years ago, I became interested in golf again. I have mellowed out a bit and also have an easier time accepting I’m not going to be great at golf. So I take it as a relaxing physical activity I can do with friends and family. If I’m lucky, I’ll have one or two good shots in a round.
One problem I still have is my instinct to try and hit the ball hard. Just as mental strength is more important than physical strength, a smooth swing is more important than a hard swing. When I approach the ball and take a few practice swings, I do just fine. But then I step up to the ball for my actual shot and my body kicks in like I am trying to hit a home run.
Being good at golf requires a consistent swing. When I put some time in to work on my swing I can play decently. But when I play sparingly it is hard to internalize the improvements to my swing. If I want to get any good at golf, I guess I will just have to play more.