I got back into golf last July after not playing for about ten years
I quickly noticed that when I’m on the golf course, my mind lets go of everything happening in my life. Kids stuff, work stuff, to-do lists and more
Last week my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although we’ve been busy making plans and my mind has been racing with worries, I was still able to play golf on Saturday and Sunday
For those hours, it was like everything else faded away. The worries. The stress. On Saturday, I played the best 9 holes of my life with my son. Then on Sunday, I had the worst 18 holes in months lol
But during that time, my biggest worry was my score
It’s really incredible what golf can do for relieving stress
As a small business owner, the golf course is one of the few places where I can forget all the other stuff in my life for a few hours. It’s been too cold to play for the last few weeks and it’s driving me a little crazy. I don’t know how you guys up north can handle it.
I had to unexpectedly put my cat down last year. I was feeling really low. I took some time off work and went to the golf course every day; it’s amazing what this game can do. It gave me time to reflect and also to escape. I even shot par for the first time ever, and I just kept laughing, thinking that somehow my cat was there helping me from somewhere. Miss you, Milo.
So sorry to hear about your wife. I’ll be keeping you both in my thoughts.
That’s why I try not to worry too much about how fast we’re playing, especially with good friends.
This Monday, I’m meeting up with my old golf buddies from Tampa for the first time in over a year, and the course we chose is known for slow play. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind a 5 hour round if it means more time with my friends.
I found out about my wife’s breast cancer on the second hole. At the time, I had small kids too. Thankfully, everything is fine now, ten years later. The hardest part for me was the waiting between the diagnosis and starting the treatments. You feel so helpless. Good luck, modern medicine works wonders.
Good luck to you and your wife. I’m glad to hear that golf helps you stay focused. Even painting Warhammer miniatures helps me relax, and I don’t even play the game.
I have a similar story. The timing of my playing matches yours. I had an amazing practice session tonight and felt fantastic. Even when things are tough, I stay positive, which isn’t the case in other areas of my life.
I think because no one can fully master golf, and you don’t need to be super fit to enjoy it like in other sports. It has so many parts to it that you can always improve on.
As a mental health counselor, I can tell you that golf, especially if you walk, checks off so many good things for your mental health, particularly for dealing with depression and anxiety.
Long walks are what we’re meant to do as humans. Golf involves walking and is good exercise. I won’t even get into how important exercise is.
Being outdoors in green spaces is excellent for us.
Spending time with friends or even friendly strangers during a round of golf is something truly special. It’s not something you get to experience often these days.
Being able to cover so many positive aspects at once is such an effective way to take care of yourself.
Nyx said:
January and February are always hard for my mental health. Golf is what helps me stay grounded.
You should try hitting the simulator!
Yeah, I get to swing at the sim when I can. It helps a bit. But it’s just not the same as being out on the course with friends under the sun. Joking around, having drinks and sandwiches afterward, reliving the round and settling bets. Most of that can happen on the simulator, but I guess I can’t explain it well. The sim definitely helps me get through to March or April each year.
