Epiphany On The Golf Course

For the first time in 11 years, I picked up the golf club today and played golf.  I played nine holes with a friend who is also a golf coach.  I have to admit that I didn't play half bad.  I didn't really keep score as it was a playing lesson, but I did par a few holes.  11 years ago I was really into golf. I practiced and played a lot.  I even had aspirations of becoming a professional golfer although I was really just a beginner, learning the game.  When I left Reno, Nevada in 2000 and moved to Tucson, Az, I never picked up a golf club.  I guess I just felt too overwhelmed by the changes that were going on in my personal life to dedicate the time needed to play golf.  11 years later and I've decided to start playing again, prompted by the little golf scramble tournament we are having for homeowners here at our condominium complex in Mexico. 

Playing golf today was a different experience.  Gone was the stress of it.  There were no negative thoughts or criticisms or even evaluations of what I did wrong.  There was just a quiet, calm feeling  after I hit the ball.  It dawned on me that this was the first time that I actually just relaxed and enjoyed playing the game.  Before, I approached golf as a job, trying to learn as much as I could, as fast as I could, to achieve a goal.  I never took the time to just "enjoy the journey."  I made golf so stressful, that when things got stressful in my personal life, I couldn't find the energy to give to golf- something I really loved.  In many ways, I think this happens to a lot of people.

This time, I think I will be a much better golfer. 

UPDATE: I played in our golf tournament on Saturday (4/16) and did pretty good.  I won 2 prizes for "Closest to the Pin" on 2 holes!