Golf: I’m Not Too Old To Learn A New Sport
When I was younger, I did gymnastics, did summer swim for years, took judo lessons, played softball, ran cross country, did a sprint triathlon or two, played racquetball with my brothers, waterskied in the summer, and basically stayed very active. When I was in my 30s I started to notice the toll running was taking on my body thanks to a genetic predisposition to arthritis. At 35 I suffered a series of ankle injuries – 2 sprains and a break. For the past few years the most activity I have done is taking walks with friends and coaching gymnastics.
The fact of the matter is, I miss my sports. I needed to find a sport that my body could handle, would get me outside, and would be something my husband and I could enjoy as we get older. Since my husband already plays golf, I thought I’d give it a try.
Last year for Mother’s Day I got the purple golf clubs I had been wanting. For my birthday I got a gift certificate for golf lessons, and this spring I decided to turn my back yard into a golf practice range! I have been out in the yard practicing my swing, hitting the light practice balls and trying to figure out how to decide which club to use.
Friday I finally got to give my skills a test and played my first full 9 holes of golf ever – at 40. I had so much fun!
We played the “Island” course and it was definitely a challenge. I learned what the difference between the white posts, blue posts, gold posts and red post were. Red are the ladies tee boxes and I was really grateful for them. We had plenty of water hazards to deal with – yep, I lost 4 balls to water, and it was a challenge to keep track of my boring white golf ball. I am seriously going to look for something a little more lively – like bright pink, orange or blue. (like these Precept Lady iQ 180 Pink 1 Golf Balls)
So my average was about 7 strokes per hole, which I know is horrible, but you have to start somewhere. I know that from here out I will be making foward progess, learning the rules of the game, relaxing my stroke, and appreciating the fresh air.
But most of all, I really am excited about learning a new sport – because you know how the saying goes…You CAN teach and old dog new tricks!
3 Comments
April 14th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Hey Char
You’ve got me wanting to dust off my golf clubs ?
Have you ever tried leisurely mountain biking? It’s easy on the joints and you can make it as intense as you want it to be, and it can be enjoyed alone or with others. (little skill is needed)
Live Your Dreams,
Jill
April 15th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Jill – Glad I inspired you – you should dust off those clubs and get out on the course.
I used to do some mountain biking, but our area is not really great for it. I will ride bikes in the neighborhood with the kids though.
Hope to see you soon!
April 28th, 2009 at 1:37 am
I think this is great. I actually did a similar thing. I started golf and took classes to play with my husband but ended up getting involved with a girls league. It’s great fun and the competition is about the same.