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!