“Golf – A Fair Weather Game”

I consider myself pretty much a “fair weather” golfer.  I am not comfortable playing in the rain and I am certainly not a fan of playing in the cold.  (Cold being anything below 72 degrees!)  As we have recently seen in the news – cold weather is everywhere.  We live in Florida and even we felt the latest cold spell that hit across the U.S.  Nothing like Texas mind you, but it was still unseasonably cold.  I grew up in Minnesota, so you would think I don’t mind the cold.  You would be wrong!!  

I am “from” Minnesota and the cold is the very reason I no longer live there!  

So where does this leave me for playing golf during the winter months?  Well for one thing – I moved to Florida so that I would have more warm months to play.  While I consider myself a “fair weather” golfer, I do not mind playing in the rain or the colder temperatures, but I hate starting that way.  

Sure I tend to play 18 holes of ‘if only’…if only my ball hadn’t buried itself in that wet bunker…’, ‘if only my approach hadn’t skidded on that icy temporary green…’, ‘if only my footing hadn’t slipped on that tee-mat…’

But that’s human nature – it’s all part of the game, and as the passionate half a million who play during the winter months, we can call ourselves “real golfers”. For many of you winter golf is for idiots. You can’t see the point of dressing up in multi-layers and long-johns to trudge around six miles in often bitter temperatures in pursuit of golfing perfection.

“Why punish yourself to get soaking wet and weary from a four-hour round? What have you got to show for it?” you ask.

At times I have to ask myself the same question, but I have rarely played a round – even in horrendous conditions – where I have not learned something.

Even on the most miserable of golfing days, there’s always some fun, some satisfaction, something I can learn about this fascinating game. 

For instance:

• While playing in pouring rain in Jakarta, Indonesia during a round, I learned that the bigger my golf umbrella the better chance of me staying dry. 
• I have learned that putting on too many top layers can hinder my ability to twist in my back swing. 
• I have encountered that my golf cart/trolley doesn’t move that easily in soggy fairways.
• I have realized that I am much happier playing in warm rain verses cold rain.
• It has become obvious that in colder weather, there are fewer golfers on the course – which translates to no lines or slow play to worry about because there is NO ONE on the course.
• And my most favorite – I have discovered the winter rules of golf.  (Winter golf is typically more wet and sloppy, and the winter rules of golf make it easier for players!!)

Thinking about being a “fair weather” golfer, has me wondering if there are other things in my life that I prefer only in “fair weather”…. specifically, am I a “fair weather” friend? 

I recognize I have a few particular gifts and talents that I offer my friends.  When a friend of mine is sharing a bit of happiness, I get super interested and intrigued by their story.  I ask questions and savor hearing all the details.  I cheer and jump for joy with them.  

When I’m with a friend who is in pain, or has been hurt, I want to be present.  I listen and empathize.  I acknowledge the difficulty.  I tend to ask what would be most helpful to them, and try to provide that support.  If they need to talk it through, if they need to be distracted by a pedicure, if they need prayers and loving energy – I try to offer those things.  I remind them when I’ve seen their resilience.

Now, here’s the kicker question….

WHAT KIND OF FRIEND AM I TO ME? 

How do I show up for myself in good times, and in bad times? Am I that same reliable, generous friend?  Or am I more of a fair-weather friend to myself?

All these thought provoking questions have made me recognize that I need to be more accepting of my life in the present moment, as a way to create a more peaceful and loving way of life.  If I can practice bringing more of my friendship qualities to myself, instead of the “fair-weather” character, might I be a better friend overall?  I think I might.    

My Reads from the Reds:  To a real Golfer and Friend – Weather doesn’t matter!

Fairways and Greens Everyone! – We are 18 Holes and Counting!

Written by Kathy Festa