“O.B.”

If you play the game of golf, you know there are many terms used to describe the game. For instance:

• Tee
• Fore!
• Fairway
• Hole-In-One

While there are certainly a tons more, one in particular sticks with me each time I play.

O.B.

Now if you are a seasoned player of the game, then you know OB stands for “out of bounds” and play is prohibited in that area. But for me it was my caddie in Indonesia that taught me what it really stands for – and I have to agree.

OH BEAUTIFUL!

Come on, just ask yourself – where can lush fairways, meticulously carved acres of beautiful pine, and oak trees be seen? The answer (more times than not) is a golf course. A golf course presents an opportunity to see the beauty of nature, in a calming, and enlightened environment.

The beauty, layout and landscape of golf courses always has me breathing a big sigh. Some have fantastic views, while others have stunning settings. Many times I find myself just staring in awe of the grandeur and beauty of a golf course.

It doesn’t matter what type of course I am playing. It can be a high-end country club course, or a small city municipal. More often than not, the beauty of the tracks I am playing just takes my breath (and words) away.

Although the tee-box is where I always start my journey towards a truly exceptional round of golf (fingers crossed), it is also where I am reminded just how much a golf course is the centerpiece of the game.

It’s at this ten-by-ten foot precisely measured section of grass, that the magnificent beauty of the course I am about to play, falls into view. Sometimes a tee-box is elevated, adding an even more stunning view of it all.  

Sadly many times when playing a round, I tend to worry more about how my golf game will play out and forget to appreciate the lovely landscaping and scenery around me.

Not only are golf courses often stunning in their construction and layout, but also many courses are located in areas of outstanding natural beauty, or carved through thick forests, or laying stunning next to the ocean, or streaming through gaping valleys.

Hardly any other sport I play puts me into contact with nature as much as golf does. The beautiful landscapes, the smell of the freshly cut grass, the sound of nature all around me are the perfect getaway to relaxation.

Each round I play, I get up early with the sun, walk on the grass among the trees and flowers, breathe the fresh oxygen from all those plants, and see green everywhere. I hear the birds and cross paths with some critters. Yes, even ducks and alligators!

I guess you could say it’s my relationship to nature in this sport that keeps me playing. Tom Watson, who has been the top-earning golfer five times and won eight championships, says “No other game combines the wonder of nature with the discipline of sport in such carefully planned ways. A great golf course both frees and challenges a golfer’s mind.”

I totally agree!

This connection between nature and golf has got me thinking about nature in other parts of my life.

When researching about golf and nature for this article, I learned that the science of biophilia says human beings have a natural desire to be close to nature. Scientific studies by the dozens tell us light, fresh air, and proximity to plants makes us healthier, less stressed, more focused, and more productive.

I know it’s my relationship with nature that helps keep me healthier – maybe even younger!

And you know what else? This is EXACTLY why I have embraced the RV lifestyle.

When I make a point of enjoying nature with all of my senses, even the seemingly endless stretches of road – what some would call boring – open up a new appreciation. Miles of wheat or even soybean fields take on their own charm. Spotting the Queens Anne’s Lace on the roadside and the clusters of cows, horses, and maybe even an occasional llama reminds me of the charm of nature.

You see, as Marc and I continue to check courses off our bucket list to golf in all 50 states, I am seeing that our RV and golf travels all hold sensual experiences with nature.

While traveling in our RV, I have experienced the sparkling turquoise waters, towering palm trees, striking sunrises and sunsets, and picturesque white sand beaches of the Florida Keys. While RVing in Kansas, I have walked through the endless fields of green and gold that allowed my mind to drift with some amazing thoughts and experiences in the middle of “nowhere.” There’s just something about those wide open places that give space for my imagination to run wild.

At a week long stop to visit with friends in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, I stood in wonder at the natural beauty in places like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Tahquamenon Falls.

When riding my motorcycle along the mighty Mississippi, I admired, respected, and sometimes even feared, the winding body of water that was murky yet tranquil, as it carved a path along 10 states.

For some, this may sound a bit trite, but to me; it’s incredible!

These destinations provide a way for me to experience natural treasures and appreciate nature as part of my RV and golf adventures which has brought a new kind of peace and happiness in my life.

I am finding that beauty really is all over this great country of ours.

My Reads from the Reds – I agree with this wisdom from the legendary Ben  Hogan: “As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round.”

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting

Written by: Kathy Festa