“Growing Up in Golf”

As a new golfer, I often viewed all professional golfers as wise and incapable of playing a bad shot in their game. “They always know what club to choose”, I’d think. “One day, when I am a more experienced golfer, I’ll always know what club to choose, and what shot to take too!”

Well, “one day” came a few years ago, and all it has taught me is that many times I still don’t know what club to choose. Whether it’s a chip onto the green, a shot out of the trees, a long drive over a water hazard, or a ball stuck in a divot, such times have wrested all delusion of personal control and golf knowledge, simply leaving me one option….

Grip It and Rip It!

This became even more real when I watched the GOAT – Tiger Woods – shank his shot on the 18th hole while trying to hit the green during his opening round of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club during his return to golf in February 2024.

The dead-right shot traveled 71 yards and settled behind a tree, forcing Woods to attempt a tough 100-yard recovery for his third. As he so often has in his Hall of Fame career, Woods reached the green with the recovery. 

That is so not the case for me.

Whenever I shank a ball, more times than not my recovery shot is just as crappy as the one that got me in the mess in the first place!

As I reflect on Tiger’s shot, I realize I have indeed “grown-up” when it comes to my golf game. I no longer avoid playing with those I don’t know or have never played a round with. When I was a “rookie” player, I would cringe anytime I approached a tee box and found we were paired with other players. My anxieties would kick in and I was just sure I was going to screw up my drive. Not anymore.

As a “grown-up” golfer, I now talk trash to Marc on the green, often proclaiming I am a better putter.

I get mad at myself when I hit a shot that I know I hit better during my last round. Not out of immaturity, but out of confidence, knowing I am a better golfer than that one “crappy” shot.

As I move into my 66th run around the sun, I often wonder what keeps me going out for a round of golf. Why do I still get out there with a fearless sense of being able to do anything? Why do I keep on when I know there is an ice pack in my future when my back gets angry at me? Why do I care if I can still sink a 50-foot putt? (I may not do it all the time, but I still do some of the time!)

Now that I have “Grown-Up” in golf I am totally convinced golf doesn’t stop at a certain age.

A 2016 study on senior women golfers found they had above-average aerobic fitness for their age group and experienced a desirable decrease in total mood disturbance after a 6-minute walk test.  The study also noted that golf provides senior women with opportunities to maintain functional movement and exercise aerobically.  Additionally, research suggests that golf can improve cognitive function and balance in older adults, potentially due to the physical activity involved. 

Though my body has aged through the years due to the wear and tear of activity, one thing has not changed….my competitiveness. It’s true – my competitiveness has never left me even though my youth may have.

And you know what? I see the competitiveness in my older women golfing friends. These women have the desire to continue to play. Yes, they have different reasons, but the motivation is there.

And as I talk with them and watch them, I see the wisdom of the aged golfer. But, what I also see beneath is the fire of competition which has never burned out.

Our being grown up in golf doesn’t mean we are “all-knowing”. Just as being grown up in life doesn’t mean we’re “all-knowing”. Sure, we grow wiser with age, but ultimately our weaknesses often reveal how truly powerless we are.

As a “Grown-Up” Golfer I am now more aware that I still value the sense of achievement obtained through competition. Those of you who play may know what I am talking about…..the feel I get when I am beating other golfers. It’s no secret among my family and friends that I just plain love to compete, and when I compete in golf it makes me work to improve….and honestly, it shows me I am still capable of doing hard things in life.

My Reads from the Reds – Truly “growing-up” means knowing, trusting, and obeying the power that comes when we realize we need God’s help on and off the course.

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting.   

Written by Kathy Festa