A Universal Game for All Kinds of Players
“The ball waits on me,” Daniel answers me after a long moment in thought. Maya pipes up then, too:
“I like golf because no one is yelling at me to run faster and hustle more,” she says, nodding to herself. Only ten and six, these two had already tapped into a fundamental truth about golf: it is the golfer that sets the pace of the game. From behind us, we hear a high-pitched squeal of delight.
“I did it!” cried three-year-old Ariel, hands waving in the air. Earlier, she had proven that she could consistently putt the ball into the hole from five feet, and now she had sunk the shot with her eyes closed, all while singing her favorite songs. We take a moment to acknowledge her victory and progress, and cheer along with her.
Later that morning, 80-year-old Richard is feeling rejuvenated by his golf game.
Exhilaration fill him when the ball rockets off the clubface and flying straight toward the target. He swings again — it is very well-executed — and his face registers surprise that his body remembers the game so well. I chuckle to myself.
“Nice shot!” I say.
“I should bring my grandkids here,” he says to me. “They would love it.”
It’s an amazing sight to watch families discover golf together. Mom and Dad get more playing time when the whole family comes along. And here on the course, dreams really do come true when the kids get to sit in Mom or Dad’s lap and actually drive the golf cart! I often find whole families laughing together at both their successes and their failures out on the green.
Golf is very much considered a social game, and there’s no doubt it serves as an incredibly effective bonding ritual. But it’s not just for those looking to socialize with business partners or spend time with their families. This is also a game that can be played in complete solitude, and yet, still presents a great challenge to the lone player. The introvert can enjoy time to themselves, the excitement of the game and the natural medicine of nature.
Over 40 people from ages 3 to 95 will take golf instruction today at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy.
We invite you to join us out in the fresh air beneath big skies. Take a break from whatever is ailing you, and be refreshed and energized by some light activity and personal achievement. Don’t wait to discover (or re-discover!) this wonderful, universal game. Call (843) 785-1138 or (800) 827-3006 to learn more, or to make a lesson
reservation.
By Doug Weaver, Director of Instruction, Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy. www.palmettodunes.com.