No matter where you go in the Senior environment golf is a constant topic. It's not as though all seniors play the game but it is a game that anyone can enjoy regardless of one's ability. Even before the last rock is curled, or the last whistle of the Referee is blown the keeners are out on the links. No matter the commitment made to the team - the sun is out, the course is open, and the priorities have changed significantly. From the hustle and rush on the ice, from the aggressive sweeping at the command of the skip, from the occasional slip on a sweat-dripped basketball or badminton court they stream back to the fairways. What for a few dull-weathered months remained in dim memory comes flushing to the forefront of planning and expectation. Spring has sprung - The grass is ris - oh what a beautiful golf course this is.

All seniors know that there had to be a reason why God invented retirement - and golf is that reason. Outside again, into the open spaces, breathe that fresh air! Here you are at your age practicing what mom always preached about "getting out of the house to play"; and as a side benefit - the wife gets the house back to herself again (if only for a few hours a day) by banishing the couch potato and fumigating the living room.

No more to rely on the team mates to do the right thing, make the right move, be in the right place to receive your unerring passes. No more getting into position just to have the ball-hog make his shot even though you had better chance at a sure goal. It's all up to you now. This is one game where the success or failure of the game cannot be blamed on another (even though some duffers will attempt to do so). Oh no - this is one game where the only competition every time you step up to the tee is yourself! Every time you line up that putt - it's your game and your game alone. The number of strokes taken today is in no way related to the number that ol' Tom takes. In this game you are only as good as your last stroke. It's all up to you. It's your slice, your hook and your missed putt. And some days you just can't hit the ball or sink a putt.

It just doesn't matter the score or the placement. Live a little. Enjoy that fresh air, enjoy the moments and the fact that you are still able to walk (or ride) and play the game. You will encounter some of the most beautiful scenery in the most appropriate locations. You meet some of the most beautiful people in the most inappropriate locations at the golf course (and they are not the ones trying to hustle you along)! Fore!

Golf is one of the more sociable and enjoyable active sports for active seniors. It combines the beauty and benefit of the natural world, with the peace and serenity of a walk in park-like settings. Golf provides the opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals trying to get a little white ball to do what it is you want it to do. A rather humbling experience isn't it?

2005-05   Jerry Flaman    This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it