When you think of the word golf, what primarily comes to mind? Presumably, one would picture something similar to some golf clubs, grass and the word boring. At least, that is what I initially thought about the sport.
However, this fall, I decided to join the NDB golf team because I figured it would be a chill activity that would keep me busy, and maybe cause me to meet some new people, even if it was not the most interesting sport. Conversely, what I assumed would be an easygoing pastime turned out to be one of the most mentally and physically exerting activities I have ever tried.
If a person has ever attempted to swing a golf club, they would know it is extremely difficult, and I do not mean difficult to strike the ball well, I mean difficult to even make any contact with the ball whatsoever. Let alone with at least 10 different clubs, all of which require different techniques. Did you know that there are over 20 distinct clubs, each with a different weight, angle and overall shape?
In order to become proficient in any golf game, it is necessary to understand and execute the correct distance to stand from the ball, correct body position, correct hand position, backswing, finish and many other factors. Moreover, if someone happens to overlook just one of these many components of the swing, the ball will not end up where it is intended to go.
Being that it is so incredibly easy to hit a bad shot, the sport can really play tricks on any person’s brain. Although it may not seem like it, golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Ironically because there are so many factors to think about while swinging, if any one of these is focused on too intently, say goodbye to hitting the ball at all.
Because mistakes can be so easily made, it is essential to be able to shake things off. Personally, this is probably what I have the most difficulty with when it comes to the sport. Many times while on the course have I been literally biting back tears or profanity due to poor performance, and if not able to shed myself of the overwhelming negative thoughts, my shots will just continuously worsen. It is a vicious cycle: hit badly, become frustrated, thoughts become clouded, repeat. Overall, golf has taught me more than anything else how important it is to possess a growth mindset, as if just a tiny part of the body clings on to negative notions, it is game over.
Not only is the game challenging aspecting to mentality, but it physically exacts a pretty large amount of strength. It may not seem like it, but there are many muscles that are required to be in use for a golf swing. At NDB, our coach requires us to attend weekly weights sessions, every one being an hour long. I as well as the majority of my teammates did not at all understand why we were forced to do so much more physical training than other sports were, especially because of the preconceived notion that golf is very much a leisurely activity.
I still believe that our coach is having us go a little over the top, but I now understand that there are so many aspects to the swing that require great physical strength. These factors include: incredible balance, hip mobility, core control, coordination and much more. Have you ever seen how fit a golf pro is? Well, now you know that there is a tangible reason for that!
Golf is an extremely challenging sport. However, even though this is my first season at NDB, I really enjoy it. Even though there have been tears shed and numerous blisters popped, there is nothing like hitting a perfect shot. It is definitely one of the best feelings and one of the largest reasons why I think the sport is so underrated. I believe that no one has experienced true bliss until they have struck a golf ball with perfect speed and position; and it makes all of the suffering of bad shots worth it. So now, if a friend ever informs you that they decided to take up golf, do not just make fun of them for choosing a sport for “lazy people;” because in order for someone to excel in golf, they must be far from lazy.
