Top Ten Reasons I love Golf

As the chill creeps in and there are less chances to hit the courses in Northern Michigan, I start missing the feel of the club in my hands. I miss the sound of the crack as my driver hits the ball. The impossible putt made and I even miss watching my ball go only 2 feet.

I have asked myself what I was thinking. Why did I fall in love with a sport I can only do for 5-6 months of the year in Northern Michigan? I travel a little to play over the winter but it is not the same as playing at home.

I thought about it as I sat here shivering. So, I pulled a David Letterman and a created a top ten list. So here are the top ten reasons I love golf, especially in Northern Michigan even with its shorter season.

My Top 10 Reasons

Lifelong learning: Golf is a sport that can be played and enjoyed throughout your life. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there is always room for improvement and new skills to learn. The pursuit of mastering the game can be a rewarding and an ongoing journey.

Scenic and well-maintained courses: Golf courses are often meticulously designed and maintained, offering a picturesque and enjoyable environment. Playing on well-kept fairways, manicured greens, and beautiful landscapes can enhance your overall experience and appreciation of the game.

Physical fitness: Golf can be a great form of exercise. Walking the course, swinging the clubs, and carrying or pulling a golf bag can help burn calories, strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular health. Even if you use a golf cart, the act of playing and walking between holes can contribute to your overall fitness.

Social interaction: Golf is often played with others, whether it is friends, family, or colleagues. It provides an excellent opportunity to socialize, strengthen relationships, and meet new people. Many golfers enjoy the camaraderie and friendly competition that comes with playing a round of golf together.

Time spent with family: Golf can be a great family activity. It allows you to spend quality time with your loved ones, teaching children the game, or enjoying a round together. It is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of different ages and skill levels.

Mental stimulation: Golf is a mentally stimulating game that requires strategy, focus, and concentration. It challenges your problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and ability to adapt to changing conditions. The combination of physical and mental aspects makes golf a unique and engaging sport.

Outdoor enjoyment: Golf allows you to spend time in beautiful outdoor settings, often surrounded by lush greenery and scenic landscapes. Golf is a great way to appreciate nature and enjoy fresh air while engaging in physical activity.

Personal challenge and achievement: Golf is a sport that challenges you both physically and mentally. It offers opportunities for personal growth, improvement, and a sense of achievement when you reach your goals or see progress in your game. The feeling of hitting a great shot or sinking a difficult putt can be incredibly rewarding and the reason you come back to the course.

Stress relief: Golf provides a break from the stresses of daily life. It offers a peaceful and tranquil environment where you can relax and focus on the game. The combination of fresh air, green surroundings, and the mental challenge of golf can help reduce stress and promote mental well-being.

And the number 1 Reason I love Golf…….

The 19^th Hole: I don’t think any explanation is needed. 😊

Seriously, there are so many reasons why golf is a great sport and why I love playing the game. So, the next time you are on the course and your ball plops 5 feet forward or you overshoot the green, don’t break your club and quit. Remember, even the pros struggle controlling that little ball and at the end there is the 19th hole to commiserate with friends!

I will end with a quote from Tiger Woods – “I’m addicted. I’m addicted to golf.”

Tiger, I couldn’t agree with you more.

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.