Yeah, it’s possible that I have a problem with golf. Nope, I’m not talking about curing a hook or a slice. I’m talking golf addiction. Maybe that’s why I write this blog. After all, they say that admitting you have a problem is the first step towards recovery.
But what exactly is it that makes the game such an important part of our lives. Some like the fact that golf enables us to be at one with nature. Some of the most beautiful spots in the world happen to be golf courses. Did you see the overhead shots of Pebble Beach during the US Open?
So, while playing the game you can take in some fantastic scenery. And, I believe that surrounding yourself with gorgeous scenery is a great way to reduce stress. Also, it’s a very challenging and difficult sport. Personally, I may only hit three or four pure shots per 18 holes.
Professional Opinion
Professionals who know a lot more about the psychology of this than I, know that situations which reward us intermittently can become very attractive and possibly addictive. No doubt about it, golf would be much less appealing if we hit great shots all the time. You can compare it to gambling or fishing.
Fishermen can come up empty several times in a row, but the memory of that one large catch will keep them going back to the lake. And one lucky day in a casino can motivate the gambler time and time again to return to the tables.
The Quest for a Lower Handicap
Golf is also a game in which you never hit the same shot twice. Your lie is never the same. The distance from your target changes, the wind changes and the pin is never in the same spot. This variety adds to the physical and psychological challenges that the game offers. In order to play the game well, you have to master a huge range of shots and many different clubs.
The complexity of golf gives rise to new equipment and technology.
Golfers are “gadget-oriented” and always ready to experiment with the latest innovations in equipment in their never ending quest for a lower handicap.
Nice Shot Gramps
And don’t forget, you can play golf into old age. You don’t really need to be concerned with injuries like you do with other sports. 18 holes is also a great way to bond with family, friends, business associates and neighbors. You can follow your round with lunch or dinner, maybe a cocktail or two and some gin or poker.A day set aside for golf can have the same relaxing benefir of a mini-vacation.
And some of us like to watch the game on TV. It’s kind of fun to follow my favorite players and feel a part of the competition. I like to imagine myself swinging the club the way that they do.
It’s a very appealing game and it’s easy to see how it can become addicting for some. But c’mon, there are worse things that you can be addicted to (trust me on this one).
Anyway, if you think you have a problem, here are some dead giveaways that would indicate that you do. See if you can relate:
You Know You’re Addicted to Golf When…
- you’ve played 8 of the last 10 days and all you can think about is where you will be playing tomorrow!!
- your Netflix queue includes the following movies: Tin Cup, The Legend of Bagger Vance, The Greatest Game, Caddyshack, Dead Solid Perfect, Happy Gilmore, Follow The Sun
- you have divots in your carpet and club marks on your ceiling!
- you own 6 putters and still average 2.5 putts per round.
- when your putt comes up short because it has formed a mini-snowball due to rolling on the slush on the green in December
- your wife asks you if you want to play around, and you head for the golf clubs!
- only one of your hands has a tan!
- you remember your club pro’s birthday and forget your wife’s
- you watch rerun infomercials on The Golf Channel
- you have golf course numbers saved on your cell phone speed dial
- you have a pile of tees on your dryer
- you know what “on the stimp” means
- your golf bag is like a wardrobe and a food store
- you rearange the furniture to allow for a more open practice space
- you convince the wife to forego the berber carpeting she likes for something you can putt on
- you walk in the door from a long day’s work and kiss your wife Bertha, then go spend some quality time with the kids Augusta and Pebble
- every time you see a short cut lawn somewhere you wish you had your wedge and a couple balls with you
- she took lessons so you can spend more time together
- the guy at the clubhouse says “dude – missed you yesterday”
- the approaching thunderstorm is finally upon you and someone says “it’s ok , we’re all using graphite”
- you get equipment catalogs from more than 3 different golf retailers
- you play golf in your head to help you get to sleep.
- you spend more time in Nevada Bob’s than in Home Depot
- 36 holes……………….
- you do “air golf swings” during a conversation
- your work and play consist of the same thing!
- you seriously believe that, after a good round, you have found the secret
- you have a club leaning aganist a wall in just about every room in the house.
- you practice your grip with a club while watching TV with your wife.
- you know how the ball breaks on all the rugs in your house.
- you slam on your brakes and golf balls roll out from under the seat of your car. Both drivers and passengers sides…
- your GPS navigator destination is always set to the location of a golf course
- you come home after work one afternoon instead of going to the course and your wife inquires about your health.
