Golf is an important part of our family, but it wasn’t always this way. In fact, up until about two years ago my family didn’t spend very much time together at all. My husband was always at work, and our two kids (15 and 12) were always in their rooms, on the phone, or out and about. I could barely get us all together for dinner every night, let alone actually put together some real family time.
I was at my wits end when I finally put my foot down and called a family meeting. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a Friday night, about 8:30 in the evening, and everyone was gathered in the living room. Chuck, my husband, sat in his usual worn chair and the kids sat next to me on the couch. Basically I told everyone that I have had enough of our family’s distance and that something needed to be done. Boy, did I get some eye rolling from Samantha, my 15 year old daughter. My son seemed not to be listening, and Chuck literally grunted.
You see, I came across a flyer about four days before this family meeting. It was an invitation to the community to participate in a family fun day at the local golf course which is about six miles away from our home. It promised some laughs, free beginner golf lessons, and free food and drinks. I figured the guys of the family would love the food and drinks, and I could persuade Samantha to do just about anything with the promise of a new shirt. So what did I have to lose?
After sitting there for a few seconds in silence, I continued “There’s a family golf day at the Skantler Golf Lodge on Sunday and I think we should go”. I lost everyone at this point but dragged Henry, my 12 year old son back in by mentioning the free hot dogs and soda. I told them about the mention of games and free beginner lessons, and then showed them the flyer.
After looking at the flyer, Chuck said “You know, I’ve been thinking about learning some golf and heading out to the course with the guys once in awhile, and I think this might be good for the kids”. Samantha immediately moaned “Mom! Do I haaaaaave to?!” before I quickly interrupted and said “it’s settled, we’re going!” with a smile on my face.
Sunday came and we were all up and ready by nine in the morning. Even Samantha seemed to be excited about going. Come to find out, she learned that a couple of friends would be there. We headed out to the golf course and on the way our Henry reminded us of a game we used to play when we’d go on road trips when the kids were younger. We played the game all the way to the course, which equates to about 10 minutes. I tell you what, I loved every minute of those 10 minutes. It’s more quality time than I would usually get on a Sunday.
When we got to the course, I noticed just how perfect the day was. The sun was out full force, the wind was crisp and cool, and there were people with smiles on their faces all around us. I took all this as a good sign. We headed in and picked up our complimentary passes for the driving range. We also got to borrow golf clubs and balls for free for the day. At first we all just stood around and didn’t know quite what to do, but decided to go ahead and putt some balls at the range. We really sucked, all of us!
I still laugh about it to this day, and that was almost two years ago. Henry accidentally hit my husband in the cheek with a ball, and I also hit my husband with a ball! It was hilarious. After a few minutes volunteers at the event came over and gave us a little lesson to get us started. Things really started to pick up and we all laughed a lot. The day ended up being really fun and rewarding.
Everyone in the family enjoyed it so much that we’ve been golfing together Every Sunday since then. Every week is different as we visit different golf courses that are within about 80 miles of us. So we get full day adventures out of it! The game itself provides us with a sense of team work, which has really enforced the trust and respect we have for one another. It gives Chuck and me an opportunity to be in the kids’ lives as they get older, without feeling like we’re prying.
Chuck and I even sneak away when we can and golf by ourselves during the week once in awhile. We enjoy it a lot, and it’s made us as a couple a lot stronger. We’re happier thanks to it, and I wouldn’t trade the game of golf for anything else in the world. Golf as a family sport can be just what a family needs to build a strong relationship, create plenty of quality time together, and strengthen the bond between each and every person.
We have picked up a lot of our golf accessories at places like garage sales, discount stores, and recycled goods. For example I found an almost brand new (excellent condition) golf set that retails for over $1,000, for just under $300. I couldn’t beat it! Thanks to waiting around for the deals and being thrifty, we’ve been able to make this hobby a very affordable one.
In fact, you don’t have to start with a lot of stuff. We started out by going to the driving range every week with only one driver each. Even if you have nothing, don’t let it stop you from experiencing this enchanting family experience. Rent what you need when you get there until you can get your own, Or better yet, borrow a friend’s for the day.
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