Advice Sought

[Ian_S]

In a bit of a quandary. I’ve been playing cricket for (what was my) local club since I was 11 (I’m now 28). Four years ago I moved out from home to be closer to work which is now about a 45 minute drive back to my club. I’ve been doing this drive quite happily just about every weekend for the past few years since I moved out. However over the winter I’ve got quite into golf and quite want, as a starter, to join the (new) local club at the muni, get a handicap and then see about joining a more expensive club, and at the start of this cricket season I’m just not enjoying it and would prefer to be out golfing.

Usually this wouldn’t be a problem as I could happily tell the club I’ve lost my enthusiasm for cricket and that it’s no hard feelings, but I don’t want to play anymore. However, I’m currently in my second season as captain of the cricket team and it seems it’s not the right thing to give up that post so soon into the season. So my problem is do I a) struggle on with cricket and hope it comes back, knowing that I’m missing out on a golfing season that I quite want to get involved in or b) tell the club that I’ve lost the enthusiasm for cricket, part ways with hopefully no hard feelings and start my new sporting career? The selfish part of my mind says that I work all week so why should I struggle on at the weekend doing something I don’t want to just for the sake of the club who can probably manage well enough without me. The other part says it seems ungentlemanly to call it a day now and the proper thing to do would be wait til the end of the season.

Essay over. Any thoughts?

 

[GB72]

Do both. Alot of the group that I used to play with were cricketers and my brother is the club captain. With an early tee off in the summer he used to get a round in before cricket started or played on golf on the other day at the weekend.

 

[bigslice]

if your heart isnt into that weird game then tell them, resign and get your golf handicap down

 

[fundy]

Pretty simple one for me, you have to be honest and let them know, no use to them having a skipper who doesnt want to be there, however much you try to hide it there will be an adverse effect on the team.

Used to play good level cricket many years back and like you seem to it was one or the other through the summer season, very difficult to do both at the same time, ultimately if you want to be playing golf not cricket then thats what you should do

 

[AmandaJR]

Do you have a good vice captain who could/would take over from you?

Life is too short to spend your leisure time doing something when you'd rather be doing something else. You do though (admirably) have a sense of duty and commitment to your cricket club. I think you'd always feel guilty about letting them down which may detract from your enjoyment of golf when you know the cricket team are our playing without you.

In your shoes I'd try to seek a replacement Captain who would mean that the club wouldn't "suffer" too much at your departure and leave with your head held high. If that replacement isn't in place then I guess I'd see the season out.

 

[FairwayDodger]

You've asked a golf forum whether you should play golf or cricket? Hmmm, let me think......

 

[full_throttle]

Speak with your vice-captain, explain how you feel regards the game and try and get a sense of what reaction you would get from the players should you decide to quit. If your no longer enjoying the cricket it would be best to pack up.

 

[In_The_Rough]

I used to play Cricket but decided to call it a day due to the time involved. If your hearts not in it anyway only one thing to do and thats be honest and call it a day and devote your time to the best sport going

 

[ScienceBoy]

I am sure the club would understand, I say step down either now or at the end of the season.

I have no idea why people play cricket, it just does nothing for me

Each to their own I guess, I doubt many of you would have fun doing some of the things I do in my spare time or at work that I love.

 

[bladeplayer]

Dude unless its your job or they are paying you something , if you aint enjoying it , pack it in . doesnt matter if you wana play golf , go bungee jumping or veg on the sofa , if you aint enjoying your pastime activity then you shouldnt be doing it .. i think your own words here should swing it for you

"part of my mind says that I work all week so why should I struggle on at the weekend doing something I don’t want to just for the sake of the club who can probably manage well enough without me"

Life is too short mate , spend your spare time doing what you realy enjoy , not doing what other people might expect of you

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Played some cricket in my time and to be honest once I got back into my golf I was like you and spending more and more time wishing I was golfing and not enjoying the cricket at all. In the end I just walked away at the enod of the season and never played again for the club

 

[Liverbirdie]

Explain your decision to the others, and say if required for future matches, you wont let them down, but is it possible to be a "squad player". Play when they are short etc, that way you might still be able to keep a foot in both camps. Think about it again at the end of the season, and go from there. You may play only 4-5 games for them, by then you may know more which one you love the most.

Dont they say though that golf and cricket dont mix well? The reason Brian Lara played golf "other handed" and played off 1 as well, talented barsteward.

 

[BeachGolfer]

Feign injury or tell them straight and get an extra summer playing golf or whatever you enjoy doing most. As said previously, life is too short and leisure time contained within, even less.

 

[Bythesea]

Hi Ian.s,
I turned to golf from cricket at about the age of 45, I was never Captain because my brother had that job and kept it until he retired (he is now 73 and President). I had played many years for my club and was at one time Secretary. I have never regretted my decision, my two sons took up golf soon after and we are all still playing, and, have all been at the club over 30 years. Could you not explain to your fellow players that the drive is too long and that is having a negative effect on your game, hand the Captaincy over, and ease out by playing just a few games, when they are struggling for a team. Hope my comment help.
Best wishes for the future.

 

[Shanks a lot!]

I used to play cricket myself, but grew to hate the time spent at weekends wishing I was doing something else. If your heart isn't in it anymore why carry on? What's the point in making yourself unhappy? Do what is best for you, regardless of your responsibilty as captain. The club was probably there before you, and it will still be there for a long time after you have left.

 

[Piece]

Usually this wouldn’t be a problem as I could happily tell the club I’ve lost my enthusiasm for cricket and that it’s no hard feelings, but I don’t want to play anymore.

Essay over. Any thoughts?

If you're able to do both, then try it. If not, then you've answered your own question with your quote above.

I did cricket at a decent level of years, most of them as first team skipper. Once the enthusiasm went I left cricket and moved to play golf instead. No regrets; after all, it's our time at the weekend to do what we want, therefore if you can't make yourself happy, then you certainly can't lead a cricket team properly.