What else do you get out of golf.

[kp17]

I had cancer many years ago, whole book of different health stuff, which led to the head really struggling with a lot of different things and I can honestly say a couple hours myself on the course a week, most of the time spraying the ball absolutely everywhere, helps me more than speaking to some psychiatrist that would charge probably 60 70quid a session.

 

[Oops!]

@Tashyboy : Thanks for this thread!

It brought up some really interesting thoughts that, IMHO, seem worth thinking about!

Therefore :

 

[Orikoru]

It's really important for my mental health. It's pretty much the only hobby I've maintained now that I have a three-year-old at home. I couldn't just work, eat, sleep, family stuff all weekend then repeat - I need some time doing something that's just for me and makes me forget everything else. When I'm feeling jaded in the office, I look forward to my weekend round, or to smashing some balls at the range on Thursday night. When I'm bored at work or struggling to stay motivated I'll chat about golf on here.

I guess some people think it's tragic when somebody reaches middle-age and makes golf their whole personality, but it's just a pastime that lends itself so well to being a great mental outlet, because it's so multi-faceted. I'm sure we've all had a scenario where you meet someone in the office or at a wedding or anywhere, discover they also like golf and ended up talking about it for an hour. It's so all-consuming in my brain that it pushes all the crap stuff out for a while.

 

[srixon 1]

A sense of achievement if I beat my handicap, especially if I shoot under par. Under par probably only happens 3 or 4 times a year though.

 

[Tashyboy]

It’s odd how a topic I started over four years ago has resurfaced. The couple that I mentioned in the original post have been together since they met and have moved in together. So they are a happy couple. Re me. It’s been an interesting four years, but the twice weekly meet ups with the fuddle lads has helped me and others get through it. Dealing with parents and in-laws who have had Strokes, Dementia, cancer, loss of life etc. Chuck in having the grandkids ( back here in 3 hours) and it gets on top of you. A day with the lads is just what the doctor ordered.