WHY GOLF? AND WHY NOW?

I grew up surrounded by the game of golf. My Dad loved the game. He was an avid golfer who played 3-4 times a week for as long as I can remember. We belonged to Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains, and that is where he spent all his recreational time when he was away from his offices and his beloved patients. His swing was easy, fluid, and a pleasure to witness. And from the ages of 73-93, he was capable of shooting his age! Finally, very late in life, he got his first and only hole in one which was beyond exciting for him. My Mom and my sister also played and generally, they were consistent, respectable nine holers. I, however was satisfied to remain on the sidelines and never took up the game. People assume I know nothing about the game. But actually, I know more than they think. I understand golf etiquette, which club to use for my next shot, how to replace divots, all the golf terms, bump and run shots, and most importantly, to keep the game moving. When I first married my husband, who too, is a good golfer (lately, some days better than others!) and has been playing for over 60 years, I decided I might take up the game so that I could play with him. On my first outing with both my Dad and my husband, my Dad was relentless. Between him giving me lessons and constant criticisms, I came away dejected, deflated, and shaking. I put the idea of golf out of my head. As a perfectionist and a mom of two young children, I didn't feel I had extended periods of free time to practice and to play. But 40 years later, something magical has happened! I am now a grandma of five little ones ranging in ages from 10 to 3. Potentially, all 5 of these children will take up the game. Presently, two of my grandsons are learning to play and like the sport! This has become the impetus for me to take up golf once again. The thought of spending special time with each of these extraordinary children in a beautiful setting held tremendous appeal for me! With that goal in mind, I proceeded to schedule lessons, order a few clubs, and endure lots of black and blue wrists. If you ask me if I enjoy it, I'll smile and shrug my shoulders. The entire allure for me is based on spending quality time with my husband and grandchildren (and my children if they'll play with me!). I certainly don't like the clothes, the shoes, the heat, and the bugs; not to mention I can't pee behind a tree if nature calls! It's not the game itself that's drawing me in-it's the idea of who I'll get to be with while playing. AND THEN YESTERDAY HAPPENED! My husband and I had the honor and priviledge of taking my seven year old grandson out on the course. Neither he nor I were very good,(Owen showed great promise!) but it was one of the most memorable days in my life! Watching my husband with him, talking as we were walking to our next shot, discussing fescue, the "fringe" and why his friends love the 8th hole....We had the BEST time! I literally came off the course crying tears of joy-I thought to myself that I now had a reason to return to the course. It's spending time with the most special people in my life! What can be better than that?