“Golf – A Good Walk Spoiled?”

Golf has been defined as a good walk spoiled by many.  However, I am not sure I agree.  You see… I enjoy this game, and I really enjoy walking – so what could be a better match?

I realize that sometimes walking isn’t possible, and you are forced to take a cart at facilities, or you may have physical challenges that prevent you from walking.  But for my golfing partner and me – it’s walking that brings us the most enjoyment in the game. 

I read recently that golf is not meant to be played in a cart. With that thought in mind, here are just a few reasons why we walk when playing golf.

– It’s Healthy. Walking the golf course certainly counts as exercise.  A golfer may walk five or six miles – depending on their level of play – and will easily burn 800 to 900 calories during a game.  I routinely track my round with my phone and I find I average about six miles each round.  When I walk the course my body and mind are rewarded.

– Slows down my mental game.  I believe that using a cart while playing speeds up my mental game.  Since I tend to lean toward impatience by nature, when I play with a cart I find myself speeding through my round.  Walking clears my mind and keeps me focused on the current round.   I stay in my rhythm and maintain my tempo. 

– Encourages Socializing.  I have a much better opportunity to interact with all my playing partners when I walk versus when I use a cart – While being sure to keep my Social Distance!! Walking when playing golf opens up the opportunity to socialize more with your fellow golfers.   Walk the fairways from tee to green and now you have a wide-open forum for discussion.  Everybody has a good golf story, and I love to hear every one of them during a round.   

– Enjoy the views more.  I notice my surroundings more when I walk.  I take a look at the trees, breath deeply more, hear the birds, and enjoy my time outside.  It helps me forget about the bad shot I may have just had.  I routinely find myself stopping to enjoy the view from the tee box more.  I really soak in the full experience of golf when I walk.  Walking the course gets me closer to the golf course.  That’s not some weepy get-close-to-nature sentiment.  It’s a way to learn more about the courses I play, to gain an appreciation for the nuance of a golf course that just aren’t visible from a golf cart. 

    As I think about it, I realize walking benefits are the same in life.  

– It’s Healthy.  Walking reduces my stress and cheers me up.  Walking is an activity that I can easily tailor to my personal goals.  I can change my pace or intensity, or the distance covered.  I am happier when I walk daily.  

-Slows down my mental game.  Getting outside every morning for a walk clears my mind.  It opens up my thoughts to reflection and relaxation.

– Encourages Socializing.  Walking enables me to interact with my neighbors and neighborhood in general, which has created a sense of belonging and a better understanding of where I currently live.  I read somewhere that if you’re going to argue with someone, it’s best to do it walking.  When you walk with someone, you’re both going in the same direction, looking ahead, and moving in sync.  

-Enjoy the views more.  Walking is a reflection of how we feel about the environment in which we live.  I see more when I walk, and let’s not forget – it’s FREE!  I get outside and enjoy the sweet moments of sunshine.  I will walk in rainy weather, crisp fall weather and even bundle up for a cold winter walk.  Every season has its view and walking gives me a chance to soak them all in.    

My Reads from the Reds is…… Golf…and Life…are very good walks. 

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting. Written by Kathy Festa