Most avid golfers believe that there is a profound connection between the joys and challenges of golf and the challenges of life, in a sense that the more devoted we are to the game, the more we learn about ourselves. When did we become irresistibly attracted to golf and drawn to the triumphs and travails of playing partners, friends, and family? We have set ourselves golfing goals, but what is our ‘true goal of golf’- an attraction that ultimately has more to do with deep peace and satisfaction than with the dream of playing on the PGA Tour. While bunkers and crosswinds cause enough grief, the real battle stems from our ego, anger, and silence on the course. We seem to have lost sight of why we play, why we love it and why we go back again and again, despite the agony and all too seldom ecstasy. We hope this reading brings you a sense of joy to hit the links with as much drive and passion as you’ve ever had. Here are our ‘Front Nine’ reasons that hope to renew your passion for the game.
Stay in the Now
Give each shot your full attention as if it is the only shot you will hit today. Be fully present. Play one shot at a time. Learn how to have fun on the golf course, whether you are playing well or poorly. Every golf shot and every golf course has its unique beauty and challenges. Learn and grow from the challenges and enjoy the beauty. By emotionalizing only your good shots, your next shot will not stem from emotions of fear, doubt, anger, or anxiety, which potentially sabotage your game. Be positive in talking to yourself and others because we all know that one golfer who hits a bad shot on the first hole and the rest of their game is now shot. Stay present. Take it easy.
Leave Your Ego
Golf has an inherent lure to the ego. The first time you bombed the ball 200 yards onto the green and holed the putt for a birdie probably made you think of turning pro. Then you try to follow it up on the next hole but get brought back to reality. No one can play their true potential or enjoy the game to the maximum while continuously listening to their ego. We all know it’s an emotional roller coaster. On the course, the average golfer is quick to attach their self-worth to the quality of their scores, which inevitably leads to under-performance and frustrating play, also known as “ego golf,” and is one of the significant reasons golfers fail to improve. When you play “ego golf,” you are not playing with complete trust in your abilities. You are being distracted from what is real and from genuinely connecting to the shot at hand. You are looking at yourself from the outside instead of listening to what is coming from within. By getting rid of your ego, you open up entirely new possibilities for your golf scores and in our lives in general.
Focus In
For about 4 to 5 hours, your focus is all dedicated to playing the game well. Leave all of your worries for another time because it’s golfing time!
Play a Tournament
The Forest hosts several tournaments, from Guest Invitationals to Member-Member events; the possibilities are endless. When you see the talent on display at a tournament, you’ll undoubtedly walk away intrigued. Take a moment to watch your competitors from a different perspective, see how they treat the game. You will watch in awe as you realize how so many people are in love with the game- to see their eyes light up when they hit a good shot. The camaraderie and interaction at The Forest are by far one of the highlights and prized possession of our guests and members. It’s a place where everyone knows your name and treats you like family.
Remember the Rush
Even those of us who think we are lousy at the game occasionally impress ourselves by hitting the shot we imagine. Remember that moment just shortly after you crushed it, and you look up to see your ball headed right at the flag. Your eyes widen, your heart starts to beat a little faster, you get that butterflies feeling, and for a split second, you actually think it may go in. For some of us, we finally watch that ball sink. But between the point that you made contact and the point the ball lands, all your problems and worries disappear-- total suspension. That’s the feeling right there that reminds us of the reason we love to play.
Embrace the Senses
The smell of the freshly cut grass, the sound of a crisply struck iron shot… Ahhh… Or how about the smell of a new leather glove and the sound of metal spikes on the concrete. Or the birds chirping. The Forest is peaceful. How often do you get to surround yourself in a beautiful setting with the sounds of nature? It’s a lot better than an office building with phones ringing. There is no other place or thing you can do that comes close to the peacefulness of being outside, free of the noise of traffic, people talking, taking phone calls, and having the ability to spend quality time with others. There is nothing but beautiful green, lush landscape and fairways, and of course, the sounds of nature. No matter what anyone scores, there's no such thing as a bad day when you’re golfing.
Compete For Life
Golf is a sport for life. Unlike most other sports, you’re never too old to play golf. From as young as 18-months old, you can be out on the green. While some of us have been athletes for our lifetime, golf keeps that part of our identity alive. Whether you seek a casual game surrounded by nature or seeking a competitive edge, golf at The Forest is your answer.
Build Lasting Friendships
On and off the course at The Forest, you are bound to create lifelong friendships over a shared interest. Friends can help you find your passion once more for the game and help inspire those who have lost sight of their love for the sport.
Remind Yourself
Whether it was our father, a friend, or grandparent, many of us have that loved one to thank for our love of the game. Spark your passion for the game again by thinking about that time. For three to five hours of uninterrupted time with your father or friend, it’s the memories that continue to live on. Now, it’s your turn to create those same memories with your friend who has yet to pick up a club or your grandchild!
|