Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/309816
I've never agreed with the idea that lack of time inhibits people from playing golf. If golf is still viewed as men going to the golf course and leaving their wives and kids at home, well then, yes this could be seen as a negative. However, the 'Leave It To Beaver' household for 99% of families is ancient history and clubs and courses that haven't adapted to the new culture of, 'It's All In The Family' will be left behind. Golf is currently trying to sell itself to the masses. 'Grow the game' is the message. There's always been hurdles when people suggest why they can't play. Money being a major concern, and yes, it is expensive. Convenience too, as in, "Is it close to home?" Often, time is the big reason people say they can't play golf. My question is, "Who are you playing with?" Golf typically takes four hours to play. If you consider nine holes the right amount for you, that'll take two hours and yes, there is time on either end. I'm not disputing the actual allotment, I'm speaking of the perception of time. Life in the 21st century is fast paced in large part due to the new realities of what a job entails. Our families also require attention. We speed from one activity and obligation to another as if on a treadmill that can't be turned off. I see golf as a way to steal some of that time back. Time on the golf course is usually spent with people we respect, people we enjoy, people we guide. All of a sudden spending four hours with my family, there's nowhere for my boys to hide. Hiking down the fairway, away from distractions, chasing a little white ball while learning about what's really important, relationships. My animals, some call them children, simply think we are chasing a little white ball for four hours. Little do they know, they play golf for about twelve minutes and the substance of it all happens in between the shotmaking. Learning about life is way better when you don't know that you are taking a lesson. 62 About The Writer: Mark Corrigan is an Associate Professional at Pinebrook G&CC in Calgary, Alberta. Along with his teaching duties and role as 'golf ambassador' thanks to Mark and his writing skills, the monthly newsletter put out by Pinebrook G&CC is — as Mark so humbly tells us — continually sold out. Contact him at mark_corrigan@pinebrookgolfclub.com or follow him on Twitter at @mc3eagle. BY MARK CORRIGAN (PGA OF CANADA) Time Taken Is A Reason To Play... NOT A REASON NOT TO THE FINAL WORD BLACK MTN We are trapped on the course, nature surrounds us, physical activity becomes a wonderful side effect. But understanding others, sharing something simple, without it feeling like a debriefing of yesterday's events, now that's golf and yes, it takes time. Conversation always seems so less stressed when golf is perceived as the primary activity. Isn't asking someone to golf, really saying to a person, "I like you and I'd like to get to know you better" or "I like you and I want to spend more time with you"? Remember you are out in nature for four hours with three other people. You'd better enjoy their company or you need to find new golfing buddies. Maybe golf for you is a solitary endeavour, then it would be viewed as therapy, that too is undeniable. I'm not disputing that corporate golf doesn't always involve people you enjoy but what better way to get to know someone quickly. People can fake it in a meeting for an hour but golf peels away the layers. I've always felt that if interviews were held during a round of golf you'd never hire the wrong person. It's even better when the person can't play golf well–how do they react when things don't go according to plan? Around the 15th tee my mind often realizes that the round is near its completion, more often than not I wish we could keep going. But maybe that would ruin too much of a good thing. Like Jerry Seinfeld said once, 'Leave them while they still want more'. Leave 'em while they're still laughing. Golf and time should be celebrated as one. Yes, golf takes four hours and you're going to thank us for that. Time spent with loved ones, mentoring through play. Time spent with friends that give us fulfillment. Exercise and fresh air that acts as therapy. Social time that gives us sanity. Time well spent, I'd say. Now go grab some of that time back. Share it with people who need to slow down. They'll thank you and you'll thank yourself. Golf is always giving, even when it's not. I'll see you on the 1st tee.