They say wine gets better with age, but what about golf?
I’ve stated many times on this blog that my game hasn’t improved much since my teens. When I first started keeping my handicap about 20 years ago, it was an 18. Today I’m still an 18. Despite this though, golf, for me anyway, has gotten better. In fact, it’s gotten much better. OK, I know what you’re thinking; “How could it have gotten better if you’re still playing at the same level?”
Well, the simple answer is; the experience has gotten better. It’s true. The experience of golfing has become more enjoyable for me even though my scorecard reads pretty much the same. I think this is true (if you’re honest with yourself) for many golfers and it’s a fundamental reason why so many of us continue to play throughout our lifetimes without actually playing any better.
When was the last time you heard someone say: “I’d been playing golf for 40 years, but wasn’t getting any better at it so I finally gave up.” It’s almost comical because you never, ever hear anyone say that! Why? Because you don’t have to be good at golf to love it. And the older you get, the more you enjoy and appreciate just being out on the course.
When I started golfing in my early teens (and up through probably my late 20’s), I thought I was enjoying myself out there – and technically I was. I would play every weekend – up to 50 or more rounds a year. But now in my late 30’s with two young kids, I’m lucky if I play five times annually. But you know what? I really enjoy those few times out.
I imagine as people get older – especially after retirement, they experience a similar enjoyment out on the links. Older folks might have a different appreciation than someone my age, but it’s that appreciation – the gratification of just being out on a golf course – that makes the game more enjoyable over time.
Best of all, this enjoyment is out there for every golfer to experience – you just have to stop worrying about your score and have fun instead. And because golf is one of those sports you can continue to play late into life, this game can be an invaluable source of enjoyment for years to come.
So, does golf get better with age? You bet your ass it does.
You better believe golf gets better with age. Now that I am retired it is much more enjoyable as you are on the course with good friends and never feeling guilty that you should be doing something else. Your goal is no longer to get that handicap lower but to have fun and see if you can live long enough to shoot your age.