A couple weeks ago, on Friday and Saturday we attended the US Women’s open as it was just 10 minutes from our house. The U.S. Women’s open is one of 15 golf tournaments put on by the USGA (United States Golf Association.)
We live in basically a golf mecca, I’ve learned. Pinehurst which is pretty well-known for golf is very close by and there are 40 premier golf courses within a 15 mile radius in our county. And for that I’m so grateful I took up golf two years ago and enjoy it.
I think I’m decent at it, especially for two years of experience, and have thought man if I had started earlier what could’ve been?
In watching these women play, I found myself thinking how cool is that to be a professional golfer!
Then after following them a couple days and the field narrowing down, it occurred to me the pressure they are under every time they play. And I wondered if that takes away from their fun or love of playing golf, especially day in and out practicing, competing year after year.
But then I also thought how is that different from the pressure of a dentist, or any other job?!
We start out “falling in love” with it, but after a while it can become no fun and the pressures overshadow everything else, especially working day in and out, year after year!
This 2022 US Women’s open had the largest purse in women’s history. It’s still way below what the men make but a huge improvement.
I learned that one of the top players often barely made any money in tournaments and financially struggled. This player earned 2nd place at this Open and with this larger purse thata was life-changing for her as she no longer will have to struggle financially.
But that also took away from the “what if” of being a pro-golfer…having to play at such a high level and not make much to live on doesn’t sound too exciting anymore!
It also was nice to see that the pros don’t always play perfectly and have miss hits from time to time too!
We (hubby and I) often were having conversations that we’d end up saying golf is a lot like life.
- You don’t make all the shots you take.
- You have to make adjustments sometimes.
- It’s good to not be so serious all the time.
- Sometimes you need to change your strategy.
- You often need help, guidance, assistance from someone else so have that go-to person (like a caddy in golf!).
- Incorporating one tip can make a significant difference.
- You’ve got to keep your eye on the ball.
Making this list was fun! So many parallels and I’m sure there are many more. Can you think of any others?
Maybe it’d have been cool to be a pro golfer, maybe not. I’m just glad I’ve gotten into golf now (better late than never!) and am physically able to play to get outside, enjoy some movement, nature, and beautiful weather, and, learn some lessons about life 🙂