I started playing golf a few years ago, mainly for fun. My first time on the golf course was actually a tournament that pooled journalists and bloggers from different media houses. This was a way to introduce them to the sport as well as connect them to each other. We were only two women in a pool of 30 players. I won an award as best woman player, but only because we were TWO women. Ha!
Men and women enjoy the game differently. For men, the socializing is built around the game itself, whereas for women, golf is the catalyst for a pleasant outing, a healthy walk in the park and it’s a fun thing to do while hanging out with your friends.
Golf has been majorly a male dominated game. From Captains, pros to caddies, 85% of them will be men.
Since the Safaricom Golf Tour was launched in January, I have gotten a chance to play with experienced, non-experienced players, caddies as well as children. I was glad to see more women playing this time round. Yaay!
At the inaugural Safaricom Golf Tour at Golf Park, I played a four-ball. I played with a 12 year old with a handicap of 8, and two gentlemen with a handicap of 14 and 17. Basically what this means is I was in a lions den. Having no handicap, I really struggled with the swings and pressure from amateur players.
In Nanyuki, I played a three-ball. With a lady who has a handicap of 40 and a renowned golfer who has played since 1982. He actually played a tournament at the Nanyuki Sports Club, in 1982!!! I was not even born.
What I learned playing with experienced golfers is one thing: Enjoy the game!
At each swing, there was someone encouraging me with ‘good shot!’ ‘Perfect putt’ If I struggled, they were so keen to point out how I could improve my swing. Everyone on the course is so willing to make you part of them, and the more fun you have on the course, the more you will enjoy the game and want to play some more.
Golfers are kind, friendly and helpful people. All around the course, from caddies to other players. If you lose a ball, other players will help you look for it. If you are having a nad game day, they will encourage you… they will banter you though but still, the encouragement is what will ease you and before you know it, by hole 3, you are getting back to form. The support on the course is something i have come to love and cherish.
Golf is a game that tests your patience. Teaches you a lot about humility and emotional intelligent. Believe me, being able to remain level headed throughout a round of golf will help you play better and teaches better emotional intelligence
So, Why Play Golf?
Health benefits – Playing golf helps you to stay fit. It improves muscle tone and endurance and also helps you lose weight. An average 9 hole will see you walk at least 4 km and the swings work on your mid body. It also helps in reducing stress due to the pleasure of walking in an open natural environment
Social benefits – Playing golf is a great way to keep in touch with friends. It provides opportunities to meet new people especially in your industry. It also helps develop a sense of community connectedness. It is also an avenue to network and get contacts for your business.
With the above reasons, wouldn’t you want to be try out golf as a hobby and who knows, you may just become an expert with time.
Join me as I share my journey in playing for the Safaricom Golf Tour. I promise you, it will be exciting!
About Safaricom Golf Tour
Safaricom has launched the Safaricom Golf Tour which aims at nurturing and growing talent in the country.They have invested KES 100 million for this tour, that will be played in various golf clubs across the country for aspiring and professional golfers.
The objective for this golf tour is to demystify and make golf accessible to people. The regional tours will help in transforming lives within the sport of golf, breaking down the barriers that have been built around it, which have made it to be seen as a non–inclusive sport.
Learn more https://golftour.safaricom.co.ke/about-the-tour/
Safaricom Golf Tour: Nanyuki Edition