So I felt so good, so energized after Zumba, (See “Ditch the Workout”) I headed across the street to the driving range in anticipation of my golf game the next day. It was late, after 8 p.m., but the range is lighted and there were only two other people there. I got a medium bucket of balls and found my spot at the end of the range to practice a swing that hadn’t been dusted off since the children were in school in June. Overall, I was pleased. I hit some really good ones. In the spring, I was struggling with slicing it to the right, but I seemed to have straightened that out over the long summer of lounging by the pool. I did hit the maintainance shack once, but everyone does that once, right?
Now the children are back in school. What better way to celebrate than to go out and play 18 holes of golf? I had been given a gift certificate for two for 18-holes with a cart to Lyman’s Orchards Golf Club (which sounds like a funny name to me, “golf club” HA!), so I decided to take advantage.
It was a gorgeous day for golf. Not too hot. Not too cold. Absolutely perfect. The husband and I headed out for an 8:00 a.m. tee-time after putting the kids on the bus. That, right there, is the definition of “Nirvana”!
Golf is great exercise. It burns roughly 238 calories an hour, which means that after 18 holes, or 4 hours, you’ve burned off almost 1,000 calories. Minus the hotdog and beer before the 14th hole and you’re still coming out way ahead for the day. Those figures represent the calories burned when using a cart, and are much higher if you’re walking the course. We played the Gary Player Signature course. You’re required to use a cart due to the challenging lay-out of the course which climbs above Middlefield, offering stunning views of the area. I like to think that I burned a little more, based on my “hit a bad shot, walk to the ball” rule. Luckily, I didn’t have to deal with the “walk of shame” too often.
In fact, every time I hit a good shot I’d hear, “did you throw that or hit it?” Luckily, I had plenty of opportunity to display my athletic prowess by hitting it out of the sand traps. I also was rather adept at just missing the green and got to use my pitching wedge, my new favorite club. Overall, the husband was impressed with my improvement. I even beat him at one hole, which is always the goal - 1 par, 1 better than my opponent, improve score from last time.
“GOLF” is supposed to stand for “Gentleman Only, Ladies Forbidden”. The game has definitely evolved since that moniker was adopted. It’s still primarily a man’s sport, but women are welcomed on the course. And with the golf fashions, it’s a natural fit. I’m just happy that I looked good and played well … and that the foursome behind us didn’t catch up to us and have to play through.
When I was at the driving range, the pro approached me (before I hit the shack) and asked if I ever took a lesson. He said that winter is the best time to perfect your swing on the range before the spring season hits. It might not be a bad idea. I may just take him up on that and then I’ll really be ready for next year!
