Enjoy every moment out on the course this month.
March is an ideal time of year to play golf on Hilton Head Island. Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind when you’re out on the green this month:
M – Music
Music and golf are remarkably similar. Confucius observed that, “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” That same pleasure can be found on the golf course as well. Golf is truly a creative, artistic experience with a distinctive rhythm. A golfer experiences exhilaration by creating dynamic ball flight in the air, and encouraging the ball to roll toward the hole on the green grass. Virtually every athlete, business person and musician loves golf. Golf produces a kind of pleasure that humans should not do without.
A – Art
Art and golf have many parallels. Artist Joan Miro once observed, “You can look at a picture for a week and never think of it again. You can also look at the picture for a second and think of it all your life.” The same principle applies on the golf course. You can hit a golf shot terribly and forget about it. You can also hit the next ball perfectly and never forget it and revel in that moment for years to come. As Scott Adams said, “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” The same is true in golf. Golf is about making mistakes and learning to overcome them so you can move on to experience joy.
R – Recreation
Recreation is the heart and soul of golf. Because golf is a recreational sport, when we finish we can be refreshed physically, mentally and spiritually. When we walk the course, we breathe in oxygen that boosts our mood, increases stamina, improves our mental alertness and promotes healthy sleep. When playing golf correctly, our muscles stretch and contract, making us more flexible, supple and elastic, and minimizing our chances of injury while improving our balance. Spiritually, golf challenges each of us to live our lives with integrity, self-acceptance and unconditional love.
C – Culture
Golf has a fundamental culture and lifestyle that promotes longevity. There was a study done of the 100 wealthiest people in the world, compared to the 100 best golfers in the world. Which group lived longer? The wealthy group had access to the best health care available. Nevertheless, the golfers lived significantly longer. Some researchers believe it may be because golfers have learned to relax and accept their mistakes. Proper golf activity is rhythmic, fluid and low impact. Golfing promotes blood flow, balance and proper body weight, while reducing stress and improving sleep patterns.
H – Have fun
Have fun and live longer by accepting yourself for who God created you to be. Be the best you can be on and off the golf course!
See you out on the green!
By Doug Weaver, Director of Instruction, Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy
