Four reasons to make golf your go-to game:
1. The golf course is a safe place to exercise and socialize.
Social distancing is easily maintained in golf, and golfers and staff are following strict protocols that protect us all. Palmetto Dunes Resort has proven to be a refuge of much-needed refreshment for many players and their families.
2. Getting absorbed in golf is a great way to escape.
We have had some challenging days. For me, golf is the ultimate escape from them. When I’m absorbed in golf, my mind, will and emotions are focused on seeing the shot I desire to create. My visualization of this future shot then creates the proper physical feelings needed to perform it. I get totally absorbed in the experience and all of life’s difficulties are pushed out of my mind. Jack Nicklaus called this “going to the movies.” When you go to the movies, you are in a dark room, focused on that movie, distracted from your cares and experiencing only what’s in front of you. I’ve learned to trust this place — my body follows suit and, hopefully, the ball goes where I’d like it to.
3. Golf can be healing.
Sometimes, the best medicine of all is green grass, wide open skies, sunshine and fresh air. Luckily, the golf course has big doses of it all! Invite a friend to play, practice or learn golf with you. Bring someone you want to get to know better. Golf has a way of breaking down barriers and healing relationships. It is also physically restorative. When played properly, it will increase your balance, flexibility and stamina. It can also go a long way toward a more peaceful state of mind, as it engages all parts of the brain, and has been proven to decrease your heart rate and even slow the onset of dementia!
4. Golf can help to set you free.
Our nation’s independence always makes me think about how golf as a recreational sport really does re-create those who play it. It offers freedom from fear, self-doubt, anxiety and physical limitations. It can even help to free us from the pain of broken relationships.
With broad fairways, lush green trees and active wildlife, the golf course is a great place to refresh yourself in a safe environment. Leave your worries at home, get some exercise and expand your mind-body connection. Get out of the house with your family, and teach or learn new skills. For these reasons and so many others, now is the time to get into the game of golf.
Let the coaches at Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy lead you to a more profound golf game by:
- restoring joy to the frustrated or plateauing player
- helping new golfers establish excellent habits
- offering high-schoolers the chance to earn a college scholarship through golf
- providing new challenges and victories for retirees
- uplifting the depressed, injured or disabled
…and so much more!
By Doug Weaver, Director of Instruction, Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy
Ranked the #2 Instructor in South Carolina by Golf Digest and a former PGA Touring Pro, Doug Weaver is the Director of Instruction at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy and leads “Where Does the Power Come From?”, a complimentary golf clinic and exhibition on Mondays at 4 p.m. For details and reservations for golf clinics, classes, lessons and on-course instruction, call (843) 785-1138, (866) 455-6890 or visit palmettodunes.com.
