When thinking about golf many might be quick to judge. Thinking it’s boring or simply not their cup of tea. My message to those people is to give golf a try. I was once the same person they were four years ago. Before I started playing, I would’ve never thought I liked it. Because of what I would see on TV or social media, golf to me seemed meaningless. Something I can tell you is that watching and playing golf are two different things. All it takes is a minute to admire the atmosphere that a golf course can provide.
I was first introduced to golf when I was about 10. My brother Damian was introduced to golf for the first time by some friends at school. Over time golf became a hobby that my brother enjoyed playing. One day he asked me if I was interested in playing. Eventually my mom signed both me and my cousin to a golf program for kids my age. At first, I would be frustrated when I was not able to hit the ball correctly. Later on I came to the realization that the best part of golf was the journey to getting where you want to be.
To me golf was more than just a sport. It was a way for me to clear out the negative in my mind. Growing up I always enjoyed sports. Running around and staying active seemed to be my thing. My main sport was soccer. Though I looked forward to being on the field, I needed a hobby where I could take my time. Golf was the solution. When I step on a course, I forget everything outside of golf. Just me, some clubs and a ball. As I walk through 18 holes I hear the wind swirl, the birds chirp, and the swoosh my swing makes.I turn around and see the beautiful nature. The trees with orange and red leaves during fall, the goose resting on the course’s water hazards, or the perfectly cut green waiting for me to putt. I feel at the right place. One swing at a time, my mind slowly shifts to where it needs to be. There is nobody in the stands or sidelines watching me commit mistakes like in other sports. Golf on the course is only as hard as I choose to make it.
Through my years in golf many opportunities have come my way. The golf program I am in has provided me with jobs that could help me in the future. In the next few weeks I will be coaching golf to the youth. There I will be getting paid and potentially adding to my resume. Caddying is another job that I will be doing next year. It has been highly recommended by family and friends who have done it in the recent past. Not only does caddying have great pay, but it is also an amazing way to build new connections and create paths to success. You too can have these opportunities if you decide to give golf a try.
I write this essay to persuade readers into trying new things. Especially things that they dislike but have never tried. Often we are either too scared or even lazy to get out of our comfort zone. Golf is a great example because it is often overlooked. I speak from experience when I say this. Before I began golf I didn’t think of the great opportunities that come with it. Now I can say to others that playing the sport was one of the greatest things that has happened to me. Today I find calmness on a golf course one swing at a time.
Braulio Ascencio – St. Laurence High School – DMSF Class of 2029
Photo Credit: Kevin Carden – Adobe Stock