Golf and Spouses

I recently saw a re-run episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond" that I have to mention. It started with Raymond's wife, Debra asking to go to the course with him so they could have "fun" doing something together (like when they were young and dating). Reluctantly, Raymond agrees, and the round starts out well with hubby coaching and wifey listening. But after several holes things turn south when she has had enough of his coaching (and started coach back) and he's annoyed that she doesn't know proper etiquette (her shadow was in his line, and she rolled her eyes about moving it). It comes to a head with Debra yelling "face it Ray, you didn't really want to play golf with me or my shadow!"

I had to laugh because I have seen, heard and experienced this same situation MANY times before in golf and other arenas. So my advice:

* Golf is a great sport to enjoy with your significant other and your kids/family, but its not always easy for people to take coaching and criticism from a spouse or parent.
* Make sure your expectations are realistic. Playing with your family will be very different than playing with your friends, the chemistry and level of competitiveness is not even comparable. Know that in advance and get in the right mindset.
* Set some guidelines for fun: limit the amount of coaching to one or two tips for the day if any!... If someone is having a bad hole, they can use a "magic putt" a "foot wedge" or "skip a hole" if they need to to help move play along and keep everyone happy.
* The course might not be the place to go if your family is inexperienced. Stick to the putting green and create some fun games(a spontaneous putt-putt course) or chipping challenge. Its still time well spent and still qualifies as golfing together.
* When in doubt: PLEASE use me or someone like me as a resource to help make your time on the course with your family a fun one. As a PGA Professional, I can objectively communicate and teach skills, etiquette and be the one to "blame" for bad shots (and good shots!) instead of you :)

The day when golf is more popular than soccer....

Why is it that every 4/5 year old in my county is enrolled in a soccer league and not in golf? Let's think....

-Money: By the time you're done buying their uniform, shoes, chin-guards, pay the league fee, grilling out at games, travel fees as they get older, etc.. soccer is probably just as expensive as golf.
-Time: Soccer is an all weekend event for some families.Golf is no different.
-Safety: I know in golf we swing metal sticks around- but I don't know the last time I heard of a kid twisting an ankle or getting bruises and scrapes on the course.
-Speed: I know golf is thought of as slow... but if Soccer is so awesome and exciting why can't the Major Leagues thrive in the U.S.? Where are all the spectators?
-Exercise: Yes, running around for over an hour is a great workout, but have you ever walked 9-18 holes on a hilly course with a golf back on your back? Its not as easy at is sounds! Plus there is always speed golf!
-Team sport: Maybe part of the draw is the comradery and team spirit? Sounds like the Ryder Cup to me... maybe we should make junior golf programs team oriented!
-The Beckham factor: hmmm... you think this could be why? I know Tiger's not perfect, but he's still a pretty inspirational competitor...
Scholarships: Even if there are more spots available for soccer scholarships there are probably 10x the kids vying for them.
-Sport for a lifetime: Soccer is NOT this- there are Grandmas who play golf but haven't seen any lace-'em up for "football" in a while.
-Age- Most soccer programs start at 2 or 3 yrs old. Most golf programs don't start kids until 6 or 7... maybe golf is missing out because kids start too late?
-Tailgating: Ah ha! This must be the reason! I need to create a new format. Golf Cart Tailgate Party Junior Team Speed Golf for ages 2& up! I'm on it... look for details coming soon!:)