Golf: It's flog backwards

Spring is in full swing and the weather is finally warming up. After a year of gym workouts, we've decided it's time to add some fun into our fitness routine. Vince wants to improve his golf for fitness reasons. When asked, Vince quips "Sure I golf regularly, about once every 3 years!" My only experience with golf was a lesson in 10th grade P.E. class where the grass got more of a workout than I did, and a couple of Best Ball outings at work. Not wishing to be a golf widow, I've decided to join Vince in his endeavor. After all, how hard can it be? 

On Saturday morning at 6:30am sharp, we reported to the golf pro, Mostyn, at our local public golf course. In the bright morning sun, he taught/refreshed us on the grip, stance and swing. Then over to the driving range for some practice and assessment. It was at once easier and more difficult than I remembered. Vince was a natural -- he looked comfortable as he whacked ball after ball onto the green. I struggled a bit. So much to remember! Persistence pays off, and I settled into what I hope is a bad-habit-free swing. By the end of our first lesson we were both making contact over 80% of the time. Accuracy? Mostyn says we won't have to worry about that for another month. Good thing, since most of my balls ended up across the foul line (or whatever they call it in this sport).

I woke up Sunday morning feel very stiff and sore. Kind of like after an especially hard workout. Nothing a hot shower and some Advil won't fix. That evening we practiced our newfound skills (I use the term loosely) at our local park. We had to stop every now and again to avoid hitting passing cyclists, walkers or dogs, but mostly we were unhindered. We took the camera along and used the burst shot feature to take action photos of ourselves so we could check our technique later.

This morning the stiff-and-sore demon was back. More hot shower and Advil treatment. I may be incompetent but that doesn't mean I'm going to give up! (hmmm... not sure that came out the way I wanted it to) This must be how the people on America's Funniest Home Videos feel -- the ones involved in the mishaps.

Checking out the photos on our computer was interesting. We were a hoot! So many errors, such terrible posture, but a glimmer of hope as our performance at the end of the series was better than at the beginning. I for one don't wish to maintain "hoot" status for very long, so we'll head back to the park real soon. I think we'll try the video feature next time. Between the snorts and guffaws, we could clearly see what we did well and what needs fixing.  We've got a ways to go before we can grace a golf course, but with Mostyn's help and a LOT of practice, I think we'll be "real" golfers by the end of the summer.

As long as the Advil holds out.