A couple years ago, I started playing golf because I love playing sports, but little did I know that it would also become a big part of my social life. We spend so much time together during a round, that naturally, my golfing friends have become some of my closest. Golf has brought so many new friends into my life, too. It’s more fun than I ever imagined to share a hobby with girlfriends, and also other couples who play golf together, like my husband and I do.
The great thing about golf is that anyone can play together regardless of level, age, or gender. Unless you are in a match or tournament, it’s really just a game against yourself. So, when friends express interest in playing – whether it’s for exercise, the cute outfits, or wanting to try a new hobby – I’m always up for it.
If you’re looking to explore that other side of golf, the one that brings a lot of laughs and new relationships into your life, here are 5 ideas to try that have expanded my social circle on and off the course.
Find a Golf Simulator And Make A Night Of It
When a golf-themed sushi restaurant and brewery opened nearby, my husband and I immediately grabbed a few other couples and booked a simulator. A night out with friends, food, drinks and golf – sign us up! Some of us golf and some of us don’t, but it wasn’t a big deal. We broke our group into two teams and played a scramble at Pebble Beach – and had delicious food delivered to us between shots. Maybe the best date night ever?
Indoor golf simulators have made golf much more accessible and brought a level of recreation that doesn’t exist at golf clubs. I have a hunch that these golf simulators might just give my non-golfing friends the confidence to try golfing on the real course.
(Image credit: Lauren Katims)
Scramble And Keep It Casual
A few friends who are new to golf didn’t feel comfortable playing an 18 hole private course, so we found a short, 9-hole public course. There’s no dress code and no pressure to keep score. We focused less on our ball striking and more on being outside, spending a few hours together doing something active.
We laughed a lot when a ball hit a rock and went further back than where it started, no one cared about moving a ball to get a better lie, and we cheered each other on for great shots and pars. It was the definition of casual golf and it was so refreshing and fun.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Latest from Golf Monthly…