To play any sport or participate in any activity, there must be a joy, happiness, or elation we get from putting forth that effort. If not, why would we go through all the effort to be active. Golf is no different from any other sport, but unlike other sports it provides so much more! There are few sports out there with the ability to touch all aspects of an athlete’s psyche and leave them wanting for more!

I have participated in many sports over the years. My most favorite sport, after golf, was basketball. I played competitively up to the age of 52, when I decided to retire and focus my efforts in other directions. For years, basketball was my only passion and I focused my training and efforts to hitting the court. About 25 years ago, golf started to edge its way into my heart until now, it is my passion. Golf satisfies many areas of my psyche and I will likely play golf for the rest of my life.

I am not sure why you golf, but for me there are many aspects that touches my life on and off the course. If I walked away from golf today, of course I would be disappointed and there would be several voids I would need to fill, but I would also have many grateful experiences I would have for the rest of my life.

For me the Joy of Golf is pretty straight forward. No matter when I hit the course, golf has an effect on my life; here is how:

Relaxing. Regardless of how I play, golf is relaxing. Of course I get frustrated sometimes, but looping the course early in the morning or with by best friend relaxes me. It allows me time to be in the moment and relish in the beautiful surrounds a golf course has to offer. By the end of my round, it feels as if I experienced 4 hours of positive therapy. Golf is definitely relaxing for me.

Social. I meet a tremendous amount excellent people on the golf course. No matter who I play with, there is always a conversation about life, work, family, or what is happening around us. Golf is a contact sport and the social aspect of playing golf is a big benefit.

Competition. I like to compete in just about everything. Over the years, golf has taught me to cool my competitive juices, however playing in a tournament (whether I do well or not) is great fun. I thoroughly enjoy competing and golf affords me to play in an individual or team events. Competing in golf is great fun!

Self-confidence. Golf is a sport that requires self-control in order to excel. To play with complete abandon is counter-productive to low scores. Golf is a game where control and mental focus are a bonus; by using self-control on the links expands into my daily life and overall, things are just better.

I could go on and on about the benefits of golf and the joy it brings to my life. But, I think you get the point. Golf is more than just a sport; unlike others, it touches deeper in our psyche and if you take a moment to reflect, you will see exactly what I am talking about.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Written by Jim Burton from The Grateful Golfer blog.