A Gentle Game on a Gentle Day

Women in a Golf course

It started with a message from a friend — something simple like, “Golf this weekend?” I almost said no. I hadn’t played in a while, and golf, unlike bowling, feels like the kind of sport that remembers how long you've been away. But the forecast was clear, the schedule was open, and something about the idea of walking across open green spaces sounded… restorative.

So I said yes. And I’m glad I did.

First Tee, First Breath

The moment I stepped onto the course, I felt it — that mix of calm and quiet anticipation. Mornings on the golf course have their own kind of music: birds in the trees, the distant thwack of a well-hit drive, and the soft crunch of gravel under golf shoes.

We teed off just after 9 AM, the sun low enough to cast long shadows. My first swing? Let’s just say the ball went somewhere. Not the right somewhere, but it definitely went.

That’s the thing with golf — it humbles you immediately, and then somehow charms you back every time.

Between the Shots

Golf is as much about what happens between the shots as it is about the shots themselves.

There were stretches of walking in easy silence. Moments of conversation that felt unhurried, like they had all the time in the world. We talked about life, food, a podcast someone had listened to recently. We laughed at bad putts. We admired the way sunlight hit the water hazard at the 6th hole — that soft shimmer that looked like something out of a painting.

It reminded me that golf, for all its rules and rituals, is also just a very good way to spend a few hours outside.

A Game of Patience, and Occasional Glory

Now, I won’t claim to have played a flawless round. I spent some time in the rough, got very familiar with my sand wedge, and had one memorable moment with a golf cart that I’ll leave out for dignity’s sake.

But then, unexpectedly — a perfect approach shot. Clean, smooth, and right where it needed to go. The kind of hit that keeps you coming back. That brief moment where time feels suspended and everything connects — club, ball, rhythm, and focus.

Golf gives you just enough of those to keep you chasing the next one.

Why I Think Golf Still Matters

Some see golf as exclusive, even outdated. And yes, it can carry that reputation in some circles. But peel back the layers, and it’s a game that rewards thoughtfulness, quiet confidence, and slowing down.

Unlike faster sports, golf doesn’t shout for your attention. It asks for presence. It gives you space to think, to reflect, to notice the world around you — and perhaps, even your own mindset.

It’s also one of the rare sports where people of different generations and skill levels can play together and enjoy it equally. That alone feels worth celebrating.

Tips for a Relaxed, Enjoyable Round

If you’re heading to the golf course anytime soon, especially as a casual or returning player, here are a few thoughts to carry in your golf bag:

• Dress comfortably – Breathable layers, a hat, and good shoes go a long way.

• Don’t chase perfection – Even the pros have off days. Just play your game.

• Enjoy the walk – Golf carts are fun, but walking the course changes the pace and perspective.

• Pack small comforts – A water bottle, a granola bar, maybe a flask of coffee for those early tee times.

• Play with people who keep it light – Golf is best enjoyed when no one’s keeping score too seriously.

A Soft Sign-Off, Like the 18th Hole at Dusk

As we packed up our bags and made our way to the clubhouse, I realised I hadn’t checked my phone in hours. That, in itself, felt like a small victory.

Golf may not be everyone’s game. But if you’re someone who enjoys slowness, space, and the occasional spark of satisfaction from a well-hit shot, it’s worth giving it a try — or another try.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the score. It’s about the stretch of quiet, the feeling of grass under your feet, and the soft rhythm of a game that asks for nothing more than your presence.