The Transformative Power of Sports: Strengthening Relationships Through Golf

The Journey of Rediscovery in Sports

Growing up, my dad was a golfer who always had a tournament streaming on the television. Despite his best efforts to educate me, I couldn't care less about the difference between a par and a birdie. All I could focus on was how seemingly boring the sport was. I couldn't understand why anyone would willingly spend hours chasing a tiny ball from hole to hole. Little did I know the sport would become a cornerstone for my marriage and mental health decades later.

Finding Common Ground in Golf

Much to my dismay, I fell in love with and married a golf lover. For years, he asked if I'd try it, and I always told him to have fun without me. But during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when we spent a lot of time inside and outdoor activities were limited, my husband suggested golf again. This time, it was framed as a way to get out of the house while keeping our distance from others. I still didn't understand the appeal but I reluctantly agreed — mainly because I was going stir-crazy.

Strengthening Bonds Through Shared Activities

What started as a simple way to get out of the house quickly turned into something more meaningful. The rounds at the club were hours spent without distractions and screens (except for a few breaks for the necessary Instagram shots) — just us, nature, and the game. Having a shared interest that wasn't watching Netflix created a space for us to grow closer. Over time, I found that playing golf together felt like a form of couples therapy. It gave us time and space to talk, laugh, and support each other through the game's inevitable challenges. Plus, I loved our post-golf dinners overlooking the beautiful courses.