April is here and that means that a lot of people who want to play golf may give it a try. I would like to give a word of encouragement to those that may be on the fence about taking up the game. First off, don’t be intimidated. I often times have to put myself in the shoes of a beginner. When we first start playing the game it can be pretty intimidating if you aren’t one of the “regulars.” Just remember that everyone had to start playing golf at some point in their lives and that we were all once in your shoes. I can remember a day when I first started playing golf and I went to the driving range after a few weeks without practicing and I couldn’t even hit the ball! I had gotten worse by not practicing like I should have and I whiffed every single shot. I finally hit a few towards the end of my bucket of balls and I felt great about coming back the next day and trying to get better than I was that day. I was so embarrassed though! I felt as if everybody was watching me inside the golf shop just laughing their behinds off at my misery. Well, I have news for you…they weren’t laughing at me. The truth is they probably weren’t even paying attention at all. Other golfers aren’t worried about your game at all because they are too worried about their own game to pay any attention to yours. Even after all of that embarrassment and all of those bad shots I hit I was able to shake it off and it’s truly amazing how much the game of golf has given me. So, I urge you all to be patient and relax. This game will test your patients but I can promise you that it is worth it. To all of you avid golfers make sure to put yourselves in the shoes of a beginner and think back to when you started. If you see someone who is struggling maybe suggests a lesson with the pro or if they look lost and don’t know a rule/etiquette help them out as it will help grow the great game we all love. To all of the people on the fence about whether to take up the game or not please call me if you have questions or if you need help. I will show you around the golf shop and help you out with the process of getting started in the game. I will help suggest times that are better for you to try and play a round or practice that may help you avoid the busy high traffic days. I hope that all of you will take me up on my offer to help but I do wish everyone the best of luck this golf season!
Sincerely,
Justin Sigmon, PGA
Head Professional
Stone Creek Golf Club