The love affair started in the year 2016 between a young 20- something and an oh-so-perfect golf ensemble. Yes, you read that correctly—fashion was the secret cupid. Who knew a sport could also flaunt its feminine side with such sophistication. My love for the game began with its outfits and a crisp Tom Collins at the 19th hole, but has since grown into something more. So, why am I so smitten with this sport? Let me tell you about how this unexpected romance has evolved. Let’s get into it!
First and foremost, let's talk about the adventures. Golf has taken me to places I never imagined I'd visit. From quaint countryside courses such as Tetherow (#57 on the Top 100 Public Golf Courses in the US) in Bend to luxurious resorts nestled in breathtaking landscapes like Pebble Beach (#1), each course presents a new travel adventure waiting to be embraced. Whether it's exploring local culture or simply soaking in the serene beauty of nature, these Top 100 golf courses have introduced me to destinations that have enriched my life in countless ways.
Speaking of nature, there's something magical about spending time outdoors and being surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air. Whether you’re looking for a coastal getaway like Bandon Dunes (#8) or a mountain retreat like The Wilderness Club (#44) that’s just minutes away from the Kootenai National Forest, golf allows an escape to the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnects you with the natural world. Living in Washington State, which is home to Chambers Bay Golf Course (#20), where I go walking often, I am able to take in the panoramic Puget Sound views and the sight of the famous lone fir tree grounding me back into the outdoors. Whether it's the tranquil beauty of an early morning round or the peaceful serenity of a twilight nine, each moment spent on the course is a reminder of the wonders of Mother Nature.
But it's not just about the places; it's also about the people. Golf has a unique way of bringing families and friends together. Some of my fondest memories revolve around the joy of teeing up with my loved ones, sharing laughs, and creating lasting bonds on the course. The shared experiences and friendly competition strengthen our relationships and create a sense of unity that is truly priceless.
Now, let's get back to fashion! As a woman who appreciates a good outfit, I must admit that the world of golf apparel is a fun little playground. From chic vintage polos to tailored skirts and stylish accessories, there's no shortage of cute outfits to showcase on the course. Golf allows me to express my personal style while still embracing the sport's timeless elegance. After all, who says you can't look stylish while sinking a birdie?
But beyond the travel, family time, nature, and fashion, there's something else that keeps me coming back to the course time and time again: the internal challenges and triumphs. Golf is as much a mental game as it is physical, requiring focus, strategy, and resilience in the face of adversity. Every shot presents a new puzzle to solve, a new obstacle to overcome. And with each challenge conquered, comes a sense of accomplishment unlike any other.
With that said, golf not only teaches us lessons about the game, but also has a way of humbling you. It forces us to look inward, self-reflect, realize and acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses, and how we’re going to take action and proceed forward. Are you going to continue a round with a negative attitude when you can’t make contact with the ball? Are you going to throw a club when you have a bad drive? Or are you going to stop and think, evaluate yourself, give some grace and shift your mindset?
The psychology behind the sport has always fascinated me, and is really how we can dictate our performance from one round to another. It’s what sets a great round apart from the rest. How we show up for a game, how we maintain patience, how we fuel our bodies, how we self talk ourselves from hole to hole, just to name a few. What I find about most sports, and golf specifically, is that a lot of these practices also can be found in our daily lives, which is why I have a deep respect for the game. Golf has taught me many lessons on the constant journey of self discovery and for that I am so grateful.
All in all, as a result of these top five loves for the game, a desire to embark on a journey of helping craft a brand that inspires golfers to savor every facet of the golfing experience was born. It's about more than just the game—it's about embracing all of the sensations that life has to offer.
So, there you have it – my love letter to golf. As a woman with many interests and values, golf embodies a lot of them: adventure, family, nature, style, and the thrill of overcoming obstacles. It's a sport that has captured my heart in more ways than I can count. So here's to many more rounds, countless memories, and endless laughter on the fairways of life.
Cheers! ⛳🥂