Life Lessons from Golf

I love this time of the year..Spring is showing its beauty and days are longer and prettier. Flowers and trees are blooming and the birds are singing. With Spring also comes the greatest of the golf tournaments. I really Love watching The Masters, there is something so magical and calming about it. I remember watching it as a kid, and being in awe of how beautiful the golf course was, it’s still that way today. The Masters brings out the best and the worst in the Worlds top golfers. It’s always amazing to me how excited and nervous they each get trying to win that coveted “Green Jacket”. It’s the pinnacle of the golf season. We love golf in our home and if you know Peyton’s legal first name (he has a hyphenated first name) you would realize who is our favorite golfer of all time. Peyton was named after a golf legend, who is a personal friend. A man of integrity, class and strength.

I encouraged all my kids to play golf. They went to many PGA golf tournaments as kids as well. They learned how to behave in the clubhouse and knew what was expected of them.They all played at one point or another and I am working with Peyton to try and learn the basics, as well. I love so many aspects of the game, especially the focus on manners and respect. I love golf because it teaches both kids and adults to be self reliant and to be your best as well as patience and focus. While it is an individual sport, it is also a “team sport”, though many think golf isn’t a team sport, and in the purest of definitions it probably isn’t. There is definitely a team aspect to it though. There are college and high school golf teams, while they play individually, they depend on each other to each do well. Of course we all know many a business deal has been done on a golf course, as there is plenty of time for people to talk in between holes. While this isn’t really a team…there is bonding that can be both personal and professional. Of course there also is the special relationship a caddie and a golfer have.  I really want Peyton to get more into golf as I think it would be good for him in many ways. There are so many lessons golf can teach autistic kids, teens and adults. It’s calming effect, it teaches humility, respect, manners, focus and problem solving among other things. Golf courses are quiet and very peaceful and that has a very positive side to it as well. As a sport, I also think the individuality and team aspects of it are very positive. My approach with Peyton and golf is different than that of my older kids, but I firmly believe it has and will be beneficial to him as well. I look forward to getting Peyton more involved in this wonderful sport and watch it’s positive impact in his life.