It’s summertime at the Lake of the Ozarks. Party animals of all ages have descended upon the area for guaranteed fun in the sun. But the party reaches far beyond the Lake to the rolling plush hills of the area’s many championship golf courses. Whether it’s a tournament or just a private tee time, golfers all over the Lake are teeing it up for their health and good clean fun.
At its core, golf, like any sport, is supposed to be fun. Sure, everyone would love to be shooting so low that the possibility of playing in college or making the senior tour is a reality. With only 26% of golfers breaking 90 consistently, a more realistic goal may be necessary. The USGA reported that 94.5% of the 77 million rounds posted last year were recreational. This means that over 75% of golfers were playing for fun, with only around 25% playing competitively. Don’t let the game intimidate anyone; it’s meant to be challenging and fun at the same time.
Even the pros play for fun. Scottie Scheffler, the world’s number one golfer, said in a recent press conference, “You know I played last weekend. One of my buddies who is not a very good golfer—like a 10 handicap—beat me in our side bet for the day. I was talking with Phil (Mickelson), and that’s kind of one of the great things about golf. I can go out with a guy who’s going to shoot 90, and I can give him enough strokes to where we’ll have a good competition. That’s what I think is so fun about the game of golf.”
To bring the fun back to the game, Larry Salsman, a PGA Master Professional at Osage National, recommends, “Stop comparing yourself to par. If you make every hole a par five, you would shoot 90, and if you were a person who shoots around 100, this could be a great score. If you approach it this way, you only have to make pars, 10 bogeys, and four double bogeys on most golf courses. This sounds a lot easier when you break it down this way. Also, there’s nothing wrong with playing nine holes. I think we have a mindset that it’s 18 holes or nothing, but a quick nine can be just what you need to keep the game in shape.”
Golf is good for one’s health. The social, mental, and physical benefits of spending time outdoors and with friends are known to reduce stress and anxiety. Golf is proven to improve lung function in older adults and help with flexibility and endurance. If walking 18 holes, on average a person is walking between four and five miles. According to the International Golf Federation, golfers live longer, likely due to the golden combination of walking, muscular activity, and social interaction. Keep the party of life going by playing golf. The Lake of the Ozarks has many tournaments and leagues open to the public. Most area courses have ladies’, men’s, and couple’s leagues. Paul Leahy, Director of Golf for the Oaks, suggests, “Find a group you are comfortable playing with, and you will always have fun. Don’t take yourself too seriously, and just enjoy the day, the scenery, and the people you’re with.”
Having a good time means creating the right atmosphere. Music for the golf cart can definitely lighten the mood. But the vibe starts with the ‘fit’. Golf is really the only time besides Halloween that anyone can get away with some crazy outfits; whether it’s a team “uniform” or individual statement, it’s definitely fun. This is the perfect medium to express an individual golfing personality. Fist bumps, cartwheels, high fives, and the “Birdie Shots” of Fireball are classic ways to celebrate achievements on the course. For those double bogey golfers, a birdie is when a golfer completes a hole in one stroke less than par. For those who do not make a birdie very often, a celebration is definitely in order.
Don’t take the golf game so seriously. It is possible to improve health, enjoy golf, and have fun at the same time. Word of caution to all party animals: try not to let the par-tee get out of control. Always remember to respect the course and other players.
