Unwind - Muni Golf
Golf is a beautiful sport; you can be as competitive or relaxed as you want when going out for a round, and a sport you can take with you through life and continue to play for as long as you desire. I've grown up golfing and have played my whole life. I come from a long line of golfers, not professional, but just about every member of my family does it in some capacity and all at different levels. It was always for us to connect. A couple of years ago,
I set off to Boston for college and was looking for a new course to get my feet wet and pick it back up as I had taken some time off. Growing up, it was always the same course, never deviating away from it, and that was nice. I knew every shot on every hole, all of the people there, and the way it worked. Going to a new course was daunting. I didn't know the routing, the people, or if it would be the right fit for me. I also had never played municipal golf courses before, so I didn't know the unwritten rules the locals had set. I stumble upon Robert T Lynch golf course, just a short drive outside of Boston. From the moment I stepped on the grounds, it felt just like my old course, and it resembled a piece of home. There were no big thrills or arrogant people, just down-to-earth golf, which I had been yearning for. Still hesitant to tee it up, I had gotten a couple of range buckets and headed over in that direction. The range was small but is all you need, also a very nice view when in between shots, which I was grateful for.
Visiting frequently, eventually every day, I became a local myself, finally finding my place to call home. I never understood the power of municipal courses and the treat it is. No one was there to show off or to socialize in the clubhouse; it was just golf. From the moment you arrived, to the walk back to the parking lot it was about golf which I just adored, never being a fan of the country club vibe and all of the fuss accompanying it. I was just looking to talk and play golf, and that's what I got. All of the locals and I had one common goal when taking the time to visit, and that was golf. All finding windows of opportunity to focus and hone in on the thing we love to do.
Muni golf is the heartbeat of this sport, and in my opinion, it is what grows the game and keeps it alive. I think people often get deterred from picking up the sport due to stereotypes portrayed in the movies as the posh sport for the rich and fortunate, coupled with the exclusivity of a country club where you're reminded when you see the gates plaster with private; you are not welcome. This creates a disdain for it. Although at a muni, there is no barrier to entry, no initiation fee, dues or strict dress codes, all are welcome to come and play. You just need a couple of bucks for range balls and the determination to get better. If you're curious about what this sport is like yet and haven't made the leap, I encourage you to do so. Just be careful you will get hooked.
