Taking up golf: ‘What do you have to lose?’

MEMBER COLUMN

by Linda Herman

LW contributor

March 11 brought rain to the area resulting in the Women’s Golf Club’s weekly tournament being cancelled.

I thought I’d take this opportunity to talk about the Women’s Golf Club. The club has been in existence since before my time. I’ve lived here 22 years.

This is where I took up golf. I had never golfed before. A friend gave me some clubs, balls, tees and such, so one day I decided to give it a try.

Being raised on a farm in Iowa, I used to call it cow pasture pool. It was a natural fit for me as I am an outdoors person. I have to admit it took awhile to really play golf and not military golf, as I called it then. Meaning, I was hitting the ball right and left, not straight like I was supposed to. But me being of stubborn nature, I stuck with it. The first people I met on the course were two “old-timers” Al and Al, both are deceased now. I was behind them golfing by myself. One of them left a club on the No. 2 green. I picked it up and caught them on the third tee. I said, “Is this the way you meet girls?” A friendship started right then and there. They did not usually let many people join them but they let me join many times. They witnessed my first hole in one on No. 9. I remember them saying it went in the hole, and I did not believe them. But yes, it did indeed go in the hole, a pure accident because I was still playing military golf.

Shortly after I started golfing I was talked into joining the Women’s Golf Club. There I have met and developed many friendships. This is what it is about. It doesn’t matter if you are a good golfer or not. It’s about meeting people, creating friendships and having fun. All Leisure World ladies are welcome to join. Dues are $30 a year. You have a chance to win your money back in the weekly tournaments. There are meetings and luncheons also.

So, do like I did. Find some clubs and give them a try. What do you have to lose? Well, maybe a ball or two. We all have to contribute to the lake.

Golf has taken me to many places—the Palm Springs area, Mesquite, Nevada, and even Iowa. But the course close to home has provided a steady stream of friendships and fun.

LW golf enthusiast Linda Herman amid the breathtaking scenery of the Wolf Creek golf course in Mesquite, Nevada.