In December while scrolling through Facebook, I came upon this post from a former golfer that is no longer able to play. He wrote a letter to himself realizing the importance of golf in his life and wishing he had been more cognizant of his behavior and surroundings, when he was younger.
Dear Younger Me,
I can’t play golf anymore. I tried to swing the club just the other day, but my body would not allow it. The best I can do is walk the course, but my eyes aren’t too good, so I don’t see much.
I have more time to sit and think and I often think about the game of golf.
Friends Enjoying A Game Of Golf
It was my favorite game, which I played most of my adult life. Thousands of rounds, as well as, thousands of hours practicing. Now that I can’t, I wish I had done a few things differently.
Even with all the time spent golfing, I never thought I was a real golfer. I never felt good enough to really belong out there. I scored better than average and many other golfers envied my game. I always felt I needed to be a little better, or more consistent.
I wish I had been more satisfied with my game.
I always said to myself, “One of these days I’ll get there.” Now, I can’t play anymore, and I never got there.
One of the best things about golf was meeting new and interesting people on the golf course. But, aside from my regular partners and a few others, I don’t feel like I got to know many of those people very well. I know they didn’t really get to know me. At times they probably didn’t want to. I was too occupied with my own game and didn’t have time for anyone else, especially if I was playing poorly.
I wish I had taken more time to get to know them better.
Why am I writing this letter? Not just to complain. Like I said, my golfing experience was enjoyable. But it could have been so much better, and I see that clearly now. I want to tell you, so you can learn from it. I don’t want you getting to my age and feeling the same regrets I’m feeling now.
I wish are sad words.
I wish I could have played the game with more joy, more freedom. I was always so concerned with “doing it right” that I never seemed to be able to enjoy being out there among nature with friends. I was so hard on myself, never satisfied, always expecting more.
Multi-ethnic men on putting green, shaking hands after finishing round of golf.
Who was I trying to please? Certainly not myself, because I never did. If there were people whose opinions were important to justify all that self-criticism, I never met them.
I wish I could have been a better playing partner. I wasn’t a bad person to be with, but I should have been friendlier and gotten to know people better.
I wish I could have laughed and joked more and given people more encouragement. I probably would have gotten more from them, and I would have loved that. Most of the people I played with were polite, and sincere. They wanted to make friends and have a good time.
I wish I could have made more friends and had a better time.
I am forced to be inside most of the time now and I miss the beauty of the outdoors. For years, when I was golfing, I walked through some of the most beautiful places on earth, and yet I don’t feel I really saw them. Beautifully landscaped fairways with trees, flowers, animals, the sky, and the ocean – how could I have missed so much? What was I thinking of that was so important – my grip, my back swing, my stance? Sure, I needed to think about them, but how could I have been so oblivious to the beauty around me? The wonderful, deep, lush color of green!
I wish I had used my sight then, so I would have more vivid memories now.
What am I trying to convey? I played the type of game that I thought I should play, to please the type of people that I thought I should please. It didn’t work.
My game was mine to play, but I gave it away.
It’s a wonderful game. Please, don’t lose yours. Play a game that gives you joy and satisfaction, plus makes you a better person, for your family and friends. Play with enthusiasm, play with freedom. Appreciate the beauty of nature and the people around you. Realize how lucky you are to be playing golf at all.
Soon your time will be up, and you won’t be able to play anymore. Play a game that enriches your life.
Best wishes . . . don’t waste a minute of golf . . . someday it will be gone!
Thanks to Bob Joerin for helping with this post.
