Why I Keep Coming Back

If you’ve ever played a round of golf with me, you know I’m not out there chasing a perfect scorecard. Sure, I like to hit a clean drive and sink the occasional long putt — who doesn’t? But for me, golf has always been about more than just the game.

It’s about rhythm. Reflection. Friendship. Even a bit of grace.

Whether I’m playing early in the morning with dew still on the grass or late in the afternoon when the sun starts to dip behind the trees, the course has a way of quieting the noise. It gives me space to think, to breathe, and to reconnect — with myself and with others.

Mindfulness, One Shot at a Time

Life moves fast. Emails, meetings, to-do lists, errands — it all stacks up. But when I step onto the first tee, something shifts. The distractions fade. My mind narrows in the best way possible.

Golf, at its core, is about being present. Every shot asks for your full attention. You can’t rush it. You can’t force it. You have to slow down, breathe, and trust your body to do what it knows how to do.

In that way, golf is a form of meditation. Some people find mindfulness on a yoga mat — I find it with a 7-iron in hand, trying to land the ball just short of the green.

Conversations That Matter

Some of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had in life haven’t taken place in boardrooms or offices — they’ve happened somewhere between the 4th tee and the 7th green.

There’s something about walking side by side with someone for four hours — away from phones, away from screens — that opens the door to real connection. You talk about work, family, disappointments, hopes, and everything in between.

I’ve shared laughs with old friends, gotten advice from mentors, and mentored younger folks myself — all while playing a round. That’s the hidden gift of golf. It’s not just a sport — it’s a relationship builder.

Learning to Lose Gracefully (and Win Humbly)

Golf has a way of keeping your ego in check.

You can have a perfect front nine and then completely unravel on the back. Or you can start out rough and somehow find your rhythm by the 12th hole. It’s a humbling game — and that’s a good thing.

The fairway teaches patience, resilience, and acceptance. You learn to shake off bad shots instead of letting them ruin your whole day. You learn to celebrate small wins — like saving par from a sand trap. And maybe most importantly, you learn how to lose without blaming the clubs or the course.

That kind of grace carries over into daily life. At work, at home, in tough conversations — we’re always better off when we approach things with a steady mindset and a bit of perspective.

A Place for All Seasons

I’ve been golfing for most of my adult life. When I was a young man just starting my career, it gave me something steady during uncertain times. When I became a husband and later a father, it became a space to process change and think through decisions.

Now, as I reflect on the many seasons of my life — the highs and the lows — the golf course has been a kind of constant companion. A place I can return to over and over, not just for recreation, but for clarity.

I’ve played solo rounds when I needed quiet. I’ve played in church charity tournaments when we were raising money for good causes. I’ve played with my kids, teaching them how to hold a club and read a green. Each time, it’s meant something a little different.

Building Community, One Round at a Time

At the University of Maryland Golf Course, where I’m a proud member, I see how golf fosters a sense of community. You start to recognize familiar faces. You cheer each other on. You share a few jokes in the clubhouse after the round. Over time, those casual interactions become real friendships.

And it’s not just about men of a certain age. I’ve seen teenagers and retirees, beginners and seasoned players, all sharing the same space with respect. There’s a kind of unspoken camaraderie in golf — a shared understanding that we’re all chasing the same impossible dream: the perfect round.

But truthfully? The score doesn’t matter nearly as much as the company.

What the Fairway Teaches Me

At this point in my life, I can say with confidence: I’ve learned as much on the golf course as I have in any boardroom or classroom.

It’s taught me:

• Focus in a world full of distractions.
  
• Humility in the face of unpredictability.
  
• Grace under pressure.
  
• Patience with myself and others.
  
• Joy in the small moments — a well-hit shot, a deep breath, a laugh with a friend.
  

Golf isn’t just a hobby. For me, it’s a kind of sanctuary. A place to reset. A place to grow. And a place to remember what really matters.

Meet You on the Green

If you ever want to catch up, share a story, or just enjoy a peaceful afternoon outdoors — meet me on the course. Bring your clubs, bring your questions, or bring nothing at all. Just come ready to walk, talk, and maybe learn something — not just about the game, but about life.

Because the fairway always has something to teach, if we’re willing to listen.