5 Things I Learned During My First Year Playing Club Golf
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It is always acceptable to hit a second shot on the first tee box during practice rounds: This is probably one of the most important rules of club golf. I’ve even heard rumor that it’s written down somewhere in the “Official Team Constitution.” I find this to be completely believable due to the fact that this was one of the first things the veteran members told when I joined the team. One of the best things about this rule is that there is absolutely no judgement for hitting the second shot. In fact, people just might judge you more for not taking advantage of this rule. And honestly, it’s a real lifesaver to have at least one practice shot since we usually don’t have the chance to hit any range balls before teeing off.
Everyone on the team gets a nickname: Whether you want one or not, everyone on the team ends up with a nickname. It’s sort of a rite of passage as a member of the team. While doing something funny or embarrassing is only one of the many ways to earn your nickname, it’s definitely the most entertaining. For instance, we currently have a member with the nickname 9 Iron based on a pretty unfortunate, yet hilarious, story. I, for one, am lucky that my last name easily lends itself to puns and am still working on not having my remarkable ability to get a triple bogey every time I play become my legacy on the team.
Being a girl on a co-ed golf team has one major perk: When I first joined the team and found out that I was the only girl on it I have to admit I was a little intimidated, but I have grown to love being part of this team. I’ve particularly come to love the distance advantage I get off the tees. Hole #2 at the U of M Golf Course is the perfect example of this. The tips play from 423 yards out and the guys are hitting a completely blind shot because there is a hill right in front of them. After they tee off, we hike up the hill and make the trek all the way up to the maize tees where I’m looking at a downhill shot from 251 yards out. While everyone else is pulling out their irons to hit their second shot, my ball is usually right next to the green. If there are any girls who like golfing that are reading this TRY OUT FOR THE TEAM! You will not regret it and I’ll even share my personal tee box with you!
Do not let the name “spring” season fool you: During the spring season of club golf it is going to snow. A lot. In fact, this past season one regional tournament was completely cancelled due to snow and the other had to be rescheduled. The main takeaway I got out of this was to really take advantage of nice weather when we have it during the spring. And when we don’t and are forced to compete in unpleasant conditions, I’ve learned a few tips to make the most out of it. Layer up, wear gloves in between shots, and try to focus on all the character you’re (hopefully) building.
It’s all about the FIRs and GIRs: The club golf team is a really fun group of people, but we are also very competitive. There are many reasons why the team has been consistently successful throughout the years, but I like to think that it’s mainly our focus on fundamentals. Luke Stull, one of the team presidents, is constantly reminding us all of the importance of FIRs and GIRs. I’m sure every golfer would agree that they end up scoring much lower if they consistently hit fairways and greens in regulation, but it’s a lot easier said than done. Nevertheless, it’s a nice reminder and makes it much easier to focus when you’re thinking about each individual shot and whether or not you are hitting fairways and greens instead of simply worrying about shooting a low score.
Samantha Marsh
Communications, 2018
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