Building on my theory that there is a deeper reason to why people take golf lessons, I truly believe there is a similar depth to the reason people play the sport in the first place.
Golf has an incredibly therapeutic power that can help the mind and body cope with much more than just a bad week or stressful personal life.
Three examples come to mind right away.
Two years ago, the father of a best friend from high school was killed in a car accident. Nothing strikes at the core of a community like sudden death. He was a pioneer and a trailblazer for junior golfers not only in Illinois, but across the country. He had a presence that could be felt from fairways away and the unmistakable silhouette of a coach and proud father. At the time, this was the closest that the deadly mortar of death had ever struck.
No words could help ease the pain, no gesture could reverse time. However, memories from rounds past brought calm to turbulent water and tears of joy when tears of pain had yet to dry.
While I’m not convinced that the tears of pain will ever dry in a situation like this, it is refreshing to know that the relationships and memories forged by the game can provide some, if brief, balance when clarity is lacking and direction doesn’t make sense. Now, each year, a memorial golf tournament honors Bruce’s life and accomplishments, and, naturally, brings smiles that can heal.
From Bob’s perspective, the healing process has relied solely on golf. When his wife was suddenly taken two months ago, there was nobody to go home to anymore. His daughter was still at school and, well, that’s it. Now, at the end of the work day, the house he returned to was just as cold and undisturbed as when he left 12 hours prior.
As expected, the process is never completely over and the pain is never completely subdued, but when Bob tapped in a 5-footer on the 16th hole this morning at 8 a.m., turned to me, put his right hand on my shoulder and said, “How much fun is this?”, I knew that golf was doing its job. Only two months after finding his wife motionless in bed, golf had taken his lost soul and at least pointed it in the right direction.
There’s no telling if any sport or friendship will ever point Barbara’s soul in the right direction. Just 10 days after losing her son in a car accident, her husband lost his long-time battle with cancer. Can you imagine that? Losing a son and a husband in less than 10 days? This week, the golfing community that she and her former husband have associated with for more than 15 years will offer their comfort and support while allowing Anne to take the healing process in palatable doses.
It is amazing to me that the friendships and relationships created through the medium of golf can serve as the band-aid that may not completely heal, but certainly point a lost friend down the path to recovery.
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