Welcome, brave souls, to the daunting yet delightful world of golfing with your significant other who thinks ‘birdie’ is just a cute name for a pet. Fasten your seatbelts; it’s going to be a bumpy (but hilarious) ride.
1. Prepping for the Tee-Time Tango You’re about to introduce your better half to a sport where ‘eagle’ doesn’t mean a majestic bird. Remember, this round of golf is less about mastering the sport and more about not filing for divorce by the 9th hole.
2. Bring the Social Anxiety Juices Refer back to our famed post, “A Weather Guide to Libations,” and choose a beverage that suits the day’s forecast. A soothing drink can calm those first-tee nerves – for both of you.
3. The Almighty Golf Cart This is your sanctuary on wheels. It’s not just for lugging clubs; it’s for those much-needed heart-to-hearts after a particularly adventurous shot.
4. Club Rentals: Because Sharing Leads to Glaring Get them their own set. Because watching your partner use your prized driver to dig trenches isn’t exactly a bonding experience.
5. Gambling: Just, No Keep your wallet in your pocket and your marriage intact. The only thing you should be betting on is who gets to control the music on the ride home.
6. Advice: Walk Softly and Carry a Big Club Offer guidance only when asked, and even then, tread lightly. Remember, this is a fun day out, not a boot camp.
7. Praise Like They’re Golf’s Next Big Thing Every little success is a big deal. Celebrate the good shots, the bad shots, and even the ‘did the ball just move?’ shots.
8. Snacks: The Unsung Heroes Keep them well-fed. A hangry golfer is a dangerous golfer.
9. Pace of Play: The Tortoise and the Hare Reimagined Ah, the delicate dance of pace. You want to avoid the glares of the group behind you but also don’t want to rush your partner into a frenzy. My advice? Practice the art of gentle encouragement. Think of yourselves as the tortoise in the race – steady, relaxed, and eventually crossing the finish line with smiles (and maybe a few bewildered chuckles).
10. Embrace the Chaos Remember, this is about making memories, not mastering swings. Enjoy the out-of-bounds adventures, the sand trap excavations, and the joy of simply being together.
Conclusion: It’s All About the Journey (and the Snacks) Golfing with your non-golfer other half is an experience like no other. It’s a test of patience, a lesson in humility, and most importantly, a chance to share laughs. So, keep the pace, embrace the grace, and remember – at the end of the day, it’s all about having fun and sharing your love for the game (and each other).
Happy golfing, and may your round be as delightful as it is unpredictable! 🏌️♂️🏌️♀️💖🏌️
