Part 2. Lessons from My First Golf Round
JOINING PERTH GOLF NETWORK (PGN)
It Is Real – My First Official Game of Golf
Here is the next part of my journey with re-establishing my golf handicap after a very long time…
So fast forward a week and my first round of golf with Perth Golf Network is now in the book. I am relieved in a way that this first game is over. I have also had quite a few lessons learned along the way.
Some Background
If you haven’t yet read Part 1, (I suggest you go back and read it) of this journey, I recently decided to (finally) re-establish an official golf handicap after more than 20 years without one.
Like many golfers, I’ve spent years playing the occasional round of golf with friends, but without the structure or accountability (or stress) of official scoring. And believe me – there is a difference.
Joining a Virtual Golf Club
So I joined Perth Golf Network (PGN) and committed to doing this golf handicap thing, properly.
If you are not aware of what a golf network is, let me quickly explain. It is a golf club with a difference. It isn’t a physical club, it is a virtual club and the one I joined allows you to play at 21 different home courses and in many different competitions each week. A great option if you aren’t looking at joining a physical club. It is also really good if you want to play at different clubs and meet lots of different people too. Another way that I am out of my comfort zone.
My round one of golf took place at Whaleback Golf Course, and while the score may not have been what I hoped for, it’s now officially in the system and I am on the journey back to having a handicap. Which feels really good.
I am really relieved to have that first round of golf out the way. I know I didn’t play my best (it was quite stressful). So now starting to think about how I can play even better next time. Sound familiar??
Here are the lessons I learnt.
Main Lesson Learnt After Round 1 of Golf
Playing social golf and playing a handicap qualifying round are two very different things and after just one round a few things are very clear!
GOLF IS A MENTAL CHALLENGE
The biggest difference I noticed was the mental pressure of every shot counting.
When you play social golf, a poor hole or two usually doesn’t matter much. But when you’re submitting a scorecard for handicap purposes, every stroke counts.
Suddenly course management becomes important and instead of trying to hit that miracle recovery (wishful thinking), you start thinking more strategically.
SCORING GOLF & THE RULES
Simple things suddenly matter:
- When do you take a penalty drop?
- Where exactly should you drop the ball?
- What happens if your ball is lost?
When playing socially we often gloss over these details. But when submitting a scorecard, accuracy of course, is expected.
The good news is that being part of a structured network like PGN means there are always experienced players around who can help clarify things when needed.
In my case I did laugh that my very first approach shot landed just off the green on a sprinkler cover and support was required immediately!
CONCENTRATING FOR 18 HOLES
One of the biggest surprises was how difficult it can be to maintain concentration for an entire round. Eighteen holes was a long time to stay focused, especially when the temperature is in the high 30’s. Which is common here in a Perth summer.
What I Enjoyed Most About My First Round
THE CHALLENGE
Golf has a unique ability to keep us all coming back for more. That is the definition of a “golf obsession” isn’t it?
I find that even after a few tough holes, there’s always that one great shot that keeps your motivation alive. A great drive, a perfect chip, or a long putt dropping instantly turns the game around.
That constant mix of frustration and satisfaction is part of what makes golf so addictive.
THE SOCIAL ASPECT
Another great part of the experience was the social side of organised golf.
Playing with new people who share the same interest in the game adds a whole new dimension. It is very easy to have a chat and of course EVERYONE totally understands the ups and downs of the game. Plus it is fun to find out about other people’s thoughts on golf, What is their favourite course, how long they have been playing and best of all learn some golfing tips. ,
I know I am only one round in, however if you are someone that enjoys golf and mostly play socially with the same small group of friends, joining a network (virtual golf club) like Perth Golf Network is a great way to meet other golfers and experience the game in a slightly different way.
