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Benefits of Playing Golf

I started playing golf at 11, but my connection to the game didn’t take off until I moved to Scottsdale at 16. That’s when I began competing in tournaments, pushing myself to improve, and immersing myself in competitive golf.

My journey continued as I played college golf at Grand Canyon University (GCU), where the game shaped me as a player and person.

However, it wasn’t until my 30s that I fully understood golf. The game had given me so much over the years, but it took time to recognize how much it had taught me—not just about the sport but about life itself.

Golf is more than just a game. It’s a powerful tool for personal growth and a pathway to better overall well-being. It has shaped how I approach challenges, build resilience, and embrace continuous improvement.

A Mental Reset

When I first picked up a golf club, I wasn’t thinking about fitness or mental health. I was trying to improve my game. But as I spent more time on the course, I noticed something deeper happening. The game provided an unexpected mental reset.

Walking 18 holes burns about 1,500 calories, but more importantly, it helps release endorphins.

While I focused on improving my short game and overcoming tournament nerves, the game's slow pace also boosted my mental health. It allowed me to breathe, clear my mind, and reframe my challenges.

Nature

As I continued my journey with golf, I began to appreciate more than just the mechanics of the game. I realized how deeply connected golf is to nature. Whether the desert landscape in Scottsdale or the many beautiful places around the world I’ve witnessed during my journey, golf immersed me in stunning surroundings.

Studies show that outdoor activities can reduce stress and anxiety and improve mental clarity. (Cornell)

Each round of golf became a mental reset, a way to reconnect with nature, find peace, and reset my perspective. In those moments, I understood how crucial it is to take time away from the chaos and enjoy the beauty.

Building Connections

Golf is often seen as an individual sport, but in my experience, it has always been about connection.

From playing with friends to joining tournaments and meeting new people through the game, golf has been a gateway to meaningful relationships.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve understood the importance of these connections.

Research shows that strong social bonds can significantly benefit mental health, and golf has given me a platform to foster those connections. (Blast Motion)

Whether casual chats on the course or more structured league play, golf has helped me build lasting friendships and a sense of community. These bonds have proven to be just as valuable off the course as they are on it.

Patience, Focus, and Resilience

Golf has always been a game of patience and focus, and these qualities have significantly impacted my personal life.

The game requires constant attention to detail, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace failure and success. Every round of golf offers a fresh lesson in how to stay present, manage setbacks, and cultivate resilience.

Whether facing a tough lie in a tournament or dealing with life’s unpredictabilities, golf has taught me to stay calm, focused, and resilient. These lessons transcend the course and apply directly to everyday life.

A Pathway

Looking back on my journey from a young golfer to a college player at GCU, and now, as someone who continues to play and teach, I can see how deeply golf has shaped me.

It’s not just a sport I’ve devoted years to. It’s a tool that has improved my life, fostered growth, and connected me with people who share similar values.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, golf provides a pathway to better mental health, personal development, and a stronger sense of community. It continues to give me the space to grow—both as a player and as a person.

Golf may challenge, frustrate, and occasionally humble you, but it offers many mental health benefits. With every round, you’ll discover new insights about yourself and the game called life.

Embrace the journey. Your mind and body will thank you.

Member Poll/Trivia

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50 Under $50

Legacy Golf Resort

Open Date: 1999

City: Phoenix, AZ

Difficulty: Moderate

Low Round: 64

Favorite Hole: 18th Hole A signature par 5 finish with a wide fairway, bunkers protecting the green, and a rewarding view of the nearby mountains.

Course Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Description: Legacy Golf Resort sits on the historic Heard Ranch and is known for its gorgeous scenery and forgiving layout, making it enjoyable for players of all skill levels. Gary Panks designed the course with large, undulating greens and water hazards, keeping each round interesting.

Why You Should Play: Legacy offers a mix of Arizona history and great golf in one package. With a picturesque, relaxed atmosphere, it’s ideal for golfers looking for a resort-style course without resort prices.

Tour Talk

Rory McIlroy just bagged his 6th DP World Tour season title, matching The Chicago Bulls with their 6 NBA rings. But let’s ask the fundamental question—if Rory were an NBA franchise, which team fits him best? (AP News)

🏀 The Bulls – Classic dominance. Rory’s DP World wins are the golf equivalent of MJ shrugging mid-game, like, “Yeah, I’m that good.”

🏀 The Warriors – Flashy, modern, and unstoppable. Rory’s driver? Basically, Steph Curry launching 3s.

So, who is Rory? And don’t say the Knicks.

Need To Know

Golf isn’t just for your swing. It’s therapy for the mind. Fresh air, walking, and unplugging all reduce stress, while the game’s focus boosts mindfulness. Plus, friendly rounds build social connections, easing isolation. Tee up, breathe deep, and let golf work wonders for your mental health. (Eastside Golf)

• A good golf training aid can change your golf game and swing. Here are my top 10 golf training aids every golfer needs for better results. From improving your golf swing to perfecting your putting, these golf training aids are game-changers. (Mark Crossfield)

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In The Know

Golf’s demographic is evolving fast. Once seen as an older man’s game, it’s booming with younger participants. Junior golf, in particular, is thriving: from 2019 to 2023, off-course junior participation surged 82%, and on-course juniors grew by 40%. Golf companies are moving swiftly to match this trend. (Perfect Putt)

• The PGA TOUR announced Wednesday that Matt McCarty has won the Jack Nicklaus Award as the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year. McCarty, a 26-year-old native of Scottsdale, Arizona, was the unanimous winner of the award as voted by Korn Ferry Tour membership. (PGA Tour)

Golf Courses I’ve Played in Arizona

Over two decades of experience playing all over Arizona, I’ve played some of the state's most iconic and hidden gems. Here’s my take on over 125 courses in Arizona.

• Partner and grow your brand with our 1,100 members.

• Shop Bad Birdie. Use code TERENCE15 for 15% off.

• Develop a Scratch Attitude for Better Golf.

• Shop WellPutt. Use code AFF15_TERENCE for 15%.

• Donate and give back to the game you love.