On Par – All about golf in Australia

Mr 8 and I headed up to Yarrambat Park Golf Course last Sunday afternoon for a leisurely 9 holes. We teed off at about 5pm, brilliant weather and not too busy on the course. Mr 8 has played most of his golf to date on the driving range, backyard, hallway and minigolf. We played a family ambrose last year at the Growling Frog which was the first ‘real’ golf he had played.

Golf in the eyes of an 8 year old is golf without fear. There are no mental demons, no pressure from the leaderboard, no memories of past failures and no incessant swing thoughts and tips. Its simply address the ball and give it your best shot. It was great to watch Mr 8s swing improve over 9 holes, by the 8th hole, a par 3, he carried a water hazard and then a bunker on successive shots. Again no fear, just hit it. He secretly wanted to go into the bunker, as he loves trying to hit out of the sand!

The short game is tougher on the 8 year old, as the grip it and rip it approach doesnt work, and touch is a difficult thing to get right (And I should know, I still havent got a short game!). By the end of the round, I was also worrying less about my shots and enjoying the game more. Yes, its only a game after all!
So if the game of golf is getting you down, if you have lost your mojo, or just arent enjoying hitting that little white ball anymore, play 9 holes of golf with an 8 year old, and learn about golf without fear.