Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Before we relocated from the English county of Buckinghamshire to Bahrain many moons ago, and when the sun was occasionally shining in the UK, we would descend upon my dad’s house, dust down the BBQ and enjoy a family day in the garden.
But then, sometimes someone would mention GOLF. My two brothers, father, uncle and husband would then disappear, clubs clanging, before you could say Tiger Woods.
Several hours later the golfers would return jubilantly with tales of birdies and bogies.
Dinner was then eaten with more golfing tales and the ‘boys’ would retire to watch golf on TV.
I decided not to like golf and to never feel the need to discuss an iron or the difficulties of a bunker.
Then a few months ago, the school sent a list of after-school activities. Absently, I passed the list to my eight-year-old, highlighted which days he could participate and asked him to choose something … so he chose golf.
My powers of persuasion couldn’t deter him as too much fun at crazy golf during summer holiday back home had given him the hook.
His lessons were taken by the Royal Golf Club’s Nikki Hunter, head PGA professional, and, inevitably, Leo started to chat to me all about golf.
I then received an email from Nicki detailing a ladies programme. The course sounded interesting, surprisingly very good value for money and, maybe, just maybe, something that I could enjoy, surrounded by ladies who like me, were absolute beginners.
Maybe it wasn’t as elitist or unwelcoming a sport as I had originally thought?
Nikki’s ethos was to keep it simple, with different coaching drills and methods. I had so much fun, the first hour flew by.
Although I had a few blisters on the thumbs I left wanting more.
Since then I have started my second course with Nikki, it’s getting a bit warm but the timings change to suit the weather.
The Wee Monty is still a little daunting but it feels great being in a pretty open green space and I’m sure there will be a good calorie burn once I can actually play hole-to-hole and get some walking in!
I have been added to a Whatsapp golf group which is welcoming and sociable with ladies of all different levels of experience wanting to interact with others, on and off the course.
I have surprised myself with the exhilaration you experience the first time you properly connect with that little white ball … just don’t tell my family!
