GOLF ESSAYS

golf is a way of life by annelise downey, mission viejo high school, mission viejo california.

Although my involvement in golf was not competitive until I reached high school, I have always felt a strong love for the game. Golf can be a love-hate relationship at times; one day, you can have one of the greatest scores of your life and feel great. The next day, you can have one of the worst rounds of your life. At times, golf is so frustrating. I cannot tell you how many times I have wanted to blow up on the course and throw all of my clubs in the lake. Other times, I have wanted to jump for joy after making a 30-foot put or sticking the ball close to the pin from the fairway. The feeling after shooting an even par round is incredible. Even though golf is a fun sport (most of the time), this game has taught me so much more than how to have fun.

First of all, you have to be an honest, respectable person when you play the game of golf. If your opponents are not paying attention, it is possible to cheat by announcing a lower score or miraculously “finding” a lost ball by dropping a new one behind the backs of your competitors. Winning a tournament or having the lowest score in a competitive match by cheating is no way to build character and self esteem. I have learned through personal experiences that being completely honest is the only way to be a successful golfer. If I have a bad day, that is my fault. I must accept my score and hope for a better day tomorrow. This realization can also apply to my real life in regards to my family, friends, and school. For example, cheating on a test at school is just as bad as cheating on the golf course. If I did not study adequately for an exam, it is my fault and I need to accept my grade, not try to cheat my way out of a mistake.