Have you ever heard of catching a bug for something? Well, about 15 years ago the golf bug hit our family. After running out of ideas for a birthday gift for my husband, Shon, I decided to purchase him a starter golf club set. While appreciative, he had never played golf, and neither of us knew much about it beyond Tiger Woods’ highlights. So, the set sat untouched in our upstairs closet for at least a year until my cousin, who had been playing golf for a while, visited and invited Shon to play. The rest, as they say, is history. With approximately thirty golf trips under our belts, we have learned how to use golf as a vehicle for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Initially, as Shon was learning the game, he would go off on golf trips for about 4 days with his guy friends. This was fine with me because he genuinely enjoyed the brotherhood and competition. Although I value quality couple time, I also believe that couples should have opportunities to enjoy their own hobbies and interests separately. This makes for a healthier relationship. And, to this day, I have no interest in golf – except for the fact that golf courses are constructed in the most beautiful, natural environments with gorgeous landscaping. What I am truly interested in is what I see after the word “golf” on many of Shon’s travel itineraries – RESORT! Resort indicates that besides golf, there’s dining, swimming pools, various types of entertainment, shopping, spa access, and other health and wellness resources. In this way, Shon can have his golf, and I can have my resort experience. So, we now go on golf/resort trips together, sometimes just as a couple, and sometimes bringing our two children along. We have even invited several friends and extended family, like my cousin who initially spread the golf bug to Shon, and my grandmother. During our golf travel routine as a couple, Shon plays golf all day while I relax, shop, and pamper myself until dinner time. Then we check in with each other, walk along the beach, and enjoy sunsets together. Our routine when our children come along is to spend quality time as a family exposing them to new environments, enjoying various activities through the resort and locally. Then me and the children joke with their dad if he is upset about his golf game. Currently, Shon and I plan golf trips for other groups. We’ve learned that it is important to plan well in advance and we usually schedule the trips for May through September. That, of course in the Northern Hemisphere, is when the weather is mostly sunny and pleasant. Golf is not a cheap sport, but costs can be reasonable when payments are made over time. We know it is important to find and work with golf resorts that have vacation packages which offer a variety of rooms. Some golfers prefer to room together quad-style, while others, like us, prefer single suites for families or couples. We also find resorts that offer vouchers for breakfast and lunch at their onsite restaurants. This also provides cost savings because even me and our children are able to use them. And finally, let’s keep it real! As Black folks, we want to make sure that golf resorts are welcoming and accommodating to us. We seriously take time to read reviews and assess staff attitudes towards us and others. There are many benefits to golf travel. The sport itself offers friendly competition and fellowship among players, and the resorts where courses are located provide luxurious accommodations with relaxation and fun activities for everyone. As a married couple of 22 years, we have used golf trips to reconnect and relax while doing things we both enjoy. So, whether you decide to go alone or as a couple or family, it will be a hole in one experience!
1 Comment
1/16/2025 07:28:19 pm
Thank you for sharing your personal journey of integrating golf into your family travels. Your approach of combining golf with resort amenities offers a balanced experience that caters to both golfers and non-golfers alike. This strategy not only strengthens family bonds but also ensures that everyone's interests are met during vacations. As highlighted in your article, planning ahead and selecting inclusive resorts are key to a successful trip. Additionally, ensuring that the chosen destinations are welcoming and accommodating is essential for a comfortable experience. Your story serves as an inspiration for couples and families looking to blend leisure and sport in their travels.
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