Interview: Golf Girl’s Diary

Golf isn’t a topic that has been covered on a NotSoBoringLife. When I ran across Patricia Hannigan’s blog, Golf Girl’s Diary, I knew it would make a perfect introduction to playing golf as a hobby.

Patricia has been golfing only 6 short months. Her first introduction to the game was through colleagues in Paris of all places. After I read through her site I found many things I was still curious about, so I decided to interview Patricia. It obvious to me that Patricia has found a hobby that she’ll be enjoying the rest of her life. Take a few minutes and read through our interview. You might just learn a thing or two from Patricia’s experience and love for the game.

What golf clubs do you play with?
When I started playing almost a year ago, I went to Target and bought Ram Craighton set for about $100. and it’s served me well. I’ve grown quite attached to it in fact, but I’m ready to upgrade.

Do you have a golf ball preference?
At this stage of the game I can’t say I’ve developed a real preference for any particular brand or type of golf ball. If there’s water around I always try to grab something used or ultra cheap. For obvious reasons. Otherwise pretty colors are nice.

If money were no object what golf clubs would you own?
I love Nick’s Cleveland Hi bore driver and fantasize about getting a full set of hi bore irons and woods. I find them really beautiful. I’m definitely going to try lots of different clubs before buying though. There’s just so much out there.

I noticed that you took lessons, and curious how much you’ve invested in them.
I take lessons from several different instructors. I work on my short game with one instructor and my swing with another. At the beginning I took a series of four group lessons. That was fun, and it got me started. It’s not a bad idea for a total beginner. Private lessons are $25 to $100 for 1/2 hour to 1 hour. Group was four for $60. I feel like I’ve learned from every lesson I’ve taken.

Favorite course you play regularly?
I live in Danbury, CT and we’ve got a beautiful public course, Richter Park. It’s one of the top rated public courses in New England…in the US even.

Best course you’ve played to date?
I haven’t played any really major courses in my short golfing career but I really enjoyed Lake of Isles up at Foxwoods Casino in Northern CT. It’s just really pretty up there. They sponsor Jim Thorpe the amazing Sr. golfer. I was in a foursome with his brother (and sometime caddy) Chester the first time I ever played in a tournament. Chester was surprised how bad I was but he was totally gracious and generous with advice and suggestions.

What’s your dream course to play?
I have this major fantasy of playing at the highest golf course in the world La Paz Golf Club in La Paz Bolivia. I was in Bolivia long before I ever played golf and it’s an awesome country.

How many times do you play a week, weather permitting?
In golf season I’ll play 18 holes on Saturday and Sunday and 9 holes one or two…or three weekdays after work.

How many golf balls do you lose during a round?
Depends on the course and on who I’m playing with. I’m terrible at finding balls so if I’m playing alone on a hazardy, woodsy course, I’ll loose up to …like…10. If I’m playing with Nick I never loose a ball. I call him Hawkeyes.

Are you better than Nick?
Won’t even joke about that at risk of being smashed to bits with a 7 iron.

Average score / handicap?
My average score was down to about 120 at the end of the season, which for guys who have played for a while must seem pathetic. I was really pleased with it though and hope I can break 100 by the end of this coming season. Nick says no way it’ll happen. He’s so mean.

Will you play golf the rest of your life?
Absolutely.

Would you rather hit a good drive or a good putt?
As long as I hit one or the other, I’m good. Each gives you a distinctly different sense of satisfaction.

Do you find golf relaxing or frustrating?
It’s definitely frustration for those who are inclined towards frustration. Fortunately for me, I’m not so inclined and I find it a joy. Not relaxing really, just joyous and fun. Even when I’m hitting all over the place.

Have you gotten better in the 6 months you’ve been playing?
Oh yes, and that’s the great thing about being a beginner. You just keep improving incrementally. When I started last year I wasn’t even making contact with the ball most of the time. Now I hit 150 yards pretty routinely. I’m getting more accurate too. It’s great. Makes me very happy.

We can all learn some valuable lessons from Patricia. We all need to find something that we’re passionate about. You don’t have to be the best at something to make it a hobby. Do something that you enjoy. Do something that makes you happy. Do something that you can share with your husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend, or even your friends in general.