Over the years, I’ve gradually figured out that my favorite mode of transportation on the golf course is my own two feet.
I don’t mind riding in a golf cart, they’re great when I need to play quickly or it’s ridiculously hot, but there’s something nice about carrying the bag on my shoulders and taking a little extra time in-between shots.
As a caddy this summer, it makes sense that I enjoy walking a golf course. If I didn’t enjoy it, I think I’d be having a much crappier time.
For the next three days, I’ll be walking the Green Valley Ranch Golf Club in Denver, Colorado as I carry Alyaa Abdulghany’s bag in the Colorado Women’s Open. To prepare, here are three of my favorite things about walking the golf course.
1. It’s actually pretty good exercise
Take one look at me and it’s pretty obvious that I don’t do the whole “gym” thing. So, it makes sense that I’ve used walking the golf course as one of my main forms of fitness.
A study conducted by the R&A (one of golf’s main governing bodies) found that the average golfer walks over 6 miles per round. For me, that number is often a little higher due to the sheer amount of shots I hit left and right that allow me to frequently visit the edges of a course.
When I walk, I carry my bag instead of using a pushcart, which adds 20-30 pounds to my shoulders as I move over the hills and through the woods of the many golf courses I am fortunate to play.
Additionally, this summer, my water intake has drastically increased due to my need to stay completely hydrated in the heat and humidity of the golf courses I’ve caddied on. I feel that stronger hydration is probably a good thing as well.
2. I traditionally feel more relaxed
When I ride 18 holes instead of walk, I often feel pressured to move as fast as I can. Sometimes, that’s great if I’m in a time crunch or if the course is crowded.
However, it’s hard to beat the experience of taking my time and leisurely strolling a course. I notice more about the environment when I’m not whizzing by at 13 mph on a golf cart.
I also feel way less inclined to look at my phone whenever I walk, it’s always stuffed deep into my golf bag instead of placed in the cart’s convenient compartment.
Walking can have its stressors, especially when there’s a storm coming and you have no quick way to get to any shelter. And, you’re always vulnerable to “gifts” that geese leave everywhere on the course.
But, at the end of the day, I’m always refreshed by the deliberate walk through nature, disrupted only every few minutes by my bad shots.
3. It’s a lot easier to talk to all of my playing partners
When riding in a cart, I’ve found that unless you’re waiting on a tee, it’s a challenge to keep a conversation up with the people in your group you aren’t riding with. There’s too much movement and a frantic pace.
Walking, however, inherently gives you time to chat. You can have a full conversation about any number of things between your tee shot and its resting place.
I’ve walked a countless number of rounds with the members of Kenmure Country Club, my place of employment for a few years. The amount I’ve learned from members has been endless in the hours I’ve been with them on the course.
One member in particular, Mr. Dodge, has shared many stories of his mission work in Russia and his time as an international pilot. He’s imparted consistent reminders about the importance of keeping my faith and my family first in anything that I do. This is a relationship that I cherish, and I don’t think it would have been possible without us having spent so much time walking the golf course.
The same goes for others, everywhere in the golf world. Last week, in Lincolnton, I walked a few holes with Bill, Bob, and Nathaniel Hitt. They’re optometrists, Nathaniel is Bill’s son and Bob’s nephew, and they walk 18 holes at the Lincoln Country Club every Wednesday afternoon. Their time together each week serves as a way for them to stay caught up and wind down outside of the stresses of the family medical practice.
Nathaniel told his dad all about his recent vacation to Jamaica, and the trio regaled me with stories about their family and their friends (Bill really enjoyed detailing Ashlyn Rhyne’s status as a “flower child”). While I just parachuted into their lives for 14 holes, I could tell their weekly round of golf was a highlight in each of their weeks.
These discussions and memories are what sets golf apart from other sports for me. You can have meaningful conversations and learn so much about others while you’re directly participating in the game. That’s not as easy on a football field.
Any time on the course is better than no time at all
As my collegiate workload increases and I spend less time on the course, I do my best to cherish each moment I get around golf; whether that’s walking, riding, or simply watching a tournament with my family.
Regardless of how I participate in golf or consume golf media, there’s just something about the sport that makes me feel full. To borrow my good friend Becca Stern’s terminology, I’m just so stupidly happy.
In the lead-up to the Colorado Women’s Open, I’ve had less time directly around the sport as rain (surprise) has disrupted each of the practice days. However, that’s going to change as Alyaa will tee off in the first round today at 7:30 am MT with Ji Eun Baik, who was in Alyaa’s group for the first practice round I ever caddied in, and Mikaela Swanson, an amateur from Denver.
We’re off for the second round at 12:35 pm MT tomorrow.
If you’d like to follow along, here’s a link to the live leaderboard: 2023 Inspirato Colorado Women’s Open.
Let’s hope the rain stays away, the mountain views are pristine, and the golf is great!
Questions, comments, ideas, and feedback can be directed to jpatterson@unc.edu. You can find me on Twitter @JakeWPatt or my Instagram @Loopers_Line. If you really want to get to know me, check out my LinkedIn.
Special thanks to Bethany Phillis for serving as my creative project mentor. Additional thanks to Caroline Maness for designing Looper’s Line’s logo.
So glad you are stupidly happy Jake. You are living your best life!
I really enjoy your reflections Jake. It’s so nice to read about you authentically pursuing your interests. Keep going!!!! Don’t conform!!!