Your better half can make golf more enjoyable
Playing golf is a great getaway. Like me, if you have limited time with your significant other, getting out for a 4½-hour round may be difficult.
The next time you tee it up, why not invite your significant other? I'm lucky to be married to an understanding, lovely wife, who is my best friend, has no issue with telling me when I'm annoying and also played golf in high school.
The following tips will help you enjoy your round while spending a few hours with your significant other.
Play 9 holes - You may want to play a 18, and she may say it's OK, but it's not. Find a course that is easy to come back to the clubhouse, grab lunch or an early dinner afterward and let her decide what you get to eat (hot dogs don't count as a meal).
A lot of times, golf takes longer than planned. Your Sunday permanent tee time isn't the time or the place to try this out. Try a Thursday evening or maybe a Friday afternoon, when the course isn't busy.
Let her drive - You're busy focusing on your own game, let her drive the cart. She won't do things you would do (floor it or take turns at the full 15 mph).
It's OK golf - This means it's fine to not finish holes or attempt to hit a bunker shot once or twice and pick up and toss it on the green. It also OK to talk while people are hitting, it's OK to not play a difficult hole and to not play by all the official rules.
Don't expect to keep score on your own game. Score isn't everything. Enjoy the views and take pictures or slow-motion video.
Pace of play is important for the course. If you find you can't see the group ahead of you, play from a forward tee box or even start from the fairway. This will also make others happy.
If you play by any or all these guidelines, you will be playing every weekend you want. You will have fun and get a chance to have a three-hour day date. You might have friends who are interested in a double date. Keep it fun with no pressure.
• TJ Sullivan is a PGA Master Professional and has been the recipient of GOLFTEC's Outstanding Achievement in Instruction award six times. He was named a Golf Digest "Best Teacher in Your State" for 2019-2020. Reach him at tsullivan@golftec.com.