Hey there, Swifties!
Today, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) dropped. This is my second favorite album behind Reputation. 1989 came out when I was still back in Los Angeles, partially thriving like most people in their mid-20s, and still loved house parties. This was a soundtrack to my social life along with anything Kendrick Lamar.
These days, I have a wide range of friends from all different kinds of backgrounds and circles. In a lot of ways, I have golf to thank for this. It bridges connections with fellow players and spectators who appreciate the game, but may not orbit in the same worlds, which is amazing.
Benefits of Finding Golf Besties
For my fellow millennials juggling parenting, careers, and life’s myriad roles, finding golf besties might seem daunting but is entirely feasible. Note that I didn’t say easy. Syncing up with someone equally smitten by golf can spark countless practice sessions, engaging rounds, and spirited post-round chats. You aren’t just bonding over a game; you’re intertwining life stories and creating core memories together. Golf, reminiscent of life itself, also oscillates between triumphs and setbacks. Whether you’re jazzed about a great shot or grappling with your trash performance, your golf besties will get it, bet. Feeling understood can go a long way in growing more confident in all areas of life.
Low/High Tech Ways to Connect
Here are some High and Low-Tech Ways to find more golf besties on and off the course:
On the Course
Join New Golfer Group Lessons
For those just starting their journey into golf, these group lessons offer an introductory experience. Led by professional instructors, participants learn the basics of the game, from swing techniques to golf etiquette, all while meeting fellow beginner golfers.
Join a Beginner’s League
Tailored for those new to the sport, a beginner’s league provides a supportive environment to play regularly, improve skills, and socialize with players of a similar skill level. It offers structured matches, fostering both friendly competition and camaraderie.
Play Actual Rounds of Golf with Acquaintances (9 or 18)
The heart of the sport, these traditional rounds offer the complete golf experience. Whether it’s a quicker 9-hole round or a full 18-hole game, players can immerse themselves in the sport’s strategy, skill, and serenity. Ask around. People play, but just need someone to initiate, especially because of how busy life gets.
9 & Dines
A delightful blend of sport and dining, 9 & Dines involve playing 9 holes of golf followed by a group meal. The event is as much about socializing and dining as it is about golf, making it a popular choice for those looking to mingle after their game. Depending on the timing, you can probably catch a Taylor Swift NFL game!
9 & Wines
A spin on the 9 & Dines concept, 9 & Wines couples a 9-hole golf round with a wine tasting or wine-centered social event afterward. It’s a laid-back, elegant way to combine one’s love for golf with the appreciation of fine wines.
Charity Golf Tournaments
Golf with a cause at its heart. These tournaments are competitive events where the proceeds, or a portion thereof, are donated to charitable organizations. Participants can enjoy the thrill of competition while also contributing to a noble cause.
Off the Course
Top Golf
A modern golfing range mixed with entertainment aspects. Players hit micro-chipped balls that track each shot’s accuracy and distance while awarding points for hitting targets on the outfield. It’s an interactive experience combined with food, drinks, and sometimes other entertainment options.
Popstroke
This is Tiger’s place so it’s automatically on our list of places to check out soon. A modern twist on traditional mini-golf, PopStroke offers technologically advanced putting courses designed by golf professionals. More than just mini-golf, it often includes a full-service restaurant and bar, making it a family-friendly destination for both golf enthusiasts and those looking for a fun, relaxed social outing. With electronic scoring through an app, it combines the charm of putt-putt with the digital age, allowing players to focus on fun and camaraderie.
Club Champion & PXG Group Fitting
These are premium golf club fitting experiences. Clubb Champion and PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf) are companies that specialize in custom-fitting golf equipment to match an individual’s swing and playing style. A group fitting would mean multiple players going through this fitting process together, making it a social and informative event.
Puttshack
An upscale, modern mini-golf experience. It blends the fun of mini-golf with advanced tech to track scores and offer unique game modes. Typically, it’s paired with a lively atmosphere, including food, drinks, and music.
Golf Apps
Mobile apps like 18Birdies, which not only acts as a rangefinder but also as a social platform for golfers, are a great place to start looking for new golf besties today. GolfNow lets you seamlessly book tee times and snag discounts, while Hole19 and SwingU offer in-depth game analysis and swing feedback. Track your progress and establish a valid handicap with The Grint, and let Arccos Caddie turn your clubs into smart tools with real-time insights.
Finding your golf circle isn’t an uphill task; it just requires a bit of persistence. By marrying traditional approaches with tech-driven ones, you can widen your golf network, cement friendships rooted in a shared love for the game and have some serious fun along the way.
