Golf is Back...Finally

Good afternoon and welcome back to this afternoon's blog. With an International window upon us, it gives me an opportunity to post some full length articles before the congestion returns to finish the current football season in the next couple of months. Anyway, I thought it would be fitting to stick to the sporting theme; firstly because that is what you usually get on a Friday and secondly because this topic is very close to my heart. GOLF IS BACK! Well, it will be in three days time (hopefully I have not just cursed it)? It is not just golf that will be returning next week, but also organised amateur sports such as football, as well as fishing and meeting someone in a public space for a picnic. While it may seem too exciting to resist, there is still plenty to be cautious about.

Unfortunately, coronavirus is still very much a part of our daily lives, and it will remain that way for quite some time yet. The prospect of being in the outdoors (legally) again will tempt out a lot of people who want to exercise, play sport or meet up with friends and family. Yes we all have a right to enjoy these things and make the most of it while we can (not that I want another lockdown but still), but we should still be aware of the risks even though we are outside. We still have to remain a god social distance away from people not in our groups, and a lot of people will continue to wear face coverings even if they are with people who they know. This is down to each individual to decide but we should respect the decisions whatever it is.

When the announcement was first made about golf and outdoor activities returning on the 29th March, I was slightly sceptical that the return of schools would see a rise in numbers of coronavirus cases which could push back the roadmap. However, the government are standing firm and saying that the roadmap is going ahead as planned, despite a slight increase in some areas since schools saw classrooms full again. This is obviously encouraging because it proves that the vaccination programme is working. Going slightly off topic, nearly 99% of the over 70s have now been vaccinated. It was this group who accounted for 95% of deaths so far and therefore a third wave would surely not be as detrimental or lead to as many hospitalisations or deaths. Getting back on course (yes that pun was fully intentional), the return of golf will be a welcome boost for me because we are approaching some better weather (hopefully) and we have the Easter holidays coming up (oh the perks of working in education seem endless right now). Wouldn't we all love thirteen weeks off work a year???

Moving away from the not so important stuff and on to what really matters...GOLF. It is not only a sport where you try to hit a very small ball into a hole with giant sticks (as a friend once described golf to me), but it is a mental healer for so many people. A classic example of this is the older generation who have retired from work and do not have very much happening in their lives. I know seniors who play golf four or five times every week. It is a time when they feel like they have a purpose and something to get out of bed for. They get to socialise and eat and drink with fellow golfers and they get fresh air and exercise which carries with it obvious health benefits. And I know I mentioned the older golfers for the reason that younger people will be working, but it is also young people who enjoy golf. In fact, it's everyone who plays golf. Those of you who do not understand the rules of golf or play the game will not understand this, but there is something special about the game of golf and the emotional rollercoaster it makes you experience every time you step out on to the first tee.

Of course, as I mentioned earlier, it is not only golf that is returning. Thousands of people up and down the country will be excited by the prospect of being just days away from being able to sit by a lake fishing, play football or rugby at a competitive level or simply being able to meet a friend outside for a drink. The mental, physiological and emotional benefits to this have been a long time coming. If we believe the government (up to you but you know what I think by now), then this will be the final National Lockdown and we should be full steam ahead moving forwards. This is the opportunity to show that we will not be beaten as a country and that we are stronger than the virus. Show corona the middle finger and get on with your lives. Get back to waking up every morning with something to look forward to. Get back to waking up with a smile on your face. Get back to being happy.

I never thought I would miss taking cover when there is a golf ball flying at my head travelling at 100mph, but right now, it feels like an absolute must.

Connor

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