Getting Into the Swing of Things
by Carolyn Clemis

Growing up in North Vancouver I have always enjoyed spending time outdoors. Vancouver is such a beautiful part of the world, with a mild climate that allows us to enjoy being outside all year round. I have always wanted to take advantage of getting outside, so for many years I would play Softball every spring, would ski and snowboard every winter, and each fall I was on my high school rowing team. I had a fun and challenging outdoor activity for each season, except for summer. My summer activity seemed to be lying on the beach, which can be a great way to spend the day, but is not much of a challenge.

One summer when friends asked me to go to play pitch and putt with them I was definitely up for it, but I had no idea what to expect. It turned out to be an extremely fun way to spend a beautiful afternoon, without just lying on the beach. I also realized that the part inside of me that enjoys a challenge was interested in this activity. I wanted to become better at golf and really learn what the game was all about.

Over the last summer I have had a great opportunity to be around people who have a passion and a lot of knowledge about the game of golf. As a beginner, this game can be intimidating because there is so much to learn and to learn everything takes time. But I have also come to realize that there are so many people of different ages and different skill levels in golf, and most people play because they enjoy the challenge, even if they aren't as good as Annika Sorenstam. Meeting people who have played golf for years and meeting people like myself who have just recently been introduced to the game, I have learned that golf really is for anyone. It is great to see women getting together to spend the day together golfing for fun, or for the challenge.

For me golf is both, fun and a challenge. I think it will keep challenging me for years to come.