A good walk spoiled

I am delighted that my golf club asked me to captain the 15+ handicap section (known locally as the Rabbits) for 2024. I was delighted to accept.

There are many reasons to join a golf club - or indeed a netball club, choir, rambling club or men's shed. Golf is for health and exercise, the score is not always important, but it can satisfy a need to compete - the result is important, but failure is not a disaster.

As an executive coach, I recognise that people take up physical activities such as golf for health reasons, but also to escape from the stresses of work and life by immersing themselves in the activity. The escape doesn't always happen though, as negative thoughts can come back either on the way home or, to the detriment of the golf game, at some point during the round itself.

The stereotype is that golf clubs are made up of white, middle-class men; like most stereotypes, there is unfortunately an element of truth to this. Although golf clubs are thankfully becoming more diverse, they remain a predominantly male space. Golf is still something that men do together, to maintain the illusion that they are playing a version of the game that is broadly similar to that played by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

As this male space gathers around the 19th hole for a few drinks with their mates, conversations turn to golf shots (good and bad), the sport on TV and the general political issues of the day. But meaningful conversations rarely happen. Of course, a more diverse and inclusive space would encourage deeper discussion, but do we know, or have we even asked, about the pressures and concerns of our fellow golfers? Is it inappropriate to ask when we are all there 'just to play golf'? Sadly, and from personal experience, it may be only after a tragedy that you become aware of the mental anguish a friend is going through. We could be there to help.

My personal challenge as an executive coach is to use the skills I have learnt outside the usual coaching environment. I want to identify fellow golfers, regardless of gender or ethnicity, who are struggling with life, work, career direction and who might appreciate a listening ear.

Whatever your method of relaxation, be it sporting, artistic or cultural, my challenge to you is to be aware of your fellow travellers and be sensitive to their life struggles. You have the power to help. It could be life-changing, and not just for them.