How My Grandmother and Golf Shaped My Mindset Towards Life
Physical activities have always been a big part of my life. Whether it’s hiking through nature trails, biking around town, playing intramural basketball, or enjoying a friendly game of pickleball, I find a lot of joy in staying active. Out of all these hobbies I enjoy, one sport has become a true passion for me: golf. Over the past four years, I have started to take golf more seriously, and I’ve fallen in love with it in a way I never anticipated. That connection and love also come from the fact that my grandmother, also known as my “Jo MaMa,” was the one who first taught me how to play. Golf has become more than just a sport to me; it’s an experience, a lesson, and a tradition I share with my Jo MaMa.
Playing golf with my grandmother is something I cherish deeply. She’s not just teaching me how to improve my swing or choose the right club; she is also passing down wisdom about life. Every time we step onto the course, I get to spend four-plus hours just enjoying Jo MaMa’s beautiful and joyful presence. I learn way more than just techniques for improving my golf game. She’s helped me realize that success isn’t immediate, whether perfecting a shot or achieving a goal in life. It takes practice, dedication, and the ability to learn from mistakes. Golf, in many ways, mirrors life in its challenges and unpredictability.
Thanks to my Jo MaMa’s guidance, one of the biggest life lessons golf has taught me is the importance of bouncing back after a setback. On the course, a bad shot can quickly get into your head if you let it, just like setbacks in life. My grandmother always reminds me to stay focused, let go of the last mistake, and move forward, only focus on the next shot ahead of you because that is all you can control now. That’s a mindset I’ve tried to adopt in everything I do, whether on the golf course or in my day-to-day life.
Golf is now something I want to be great at, but I know that greatness in golf, much like in life, comes from continual growth and learning. It’s not just about the final score but about the process. The practice, the patience, and the moments of glory that the sport allows. My grandmother has been a huge influence in shaping that perspective for me. Her wisdom, both about the game and about life’s future challenges, has been invaluable. As I continue to work on my golf skills, I’ll carry those life lessons with me, not just on the course but in everything I pursue. Thank you, Jo MaMa, I love you!
