- The Cactus Club
- Posts
- Why I love Golf
Why I love Golf
Discover how golf boosts your overall well-being
5 Reasons We Love Wayfair
It's no secret that Wayfair provides a wide selection of home items at great prices. But why do we love it? Our deal experts at Bradās Deals share their top 5 reasons.

I started playing golf at 11, but my connection to the game didnāt take off until I moved to Scottsdale at 16. Thatās when I began competing in tournaments, pushing myself to improve, and immersing myself in competitive golf.
My journey continued as I played college golf at Grand Canyon University (GCU), where the game shaped me as a player and person.
However, it wasnāt until my 30s that I fully understood golf. The game had taught me so much over the years, but it took time to recognize how much it had taught meānot just about the sport but about life itself.
Golf is more than just a game. Itās a powerful tool for personal growth and a pathway to better overall well-being. It has shaped how I approach challenges, build resilience, and embrace continuous improvement.
A Mental Reset
When I first picked up a golf club, I wasnāt thinking about fitness or mental health. I was trying to improve my game. But as I spent more time on the course, I noticed something deeper happening. The game provided an unexpected mental reset.
Walking 18 holes burns about 1,500 calories, but more importantly, it helps release endorphins.
While I focused on improving my short game and overcoming tournament nerves, the game's slow pace also boosted my mental health. It allowed me to breathe, clear my mind, and reframe my challenges.
Nature
As I continued my journey with golf, I began to appreciate more than just the mechanics of the game. I realized how deeply connected golf is to nature. Whether it was the desert landscape in Scottsdale or the many beautiful places around the world Iāve witnessed during my journey, golf immersed me in stunning surroundings.
Studies show that outdoor activities can reduce stress and anxiety and improve mental clarity. (Cornell)
Each round of golf became a mental reset, a way to reconnect with nature, find peace, and reset my perspective. In those moments, I understood how crucial it is to take time away from the chaos and enjoy the beauty.
Building Connections
Golf is often seen as an individual sport, but in my experience, it has always been about connection.
From playing with friends to joining tournaments and meeting new people through the game, golf has been a gateway to meaningful relationships.
As Iāve grown older, Iāve understood the importance of these connections.
Research shows that strong social bonds can significantly benefit mental health, and golf has given me a platform to foster those connections. (Blast Motion)
Whether casual chats on the course or more structured league play, golf has helped me build lasting friendships and a sense of community. These bonds have proven to be just as valuable off the course as they are on it.

Patience, Focus, and Resilience
Golf has always been a game of patience and focus, and these qualities have significantly impacted my personal life.
The game requires constant attention to detail, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace failure and success. Every round of golf offers a fresh lesson in how to stay present, manage setbacks, and cultivate resilience.
Whether facing a tough lie in a tournament or dealing with lifeās unpredictabilities, golf has taught me to stay calm, focused, and resilient. These lessons transcend the course and apply directly to everyday life.
A Pathway
Looking back on my journey from a young golfer to a college player at GCU, and now, as someone who continues to play and teach, I can see how deeply golf has shaped me.
Itās not just a sport Iāve devoted years to. Itās a tool that has improved my life, fostered growth, and connected me with people who share similar values.
Whether youāre a beginner or a seasoned player, golf provides a pathway to better mental health, personal development, and a stronger sense of community. It continues to give me the space to growāboth as a player and as a person.
Golf may challenge, frustrate, and occasionally humble you, but it offers many mental health benefits. With every round, youāll discover new insights about yourself and the game called life.
Embrace the journey. Your mind and body will thank you.
Do you think Arizona golf courses should implement a discounted resident rate to offset the increase in green fees? |

50 Under $50
Legacy Golf Resort
Open Date: 1999
City: Phoenix, AZ
Difficulty: Moderate
Low Round: 64
Favorite Hole: 18th Hole. A signature par 5 finish with a wide fairway, bunkers protecting the green, and a rewarding view of the nearby mountains.
Course Rating: āāāā (4/5)
Description: Legacy Golf Resort sits on the historic Heard Ranch and is known for its gorgeous scenery and forgiving layout, making it enjoyable for players of all skill levels. Gary Panks designed the course with large, undulating greens and water hazards, keeping each round interesting.
Why You Should Play: Legacy offers a mix of Arizona history and great golf in one package. With a picturesque, relaxed atmosphere, itās ideal for golfers looking for a resort-style course without resort prices.
Tour Talk
Rory McIlroy just bagged his 6th DP World Tour season title, matching the Chicago Bulls with their 6 NBA rings. But letās ask the fundamental questionāif Rory were an NBA franchise, which team fits him best? (AP News)
š The Bulls ā Classic dominance. Roryās DP World wins are the golf equivalent of MJ shrugging mid-game, like, āYeah, Iām that good.ā
š The Warriors ā Flashy, modern, and unstoppable. Roryās driver? Steph Curry launching 3s.
So, who is Rory? And donāt say the Knicks.
Iām 36.
When I was young, I learned to play golf in Bermuda.
Here are 5 thoughts on the 2024 @Bermuda_Champ.
ā Terence Daniels (@terencedaniels)
12:59 AM ⢠Nov 19, 2024
Need To Know
Golf isnāt just for your swing. Itās therapy for the mind. Fresh air, walking, and unplugging all reduce stress, while the gameās focus boosts mindfulness. Plus, friendly rounds build social connections, easing isolation. Tee up, breathe deep, and let golf work wonders for your mental health. (Eastside Golf)
A good golf training aid can change your golf game and swing. Here are my top 10 golf training aids every golfer needs for better results. From improving your golf swing to perfecting your putting, these golf training aids are game-changers. (Mark Crossfield)
Looking to elevate your brand with a custom hat?
Donāt make it just any hat. Make it a Branded Bills hat.
Why? They make quality merch (especially hats) that people actually want to wear.
Donāt just take it from us, here is what one of their recent clients has to say:
āI think Branded Bills is memorable because it is more of a lifestyle brand for us. Itās not just employees wearing them to work or technicians wearing them out in the field; they're wearing them to bowling alleys, sporting events, etc, and theyāre repping our brand which is exactly what we want.ā Rebecca Ferguson, Empire CAT
Want some more? Get $200 off your first order over $1000 with the code NEWSLETTER.
If this is what you want (and weāre guessing you do), hit up Branded Bills.
In The Know
Golfās demographic is evolving fast. Once seen as an older manās game, itās booming with younger participants. Junior golf, in particular, is thriving: from 2019 to 2023, off-course junior participation surged 82%, and on-course juniors grew by 40%. Golf companies are moving swiftly to match this trend. (Perfect Putt)
The PGA TOUR announced Wednesday that Matt McCarty has won the Jack Nicklaus Award as the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year. McCarty, a 26-year-old native of Scottsdale, Arizona, was the unanimous winner of the award as voted by Korn Ferry Tour membership. (PGA Tour)
Golf Courses Iāve Played in Arizona
Over two decades of experience playing all over Arizona, Iāve played some of the state's most iconic and hidden gems. Hereās my take on over 125 courses in Arizona.