We don’t stop after a set of tennis
for steak, egg and chips with a side order of
salad!"
In the interests of our debate and holding up our end,
however, I didn’t flinch and after a quick mental regroup
consolidated my position around the cerebral challenges and
fatigue associated with a non-reflex ball game that lasts over
four hours – and the consequent necessity of the halfway
house. As, without some decent sustenance after nine holes,
Pecanwood Estate and Pecanwood Country Club
many golfers would be unable to make it to the 18th hole.
This loss is especially relevant for those of us who are now
I think that the coup de grace, at least in terms of our debate, over the hill – and perhaps languishing in that other ‘halfway
came with my observation that given the performance of house’ between full-time work and retirement – and who are
most of our rugby and soccer teams (compared with those of in dire need of the benefits that this simple perambulatory
our nation’s golfers who were brought up on halfway house activity can bring.
fare) this could beg the question that maybe a nice toasted
sarmie and some chips at half time should be mandatory at Many of the modern course designs really are very long, and
these other ball games! also have too much dead ground between each hole, so many
golfers find they can't comfortably walk a full 18 holes. But
I also argued that he didn’t – every time he stepped onto there’s a great alternative. Leave your golf cart in the garage
the court – play five sets like professional tennis players do at least once a week and just play nine holes.
at their Major events, but that we poor golfers have to toil
around full-length championship golf courses that were built You can do this with only five clubs, which can be carried
for the pros. comfortably. Not only will your heart, circulation and blood
pressure say ‘thank you’, but so will your golf game as you
What couldn’t be argued against, however, is that the loss learn to manufacture shots, be more strategic in your play
of the walking element in the game has been particularly and get back in real touch with the golf course itself!
poignant both in terms of the connection to the game itself,
and the health benefits associated with walking.
John Cockayne, Estate Living Golf Editor
Highland Gate Golf and Trout Estate
www.estate-living.co.za | 45