This summer, golf saw a noticeable increase in casual players ranging from complete beginners to amateur.
For some athletes, golf offers an athletic activity that provides a break from their main sport. Lorne Ibrani ’27, a varsity soccer player, said, “In the summer, I’ve been playing [golf] once or twice a week…it’s a good change of pace and [it] keeps me competitive without the physical intensity of soccer.” He mentioned enjoying how “golf challenges you mentally. One day your swing feels great. The next you’re fighting it.” Ibrani attributes his recent increase in playing golf to his girlfriend Sophie Layman, a top 10 finisher at the AA state golf tournament for Breck. “We’ve been golfing together a lot this summer, and it’s made me really enjoy the game again,” Ibrani says.
In a round of golf, a large portion of time is spent walking the course between shots and holes. Socialization with other players often occurs since walking 18 holes is typically 4 to 5 miles. “I enjoy the social part, golfing with my friends,” said Charlie O’ Connell ’28. “It’s a lot of fun and it’s just good to be nice and peaceful out there, and you don’t gotta take it so seriously.”
Varsity golfer George Mark ’28 noticed the increase in golf players and attributes it to YouTube golf. One notable YouTube creator is two-time U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau. His video series “Breaking 50 with:” drew millions of viewers through the video’s engaging challenge and guest celebrities like Tom Brady and Donald Trump.
Despite golf’s frustrating nature, players still come back to play to improve their handicap, an average scoring differential. “[Golf is] rewarding,”said Mark. “For example, a 20 handicap golfer or 15 handicap golfer may hit one shot that’s as good as a pro.”
New players have a variety of options to play their first round. Well-maintained public courses like Braemar or Meadowbrook are all within a 30-minute drive of the Upper School, with a junior nine-hole rate of about $20. Buying a membership from the nonprofit Youth-on-Course allows for rounds as low as $5. Tee times can be booked on the course’s websites or by phone.
