There’s a trend I notice when romantic couples play golf together. Married. Dating. Whatever.
They seem to always leave the course happy.
I know there’s a thought in golf about keeping the links a sanctuary away from the relationship. Separation of course and coupling, if you will. And I am far from someone to refute the necessity for some alone time away from the significant other.
Yet over the years, I have seen love on the links too often to deny golf’s ability as a romantic catalyst.
In our Ewa Beach Loyalty Club, for example, we have quite a few married couples that enjoy regular rounds of golf together. One of our members, a twilight golfer, even brings his wife along to keep him company even though she doesn’t play. These married couples often show up alone, though happily pair with others when necessary, then finish their round with a nice lunch upstairs.
Date-golf usually happens during twilight. Non-married couples show up for a shared round or an on-course playing lesson. Debates on who gets to pay. Laughter on the chipping green. Kisses and selfies before first tee off. A bit nauseating at times, but encouraging.
I’ve even helped document a marriage proposal on our 18th green. It was a couple from the Washington. When one was in the bathroom, the other handed me a camcorder and asked me to film when they get to the last green. While the unaware was putting, the proposer jumped into the bunker to change into a “Will You Marry Me” shirt. She told me after that she was planning this since they booked their tickets to Hawaii. She also told me that her fiancé (now wife) beat her to the chase at dinner the night before.
At least she knew it would be a “yes.”
Beyond the golf course, we host many weddings and receptions in our banquet facilities. We also do a yearly Valentines Dinner in our restaurant. You might think our magnetism for romance comes from the great scenery, and you won’t be wrong. We do have one of the most beautiful courses on Oahu after all. But I think it has something to do with the game too. There’s a quote about golf that comes to mind. And no, it’s not the one from Tin Cup.
“Golf gives you insight into human nature, your own as well as your opponents” – Grantland Rice
It’s been a long standing tradition to hold business meetings on the golf course. The reason is that we can gauge the true character of our playing partners by seeing how they react to the game. So it makes a great amount of sense that we are able to garner the same information in our romantic partnerships as well.
Golfing with your significant other gives you the chance to either unearth something unexpected or confirm who they truly are. And, as many of us can attest: the truest friend is one that you can survive many, many golf rounds with. So wouldn’t the same be true about a good partner?
The more I think about this topic, the more I think I need to find someone who golfs. And if not, maybe someone willing to learn.
So what do you think? Can love and golf help fuel the love of golf?
