I was 16 when I was introduced to golf. My mom came up with the idea that she, my brother, and I would take two lessons and then surprise my dad with a tee time on Father’s Day at The Brookline Country Club. We took two lessons, and as you probably know, that isn’t enough to brave a golf course.

My dad still says that was “a memorable” Father’s Day experience (a.k.a. the worst ever) because we were terrible and played so slow that we had to let every group play through. But that was the start of my golf journey! I learned the fundamentals back then, and didn’t play too much again until I was a young professional in the business world.

Today, I love the game because I love the strategic thinking required, competing against myself, and chasing improvement. Once you learn how to hit the ball, it’s a game that I believe most people will enjoy. Golf courses are beautiful, being outside and in nature is healing, and spending hours with others develops meaningful relationships.