Golf Dads, how do you find time to practice or sneak a round in?

[IAGolfDad]

Morning Spies!

I'm a new dad and was wondering how other fellow Spy Dads find time to practice or sneak a round in? My daughter is only 2 months old and its winter time here in IA so not much to do golf related anyway but asking more for future advice on how some of you manage/balance your golf game and family time? Obviously everyone's going to have a different experience but would like to hear how some of you do it! Would love to take her in the cart for a quick 9 holes sometime this summer and down the road once she is older and can walk.

[cnosil]

IMO, parents need time to do things themselves and together without the children.   When my daughter was young, I had a day that I golfed and my wife had a girls night out day.   When my daughter got older we tried the golf thing and she didn’t get into it.  

[vandyland]

Everyone's relationship is different but I have a wife that is very understanding of my golf habit. We have two kids under age 5 with one more on the way (last one, PLZ!). We belong to a club and I take my son (who is 4.5 years old) to the range, and the short range and the putting green. Basically we stop each place for about 10 minutes and then he gets antsy so we move on. He really likes riding in the cart so we will drive around the perimeter of the golf course as well. It isn't really FOCUSED practice but it is better than nothing for me. Plus, I get him some goldfish and lemonade (1/2 water) and he is PUMPED. He has a little yard club and a small putter. 

I like working on my golf swing (or feel compelled to, whatever) so a good net and mat was a must. I might also get an OG Skytrak as well just to have something to enhance my net time. I hit in the net most nights after the kids go to bed at 7:30 PM. Getting to actually go to the range and practice was basically impossible before we joined a club. Now I try to go once or twice a week during lunch and hit 40-50 balls. 

Really it is about how you and your partner work together. Personally, I don't think the "debit/credit" relationship works very well for us. That would be "oh you played golf for 4 hours on Saturday so I get 4 hours to myself on Sunday." But that is mostly because my wife WANTS to be around the kids all the time. She likes being a mom and doesn't really have any hobbies outside of that. I would be fine for her to go out during the week or do stuff on the weekend....she just doesn't. She feels like the kids are only young once and she doesn't want to miss any of it. 

The flip side is my friend who NEVER gets to leave the house because his wife doesn't really have any hobbies so, thus, he can't have hobbies. She is very into the "debit/credit" thing and since she has no real reason to leave the house he can't really get out. That would be a bummer to be in that type of situation. I count myself lucky. Also, they only have one kid so I really don't understand that but...hey...none of my business. 

[OdinSnipes414]

I get my time to go out in tho mornings before the kids get up! And some days I’ll bring my daughter just to the putting green! My son is still to young but the just is if I get out in the morning and ride a crt I’m home I. Time to join the fam

[GolfSpy_APH]

I have one morning a week that I go. It's what we (wife and I) discussed and talked about.

She has an evening off per week where I take over. 

Bottom line just talk about it, get it into a schedule or routine and off you go! 

At least that's what works for us!

[CFreddie]

4 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

I have one morning a week that I go. It's what we (wife and I) discussed and talked about.

She has an evening off per week where I take over. 

Bottom line just talk about it, get it into a schedule or routine and off you go! 

At least that's what works for us!

Key words - "talk about it" 

But seriously, I've found that setting a schedule / calendar and being consistent with that time is KEY.  

BTW - congrats on the little one!  

[Just_the_Chip]

Everyone's situation is very different, but for me, it was easier to grab the Earliest possible tee time somewhere local. Golf 9 holes, and be home by 7 or 8. My daughter would be up only for an hour or so and had the least impact on my wife. Gave me a chance to get back home and be responsible parent. A full 18 holes were usually well planned ahead of time. 

My daughter is about to turn 9 now and I got her into Golfing and Fishing. So it's getting a lot easier and more fun to head out with her to a local par 3, pitch and putt, or 9 holes at a Golf Club that has ice cream. We haven't done a full 18 yet, don't want to force her through that until she says she's ready. 

[GolfSpy_KFT]

So I play in a Tuesday night 9 hole league, and then other rounds I play I typically have my 6 (will be 7) year old with me on other rounds, and will have my 4 year old along for some this year too. I play a lot more 9 hole rounds than 18 because the time management of the kids for my wife is just easier. On occasion I’ll get to sneak in 18 if I tee off at 6am on weekends. My oldest did 18 with me three times last year and loved it lol.

I’ll also try to get out for 9 before my Tuesday league if possible because the kids are in daycare and my wife is still at work, so it’s not extra time on her part

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

Now I get up before my child does and do swing work and gym in the morning. Some mornings I’ll sneak to a heated range
 

in the summer time, I try to get out for at least two nines. Might try to do an 18 hole round when the course becomes usuable around 5am. Find time to make time. It’s actually a lot harder for my wife and I to spend time together. 

[Indy_Oz]

I found a solution for you that combines Daddy-daughter time with golf....

 

(my kids are 12 and 16, so I don't need this. lol)

 

Edited January 6 by Indy_Oz

[CFreddie]

On that note @Indy_Oz, my daughter is starting golf camp this summer (she turns 5 in a couple weeks). I cannot wait to get her playing! 

[LinksgolfFever]

First and foremost I can't say enough that I appreciate that my wife gets it.  She knows how much I want to play and we just work it out.  To help ease the burden on her and the boys, I usually play at first light/first tee time.  working from home helps my cause as well, since I can usually get a round or 2 in during the week.  Foregoing bad weather (in California)  I play 2-4 times a week and practice 1-2 days per week.  My oldest is starting to get the itch to play, so that will help.  I will take the boys out with me, if I can't get an early tee time.  When all else fails I can practice at home.  It is my sanity, and I treat it like therapy (I say it's cheaper....but not so sure sometimes....).

 

Happy golfing

[ZJeb67]

A home simulator is a great way to practice without being gone from the family

[Indy_Oz]

My wife has a part time job that includes weekend work. My kids are 16&12. On weekends I’ll go out and play 9 at my local 9-hole course during one of my wife’s morning shifts so there’s minimal impact on family life. In summer I’ll often finish playing 9 before the kids have had breakfast. 
I play in a Thursday night league close to home, so that’s my main outing with home life impact. 
In terms of practice during the season, I’ll head to the range on work-from-home days at lunchtime if I can. At least once a week. 
Through winter I practice at an indoor sim place near home. I’ll go there 2-3 times a week for an hour. I try to go when kids are at school and wife is at work, on work-from-home days. Also once per weekend at the same time slot I’d play in summer (wife at work and kids sleeping, ). 
All that said, I am slowly trying to get my kids into golf. Both want to ride golf carts with me, but I’m taking them to the range and top golf now and then and hope they will want to do golf camps in the summer. Other sports allowing. My wife has been enjoying top golf too. Don’t think I’ll convince her to take the sport up though. 
So far, my wife has been quite happy for me to go and play golf. Long may that continue!

[ZJeb67]

I found a lot more time once the kids grew up moved out of the house

[TG8]

I feel your pain as I am in Missouri. 
I have two kids and my wife and I have it worked out that I go to golf league every Tuesday night and she can relax or do whatever the next day.  
 

If I ever want to golf on other days I usually just pack a cooler and snack bag and take the kiddos with me on my cart. 

[bens197]

Not much else to say that hasn’t been said. My wife and I understand how important it is to have time away for our own hobbies. 
 

We also realize there is potential for future family golf. 
 

My work schedule is 24 on and 72 off so I have time to play when she’s at work and my daughter is at school. 
 

The thing I struggle with is I really enjoy time with my wife and daughter and while I could play more, I choose to be home with them and we’ve had fun playing golf games in the yard among other things. 
 

Key point said often…communication will solve almost all golf scheduling issues.

[elight]

For me:

1. Find a time in your weekly schedule that will be the least obtrusive to your family. For me, it's early weekend mornings. 

2. Get comfortable playing more 9 hole rounds than 18 hole rounds. Play the courses closest to your house even if they're not your favorite. 

3. Eventually, bring a child with you when you can. Not only does this help the wife, it's great bonding time (even if the child isn't playing). 

4. Find a way to practice at home either early morning, after bedtime, or during nap time. You don't need a full simulator - a hitting mat and net in the garage or backyard will do it. 

In other words, it's about compromise. Accept that this time in your life will not be your peak golfing years (in terms of hours spent), and that's OK, because you have other important priorities. 

[IAGolfDad]

On 1/5/2024 at 2:29 PM, GolfSpy_APH said:

I have one morning a week that I go. It's what we (wife and I) discussed and talked about.

She has an evening off per week where I take over. 

Bottom line just talk about it, get it into a schedule or routine and off you go! 

At least that's what works for us!

Sounds about like what I was thinking! Nice to hear that others have found success, gives me hope lol

[IAGolfDad]

On 1/6/2024 at 1:30 PM, elight said:

For me:

1. Find a time in your weekly schedule that will be the least obtrusive to your family. For me, it's early weekend mornings. 

2. Get comfortable playing more 9 hole rounds than 18 hole rounds. Play the courses closest to your house even if they're not your favorite. 

3. Eventually, bring a child with you when you can. Not only does this help the wife, it's great bonding time (even if the child isn't playing). 

4. Find a way to practice at home either early morning, after bedtime, or during nap time. You don't need a full simulator - a hitting mat and net in the garage or backyard will do it. 

In other words, it's about compromise. Accept that this time in your life will not be your peak golfing years (in terms of hours spent), and that's OK, because you have other important priorities. 

Ive got a 9 hole course just down the road so that works perfect. And its a fairly quick play too so I think that will help! I appreciate the insight! I agree, wont be peak golf time but thats okay! A lot of great suggestions from everyone here.

[IAGolfDad]

On 1/5/2024 at 8:33 PM, TG8 said:

I feel your pain as I am in Missouri. 
I have two kids and my wife and I have it worked out that I go to golf league every Tuesday night and she can relax or do whatever the next day.  
 

If I ever want to golf on other days I usually just pack a cooler and snack bag and take the kiddos with me on my cart. 

I think golf league may be one route to go. Ive got a small 9 hole course a few mins from my house. The early Saturday 18 holes were great but time consuming with travel in a larger city and takes time away from the family.

[TG8]

8 minutes ago, IAGolfDad said:

I think golf league may be one route to go. Ive got a small 9 hole course a few mins from my house. The early Saturday 18 holes were great but time consuming with travel in a larger city and takes time away from the family.

My home course is a little 9 hole so it makes it easier to get a quick 9 in.  Also helps we live in a tiny town so you dont have tee times.. just show up and play

[DiscipleofPenick]

Wife and I worked it out that I get one day a week to go. I try to get very early tee times on Sun so I'm back home as soon as possible. 5+ hours on a weekend afternoon doesn't work.

[elight]

18 minutes ago, IAGolfDad said:

Ive got a 9 hole course just down the road so that works perfect. And its a fairly quick play too so I think that will help! I appreciate the insight! I agree, wont be peak golf time but thats okay! A lot of great suggestions from everyone here.

Having a nearby 9-hole course is really great in our situation. Why? Because they let you play 9 holes any time you want. Most busy courses will not let you play 9 during peak times so that they can maximize their revenue. The 9-hole course near me (which I could ALWAYS get a tee time on, even at 10pm the night prior) closed abruptly this past year. I switched over to my local muni, which also has the benefits of allowing 9 hole play and walking at all times, but getting a tee time for a weekend morning is very hit-or-miss. I've come to learn that they pre-book most of those weekend morning tee times for their "regulars" even though it's their policy not to.

18 minutes ago, IAGolfDad said:

Ive got a 9 hole course just down the road so that works perfect. And its a fairly quick play too so I think that will help! I appreciate the insight! I agree, wont be peak golf time but thats okay! A lot of great suggestions from everyone here.

Having a nearby 9-hole course is really great in our situation. Why? Because they let you play 9 holes any time you want. Most busy courses will not let you play 9 during peak times so that they can maximize their revenue. The 9-hole course near me (which I could ALWAYS get a tee time on, even at 10pm the night prior) closed abruptly this past year. I switched over to my local muni, which also has the benefits of allowing 9 hole play and walking at all times, but getting a tee time for a weekend morning is very hit-or-miss. I've come to learn that they pre-book most of those weekend morning tee times for their "regulars" even though it's their policy not to.

[Indy_Oz]

41 minutes ago, IAGolfDad said:

Ive got a 9 hole course just down the road so that works perfect. And its a fairly quick play too so I think that will help! I appreciate the insight! I agree, wont be peak golf time but thats okay! A lot of great suggestions from everyone here.

Playing 9-holes more works great and is what I do the vast majority of my practice rounds. My local 9-hole is less than 5 min drive from home, so I can sneak out on a weekend morning and be home mid to late morning. Not a hard course, but in great condition and cheap.lol
You'll find something that works, but as others have said, communication with your wife is everything.

Edited January 9 by Indy_Oz

[RangerGrey]

Well when my children were younger I golfed after work when I worked 3rd shift, usually just for 9 quick hole as I had 4 daughters who played travel softball and we played all over the United States in National tournaments as 2 of them received scholarships so I didn't mind making the sacrifice for them as I knew the time would eventually get here and now it has . 4 daughters 8 granddaughter later and semi retired I'm able to find time to golf. Not always getting better but keeping my scores reasonable as I should practice more but being a recreational golfer who loves to do it for the fun of getting out there with friends I'm pretty happy with my game. 

[chris_]

On 1/5/2024 at 9:42 AM, IAGolfDad said:

Morning Spies!

I'm a new dad and was wondering how other fellow Spy Dads find time to practice or sneak a round in? My daughter is only 2 months old and its winter time here in IA so not much to do golf related anyway but asking more for future advice on how some of you manage/balance your golf game and family time? Obviously everyone's going to have a different experience but would like to hear how some of you do it! Would love to take her in the cart for a quick 9 holes sometime this summer and down the road once she is older and can walk.

I hope you won't take this wrong, but one kid at 2 months old is the easiest your life is ever going to be with kids. Ten years from now you're going to look back and realize that it only gets harder. You have to make time for yourself, just as your wife does or you will lose your sanity. I have four, one now married. I have a sim in the house, makes everything easier. 

[chris_]

On 1/5/2024 at 9:42 AM, IAGolfDad said:

.

Double post

Edited January 19 by chris_

[StrokerAce]

get the first tee time... always. even if it's 6. that way you're home right when they start to get dressed. lol

practice: get a good net and golf mat. may not be the best but at least you can step out for a little bit and swing a club.

[elight]

Agree re: home practice. Even a very basic setup of a cheap net and decent mat. Much easier to find 15 minutes of practice time at home compared to heading to driving range.