Balancing Family and Golf Life

[schmen082]

I have a question for my fellow forum members.   How do you balance family life and golf life?  I've found this to be a challenge at times. I have a 10 year old and a 5 year old. The 10 year old comes out with me sometimes, but she doesn't love that I walk every round so the 9 holes may get cut short from time to time.  I have this weird thing where I feel like I need to "earn" my golf time. I'm a teacher so I have a little more time now than I normally would.  I do laundry,  dishes, cleaning, and anything else the house needs everyday to justify my "free time" at the course (my wife doesn't mind that part!!).  The downside is that sometimes I'm WIPED OUT by the time I hit the course.  I'm interested to hear what all of you do to try to balance your passion for your hobby and your family. 

[Hacker60521]

@schmen082 this is a tough spot. Your kids are at great ages, and I’m guessing you don’t want to miss things happening in their lives. But I’ve also learned that at those ages they don’t remember a lot of it when they’re older. That said, I know a lot of Dads that are “dew sweepers” that try to tee off as early as possible on weekends. With any luck at all you’re back before they’re moving for the day.

[russtopherb]

As someone with kids that are 23 and 18, I say don’t stress about the golf. Hang with the kids. They grow up WAY too fast. 

[elight]

First, accept that these won't be the prime golfing years of your life. Then, find ways to practice and play that don't interfere with your top priority (your family). I hit into a net in my garage on weekends and when the kids are asleep, and I mostly play 9 hole rounds early on weekend mornings before others are awakee or using extra time off from work. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

My biggest suggestion is just to communicate - My wife and I have a bit of a deal where I can play up to twice per week, but I also have to give her a break to do or manage the things she wants. 

For both partners it is important to have that free time - how we spend that time is up to us. I usually pick mine to go golfing. 

I am in a special situation where he work I do also requires me to spend time on the course and testing products so I do have an additional excuse, but I still work to give my wife a day off to do whatever she likes, even if that involves us coming with her. 

Talk about it, plan it and then build it into a routine for both. That is what has worked for us. 

[ParFore74x]

Got some great advice in here so far. I’ve got a 17 year old that will be a senior this year and it goes REALLY fast. I’ve always made her and my wife my priorities which has been awesome. Now I have quite a bit of free time on my hands so I can golf almost everyday (when the weather cooperates) or at least putt and chip at home.

My advice would be to do what you can at home like a to keep your swing feels, try for the early morning weekend rounds, and have as much fun hanging out with your kids as you can. 

[Northern Monkey]

It is tough and can often be a challenge but as @GolfSpy_APH says it’s down to communication and compromise. I’m lucky in that the Boss is very understanding and accommodating plus my youngest is 21 now which makes it easier

[Stereotype]

On 7/23/2024 at 4:00 PM, Hacker60521 said:

@schmen082 this is a tough spot. Your kids are at great ages, and I’m guessing you don’t want to miss things happening in their lives. But I’ve also learned that at those ages they don’t remember a lot of it when they’re older. That said, I know a lot of Dads that are “dew sweepers” that try to tee off as early as possible on weekends. With any luck at all you’re back before they’re moving for the day.

This is my move, if I golf on the weekends it's typically early in the morning and I try to grab some doughnuts or something on my way back. It all comes down to balance. I just communicate with my wife to make sure I don't put any undue burden on her with my hobbies and she reciprocates. We are both usually happier when we get that individual time periodically.