For me, the winter is the starting point of the golf calendar. Thanksgiving and the Christmas Holiday season provide quite the two part kick off. This season, Dustin Johnson’s victory at The Masters adds a special motivational ingredient.

The 1st and 2nd players I heard about who studied it was Jack Nicklaus and Bobby Jones.

Both utilized winter as improvement seasons. Incidentally, “Golf My Way” by Jack Nicklaus is spectacular. So pick 1 up, read it, then consider gifting it.

The winter is the perfect time of year to take up golf because walking is a big part of the game and cooler temperatures can make it more comfortable.

Even if carts are taken, there are plenty of steps taken.

Among the biggest surprises has been to find out how many steps I actually take, even while using a golf cart.

Without exaggeration, I have actually walked over 2 miles while riding in a golf cart, during an 18-hole round.

Winter also paves the way for new players to come into the game because golf course availability is high. This means that there is less pressure from crowds for tee times and shorter days offer an unusual possibility, which leads to an odd idea.

Try going out and playing just 1 hole or 2 holes.

This sounds strange, but just try it. It only takes 10- 20 minutes, but 10-20 minutes of playing golf on the real course can offer cause an endorphin release in your body that affects your attitude and mindset.

The winter also is the best time for juniors or anyone to to get started in golf. In fact, there is a program specifically designed for new golfers to come into the game on the course.

It’s a recreational, play for fun with family initiative called the “Winter Tour“ started through the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commision. (LRAC) in 1992.

The Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commision has sponsored the program for over 2 decades.

Now, for the 2020-21 season, all 3 local recreational entities including Richland County Recreation Commision (RCRC), LRAC and ICRC are supporting this junior family golf initiative.

Parents support and actually participate as caddy course guides, or fans. Here are the websites for further review:

•http://richlandcountyrecreation.com/fall-golf-programs-at-linrick-golf-course

•icrc.net

•https://sports.bluesombrero.com/lcrac

Registration is still open. To find out more, call (803) 603-1718.

In closing, 1 final idea that Bob Rotella suggested many years ago.

Go find young children new in the game and just watch them without coaching or teaching them. Keep them safe but ask them questions.

Avoid offering any advice at all because, Rotella said, “kids get it.”