By Peter Minkoff

The glorious, sleepless city of New York sure has so much to offer to its residents and lucky visitors, but few consider the slower side of the city for their hectic pace of life. There’s always another brilliant museum to check out, a foodie spot to ravage, and yet another pub to visit. New York is many things, but static isn’t one of them. With that in mind, slowing down is rarely an option, and many locals rarely give into that opportunity, which is precisely why golfing is the perfect way to see that other, soothing side of New York, and give in to its many acres of fresh green.

So far, if you’ve ever organized a perfect golfing holiday, you know just how restorative this kind of a slow-paced adventure can be. You should take the same detailed approach to planning your golfing sessions in the city, and you might become an avid golfing aficionado soon enough. Here are a few key reasons to get you to try this wonderful activity in this very city.

Get away from the noise

Green stretching for miles around you is as serene as any place can get. The nature of the game keeps the players mostly quiet and focused, letting you enjoy the meditative moments while you wait your turn or simply soak in the sun. The Bronx, for example, hides the extraordinary Van Cortlandt course, the oldest one in the country, and it’s easy enough to reach even without a car.

Venturing into these areas outside of the city’s bustling center is a perfect way to get to know New York from an entirely new perspective, sans the traffic chaos and the busy cafes.

Spend more time outdoors

New York is home to many beautiful gardens and parks, and it is certainly not a concrete jungle that prevents its residents from enjoying the lavish greenery each summer brings. However, let’s face it, not too many New Yorkers find the time for outdoor activities in the first place, which is another great reason to add golfing to your list – you’ll get to add some light exercise to your schedule and enjoy the sun.

If you’re new to the sport, make sure that you find out more about the necessary gear for golfing, such as quality gloves which can help you perform better and improve your grip. Much like the clubs that you use for each different situation, your accessories will be pivotal for your game and they’ll enable you to make the most of golfing to begin with. 

Make valuable connections

We’ve all seen those classic movie scenes where the most influential politicians and business folk gather on a course for a game of golf, only to decide on the fate of an entire corporation or the government, for that matter. Sure, you don’t have to have such a high position to make a difference in your own career, and golfing is a perfect way to have a secluded area to talk business with your potential partners and investors. 

Plus, this is where you can make connections beyond the course and move up in your profession. Memberships are also extremely valuable, since you can gain access and socialize with other members who can make all the difference in your professional life. 

A wholesome way to bond

Family time for a fast-paced New Yorker means everything, and when you have a chance to add some variety into your schedule, your loved ones, your kids and your spouse will genuinely appreciate the effort and the new experience. Golfing can be a truly wholesome family activity to bring all of your loved ones together, away from the street crowds and the city noise. 

Yes, Central Park is always a great option, but taking summer golf lessons can become a learning and a bonding activity in, let’s say, Times Square, on a beautiful rooftop of a hotel! You can always try to find a new golfing spot in New York, to keep things diverse and fun for you and your youngsters. 

Challenge yourself 

You can waste your time cursing and blaming the wind or your least favorite putter for shifting the route of your golf ball, or you can take a moment, breathe, and restore your composure to give it another go. The art of golf requires so much patience and poise, that people often find it as frustrating as it is delightful. Even the most patient of people will find themselves grinding their teeth when they’re about to tee off against their opponent.

That’s why this sport is a constant source of challenges, but not merely in the form of testing out new golfing clubs or changing your technique. It’s mostly about your mindset, staying humble when facing your failures, and recognizing opportunities to calm yourself when you feel the need to raise hell. 

Many people take golf for granted. That is, until they actually try their hand at the sport and discover the many alluring aspects of it, together with its potential to reduce your stress levels and provide you with a simultaneously meditative and stimulating activity. New York’s hidden golfing gems can attest to the beauty of this sport, so make sure to add it to your must-try list of activities and see how quickly you fall in love.