DR ~
I held off posting on this thread because I know most golfers have a somewhat derisive attitude toward miniature golf, which is basically just putting a non-regulation ball on a flat surface with no swinging or chipping. I've never played 'real' golf because I view the game as too expensive (for me) and at this point in my life, too much time/work is needed to play even adequately - and I'm somewhat of a perfectionist. However, I found playing
miniature golf to be both fun and, in a way, good balance 'therapy'. I began playing in 2004 and was back at it within a month of my AN surgery (6/06). Until recently, my son (age 29), my wife and myself played miniature golf on a regular basis, usually as a threesome, partly for the physical activity in the fresh air and, for me, the benefits of the walking, as the courses we played were usually quite large and spread out. My son is an excellent player, I'm a passable putter and my wife looks cute in her 'golf hat'. My son and I even played in some mini-golf tournaments and did well, although we never won. Unfortunately, my son's interest waned as his job responsibilities increased and my time has been somewhat limited lately so we've pretty much abandoned the game this year. I miss it but, like most physical activities, if you lay off for a year, it's hard to come back and shooting a horrible round of miniature golf isn't much fun, so I may not return to the game anytime soon. However, it served it's purpose; it gave us more family time and helped me improve my balance capabilities. O.K., it's not 'real' golf, but I thought I would venture to mention miniature golf as a relatively low-cost, easy-to-play game that doesn't require a big investment (although I bought a new mini-golf putter some years back), gets you outside, doesn't require strenuous exercise (for those adverse to taxing physical activity, as I am) but does help you walk a lot and focus. Not for everyone of course but neither is 'real' golf (as my family calls it). Just a suggestion.
Jim
