Can you really play "Just for fun?" and the truth about different golf balls for men vs women

Sticks Together | Couples Golf

This week on "Sticks Together," we explore the dynamic of having fun versus being competitive in golf. Is playing golf with your spouse is more about enjoyment or "earning points" in the relationship?

Slade recounts our rare Saturday morning golf outing together, from an exchange with the cart guy, who mentions Slade earning "brownie points" for playing with Stacey. What's up with that?

Stacey and Slade delve into their respective golf learning experiences. Stacey emphasizes the importance of having a single instructor to avoid conflicting advice, a tip she still finds valuable. Slade reminisces about his mentor, Teddy, who taught him the mental resilience necessary for golf, emphasizing that physicality, not intellect, often dictates performance.

The conversation shifts to the broader theme of fun versus competition in sports. Stacey argues that many women say they're playing "just for fun" as a defense mechanism against societal pressures and ingrained gender norms. This phrase often serves as a buffer against judgment or unsolicited advice. Slade counters, noting that all sports inherently contain a competitive element, and everyone seeks improvement, even if only against their past performance.

On the topic of equipment, Slade is particular about using a Titleist Pro V1 ball, valuing its soft feel for his short game. Stacey shares her more relaxed approach, choosing balls based on what’s available and affordable. She recalls buying senior balls on sale and finding minimal differences compared to women's balls, suggesting that packaging often drives perceptions more than actual performance differences. Slade encourages consistency in using a specific ball type to build confidence.

Stacey reflects on the balance between skill development and equipment investment, believing in improving her game before investing heavily in specialized equipment. Slade disagrees, arguing that better equipment could significantly aid improvement, especially for higher handicappers. Despite their differing views, both agree that confidence and comfort with one's gear are crucial for an enjoyable game.

Ultimately, they conclude that the essence of golf, and perhaps all sports, lies in finding a personal balance between competition and enjoyment. While equipment and technical skills play their parts, the mental game and personal satisfaction remain most important.