Golf Buddies

Golf Buddies

Flying Blue Golf members share their favourite golf memories with you! Whether it’s the group of golf buddies they play with or how they got their start, read their experiences here

Golf buddies: Sophie Grandin (France)

“Women are more relaxed about golf than men”

Sophie Grandin (38) from Champigny-sur-Marne in France, started to play golf six years ago. It was tough in the beginning, but now that she is improving her game, she is enjoying the sport more and more. What she likes best about golf is “being in nature and discovering new golf courses during my travels. Golf also gives me a feeling of tranquillity that´s soothing to me, and always makes me feel good."

What makes this sport so challenging?

“Each shot is different, every course is changing with the seasons. It's hard to stay focused for 18 holes and not get upset when I have bad shots or stupid errors of assessment. Making 3 putts instead of 2 is extremely annoying.”

Strong points, weak points?

“My handicap is 33, so I still have a huge margin for progress, but my level is now sufficient to have fun at any golf course. My strengths are putting, and the fact that I don´t get annoyed easily. My weaknesses? The second shots on par 4 and 5 and shots in the rough (so I try not to go there too often!). I also still have some difficulties to manage my fatigue.”

Where do you like to play golf?

“I play golf in the area around my home in suburban Paris, as there are a lot of golf courses. But I also love to go on weekend trips and explore new courses, especially in the south-west of France (around Bordeaux or Biarritz). I recently played in the Algarve, it was great. Frankly, I enjoy playing anywhere, as long as the landscape is beautiful. I like green courses with many trees.”

Who do you play golf with?

“I play with my partner and with friends who started playing golfing around the same time that we did. Over the years, I formed a group of female friends golfers, but I also have some male friends who play golf. I think that men have a more competitive perception of golf and so I sometimes believe that they´re not only competing with other players, but also with themselves. Women are more relaxed about golf.”

One of the interesting things about golf is that it´s a social sport, certainly. It´s fun to play with different players. I don´t talk much while I play, except when I walk between holes. It is also a sport that needs focus and a clear mind. A mind game, certainly! I always try to anticipate my moves and have the best possible position for the next shot. But at my level, this has often been proven to be harder then I think!”

Anything else you want to share?

“What I am sure of is that I don´t regret having started playing golf. I love this sport and try to convince as many people around me to try it themselves. In the last five years, I know of at least ten people that have started playing because of me. I am quite proud of that!”

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Comments

Andi X

Andi X

12 May 2011 16:10

your headline is definitely true men are a lot more aggressive especially when they foul on shots I'm just glad I'm not my friends Zak's golf bag it's had more hits with a golf club than Tiger Woods.