So the main reason I play golf is …

What’s the main reason we play golf?

The answer to that question dawned on me while in coronavirus lockdown.

Under alert level three we were allowed to play golf but had to remain within our bubble. That basically meant only playing with members of my household.

I am the only member of my household that plays golf. So I could only play golf by myself.

In addition the cups of the holes were raised above the ground and all you had to do was hit the raised cup with the golf ball. That was deemed as having holed out.

But scores didn’t matter anyhow. Golf New Zealand was not accepting any scores for handicap purposes during that time.

Because I would have had to play on my own, I couldn’t be bothered playing. Instead I went to the golf course driving range and I practised. Sorry for using that rude P word.

But it got me thinking. If I had had someone to play with I would have played, even though it was somewhat pointless.

And it also made me come to conclusion of the main reason I play golf. Camaraderie.

Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy the game, I enjoy the competition, I enjoy the challenge of trying to hit a good shot, I enjoy the exercise and I enjoy the fresh air.

But in the end it’s camaraderie that ranks as No 1.

I love the banter between players, I enjoy the conversation on the golf course and I enjoy taking money off my mates when scores are tallied at the end of the round — although the latter is only occasional.

When an opposition player three-putts to lose the hole, I enjoy comforting them by saying if it’s any consolation that third putt looked good all the way.

When an opposition player has to step away from their shot because I am talking to my playing partner, I enjoy saying can you please not play until we have finished talking.

On the rare occasion when I hit my drive one foot further than any of the others in my group, I enjoy telling them they must be pleased with their drives.

I enjoy the drink after golf. I enjoy the wine and cheese we have after golf on a Thursday.

I enjoy the comments about the person who lost $100 for the racing syndicate the previous Saturday.

I enjoy the comments about the person who won $500 for the racing syndicate the previous Saturday — although the latter is only occasional.

I enjoy the planning of our next golf trip. When should we go, where should we go, what courses should we play?

We have had a number of golf trips planned in the last couple of years but the actual occurrence has only been occasional. Covid-19 has been the culprit.

Golf lends itself to camaraderie. There is lots of time between shots and good conversation helps pass that time.