I've been golfing on and off since I was a teenager.  At the most I would go weekly.  In the last few years, it's been even less than that.  However, I've started to notice something about golf.  It's so much more fun than it was just a few years ago.  Here's why.

When I was in my 20's, I felt the need to hit the ball as hard as I possibly could.  In my 30's, I realize technique is what gets you a lower score, not brute strength.  I guess you could call it maturity.

I've learned and accepted shots that I cannot take.  I know when to lay up.  I spend less time in the sand, and more time on the fairway.  Sure it will take me an extra shot to get on in 3.  But at least I'm not on in 5 after several failed attempts in the bunker.

I've learned which clubs do what for me.  It's not as simple as yardage.  I have the maturity now to know how my 8 iron will work for an approach compared to my 9 iron.  I'm "dialing it in" more and more as I go.  In my 20's I wasn't consistent enough with any of my swings to be able to tell the difference.

I'm there to golf, not to drink.   We've all see the young guys on the course with their buddies getting smashed, barely able to hit the ball a few feet.  I was that guy for several years.  We would have saved a lot of money if we just went to the bar.  And don't' get me wrong, I'll still enjoy some cocktails while golfing, but drinking isn't the sport.

I appreciate the "quietness" of golf more.  In my 20's, when I left the golf course I'd go home to my bachelor pad.   Now in my 30's, I go home to a house full of kids running around and a mountain of to-do's.  You really learn to appreciate the serenity of the course.  Even if you're doing poorly.

Hopefully the improvement will continue for years to come.  Here's to my 40's!

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