At 10:30 on Friday 15th September, eight intrepid members met up at Dunnikier Golf Clubhouse to step into a new adventure - Park Golf.  We were met by volunteer Martin, handed chunky putters and plastic balls both bigger and lighter than traditional golf balls, and taken to the six-hole course and the first tee.

I can’t help thinking that those who design such courses must harbour a tiny nugget of sadism deep in their wicked souls, because the lie of the land, the situating of rough and smooth grass and bunkers are all designed to catch out the unwary innocents, ie us green-as-grass beginners.

“Aim left and UP the hill!!” oft came the cry, however, alas, to no avail as balls rolled down and away from the hole and even over the wee hill and far away. I blame the half-a-gale that was blowing.  We play in pairs with different coloured balls for each pair: the ball that lands nearer to the hole is joined by the farthest away so, if you are lucky enough to have a partner who is a canny hitter, you take your wayward ball to join hers for the next shot.

There is nothing better than being out in the (very) fresh air getting much more (gentle) exercise than you realise you are getting: all the walking to retrieve recalcitrant balls; the bending down (if you can, otherwise someone will help) to pick up the ball; club-swinging, ball-hitting (mostly) moving between holes; general hilarity and encouragement (good for the lungs) it is all good for health and well-being.

Coffee tea and biscuits laid on at the clubhouse were very welcome, and we all made a donation to the charity which runs this enjoyable activity.

Go on, give it a go, you know you want to!

Patsy Bain