Looking at quitting the sport I used to love

[beardo123]

Hi Guys 

Ive been playing the game of golf since I was 13 years old I am now 33, up until the pandemic I was really dedicated to practice and playing competitive golf, with the forced break in everything during the pandemic I just haven't seemed to find that spark to ignite my golfing fire within me. 

Post pandemic ive flitted between memberships at golf clubs not really settling anywhere or wanting to get back into it properly I have a handicap of +2 at the minute but with no desire to play. Im at a bit of a fork in my golfing road, I haven't played competitively now for 9 months due to welcoming our first child and now with the new season coming in to view am wondering whether I should look at joining somewhere or whether that fire has fully extinguished in me and I move on to something new. 

Has anyone one else been in this predicament? 

Cheers

[Sp4zRX]

If you’re not playing professionally or aspiring to, then it shouldn’t feel like a job. If you don’t feel like playing, then don’t. If you do decide to hang up the hat, then it will always be there for you if you ever do start getting the itch again. It might be something you and your kid (congrats btw!) can enjoy together when he/she gets older. 
 

I did quit the game out of frustration for more than 10 years and the game was right there waiting on me when I did get the itch again. 

[Jtgavigan]

I have played since I was 11. Now 53. I took a several year break in my 20's and have taken several 6 month to 2 year breaks in the last 10 years because of various circumstances. I haven't played competitively since high school, but I have played to low single digits/scratch for most of my time. It is always there to welcome me back when I want to come back. Don't force it and don't sweat it either that you are "out of love" with the game. It happens. 

[caligolfer2103]

Not a serious golfer but a dad for 16 years now. I think what you're going through is not surprising... When the new kid comes along, the motivation for other things can often go away... part of it is just wanting to spend os much time with the kid that nothing else matters. But the other side of it is being a dad is exhausting! While I've never gotten back into golf, as my kids have gotten older, I've found ways to subtly "shape" them into things I enjoy (some stuck, some didn't) and now I've resumed a lot of my former hobbies, like fishing and working out, except now with them in tow. Wouldn't surprise me if that's how you found your way back to golf - and the best part is you can start a kid on golf so early that you might be just a few years away from resuming again. Again, no idea what specific thing you're going through but just one dad's perspective!

[st1800e]

11 hours ago, beardo123 said:

whether that fire has fully extinguished in me

At your playing level it’s unlikely that’ll ever happen.  Now you’re a father.  Life priorities change as the journey continues. As they should.  Embrace your current priorities, golf will always be there for you.  Take a break now if you wish, play occasionally, and don’t  worry about your score when you do, just enjoy.  You’re not going to lose your talent.  
 

Before you know it, your child will want to play.