The day I picked up a golf club and swung it for the first time I was in love. There’s something about hitting the ball and watching it sail far off into the distance that releases stress and creates a feeling of accomplishment that draws me back to the course time and time again, even after a bad round. For some, golfing comes naturally, and for others it can take a lot of practice, but for all of us, the feeling of being outdoors, getting exercise, and challenging yourself to improve your golf skills, always keeps us coming back for more.
Long gone are the days where golf was an “old man’s” sport. Gone as well are the days where only people with “money” could afford to play. Golf has evolved into an every-person sport; no matter the skill level, no matter the budget, no matter who you are, golf is now out there to be enjoyed by everyone, and Victoria Park Golf follows that mantra to a tee!
See what I did there?
John DeCorso, second-generation co-owner of Victoria Park Golf, speaks to us about the many benefits the game of golf can bring:
“Golf has really made a resurgence in the past few years as we have dealt with the international pandemic”, begins John. “We were lucky enough to have a business in a profession where opening up and keeping people safe was easier to do than with most businesses, and we are very lucky for that. The game of golf is so beneficial to our health, not only physically but now even more than ever, there are also so many mental and emotional benefits.”
SOME OF THOSE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Spending time in the fresh air with the sun shining is a great way to get a substantial amount of vitamin D that our bodies and minds need to function properly. Even though there might be clouds on any given day, people are still being exposed to the sunlight.
- Spending time with friends and family is now more important than ever for our mental health. Golf provides for a wonderful time spent with the people you love to be around. There are so many groups of fathers, sons, mothers, and daughters coming out to the club, and they’re all spending a great day together having fun.
- Being amongst some of the most beautiful landscapes and nature is always good for the soul.
- There is an element to the need for concentration and brain functionality which golf can greatly improve. Sometimes simply keeping score keeps our wires working! If you feel like keeping score that is…
- BMI Healthcare tells us: “Golf is not a high-energy sport, but that doesn’t mean it can’t help towards weight loss. You might not feel like you’re getting an intense workout, but all that swinging and putting, plus walking an 18-hole course, really does add up. On a typical round, you’ll be almost constantly moving.”
- Good circulation for heart health.
- Stress relief (maybe re-visit that part about not keeping score)
- You’ll most likely experience a better night’s rest, after a day of fresh air and exercise.
Established in 1968 by the DeCorso Family, Victoria Park Golf is actually home to two of the premier courses in the Golden Triangle region: Victoria Park East and Victoria Park Valley.
The Victoria Park East course is a well- known championship layout that is not only beautiful, but also considered one of the most challenging courses in the area. The second course, Victoria Park Valley, is a gorgeous executive-play course, designed for every skill level and any age group. Both are situated in the scenic rolling countryside of Guelph and Puslinch Twp.
“We have seen such a resurgence of interest in the game of golf from younger players, to retired men and women, to families looking for a safe way to spend time together and get out in the fresh air” says John. “Most spend a few hours playing their course of choice, and then hit our patio for a bite and refreshments. It has become something for everyone to enjoy, and our family takes pride in delivering the best experience possible.”
Once you arrive at either of the Victoria Park courses, you’ll instantly be taken with the amazing scenery and beautiful landscapes, a stunning location where you’ll be enjoying the next few hours playing a round. The team, the facilities, and most importantly the way in which you are welcomed and taken care of, will absolutely keep you coming back.
So, this Spring, get out to Victoria Park East or Valley, grab your driver, and in the immortal words of my favourite golfer John Daly… “Grip it and Rip it!”
WRITTEN BY: KELLI M. MADDOCKS | RESOURCES: VICTORIA PARK GOLF, PUSLINCH
