The Battle of The 22

"Honestly, golf saved my life" the navy rescue swimmer muttered.

At the surface, golf seems like the sport that is written off for the rich folks who fancy silly golf claps and expensive golf clubs. The ones who own the best that collared shirts have to offer and smoke only the finest of cigars.

Or perhaps you think of the frat boys and bachelor parties who badger the cart girls for their shot of vodka alongside a white claw that their buddy’s videotape for their Instagram followers.

But there's another side to golf that could care less about the stereotypes of those who play. The thing that we call the game. The game that frustrates the living hell outta those who indulge. The game that can decisively defeat those who think they are having a good day. The game that can't be conquered. Can't be mastered. But that fact in it of itself, allures those who play. It's the challenge.

You see, the chase for that one pure shot. The one that seems effortless. The one that has a way of erasing all prior shots for the glory of the current one. Because that shot, that one can make a name for a golfer in a way that no other such sport can offer. It builds a confidence that fuels the need to continue seeking that challenge we call golf.

As the Marine vet shared the quote that boldly stood as the wallpaper on his phone "Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get the good breaks from the bad shots, you get the bad breaks from the good shots, but you have to play the ball where it lies"-Bobby Jones.

It's the careful balance of the similarities to the game of life and the beauty of the break from the day to day we all need. That dichotomous nature of the sport turns all those who play into seekers. As the fire captain explained, "Golf is addicting".

But what if this game can be used for more? What if this game can be used as an outlet? A way to keep choosing to live when the world around seems pointless. When the system seems beyond repair. When daunting questions about humanity arise.

What if this game can be used in the mission to save the 22 veterans, active duty and first responders we lose each day to suicide?

Well, what if, right?

Post-traumatic stress disorder. A word that is ever evolving but widely misunderstood until experienced. It slyly hides under the surface of anger, guilt, shame, and regret. It deviously roars through rapidly provoked outbursts, seemingly endless numbness and the distance felt between the past, the present and the future. A dissociation masked as the constant search for an escape from the subtly engulfing discomfort felt in mind and body. It robs the ease of connection to oneself and to others. As if one is physically present, yet the attempt to connect with others is unfulfilling. It's the feeling that you are disappointing others by the actions or inactions that follow each day. It’s the overwhelming irritation with inconveniences. The anger towards ungrateful individuals. The hyper-vigilance and hyperawareness to the surroundings that must be observed and mentally noted. It can be exhausting to constantly be in survivor mode. It's the cycle that subtly develops and quickly escalates.

Now, don't get me wrong, PTSD can present itself in many ways and experienced on different levels, but it does require outlets that are integrative- that can range from flexible and fluid to structured and strategic. It demands multiple avenues to cope with the many physical and mental manifestations that can shift and change throughout periods of time.

But remember- we have this game that mirrors that of life. The one that is a challenge and a refuge. Demanding both physically and mentally, yet oh so addictive. The game of golf.

"Golf?" The Marine Corp radio operator replied, " It's my favorite thing to do. I mean, it's taught me a lot. Like patience and confidence. It's taught me how to be outgoing and comfortable in any situation; it's my outlet"

"You see" exclaimed the retired CHP officer, "I was injured on the job, and I've had too many surgeries to name. So, I guess golf gives me that competition and camaraderie that I need".

The Marine Corp aviation electrician reflected "Golf gives me something to look forward too, a challenge. But most of all, it's a way to meet and be around people. It's impossible to play perfect golf. Doing something that is humbling with other people strengthens our bonds, it's good for the soul".

Golf presents many moving parts that can naturally combat the symptoms of PTSD, especially for our veterans, active duty and first responders.

When service members play together, it does a couple things- it teaches presence, builds a community, and starts conversations- to name just a few.

Presence. A difficult skill that many struggle with separate of PTSD. But the complexity of mastering that skill when your survivor mode is constantly heightened introduces a new level of difficulty.

Here's the thing with golf- the shot that we all strive towards- it's the one that feels easy. It's the one that connects to the moment. Because let's be honest, when you are not mind and body present, your ball goes the complete opposite dang way you intend. Or perhaps, ya swing and ya miss- only to blame the small whisper that your golf buddy barely made on your backswing... *Excuses! Cough, cough. Wink, wink*

Only kidding... That can definitely can be quite distracting...

However, 18 holes. Many swings. Multiple shots. It's practicing the ability to consciously work on presence. To feel in body again. And that- that's the AK 47 we have in our back pocket, ready for use.

Now, let's talk about community. When men and women who have served come together to play, there is a level of respect that is had from the get-go. It allows these players to cut a bit of the BS knowing they are surrounded by people who have served. By people who want to come support the cause of PTSD. People who are passionate about golf. And there is a high chance that they will find others who have shared values and characteristics that can be difficult to find.

From the young active duty to the 70year-old vet. From the retired fire chief to the seasoned police officer. There is a connection that cannot be compared to that of a civilian. And that community- Man- that community deserves a platform for camaraderie. And that's what we do.

The best part? The camaraderie builds naturally as the players are paired with new guys each week. Or perhaps they bring friends who experience the cause for the first time. And let me tell you, as each hole passes, the witty comments, laughter, and stories begin to show themselves quite quickly.

PTSD can be a hard topic to bring up and requries an accepting environment. With people who have all, in some way shape or form, encountered PTSD. Whether that's contact within themselves, within their work environment or within someone they know- it's a contact that leaves a mark.

This conversation can begin to be had by the unique opportunity that golf presents. A golf course is a safe space. It can be quiet and relaxing or rowdy and fun. Topics can be brought up and chatted about for the entirety of the game or perhaps short and interrupted by a question regarding which club to use or what the yardage is towards the green.

The conversations can be deep, but then followed-up with some sarcastic remark that leaves the entire foursome laughing.

Connection heals. And this camaraderie, these conversations, those memories? They are the ultimate weapon in this combat.

Now, golf isn't the end all be all in the search for a cure to PTSD. But let me tell you, the impact I've seen it make on those who serve... it's the most rewarding and hopeful experience to have.

Because to be honest, one too many players have lost one too many people to PTSD. One too many friends to suicide.

And I will dedicate my life to serving those who serve us.

Resources:

https://herogolftour.com/the-mission/