Experiencing the monsoon magic on fairway to heaven
India, Aug. 4 -- My grandson once asked, "Dadu, where is heaven?"
For me, the answer lies not in scriptures or afterlife promises - but often right there, on the dew-kissed fairways of the Chandimandir golf course, somewhere between a misty tee-off and a shared laugh over a missed putt.
As a senior golfer, I've discovered that golf is far more than a sport. It is a communion - with nature, with old friends, and with oneself. We spend much of our lives chasing goals, only to realise, in the golden years, that some of the finest moments are quietly tucked away in the leisurely rounds through the fairways in the backdrop of the Shivalik hills. I have played on courses where rivers hum like ancient ragas, and the wind brings with it the scent of pine, earth, or freshly mown grass. On the edges of these greens, I've seen birds soar, peacocks strut, and sometimes, even monkeys cheekily steal a ball or two, reminding us not to take scorecards too seriously!
And then, there's the magic of the monsoon. Many shy away from the rains, but for those of us who venture out with umbrellas tucked in our golf bags and hearts wide open - it is sheer bliss. The skies turn dramatic, the air is fragrant, and the raindrops tapping on our caps feel like nature's applause. Playing in the rain, with friends trudging along damp fairways, shoes squelching and spirits high, this is not discomfort; this is childhood revisited.
Despite the downpours, the fairways remain lush yet playable, bunkers are swiftly drained, and every corner reflects care and commitment, thanks to the team that turns rain-soaked greens into playable poetry. Moments like these remind us: Heaven is not a destination, it is a well-played round with friends in nature's lap.
Golf offers seniors much more than exercise. It gives us a reason to rise, to walk, to breathe deeply. It nurtures our joints, stirs our humour, and most importantly, it nourishes our soul.
Even today, at 83, when I leave home for a round of golf, I feel like 38 as I take a deep breath of fresh air and hit my first shot. It's heavenly! So next time someone asks you where heaven is, don't look up. Just point toward the nearest golf course after a good rain, and say, "Come, let's walk a few holes, you'll find it there."...
To read the full article or to get the complete feed from this publication, please
Contact Us.