Golf can be a source of strain on many relationships, but can be transformed into something that brings you both closer instead of driving you apart. From my personal experience, I introduced my wife to the game a couple years ago and it was one of the best decisions I've made (not a high bar, but the point stands). I know there are some valid trepidations that come with the territory (losing time golfing alone or with friends, having to teach a beginner, etc.), but those are both generally exaggerated and greatly outweighed by the benefits. Here are just a few:
All couples need to find shared hobbies. Why not make golf an activity you can both enjoy? It's an easy way to put the phones away, get outside surrounded by beautiful scenery, and enjoy each other's company. You'll also be much less likely to hear about how you "never go on dates anymore".
There are always plenty of hinderances between you and playing golf; don't let your relationship be one of them. Believe it or not, introducing your significant other to the game can significantly boost your time out on the course. You know you'll always have someone to join you, and you won't feel guilty for sneaking out for 5 hours. Plus, two words: travel golf. No more missing out on once in a lifetime chances to play bucket list courses because you don't want to leave your vacation partner sitting in the hotel room alone.
Hopefully, I don't need to explain the benefits of you and your partner staying healthy and in shape. Golf is one of the few activities that you can play for almost your entire life, and is much more fun than going to the gym together or shoveling broccoli in your mouth.
While golf is supposed to be a form of entertainment, it can often be a source of pressure and frustration when you're just focused on playing your best. Introduce your biggest fan to the equation, though, and you'll find it much easier to relax and just enjoy yourself. As you probably know, playing relaxed also usually means you'll play better anyway. Some of my personal best rounds have come with my wife sitting shotgun in the cart.
That being said, if you're looking to add a little something extra to your friendly rounds...
Who's doing the dishes and the laundry? Who gets to pick the movie tonight? Who has to pick up the kids from band practice? The longer you're in a relationship, the more tiresome these debates get. Instead of starting a fight, propose an equitable solution: one round for all the marbles. They say there's no keeping score in a relationship, but that doesn't apply on the golf course.
Before you jump in with "but that's not fair because we're not the same skill level", there's already a solution: get yourselves a Handicap Index. It's the only way that everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros can compete on an even playing field. Did golf just become a solution for modern couples? You're welcome.
Need help picking a course to play together? We've got you covered: