For Sarah Rhodes of Bradford, the beauty of golf goes beyond the manicured greens and stunning courses. It is an art that combines skill and mental focus, a deep appreciation of nature and love of tradition. For Rhodes, a lifetime golfer, the game serves as a connection to her past and her parents.
“They say that golf is a good walk wasted, but I am just happy to be outside enjoying the fresh air – at least I know I am on the right side of the grass,” Rhodes said.
The allure of the game has never been lost on Rhodes. She grew up watching her parents golf. Her dad enjoyed more of the sporting aspect of the game while her mother is more of a social butterfly. Her father has been gone for 31 years but Rhodes said she can still hear his voice in her head every time she steps onto the green.
“The older I get, the more I find I am quoting my father with every round I play,” said Rhodes.
One of her father’s best tips was to trust the club. For Rhodes, it is a lesson that goes beyond the green. It is a lesson in putting in the hard work to practice beforehand so that in the moment, you know you can trust yourself to get the job done.
“Golf is a sport that requires a lot of practice to gain muscle memory and learn how to properly use the tools at your disposal,” Rhodes said. “So you pick your club and that is it, you don’t scoop it or anything because the angle of the club will do the work for you.”
Another important lesson that Rhodes has learned on the golf course is one in self-improvement.
“I am competitive but I only compete against myself,” Rhodes said. “Over the years I have learned that is the best way to improve.”
Rhodes has been playing the game since she was just a young girl. Her family all used to get together on Saturdays and play at Smethport Country Club.
“I grew up playing with my brothers and sisters when we were just young kids, we would set up different tees around the house by digging a hole and setting a cup into it for the ball to go into,” Rhodes recalled.
Rhodes enjoyed playing on the golf team during high school. In 1977, she was a senior in high school on the day she had one of her best golfing moments.
“On the last hole it was a par 3 and I hit to the back of the green. I made like a 30-foot putt for a birdie — the first birdie I ever got,” Rhodes said. “I can still remember how proud I was the next day at school when they mentioned it during the morning announcements.”
Golf remains one of her favorite ways to unwind after a long day.
“It happened to me earlier this week, I came in to work and then went golfing afterwards and I could just feel my mind clear when I got out there,” Rhodes said.
Rhodes gets together with her siblings to play golf to this day.
“It is something that lets us all come together and we laugh and share stories — we play golf during the day and cards at night,” Rhodes said. “Those are memories that I know I will always cherish.”
