The game of golf has changed over the past 100 years.
St. Andrews, known as “the “home of golf,” was the birthplace of the classic18-hole golf game. The public golf course is located in St. Andrews, in Fife, Scotland and is known for its historical value, large double greens, riveted bunkers and historic 700-year-old Swilcan Bridge, which is located on the eighteenth fairway. Iconic moments occurred on that bridge, such as Jack Niklaus’ famous farewell to the Open Championship in 2005 and Tom Watson’s goodbye in 2015.
Over the years legendary courses such as St. Andrews, Augusta National (Augusta, Ga), Shinnecock Hills G.C.(Southampton, N.Y), Cypress Point Club (Pebble Beach, Ca) and Merion Golf Club (Ardmore, Pa) have become iconic symbols of the historic game.
But today the golf industry is changing and becoming available in less iconic ways, inviting more people to enjoy the legendary game.
There’s “Goofy Golf,” “Putt-Putt” and miniature golf, all putting games with extraordinary obstacles. There’s “executive golf”, aimed at providing the executive an “extended lunch break” on a par three nine-hole course. There’s also “TopGolf,” a golf version of bowling where players try to hit their balls into big netted vats earning points on a digital scoreboard.
So many variations have developed from the legendary game.
And now this spring, golf is being offered in yet another way.
This spring, golf is being offered to individuals seeking recovery from Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder. Golf offers an individual an opportunity to concentrate singly; on the golf ball, on making contact with the ball and on keeping track of the ball while moving about the course. According to Al Ciliberto, Clinical Director at Water Gap Wellness, golf offers a perfect exercise in “mindfulness,” which Al describes as “living in the here and now.”
Water Gap Wellness a Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Rehab in Pennsylvania, proudly offers a private nine-hole golf course where individuals who are seeking recovery can learn to be mindful once again.
The golf course at Water Gap Wellness has a history of its own as the site of the Eastern Open in 1926-1928. The hilly course, designed by Robert White – the first president of the PGA, offers blind shots with water, rolling greens that are fast and long open drive shots. The course is a real shot-makers course and one for all ability levels.
Water Gap Wellness offers a PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) for individuals seeking help with a Mental Health Diagnosis or Substance Use Disorder. With an on-site Psychiatrist, seasoned masters level counselors, 2 private sessions weekly. group sessions daily and a housing option at the beautiful Water Gap Wellness Inn, individuals can experience true rejuvenation, direction and healing.
And thanks to Addicted to Golf of Virginia which generously donated complete men’s and women’s golf sets, golf balls and golf tees, the clients of Water Gap Wellness are now all ready FORE a new season of life.
written by Annette Kaiser
