As Lifestyle Editor for The Daily Duffer, I’m always looking for stories that remind us why golf is more than just a game. It’s a lens through which we experience the world, a canvas for human resilience, and a community that binds us. Recently, I came across a story that perfectly encapsulates this spirit, a tale of an architect, a city, and the enduring power of perspective. It’s a story about finding peace in chaos, and about the deep ties between golf and wellness, even when life throws us a curveball.
Agustín Pizá, a renowned golf course architect, approaches life with a discerning eye. He intentionally limits his exposure to the relentless news cycle, preferring to safeguard his peace of mind. As he told GOLF.com, his focus is on the positive:
“I follow [sports] because they focus on success stories.”
This commitment to a positive mental landscape is a key takeaway for all of us. In an increasingly noisy world, actively curating our information intake can profoundly impact our well-being, both on and off the course. It’s about being present and focusing on what truly matters to our mental game.
However, sometimes life forces us to confront the unexpected. For Pizá, that moment arrived on a quiet Sunday morning in Puerto Vallarta. What began as a routine day in his adopted second home quickly turned surreal when columns of black smoke billowed across the skyline. His news blackout was abruptly shattered, bringing with it worried messages and the unsettling sight of a city in lockdown due to cartel retaliation.
In the face of what could have been a deeply unsettling experience, Pizá’s perspective shines through. He acknowledged the gravity of the situation but also emphasized the unique spirit of Puerto Vallarta:
“This is really a one-off incident for Puerto Vallarta. Anyone who has been here knows it’s one of the coolest, safest, friendliest places you can go. But it’s unfortunate because in the end Mexico lives off tourism.”
This highlights a crucial aspect of the golf lifestyle: understanding the cultural tapestry of the places we play and respecting the communities that host us. Golf isn’t just about manicured greens; it’s about connecting with people and places, appreciating local vibrancy, and supporting the livelihoods that often depend on tourism, including golf tourism.
Finding Your Escape, On and Off the Course
During the lockdown, with his office closed and flights canceled, Pizá found an unexpected solace in his work. He tuned into TGL, the tech-driven golf league founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, where his imaginative course designs come to life in a virtual arena. He watched pros like Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler navigate the whimsical, often fantastical, settings he helped conceive.
“If it wasn’t for TGL,” he said, “I’m not sure what I’d be doing.”
This resonates deeply with the essence of golf’s role in our lives. Whether it’s practicing putting in your living room, losing yourself in a golf video game, or simply reminiscing about a perfect round, golf provides a mental escape. It’s a space where we can focus, challenge ourselves, and find a sense of flow that transcends daily worries. For everyday golfers, this means recognizing the power of golf as a mental break, a form of active meditation that can ground us when things feel uncertain.
Resilience and Reconnection: Lessons from Puerto Vallarta
By Tuesday, the immediate crisis in Puerto Vallarta had receded. Restrictions were lifted, the airport reopened, and the city began its return to normalcy. Pizá observed the resilience of the community firsthand. His Puerto Vallarta office, after being given the option to stay home, saw every single employee show up. And at Marina Vallarta Golf Club, despite the recent events, the fairways were busy, having already welcomed 200 rounds that day, complete with complimentary margaritas. This spirit of returning to routine, finding joy in the game, and supporting local businesses is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the unifying force of golf.
Pizá’s experience offers valuable insights for all of us who embrace the golf lifestyle. It’s about:
- Conscious Consumption of Information: Like Pizá, consider how much news and social media you consume. Actively choose sources that uplift and inform, rather than those that breed anxiety. Your mental game, both on and off the course, will thank you.
- Cultivating Perspective: When faced with challenges, remember to contextualize. Most situations are not as dire as they first appear, and resilience is often closer than we think. Golf teaches us to stay calm under pressure; apply this wisdom to life’s bunkers.
- The Power of Escape: Even if you can’t hit the links, find your ‘TGL’ – that golf-related activity, whether virtual or tactile, that allows you to lose yourself in the game and find mental clarity.
- Supporting Golf Communities: When you travel to play golf, remember you’re part of a larger ecosystem. Support local businesses, engage with the community, and appreciate the unique culture of each destination.
Pizá’s journey home was uneventful, filled with the simple joy of returning to family. Yet, his thoughts were already drifting south, back to the vibrant city that had weathered a storm. “I’ll be back in Puerto Vallarta in three weeks,” he said. “I can’t wait.”
His story reminds us that the golf lifestyle isn’t just about luxury or leisure; it’s about connection, resilience, and finding beauty and purpose, even in the midst of life’s unpredictable moments. It’s about showing up, both for the game and for the communities that make it special.
