I think it’s the way golf courses, no matter where you are in the world, always look relatively the same. I could be on a golf course in Egypt and still feel at home. The golf course has a certain quietness muffling out all the hectic matters of life so that I can just be. Like guardians, the trees lining the fairways just are -- nothing bothers or disrupts their lifestyle.

I moved to Seattle for several reasons, one being that I’ve had enough with small towns and decided to get out early before I ended up trapped, never to escape. Joining the golf team at my new high school seemed like an easy way to make friends. To my disappointment, I was the only girl on a team of 13 immature, dirty-minded, testosterone-filled children. These boys only put more backing into my hypothesis that there are absolutely zero attractive males who play golf at the high school level. Being on my school's team created camaraderie, but nothing more. Golfing has always been a passion of mine, one I would hopefully be able to share with a male that has the abilities to match or exceed my own talents. Now that I am in college, I know that I just want to be able to share my passions with people I care about, no matter their abilities.

Golf courses have always been my happy place. From the first swing to the last putt, I am at peace with my surroundings. Even though I don’t have as much time or resources to play as much as I’d like, I can still use the skills that playing golf has given me to alleviate any amount of stress from my day. I hope that I can get back to playing more regularly this spring and hopefully make a friend or two along the way. Being able to play a sport surrounded by nature makes me feel comforted.

On the fairway, I feel I am more than just myself: I’m the girl I want to be every day. I’m unfazed by the inappropriate comments made by older men on the course, and overall, I’m more confident in my game and myself. Wearing my hair up in a ponytail as a convenient place for my tees and my colorful athletic skirt assures me of the great day ahead. On the green with friends or alone, I always feel at home, and I hope I never lose that feeling.