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By DANIEL LOCKE | Staff Writer

Golf is a sport that many people, including myself, love to play as a hobby. Often times, people forget that golf is supposed to be fun. Nothing more than an enjoyable time outdoors with people you care about­—unless you enjoy playing alone, something there is certainly no shame in.

Often times, however, golfers lose sight out what the round is really about. One bad shot can alter their mood completely, bringing down those around them. Every golfer has bad shots, including some of the world’s best like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. If these guys make mistakes on the course, why does the average golfer think they are immune to them?

Don’t throw your clubs. Don’t lose your temper. Don’t ruin the good time of those around you.

I, like many golfers, started playing because it was something my dad and I could to together. I played just about every sport available at some point, but golf gave us a chance to bond that the others did not. My grandfather is an avid golfer as well, giving the three of us something to talk about and do together.

I started watching the final round of each weekend’s PGA Tournament, only growing my attachment to the sport. I quickly took to Jordan Speith and Dustin Johnson, while my dad continued to cheer on Phil Mickelson, even in the twilight of his career.

I joined the golf team in high school, giving me even more love for the sport. Having an excuse to hit the driving range or get a quick nine holes in after school gave me something to look forward to while trying to pay attention in math class.

I have often referred this part of the state as a hidden gem for golf. Within a short drive of my home in Helena, there’s Calera’s Timberline, my personal favorite, Pelham’s Ballantrae and even Oak Mountain State Park, a quality municipal course that will not break the bank or the scorecard for beginners or seasoned veterans.

Nearby Bessemer offers Bent Brook and Frankhouse, another budget-friendly option. Hoover is home to two of the state’s best in the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Ross Bridge and Oxmoor Valley. Overlooking Downtown Birmingham is Highland Park, where the shorter-than-average distance from tee box to green gives average golfers a chance at lower scores.

The area boasts private options such as Greystone and Inverness, each conveniently located to Highway 280, and the Riverchase Country Club.

There is a Golf Galaxy off Highway 280 as well, offering wide selections of apparel, clubs, shoes and anything else you would need to hit the links.

Want to play but don’t know how? You’re in luck as many of the courses in the area have PGA-certified instructors on-site, ready to repair your swing or help you build one from scratch.

With summer in full-swing, now is the perfect time to grab your friends and head to the course, or at least the driving range. Enjoy one of the numerous options available to golfers in this part of the state.