Hi, I'm an addict!

Hi, my name is hardballs, and I've been addicted to golf for 2yrs and 5 months! It started about 15 years ago, but back then I only dabbled with friends, for recreational use. I could take it or leave it, it was just a bit of fun and I thought I could handle it! I'd have long spells going without it and that wouldn't bother me. But about 2 n' half yrs ago, I got back into it through some friends, at first it was just at weekends, but then I started doing it regularly, I eventually started leaving work early or made excuses to not go in at all just so I could get my fix, I used to do it only with select friends, but now, through desperation, I'll do it with anybody! It's on my mind several times a day, I'm thinking about it in bed at night, and if I go a whole day without it I get all jittery! I've become so obsessed I've even got my kids into it! This habit is costing a small fortune! Just when I think I've got it under control I impulsively look on eBay for golf paraphernalia! I've spoke to a close friend about it and he thinks it's a stage I'm going through and it will eventually phase out! I'm not so sure, my other friends don't seem to be as addicted as I am, if there's anyone out there who can offer advice I'd be gratefull, Until then, I'm of to the range to collect my thoughts! Peace!

The first step in any 12 step program is admitting that you have a problem!

The difficulty in this particular one lies in finding a recovering sponsor.....

I truly been an addict for 5 years. I don't plan on stopping

I'm right there with you @Hardballs I've been a hardcore golf addict for the last three years.

Myself as well.

Withdrawal (winter) only seems to make the addiction worse for me.

2.5 years a slave...

For 7 years I was a daylight to dark addict (unless I turned the lights on and hit balls until midnight).

Work got in the way of my habit from 5:00 am to 1:00 pm four days a week but other than that if you wanted to see me and it was daylight you would have to come to the course.

Now I'm just a casual user and could probably go cold turkey without any withdrawal if I wanted to.

That's what they all say! When really your bursting inside because you just found a great deal on your favourite balls from last season! [quote name="David in FL" url="/t/77600/hi-im-an-addict#post_1064974"]The first step in any 12 step program is admitting that you have a problem! The difficulty in this particular one lies in finding a recovering sponsor.....   ;-) [/quote] Impossible, unless you find an old guy in his 90's who's body has been ravaged by the habit and can no longer physically play! [quote name="14ledo81" url="/t/77600/hi-im-an-addict#post_1064998"]Myself as well. Withdrawal (winter) only seems to make the addiction worse for me. [/quote] What? Your a part time addict? Have you found some kind of methadone for the winter? I still find myself out there in the cold rain and wind feeding my habit!

@Hardballs , if it was cold and rain, I would be out. Can't play when the course is under 2' of snow though.

I feel for you,.... I really do!

That's why they make orange balls.

Yeah...  I think I would need heated balls....

I have a cover for my cart and a propane heater inside the cart. It's actually surprising how comfortable it is when I only get out of the cart for a shot.

Funny thing: In our wintertime team games, the team that has the most players with heaters in their carts win a very, very high percentage of the time.

Is that a hazmat suit?

We can't do that here. Unless it is a snow mobile golf cart. Even that would be pointless.

We got a taste of that last winter where none of us played for a couple of months.

Unusual here but typical where you are. I did play a round in January in north Missouri one time when the temperature was under 20 degrees. The snow had melted off of the center of the fairways and as long as we kept it down the middle we could play.

It was funny that nobody was at the course but there was a sign on the door that said "If you want to play put $10 in the mailbox."

Don't stop and don't give up, nobody likes quitters