For one Brisbane dad, a busy working week leaves little spare time, but Monday and Saturday nights are reserved for golf, family and a four-year-old who is already showing plenty of interest in the game.
A maintenance manager and diesel fitter by trade, Joel Palmer works 12-hour days managing a workshop at Yatala. But since discovering X-Golf three years ago, he has made golf a regular part of family life, becoming a member, competing in X-League and building a strong social circle around the game.
And these days, he rarely heads to X-Golf alone…
Joel’s four-year-old son Luka is becoming a familiar face at the venue, happily grabbing a junior driver, taking a few swings on the simulator and enjoying what his dad describes as his favourite combination – golf and hot chips.
“He gets super excited. It’s Dad’s time and he gets to be part of it,” Joel said.
Luka has been coming along for the past couple of years and has grown increasingly comfortable at the venue. North Lakes local Joel says the X-Golf community has played an important role in developing his confidence.
“He can be a very shy little boy, but he’s much more comfortable now. The social aspect is really good for him.”
That sense of community extends beyond the game, too. Joel recently helped X-Golf team member, Preston, who came on board at his workplace as a trade apprentice to start the next chapter of his early career.
“That’s what I love about X-Golf,” Joel said.
“You go in to play golf, but you end up meeting people, making connections and becoming part of an awesome little community.”
“My wife doesn’t love golf, but we still often find we’re all there together – Monique and our youngest having a bite and watching the action, and Luka and I on the sims or hitting up the mini golf.”
Joel’s story is another example of what makes X-Golf different. It’s a sport that doesn’t have to mean four hours on a course anymore and there’s no waiting for perfect weather or a weekend tee time. With flexible access, a welcoming social environment and a format that works for beginners and experienced golfers alike, X-Golf makes it easier for people to fit golf into real life.
For families, that can mean something even bigger – introducing kids to the game, giving parents a chance to play on their own terms and creating a place where generations can enjoy the sport together.
Book the family in for a visit at your nearest X-Golf. Click here to get started.
