Can you remember the days when you were single and answered only to yourself? I'm sure you were like me and played a round of golf on both Saturday and Sunday, went to the golf range 3 nights a week, and on occasion played 9-holes of golf after work. Doesn't that seem like a lifetime ago?

I know there are a lot of us full-time single dads out there that love to play golf, but we have difficulty finding time to just hit golf balls at the range let alone playing a round of golf. Trying to create a balance between your kids time and your own time for things like playing golf is tough.

Like me, you probably spend the better part of your day at work and occasionally you'll sneak away to hit golf balls at the range during lunch, but those days are rare. Getting away after work for a quick 9-holes is difficult too because of soccer practices, or baseball practices, or after school activities, etc... Trying to play a round of golf on the weekend is pretty much out of the question because of all the soccer games, baseball games, etc...

So here are 5 tips you can use to get back into the swing of things:

1. Bring Your Kids Along
I tried early on when my my son was 5 to get him interested in playing golf. I felt if I could peak his interest now then maybe later on when he got older we could play golf together. I would take him to the golf range and after about 15-20 minutes he would get tired of hitting golf balls and wanted to go home. I had to keep it interesting for him so I'd usually have a little competition to see who could hit a flag 15 yards away on the range. The putting green was his favorite and we played little games to keep his interest as well. I think getting that little white ball into the hole was fascinating for him.

2. Take Lessons Together
As he got a little older I signed him up for golf lessons. I would go along and watch him learn the basics of golf. Even though I had been teaching him some of the basics of golf, he didn't particularly like being told how to do something by his dad. I find this to be true with most boys when they turn 8 or 9 and I'm probably sure you'd agree with me. The lessons allowed us to get to the range early and hit a few golf balls together as well as after his golf lesson.

3. Hit Golf Balls in the Backyard
To give us both a chance to hit golf balls together whenever we wanted, I set up one of those golf nets in the backyard. We would take turns hitting 5 balls each from the mat and have a competition to see how many times we could hit the bullseye in the net. Suprisingly this ended up being more fun than going to the range.

4. Plan Special Golf Days
I played my first round of golf on Father's Day with my son this year and that was a treat. To be driving in the golf cart playing my favorite sport on Dad's day was a day to remember. Letting him drive the golf cart and getting a hot dog together seemed that much better because it was Father's Day. Take advantage of the national holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc... and plan a golf day with your son or daughter.

5. Plan A Golf Vacation
Another way I've been able to play golf and still have my kids around is on a golf vacation or golf school vacation. You'd be amazed at how many luxury resorts there are with some of the best golf instructors in the world. These resorts cater to everyone with all kinds of activities for the non-golfer as well. I'm fortunate to live in California where the golf schools of California happen to be some of the best in the world. When you're looking for a golf vacation make sure there's somewhat of a nightlife to get a break away from golf.

I don't need to remind you how great of a game golf is. I know I'll be able to play golf with my son for many years to come. Golf is an activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. I know I've been fortunate to be playing golf for 30+ years since I was 11... and I have at least another 30 years of golf left in me.

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