Pauline Campbell | Dundalk Golf Club Lady Captain

Well Coronavirus has really affected me and a lot of people like me even though I’m probably one of the lucky ones. But I suppose the big thing is that I’ve missed my sport and I love a game of golf and I love the social interaction that it gives. I love meeting people and then being the lady Captain this year, I’ve missed out on all the social gatherings which are so important for our membership.

I miss the fact that I don’t have any family here in Dundalk, being in contact with them physically. We’d be very, very good in regard to social distancing. And, you know, it’s not the same as talking to them either through zoom and over the phone. I really missed that part of it. But the hobby, you know, playing golf is a very important part of my life and I really miss that.

The social part of life, it’s hugely missed. Because, like golf, really and truly, it’s for the retired. There’s a lot of people here in Dundalk Golf Club and that would be over 60. And they love coming up here even for a cup of coffee, even if they don’t go out to play. And they really miss that because the cocooning for the over seventies has been really difficult on them.

I MISS THE FACT THAT I DON’T HAVE ANY FAMILY HERE IN DUNDALK, BEING IN CONTACT WITH THEM PHYSICALLY.

And you know, that’s why we’re looking forward to getting everybody back here to play, really missing that part of the game.

Playing golf in itself is great for health, it’s good for your mental well-being. We’re so lucky here because it’s so beautiful and scenic. There’s so much nature that you can enjoy when you’re playing. I love the change of the seasons and looking at all the wildlife here as well. And everybody misses that. You know, we really miss that here.