Yoga before golf at La Costa Resort and Spa in southern California? Sign me up!

CARLSBAD, Calif. – If you’re going to give yoga a try, there’s probably not a better setting than La Costa Resort and Spa, home of the world-famous Chopra Center. I’m here for the unveiling of the renovated Champions Course (formerly the North Course) and getting a pretty good sampling of what’s offered at this (new and improved) legendary San Diego-area resort. To no surprise, it’s all been exceptional.

But on my itinerary I noticed that there was an optional Yoga for Golfers class this morning at 7:30. In the past, when such opportunities presented themselves, I’ve taken the option of sleeping in. But lately, I’ve been thinking I want to slow down this downward slide in the second half of life, and yoga just sounds healthy – for the body, mind and spirit, as I learned this morning.

I showed up expecting to be tortured – and it was difficult on occasion – but for the most part, the whole experience seemed rather nurturing, which is really the idea.

It looked kind of easy watching the ladies who surrounded me; they seemed to ease into all these positions with minimal effort. My versions of the downward-facing dog, cobra, cat or cow most likely resembled a hog or chicken. I’m just glad nobody was shooting video.

But in truth I did better than I thought I would. The exercises and poses not only include great stretches, but they build strength, stability and balance as well. In fact, it’s entirely comprehensible that just plain yoga, much less golf yoga, would be beneficial to one’s golf game.

But just in case I didn’t realize this was good for golf, our instructor, Lisa Umbelina, quoted Fred Couples on the importance of confidence. I liked the other stuff better, like when she told us that yoga, unlike golf, isn’t a competition. I’m pretty sure she was trying to boost my spirits as I nearly fell over from some sort of one-legged pretzel pose. And I liked the way it ended, with babbling brook sounds playing in the background as we relaxed every muscle in our bodies. Then we gave thanks to ourselves and to the divine (Namaste).

This was followed by a sensible breakfast (which included yogurt, of course) and golf. Did it help my golf game? Tough to say, but I sure felt at peace out there, which is no doubt more important than my score anyway.

I think I might try this again.