As soon as the temperature is warmer, the grass is greener, and the days are longer, my golf clubs begin their annual journey from my basement to the trunk of my car. I clean my clubs and golf shoes and ensure that I have an ample supply of gloves, golf balls, and tees in my bag. It is an invigorating annual ritual.

Unfortunately, it is also a bittersweet moment, as I know that I probably will not play more than six or seven times all spring and summer, and that my clubs will rarely see the light of day. For one reason or another golf and, in my case, the practice of law are not compatible, as they are both time intensive.

A round of golf without factoring in the time needed to drive to the course, get dressed, and warm up is anywhere from four to five hours. All of the above-stated pre-golf activities can take another 30 minutes to an hour. Thus, in total, anywhere from five to six hours of time is needed for a round (without any post-golf libations).

In a law practice that may be the equivalent of twelve billable hours. Just think of how much can be accomplished in that amount of time: For example, you can easily draft a motion, all supporting papers, and maybe even take a deposition.

Instead of engaging in productive legal work, however, you have opted to chase a little ball with dimples around for four to five hours while swearing at yourself because of your errant shots and putts. Is this really helping to reduce your stress?  After you are done playing, you may also have a day’s worth of e-mails and phone calls to respond to. Even more stress!

Additionally, a round of golf is not complete without a visit to the 19th hole and its obligatory drinks and unhealthy food.

While golf is difficult for a firm partner to find the time for, it is not a sport that any law firm associate should ever consider taking up. There is nothing worse than a partner learning that a firm associate is out playing golf while they are stuck in the office on a beautiful summer day.

As I age, I am beginning to think that golf was truly meant to be played by judges, law firm partners, bankers, and corporate executives. I know one banker who plays at least thirty rounds during the spring and summer. My suggestion to law firm associates is to consider tennis and pickleball. Both can be played at night, under the lights, and only an hour or so is needed. Think of the valuable cardio exercise!

Anthony J. Enea, Esq., is the managing attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White Plains, New York. He focuses his practice on Wills, Trusts, Estates and Elder Law.  Anthony is the Past Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) and is the past Chair of the 50+ Section of the NYSBA.  He is a Past President and Founding member of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).  Anthony is also a Past President of the Westchester County Bar Foundation and a Past President of the Westchester County Bar Association. He is also fluent in Italian. He can be reached at (914) 948-1500 or at a.enea@esslawfirm.com