The 85-Year-Old Who Became the Heart of Our Greece Golf Retreat

There are trips you plan, and then there are trips that quietly, unexpectedly change you. My recent golf retreat at Costa Navarino in Kalamata, Greece, reminded me why I do this work.  Why I bring strangers across the world to learn golf, discover new cultures, and unlock parts of themselves that rarely surface in everyday life.

The story begins with Micki, an 85-year-old woman born in Vancouver, of Japanese descent, traveling alongside her daughter Lynne. They arrived as a mother-daughter duo, but by the end of the week, everyone on the trip felt like we had inherited a second mother.

What none of us expected was how easily she became the heartbeat of the group. When we asked for her secret to being this strong and this vibrant at 85, she shrugged as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“I carry my bag four days a week back home,” she said. “Only seven clubs, hardly anything impressive.” But it was impressive. She also trains at the gym three times a week and eats clean, simple food… unless you put fries or Greek pastries in front of her, in which case she could out-eat every person on this retreat.

Still, it wasn’t her fitness that moved us. It was her spirit, humble, encouraging, endlessly curious. The kind of spirit that makes you want to live better, eat better, and show up fully for your own life.
Image: Golf with Aegean views, where beginners become travelers and travelers become friends.

Then there was Stephen, a 25-year-old African-American, a former college golfer, and someone who had never left the United States before this retreat. He edits my YouTube videos, and after months of nudging him, I finally convinced him to take this leap, to invest in himself, and to see the world through the eyes of a traveler instead of just a golfer.

He later admitted that he was nervous. Who wouldn’t be? Traveling alone to another continent, not knowing anyone, not sure what to expect. But watching him and Micki — two people 60 years apart — form a bond that was tender, respectful, and deeply human is something I will never forget.

There’s a photo of them standing on top of a centuries-old stone fortress overlooking the Aegean Sea. Stephen holds the phone to take a selfie while Micki leans into him with the pure ease of someone who trusts the moment she’s in. That single photo captures the essence of these retreats: different ages, different backgrounds, different lives, all finding common ground through curiosity, laughter, and a shared sense of adventure.

Another moment: climbing down the uneven stone steps of the castle ruins. The sun was relentless, the stones worn from time, and before I could step in to help, Stephen gently reached for Micki’s hand. She accepted without hesitation. The two of them, side by side, navigating history together, that is the magic of travel. Golf brought them to Greece, but connection is what they will remember.   These retreats attract all kinds of people, beginners who have barely held a golf club, couples looking to rediscover fun, solo travelers craving community, and yes, the occasional advanced player who simply loves the game. On this particular trip, about 70% were true beginners. That’s the beauty of it: you don’t need to be a golfer to come. You just need an open mind and a willingness to step away from the grind of daily life.
Image: Stephen helping Micki down the castle ruins, a heart-warming moment to witness.

We explored ancient castles. We played golf with views so beautiful they didn’t look real. We jumped into the Aegean Sea, letting the saltwater soak away deadlines and responsibilities. We ate meals that reminded us how good food tastes when you actually slow down enough to enjoy it. And we ended our days watching the sun melt into the horizon, the kind of sunset that makes even the most restless mind feel still.   But what made this retreat unforgettable wasn’t Mother Nature or the resort’s luxury (though both were spectacular). It was the community we built, one built on respect, curiosity, and genuine care for one another.   Micki captured it best in her testimonial: “I wondered if I should even be here. It turned out to be the best thing I ever did… but it was more than the views or the golf. It was the atmosphere Shayain created, inclusive, accepting, joyful.”   That is the mission behind every retreat I host. Golf is simply the medium. The real work, the real magic, is creating a space where people feel welcomed, supported, and free to explore who they are when they step outside their usual life.

A sunset to remember

Our WhatsApp group is still alive and buzzing. People who had never met before Greece now check on each other across countries and time zones. They share photos, inside jokes, golf progress, travel plans, and encouragement. Some are already planning to come to the next retreat.

And that’s the invitation I extend to you.

This isn’t just a golf trip. It’s not even just a travel experience. It’s an opportunity to breathe differently, think differently, and rediscover parts of yourself that you may have forgotten exist. You don’t need to be a golfer. You don’t need to be in perfect shape. You just need to say YES to yourself.

Come travel with me. Come play. Come have your own “Micki and Stephen moment”, the kind of moment that stays with you long after you return home.

Your Coach,

Shayain
LPGA Certified Golf Coach
coachshayain.com
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