Discussion
As well as the fun of the game itself, and it can be very rewarding (and frustrating), it is also a very social game. A lot of people I play with now (I am getting old) have had to give up their chosen sports due to age/injury (Football, rugby, even hockey), and find the banter on the golf course is the closest you can get to the banter of the changing rooms. Golf is mostly played individually, but can also be played in teams which assists in this banter.
Also golf is a 4 hour round. By the time you have got there, played your round, had a drink - you can be out of the house for 6 or 7 hours which is always an added bonus!
I am not good at golf, but I recently played a European Tour player at matchplay, and beat him. As said above - not many sports you can do that at (in fact I can only think of golf, darts and snooker where that is possible).
Also golf is a 4 hour round. By the time you have got there, played your round, had a drink - you can be out of the house for 6 or 7 hours which is always an added bonus!
I am not good at golf, but I recently played a European Tour player at matchplay, and beat him. As said above - not many sports you can do that at (in fact I can only think of golf, darts and snooker where that is possible).
bad company said:
Try as I might I cannot see the attraction yet millions love playing to the point of obsession. Why?
Why not? Plenty of people seem to like lots of other sports that I don't like (soccer for example 
), and astonishingly, not many people seem to enjoy long, tough, muddy running. Fools! How can they like something different to me? 
Never understood that one Monkey Boy. Golf is a boring walk livened up.
Agree with the answers above. Although I've played golf for 40 years and I do see more (not very good) newbie golfers take if far too seriously (and slowly) these days.
For me it's some fresh air in pleasant surroundings with a competitive excuse for banter and general chit-chat with your mates and a beer or two afterwards. What's not to like?
Agree with the answers above. Although I've played golf for 40 years and I do see more (not very good) newbie golfers take if far too seriously (and slowly) these days.
For me it's some fresh air in pleasant surroundings with a competitive excuse for banter and general chit-chat with your mates and a beer or two afterwards. What's not to like?
I've started to compose a response to this question 3 times now and deleted it to start again. In short, I don't know why!
I still maintain that I've never truly, entirely enjoyed a round of golf because there's always a shot or a hole that didn't go as well as it could have.
It's the only game / sport that can make me truly furious, I've even walked off the course after the first hole because of two bad shots (I should probably add that I was playing alone, I wasn't spoiling a round for anyone else).
In theory it's a simple game but in practice, the technicalities and principles can be counterintuitive and contradictory.
The rules can be complicated and etiquette complicated.
But...I love it.
I still maintain that I've never truly, entirely enjoyed a round of golf because there's always a shot or a hole that didn't go as well as it could have.
It's the only game / sport that can make me truly furious, I've even walked off the course after the first hole because of two bad shots (I should probably add that I was playing alone, I wasn't spoiling a round for anyone else).
In theory it's a simple game but in practice, the technicalities and principles can be counterintuitive and contradictory.
The rules can be complicated and etiquette complicated.
But...I love it.
roboxm3 said:
It's the only game / sport that can make me truly furious
This is something I don't understand. Don't get me wrong you have good rounds, and bad rounds, great shots and bad shots. I currently am playing some of the worst golf I have ever played - yet in Spain recently I had my most consistent 5 rounds played abroad back to back.However when I am playing golf, it means I am not working, and I am not doing something I don't want to do. Even in the wind and the rain - that is still better than doing things I don't want to do.
I have been known to throw a club, but by the time I have picked it up - I am as cool as a cucumber. Take me back 15/25 years, and the amount of yellow and red cards I used to get at football because I lost my cool, and it does not even compare. I think the fact it is individual and you are not letting a teammate down means there is no point getting furious.
Up until last year, I was of the same thinking as the OP. Then my cousin, an avid golfer, paid for my first lesson. After 30 minutes of just kicking the living $hit out of the ball, I lined up, drew back, swung, and all I heard was a snick. Didn't feel anything in my hands, no vibration up the shaft and the ball sailed in the most perfect arc.
The instructor said "welcome to golf, you'll spend the rest of your life, chasing that shot". And it's true. I'm not good at all, no handicap, played a couple of casual rounds this year, with some time at the range, but I genuinely enjoy it.
Try it. You might like it
The instructor said "welcome to golf, you'll spend the rest of your life, chasing that shot". And it's true. I'm not good at all, no handicap, played a couple of casual rounds this year, with some time at the range, but I genuinely enjoy it.
Try it. You might like it
Fats25,
so true. Another golf aphorism: "A bad day at golf is better than a good day at the office".
Skii:
That one's good but this one's better:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6tU64cyqis
My mates were around the green. I had to cry off the trip at the last minute. Grr. Best sporting event bar none IMHO.
so true. Another golf aphorism: "A bad day at golf is better than a good day at the office".
Skii:
That one's good but this one's better:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6tU64cyqis
My mates were around the green. I had to cry off the trip at the last minute. Grr. Best sporting event bar none IMHO.
Because it allows disabled sports people like these to compete with able bodied golfers on a level playing field.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYysyKP1zro
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYysyKP1zro
Peace and quiet.
The challenge.
The competition.
4 hours of no nagging.
Time with your mates that the missus doesn't want to be a part of.
It makes the terminally dull act of walking infinitely more interesting.
Fresh air in the morning.
The feeling of a perfect shot flying off the club face.
Watching the ball high in the air, knowing its going to drop close to the flag.
The banter.
Stifling your giggles as your mate duffs four shots in a row from the rough.
The exercise.
The challenge.
The competition.
4 hours of no nagging.
Time with your mates that the missus doesn't want to be a part of.
It makes the terminally dull act of walking infinitely more interesting.
Fresh air in the morning.
The feeling of a perfect shot flying off the club face.
Watching the ball high in the air, knowing its going to drop close to the flag.
The banter.
Stifling your giggles as your mate duffs four shots in a row from the rough.
The exercise.
HaplessBoyLard said:
Peace and quiet.
The challenge.
The competition.
4 hours of no nagging.
Time with your mates that the missus doesn't want to be a part of.
It makes the terminally dull act of walking infinitely more interesting.
Fresh air in the morning.
The feeling of a perfect shot flying off the club face.
Watching the ball high in the air, knowing its going to drop close to the flag.
The banter.
Stifling your giggles as your mate duffs four shots in a row from the rough.
The exercise.
Yes that sums it upThe challenge.
The competition.
4 hours of no nagging.
Time with your mates that the missus doesn't want to be a part of.
It makes the terminally dull act of walking infinitely more interesting.
Fresh air in the morning.
The feeling of a perfect shot flying off the club face.
Watching the ball high in the air, knowing its going to drop close to the flag.
The banter.
Stifling your giggles as your mate duffs four shots in a row from the rough.
The exercise.
My Mrs hates it...she has been trying for 10 years to get me off the game and i WILL not back down, it is my only release and i cant live without. I dont follow football, cricket. The moment i finish i cant wait for the following round to come.
i would also like to add
Improving HC - i am nearly Single figures but just cannot string together the perfect round when entered in a comp!
But things i hate about golf...main thing is slow play, it really does my head in!
Some great responses on this thread, and it almost gives me goosebumps trying to remember why I love golf so much. Some of my favourite responses so far:-
"I don't think you would have missed that putt, but in these circumstances, I would never give you the opportunity."
- Jack Nicklaus, after conceding a two-foot putt to Tony Jacklin in 1969....
If you don't know your golf history, read about this, and the Americans were infuriated with Nicklaus. Only better golf shot I can think of is Sevy's on his way to British Open win.
There was a good program on Sky Sports last night about disabled golf - a Ryder cup for mostly injured servicemen.
I don't enjoy fishing, swimming, running, rugby etc etc. Not for me - but others enjoy it and good luck to them.
However I struggle to imagine that anyone can ever have more fun in their chosen sport, than watching their mate cock up in any way on the golf course. You literally are doubled over with laughter, sometimes crying real tears, at your mates misery. This for me is the number one reason for playing golf - and I honestly do pity (and that is a strong word) anyone that has never had that moment of laughing like children do with their friends.
Northbloke said:
Professionally it does not get better than that. Turning point of the Ryder Cup, and the reaction of Mickelson to Rose's shot is superb. Professionally this sums up what golf is all about:-"I don't think you would have missed that putt, but in these circumstances, I would never give you the opportunity."
- Jack Nicklaus, after conceding a two-foot putt to Tony Jacklin in 1969....
If you don't know your golf history, read about this, and the Americans were infuriated with Nicklaus. Only better golf shot I can think of is Sevy's on his way to British Open win.
taaffy said:
Because it allows disabled sports people like these to compete with able bodied golfers on a level playing field.
Don't I know it - I was drawn in a competition with a guy in the singles match play last year. He has one arm. His handicap was 19. Mine at the time was 18. I beat him on the 18th. He bantered me the whole way round that I was going to get beaten by a disabled guy. Terrible golf from both of us, and I am sure not memorable for him at all, as he has played in the Disabled Golf world championships, but a memorable day for me.There was a good program on Sky Sports last night about disabled golf - a Ryder cup for mostly injured servicemen.
HaplessBoyLard said:
Peace and quiet.
The challenge.
The competition.
4 hours of no nagging.
Time with your mates that the missus doesn't want to be a part of.
It makes the terminally dull act of walking infinitely more interesting.
Fresh air in the morning.
The feeling of a perfect shot flying off the club face.
Watching the ball high in the air, knowing its going to drop close to the flag.
The banter.
Stifling your giggles as your mate duffs four shots in a row from the rough.
The exercise.
This sums it up perfectly - especially the piece in bold:-The challenge.
The competition.
4 hours of no nagging.
Time with your mates that the missus doesn't want to be a part of.
It makes the terminally dull act of walking infinitely more interesting.
Fresh air in the morning.
The feeling of a perfect shot flying off the club face.
Watching the ball high in the air, knowing its going to drop close to the flag.
The banter.
Stifling your giggles as your mate duffs four shots in a row from the rough.
The exercise.
I don't enjoy fishing, swimming, running, rugby etc etc. Not for me - but others enjoy it and good luck to them.
However I struggle to imagine that anyone can ever have more fun in their chosen sport, than watching their mate cock up in any way on the golf course. You literally are doubled over with laughter, sometimes crying real tears, at your mates misery. This for me is the number one reason for playing golf - and I honestly do pity (and that is a strong word) anyone that has never had that moment of laughing like children do with their friends.
HaplessBoyLard said:
Stifling your giggles as your mate duffs four shots in a row from the rough.
And this sums that statement up to a tee (pardon the pun)www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK_mh8TFQfA
And if your golf is not up to much you could hire a view to take the strain off your back.
www.waltersgolf.com/par-mates-caddy-program.asp
Edited by taaffy on Wednesday 6th November 16:55
Fats25 said:
roboxm3 said:
It's the only game / sport that can make me truly furious
This is something I don't understand. Don't get me wrong you have good rounds, and bad rounds, great shots and bad shots. I currently am playing some of the worst golf I have ever played - yet in Spain recently I had my most consistent 5 rounds played abroad back to back.However when I am playing golf, it means I am not working, and I am not doing something I don't want to do. Even in the wind and the rain - that is still better than doing things I don't want to do.
I have been known to throw a club, but by the time I have picked it up - I am as cool as a cucumber. Take me back 15/25 years, and the amount of yellow and red cards I used to get at football because I lost my cool, and it does not even compare. I think the fact it is individual and you are not letting a teammate down means there is no point getting furious.
But sometimes it just gets to me, to the point where I'm almost beside myself with anger and end up lashing out in one way or another. The last time was in the summer; I was at the range hitting 3 irons off of the grass, just trying to imrove my ball striking and I hit three or four in a row really fat because I'd shortened my swing and then tried to make up for it with my hands.
Usually I can just drop my club and have a little break befroe hittnig a few wedges to sort myself out but on this occasion I just took a swing at my golf bag and put a tear in the side of it.
I learned my lesson though; the next day when I went to take my driver and 3W out of my bag so my clubs would fit in the boot of my mates car, only the head and half of the shaft came out. I'd snapped them both clean in the middle and had to play a hybrid 2i off the tee all day.
It's funny, at football I can remain pretty cool and calm regardless, purely because if I do and end up getting a card etc then I feel like I'd be letting the team down. But with golf because it can only ever be my fault and affect my game / score, I can't help but get angry with myself. Maybe I need to read my Dr Bob Rotella books again!
Edited by roboxm3 on Wednesday 6th November 17:06
Earlier the "magic moment" has been mentioned. Picture a sunny September day at Gleneagles on the King's course, it is 7pm and the piper is calling people in to dinner, a majestic fully antlered stag walks across the fairway, and I need a par to shoot 70. I drove, flew the saddle, hit an iron to 9 ft and sank the putt. The defining moment that keeps one trying to improve. I've played with two Masters winners (and beat Woosnam gross but he was a young pro then) I've played courses from the PGA in Florida to Royal Melbourne, Muirfield to Ballybunion, met some amazing people and still keep in touch, and still at my advancing years have a handicap of 5. Mind you, I have a long way to go to beat Brian Close who at my age played off 3 left-handed and 5 right handed!
Gassing Station | Sports | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff