Is Golf a Sport?

This is the proverbial question that has lasted ages and ages among all sorts of civilizations. Back when it was first introduced to the world in Scotland, in 1800s, the rich shunned the low “scum” of the earth for playing such a boring caveman like game. Men with sticks hitting a little ball, chasing it, and then hitting it again into a hole. Not just once but 18 times! Then it was introduced to America in the early 1900s. Golf began a slow ride to fame with the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player. Let us also not forget about the one and only Bobby Jones, who was maybe one of the most outstanding character’s to ever play the game. A brief history on Bobby Jones. He was never a pro, stayed an amateur throughout his career because he loved the game for the game and not for the money. The only man to ever complete the full grand slam, winning all four majors in the same year. Let us also mention the fact that he had a disease that caused to him to lose weight rapidly. He lost 15 pounds in one round! You tell me this is not a sport?

 

I have played golf since I was 8 years old. I have gone from hitting every tree on the course, wanting to go swimming to find my ball like Happy Gilmore, to making birdies and pars! To this day the game amazes me and keeps me sharp. It is not a game that is extremely demanding physically, I agree, but it is extremely mentally demanding. To me that creates so much more stress on the body then say running base to base after hitting a larger ball thrown at you. Don’t get me wrong, to play well you have to be in great shape. For instance, Tiger Woods. You all make fun of him for playing such an easy game and not a sport. How about this for some facts. Tiger Woods can bench over 300 pounds. Runs 6 miles a day with his super model Swedish wife. Yes I said Swedish! Oh yea and is going to be a billionaire by the end of this year. Tell me please, what other sports star do you know is a billionaire? Yea I didn’t think so.

 

You say this game is just for the rich and you may be right. What you fail to notice is that professional golfers also give back the most out of all sports to the community and charities. They raise millions and millions of dollars each year for charities in such areas of cancer, aids, diabetes, and every health issue you can think of. They even have an adopted foundation for kids who live in foster care or have been adopted. That one holds close to my heart. Last tidbit for charities, almost every professional golfer has his own charity foundation that he/she sponsors or co founded.

 

Still not convinced? I would like to see you walk 18 holes, 4 days in a row. The way you play you would probably walk 6 or 7 miles easily. If you hit the ball straight every time you will walk 4 miles. Knowing that you will probably be terrible, I will go out on a limb here and say the 6 or 7 miles of walking for you is pretty low. Then factor in the hills, up and down, side to side. Standing and waiting for the other golfers to go. You are constantly on your feet for over 4 hours. I can see why Bobby Jones lost 15 pounds. Then, after you have factored in all that physically activity, take into account the mental aspect of the game. You miss hit the ball, you get frustrated. You get mad, angry at yourself. All professional sports players will tell you that it is not easy to stay focused for 5 hours.

 

Why is it that every other sport plays golf after they retire? Why is it that it takes them years to master the game? Golf is the only game that you can play well into your 70s and maybe even 80s. So I will gladly say that golf is a sport. A sport full of mental and physical challenges. A sport that builds competitiveness and camaraderie at the same time. Yes ladies and gentleman, as much as you disbelieve it, golf is a sport.

 

Briefly, let’s talk about how Tiger Woods has transformed the game. He took it from a nearly broke franchise and made it a multi-billion platform for all lovers of the game to make a living. He revolutionized the game by opening schools for kids who couldn’t afford to play and teaching them for free. He is the only player to consistently win or finish in the top ten, time after time. Not even Phil “lefty” Mickelson can say that. Let’s just put it this way. Tiger Woods played the US Open, with a torn ACL and stress fracture in his leg.  This is a sport!

 

To conclude, golf is a sport. That’s final. No more debate, no more arguing. If you don’t think it is a sport, I challenge you to get off your lazy ass and go play and then tell me if it is not a sport. I dare you. In fact I triple dog dare you!

 

Tip of the day: Go learn something new about something or someone today and add another wrinkle to your brain!