Golf is a game that’s given so much to me, I decided to dedicate an article to the reasons people should play the sport I love. I didn’t want to rely on my opinion alone, so I asked golfers across 5 different forums about how golf has changed their lives for the better and was overwhelmed by the response. I’ve handpicked a few stories from other golfers to help paint a picture of how great the sport is and why you should play golf.
I could only include a few of the replies in my article, but here’s where to find the full list of responses:
Why Should You Play Golf?
Golf is a sport that allows players of all abilities to play competitively because of its handicap system, it’s a great way to get outside, get some exercise and is a very social sport that helps you meet people and make new friends.
Let’s take a deeper look at some of the reasons you should play golf, with help from the stories of other golfers.
Provides Unexpected Opportunities
Golf is a sport adored by many and it allows you to brush shoulders with people you might never have otherwise. If you play with someone you click with, who knows what opportunities could be waiting around the corner. Let’s take tzoid1s story for example, he managed to bag himself a job as well as a wife through golf! When asked how golf improved his life, here’s what he had to say:
tzoid1s @ Reddit
“Got a job! I joined the president of a small company and his son one afternoon after I got off of work. I started asking questions and the guy ended up asking me to come in for an interview… that was 14 years ago. The company is awesome, with great people, and I even get to play golf sometimes!
Met my wife!! She was taking a golf class in college. I was out at the golf course, just like every day. She was in a group with my best friend and I came to talk to them on the third tee box… I got her number and invited her to the Wachovia Championship in Charlotte.
It gave me and my dad something to do together. It gave me a reason to get out of the house. It has been a very good game to me!”
Spending Time with Loved Ones
I know first hand how great spending time out on the golf course with family can be. I found that it wasn’t just a way to bond when playing golf but it strengthened bonds with my family members off the course too. This is a point that’s also backed up by other golfers:
Greg 504 @ TheSandTrap
“Golf has provided me a means to stay physically active following a medical event and subsequent diagnosis that limited my ability to play other sports. The game is a much needed balance to stay involved and enjoy time with family.
It has allowed me to become closer with my nephew who is my primary playing partner. In the past couple months, I have introduced the sport to my 12 year old daughter who is really enjoying it. I have also introduced my mom to the game almost a month ago and just today bought her a set of used clubs. If I never cut any strokes off my HI, the time spent with my family practicing and on the course is invaluable. For this alone, golf has made me a rich man!”
Mr. 82 @ MyGolfSpy
“I grew up on a golf course in Miami, with a father who taught me the game, and spent the rest of my life talking about and playing golf with. I have a brother who loves the game as well, and anytime we get together (which isn’t often anymore) we always try and get in a round of golf. A lot of my friends are friends I met on the golf course, and play golf with. Golf is a great way to meet people and develop significant relationships with. It also keeps you active and physically fit, especially if you walk during your round.”
Golf Teaches Life Lessons
I found that golf helped to make me into a better person. It taught me patience, humility and the ability to have fun even when things aren’t going my way. After asking other golfers how golf improved their life, it’s clear to see that it’s not just me who learned a few life lessons:
Kneedragger3013 @ Reddit
“For me it gave me perspective on what’s truly important. When my swing coach asked me how I enjoyed playing and I answered that I became very frustrated when things don’t go well, he suggested I quit. When i asked why, he said golf will always frustrate you so learn that its supposed to be fun and enjoy playing or find something else to do.
Triage what’s important in your life and give it the due it deserves. You’ll find that most things aren’t that big of a deal.”
You Get to See Beautiful Scenery
Something I always think about is how lucky I am to have seen so many beautiful places thanks to golf. It allows you to spend endless hours in the great outdoors. Even living in a city, when I’m on the course I feel completely at peace. Here’s what one golfer had to say about this point:
Danimal @ TheHackersParadise
“Golf gave me an outlet to be competitive as I grow older and allows me to grateful to enjoy the green spaces around my area. The serenity of seeing wildlife in the midst of the game is an added bonus.”
Why Play Golf: My Conclusion
After reading this post I hope you can see there’s much more to golf than whacking a small white ball around a field. It’s a great way to meet new people, learn life skills and see some beautiful sights. Although many of us golfers put in endless hours on the course come rain or shine, it’s clear to see the sport gives plenty back.