Golf...what have I missed??

[thebeepster]

I have tried unsuccessfully for over 40 years to generate an interest in this game. Before I retired, I was surrounded by colleagues and business associates who felt that the game was better (marginally) than sex. On many occasions when I have been invited to play the game, I have responded by saying that I would love to drive the cart for them and drink beer but had no interest in playing. I am an avid sports fan and have always participated in sports and most outdoor activities but find GOLF to be a horrible bore. It seems that the sport (?) has absolutely no relation to athletic ability and offers no exercise benefit. I have known several non-athletes over the years who have excelled at golf.

Now that I'm retired I see even more of my peers flocking to the courses...perhaps this is just to soak up time? Finally, I'm floored at the number of people who seem to be willing to shell out half the price of a new Corvette just for the privilege of belonging to a particular club or playing a certain course...

I realize that I'm in the vast MINORITY here, but was wondering if there are any others out there who share this viewpoint. I want to feel I'm living life at the fullest and wondering WHAT AM I MISSING HERE?:shrug01:

 

[Shadow]

I have tried unsuccessfully for over 40 years to generate an interest in this game. Before I retired, I was surrounded by colleagues and business associates who felt that the game was better (marginally) than sex. On many occasions when I have been invited to play the game, I have responded by saying that I would love to drive the cart for them and drink beer but had no interest in playing. I am an avid sports fan and have always participated in sports and most outdoor activities but find GOLF to be a horrible bore. It seems that the sport (?) has absolutely no relation to athletic ability and offers no exercise benefit. I have known several non-athletes over the years who have excelled at golf.

Now that I'm retired I see even more of my peers flocking to the courses...perhaps this is just to soak up time? Finally, I'm floored at the number of people who seem to be willing to shell out half the price of a new Corvette just for the privilege of belonging to a particular club or playing a certain course...

I realize that I'm in the vast MINORITY here, but was wondering if there are any others out there who share this viewpoint. I want to feel I'm living life at the fullest and wondering WHAT AM I MISSING HERE?:shrug01:

Nah, you're not alone:NoNo:IMHO, golf is second only to baseball on the boredom scale:rofl1: Just above watching grass grow.

I will say it's harder than it looks, to beat that tiny little ball in to submission and making it go where you want, when you want

I dont' consider it "atheletic" inthe terms of football, soccer, or most other contact or endurance sports, but as with NASCAR, it's more about skill, technique, precision and ability:thumbsup:

As for your pre-retirement, I know for a fact that a LOT of business is transacted on the golf course. I've gotten more than one client over the years, simply by paying the entrance fee and having one of my associates play in a charity tournament:thumbsup: It's a win-win. The charity makes money, the associates gets to play free golf, we get a new client and the business gets to take the write off as a charitable donation:thumbsup:

I think post-retirement, many go simply because they've become accustomed to being there, they've made friends there, or they use it as a social activity. And some, simply because they truly love the game:thumbsup:

The price of the club? Hey, if I could afford it, I'd belong to the Clearwater Yacht Club....and I don't even own a rubber raft:lmao:
I'd do it for the ambiance, the scenery, the association, the business, the boats (I love boats!)

For some, it's "belonging", for some, it's "status" and for some, the association(s) and friends, and for some, it's just what they do:thumbsup:

I've have a friend who plays poker every thursday night. Every thursday night, he picks up a new client (T-shirt and custom printing).

Don't look for me on the golf course any time soon, but you might find me hanging aroung the marina or yacht basin ofrom time to time

Gordon

 

[Pres712]

GOLF NT

When I lived in Ohio that was my license plate. It stood for golf nut but some said after seeing me play said it stood for "no talent". I belonged to a country club and did the whole golf scene. Plus did all the Corvette stuff. I did own my own company and golf was almost a requirement for business. But I did fight it for 40 years. My Dad was a 2 handicap and I was very intimidated to say the least. But when I did finally "give in", I found the game was very challenging. It is one of the few sports that "you" are the only one responsible for your actions. Nothing happens until you hit that ball. In football you have 21 other guys around you, in basketball, it's 9 others, etc... Plus the beauty of the course, nature and all that stuff. I've played some courses that were breathtaking! I finally got my handicap down to a 16 but that is it. It does take some natural ability to do it right. But whether or not you shoot 69 or 100, it's that playing against yourself that comes at you every time you are out there. But before you start, find a local pro and take some lessons. Get the grip, swing and stance down right and the rest will come. But most of all HAVE FUN! :dancer01:

 

[THOR]

Golf is a wondeful hobby to play and enjoy with your spouse. We don't play as much as we like to and we don't even keep score half the time. We just enjoy being outdoors, no phones ringing, seeing the varied wildlife, and just doing a fun activity together. Also this is a wonderful activity for two couples. We will somtimes play with my wife's mother and her husband and it helps us stay connected even with the generation gap!!

 

[Rich Z]

Closest I ever came to playing golf was to go to a driving range with some friends when I was in high school. I guess it is a tall man's sport, because I couldn't find any clubs at that range that I felt comfortable with. They ALL felt too long for me to be able to swing properly. But I tried a few whacks anyway. Ball usually went where I wanted it to, but beyond trying to hit the guy riding around in the tractor collecting the balls, I couldn't get excited about it, and never tried it again. Later on in life I saw far too many natural areas destroyed in order to put a golf course on top of it, and just never cared to be associated with that game. Yeah, I guess a golf course can look beautiful, but to me it seemed like it was much better there before the bulldozing was done. :shrug01:

To each their own, I guess........

 

[Mark Dalton]

I've played a lot in the past but not for several years. It's frustrating at times and very rewarding at others. I've spent so much time in the woods, people thought I worked for the national park service. I will say that It is a sport that you should take lessons in order to play properly or else you'll play poorly from the start and give up way too soon. I've always played at our local municipal course rather than at a club. The fees are way cheaper and they're more suited to my level of skill. Believe it or not, it does require a certain amount of athletic ability. If you're not in good shape, you could very easily pull a muscle or throw out your back teeing off. Most folks use carts these days but I've carried my clubs for 18 holes before and if you don't think that requires a lot of stamina you're wrong. I don't enjoy watching golf on TV but would play again myself if the chance came along.

 

[naples]

I golf, don't get to serious about it. It is a good way to be outside have a few beers and hang out with your friends. Other than that I could care less about it. Last week one guy I golf with broke his club in half so he would never use it again, the other guy threw his club about 50 yards.

 

[Rich427]

I have two passions (besides my wife) in my life, Corvettes and golf. Although I am an avid golfer does not mean that I am extremely proficient. This is a game that you have to work hard to become mediocre. If you take time off, like I have had to do this year with relocating to Florida, your golf game will suffer. I find it extremely challenging and plan to get this back into my schedule on a regular basis, now that the move is completed.

There are many frustrations that drive people away from the golf course. But if you get the bug, I will bet that you will remember specific shots that you made that bring you back to the course, and forget the many more bad shots.

 

[ChuckG]

I used to play golf. Now, I rarely play.

Started to play in Jr. Hi School. Wasn't a bad golfer. I would shoot in the 90's. My dad shot in the 70's....till the day he died. He was a natural athlete at any sport.

Problem with me is when I was in my mid 40's, I was STILL shooting in the 90's. Never improved a lick. Played only once per month or so.

Found it very frustrating, because I would play with guys that played 1-2 times per week. By the middle of the summer, they were shooting low 80's, and I'd still be "hacking" around in the mid 90's.

SO...I made a decision....I QUIT playing. I just turned 60 this spring.

I've played 5-6 times over the past 10-15 years...that's it. Don't miss golf one bit.

Maybe, when I retire in a year or so, I might start up again, BUT to be good, it takes LOTS of practice, and LOTS of rounds, on a regular basis.

Chuck

 

[vett boy]

As I tell people ,when I get old I'll take up golf and drive a Buick.

 

[Suicide King]

I think golf is fun but I don’t waste my entire weekend hitting a ball around.
To me, It’s about as much fun as playing pool or throwing darts.

You can call golf a sport if you wish It doesn’t offend me in the least.
Some pro poker players call that a sport so I guess reading is a sport too…… I bet this forum is a sport too…..?:shrug01:

Golf like anything takes practice. If you want to advance you must put the time it. That’s why I think most people do it a lot or they really don’t like their wives. :shrug01:

As for the Country Club. People want to belong, learn more about golf and some just want to ask “Do you have any Grey Poupon”?:hehehe:

Now whomever said golf was better then sex MUST have the wrong girl or they’re not having sex at all because the only thing better then sex is more sex. :yesnod:

I’m not knocking the “sport”…..heck, I wish I got paid 100 million to hit a little white ball into a hole in the ground.