Things seem to be very clear that ALL GOLFERS have something in common. As much as we don’t want to admit it. It’s true. We have some things clearly and definitely identical to each other. If you don’t know where I am going, you’ll catch on soon.
1. We love competition
Especially competition against ourselves. If we loved competition against others more than competition against ourselves we would find a more appropriate sport to play. But the real challenge in golf is “how far can I push myself?”. How far can I move this object within the given parameters without going outside of those parameters. Should I lay up or go for it? If I push too far I’ve got a bogey. If I judge just right I get a birdie. If I push past what should be acceptable I get an eagle. If I break the laws of physics and get two strokes better than par…
2. We are passionate about the science of the game
Don’t we love to see the physics? How far will it go? What is even possible and what are the limits? Is it possible to reach that green? Can I carry the water? What the natural things such as the wind or the rain? A tree? The science of it is something we are all passionate about.
3. We seek golf as an outlet
We need an escape from the daily, the “norm”, or the problems of life. We know that by getting out onto the course, away from the things of life, we relax. I understand that after a bad round we may find a portion of ourselves somewhat unrelaxed. But a true aficionado knows that returning next time will fix that. The next round will be extra relaxing and affirming. Or maybe it will be terrible and this analogy all fails but I don’t believe it! As saying goes, any day golfing is better than a day at the office. An outlet is healthy.
4. The social aspect of golf
Stranger, coworker, neighbor, comrade, contact, brother, friend, or even soulmate are some of the terms that may describe whom we golf with. Golf can be played individually. But I can’t say I’ve ever met someone who has only played it alone. It’s a social sport. You may not like when someone’s talking too much or not talking at all but you have an opinion. The social dynamics are something we all value.
5. Is it the player or the game?
This portion of the game is a real core value. It’s even engrained in the trash talk we use. It’s where the rubber meets the road. Is it the player or the equipment. The old nature vs nurture conversation. For me I’d argue it’s the nurture that’s the most important aspect. The player makes the play not the equipment. And may I divert and discuss that the mental fortitude to go for and execute the shot is the real separating factor. “I don’t care how nice your new driver is. If you can’t use it then my ten year old driver is going to outwork you any day.” But what if this new driver did … something different. Hmmm.. maybe it could be the equipment.
Golf is an irrefutably amazing experience for those who’ve learned to play.
We love it even when we watch others play, feeling like we are there with them, able to smell it, feel it and sense it. We know when they should go for it or lay up and we feel their elation and pain as they succeed or fail. Whether we are watching or playing, it teaches us about the importance of patience, perseverance, and mental toughness. It also teaches us how to deal with setbacks and challenges.
See the controversy lies in choosing tee time or tree time. You know my answer is definitive and I have some good reasons why.
Which would you choose and why?
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