Why Play Golf? (Top Reasons)
Why play golf? The simple answer is golf can change your life, and there are many reasons to play golf. Not only can golf open a lot of doors in life, it can be played by anyone of any age. Essentially, the benefits of playing golf far outweigh any disadvantages of playing golf.
Below I give my top reasons why golf is popular and how it has changed my life for the better over the years.
Meet People
Looking back on my time playing golf, I realize how many people I’ve had the privilege of meeting, from famous actors to doctors, high-ranking generals, and everything in between.
Although you should play golf for the pure satisfaction of doing so, the fact of the matter is many successful and interesting people play the game. For this reason, being an avid golfer is excellent for business—many business deals are struck while playing golf.
Networking With Golf
The connections and interactions that will present themselves to you throughout your time golfing are priceless. Golf can open doors that you may have never thought possible because it’s a great conversation piece and the doorway to lifelong relationships and lessons, whether you’re out on the course or just talking to friends, family, and coworkers about the game.
A Lifelong Game
Perhaps this one is obvious, but I still want to point out that golf is one of the few available sports for all ages. Not just from a recreational perspective but from a competitive standpoint as well.
As we age, the game changes, and we are allowed to “tee it forward.” Meaning we can move up a tee box and make the golf course and each hole shorter.
There are also many golf club options nowadays, from shafts to golf club bounce, spin on the golf ball, and everything in between. Good golf is attainable at any age with the correct equipment, so club fitting is vital for playing the game.
Exercise
Golf is a sport. Meaning it is a great way to get exercise. Especially if you’re capable of walking the course instead of riding in a golf cart; if not, just being outside and the movement of the golf swing can be hugely beneficial for physical health. We know that physical activity is vital for living a healthy life. I believe golf is an excellent source of exercise, regardless of your skill level.
An avid golfer knows golf courses can be physically demanding on the body when walking up and down hills that you are bound to encounter from time to time, especially if you decide to use a carry golf bag and transfer your clubs on your back.
Golf sometimes brings out the need to lean out and build fast-twitch muscles and the need to stretch and become more limber. The average golfer fails to realize this, but it is essential because being in shape helps with your golf game.
Learn From the Pros
Essentially, golf can be a precursor to pursuing other healthy activities outside of playing at the golf course. Nowadays, if a golfer truly wants to be on top of their game, especially on a competitive level, they must keep their body and mind in top shape, especially in professional golf. Look how Tiger Woods takes care of himself by working out in the gym and dialing in his diet.
Not just Tiger Woods is getting in on the health and fitness pursuit. Most of the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour are as well. The players are adding yards to their tee shots, but they are also building a physique that will allow them to play their best golf for the most extended amount of time.
Life Lessons
Golf can teach us a lot about life. For instance, it teaches patience. When you’re out there playing and hit a bad shot, the instinct is to get frustrated. It happens more times than not. A player gets frustrated, and their game continues spiraling out of control from that point on throughout the round.
It’s crucial to remember golf courses, like life, are a challenge. We must keep everything in perspective and keep our cool in certain situations, especially when the conditions are less than ideal, such as when we play golf in the rain or if there is a lot of wind.
Playing golf one hole at a time is as essential as taking life one day at a time. Each hole in a round of golf can be a challenge, and so too is each day in life. Navigating our way through the course teaches us resilience and drive.
I believe if asked, a lot of the top professionals will say that one of the overlooked keys to playing great golf is the mental aspect. To put it differently, players MUST keep their emotions in check if they want to play golf and continue to improve to a higher level.
Golf Instills Integrity
Another lesson golf teaches is the importance of integrity. A player must be honest with others about their score and any rules infractions. Not only is this out of respect for the game and opponents, but it’s also crucial for your mental health. No golfer should want to win by cheating or lying. Perhaps cheating will be brushed aside for the time being, but it always comes back to haunt your psyche and cause regret.
Why You Should Play Golf
This last one is simple but accurate: Not only is golf fun, but it also gives us something to do with our free time and allows us to get plenty of fresh air. The argument can be made that there are more useful things to do with free time than play games. Still, on the flip side, there are also less productive, more destructive activities that can find their way into our free time.
Personally, I believe golf has done nothing but benefit me over the years, which is why I intend on playing for years to come.
These are my top reasons for playing golf. I’m sure we could all think of many more, but these are the areas I believe I’ve benefited the most. Now it’s your turn. Schedule a tee time and get out there to make memories, learn lessons, meet people, and enjoy playing the game.
