Let me preface this by saying that I actually think golf is an enjoyable activity. However, I want to take this opportunity to clarify a misconception about golf.
Golf is not a sport.
Now, what is a sport? Webster's dictionary defines a sport as "an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition." Now obviously, there is an element of competition to golf, but physical exertion? Get real. I'm not saying golf doesn't require talent but when your heart rate doesn't rise, it's not a sport.
There is no running. You drive a motor vehicle that can't go over 10 miles per hour. This activity is not even dangerous. The only chance of injury is if you are golfing in Florida and decide to stick your hand in a pond to retrieve your ball and find that an alligator has decided your arm is his afternoon snack.
In addition, how can you call it a sport when most people on the golf course are "retired"? If you are too old to work an office job, don't tell me that you have the energy to engage daily in a sport. Oh wait, you don't. That's why they invented the golf cart because walking would be too rigorous.
Golf is not a sport.
Now, what is a sport? Webster's dictionary defines a sport as "an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition." Now obviously, there is an element of competition to golf, but physical exertion? Get real. I'm not saying golf doesn't require talent but when your heart rate doesn't rise, it's not a sport.
There is no running. You drive a motor vehicle that can't go over 10 miles per hour. This activity is not even dangerous. The only chance of injury is if you are golfing in Florida and decide to stick your hand in a pond to retrieve your ball and find that an alligator has decided your arm is his afternoon snack.
In addition, how can you call it a sport when most people on the golf course are "retired"? If you are too old to work an office job, don't tell me that you have the energy to engage daily in a sport. Oh wait, you don't. That's why they invented the golf cart because walking would be too rigorous.
I'm not alone in this. Even the Olympic committee does not consider it a sport. And if you can drink a beer while golfing, please tell me how it is a sport. You don't see a track star or a soccer player drinking a beer on the sidelines. You drink a beer while watching sports...not playing them. And just because Tiger Woods drinks a Gatorade while playing doesn't make it a sport. I can drink a Gatorade on my couch, does that make watching TV a sport? I think not.
Golf is a game like croquet, and I don't know anyone who thinks croquet is a sport. And just because it is in the sports section of a high school yearbook doesn't mean a thing. Cheerleading is also in that section. Think about that...
Rebecca, I am sorry dear but I have to strongly disagree. Not just on principle, but also by your definition. A. There is a HUGE amount of competition involved in golf that is mulit-dimensional and B. There is an enormous amount of physicality involved (flexibility, endurance, strength, muscle memory & ability for swing repetition, etc.)
ReplyDeleteHave you ever played 18 holes? It's quite exhausting. In walking 18 holes you are walking roughly 5 miles and everyone knows that you burn the same amount of calories walking and running it is just that with running you do it faster. While walking these 5 miles and burning hundreds of calories you are also flexing your mental capacity in ways that few other "sports" can. Also, if this is about heart rate, try taking the pulse of someone contemplating a tough shot.
And, another point, I would also like to position it as one of the most superior forms of sport because not only is their incredible physicality involved - listed above - (to be good at least, not just a putz on the course) but there is also multiple dimensions of competition. Golf is a sport that you compete with others as well as with yourself. The mental challenge golf brings still probably burns more calories than quite a few other "sports" and keeps you mentally strong (which is proven to help ward off dimensia and Alzheimer).
I could go on for days but I'll spare you. HAHA, you knew this one would get me, huh!
I agreed with you all the way to the end until you made that silly cheerleading comment! Don't let Jason in on your opinion about golf or may be in for an hour long conversation about it! He would STRONGLY disagree!
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