11 Often Overlooked Reasons Why Golf is Actually Fun

My non-golfing buddies have often mocked me for playing what they consider a seniors’ game.

They believe that golf is boring and a bad way to spend half your day. The game is challenging and can be played well into old age. I have compiled 11 reasons why golf is fun to play.

This list explains why playing golf is such a rewarding sport that it challenges everyone who plays it. Major golf offers entertainment and intensity that few other sports events can match.

 

1. It’s Rewarding

While golf can frustrate both professional and amateur golfers, it is also a rewarding sport. It requires patience, consistent practice, and all-round performance, from the tee to the green.

Golf can deliver rewards in various forms. A welcome par or a great shot can make you feel better and bring joy to your bogey day. Your first par, birdie or eagle are better rewards.

It is hard to beat breaking a barrier for your first time. You might break 100 for the first-time by shooting a 99. Your next goal is to break 90, then 80. If you are good enough to do so, your next goal should be to break 70.

These are long-term objectives. These are more satisfying for a golfer than a hole in one. We won’t discuss how likely it is to score an ace because of the high odds.

 

2. You get to be outside in nature

It is essential to get out in nature and disconnect from the noises and distractions of our daily lives. It is a time to be able to just focus on the beauty around us and how we can approach our next shot.

 

3. The Game of Golf is a Marathon

Golf is a marathon. Golf is a marathon. It requires practice and improvement. After a few coaching sessions you won’t be able strike a golf ball like Tiger Woods. You can always improve your strokes and make more consistent shots.

While handicaps are a way to measure our overall progress in golf, they do not reflect the individual elements. To lower your handicap to a desired level, however, is the ultimate goal of every golfer. Although it is ideal to aim to play off a scratch in your game, most amateurs will not be able achieve that goal.

You don’t have to finish your goal in a certain timeframe. Take as much time as you need. It is up to you to decide how fast you want improvement. If you want to accelerate the process, you should expect a rigorous schedule of lessons, practice and playing.

Golf is fun because of the rewards you get when you succeed.

 

4. The Handicapping System Levels The Playing Field

A handicap is simply the average number strokes you make over par each round. A 14-handicap is a golfer who shoots 86 on an average par 72 course. However, scratch handicaps are those who consistently score 72 on the exact same course.

The importance of handicaps lies in the fact that they allow all golfers to compete with each other as equals. The higher handicap player wins if the 14-handicapper shoots an average gross score of 82 and the scratch player cards 71.

14 is subtracted from 82 to get a net of 68. The net score for scratch golfer is 71. The 14-handicap player with a lower net score won by 3 strokes. This type of structure is used in stroke play tournaments.

The beauty of handicaps, however, is that golfers can compete in any tournament regardless of their skill level.

 

5. It strengthens friendships

Golf can build friendships that last a lifetime. Each week, playing 18-holes together with your buddies builds stronger friendships. It can also bring you 4 hours and 30 minutes worth of laughter, especially if one of your friends is having the worst round in their lives.

You can grab a few drinks or your favorite beverage and carry them around with you. This creates a relaxed environment that is free from anxiety and maximizes the fun.

Invite your colleagues to a round of golf if you just moved to a new place. They could make great golf buddies and new friends.

 

6. The Majors Are Exciting

Let me expand the scope for a second. You don’t have to play on different courses in order to enjoy the game. You can also enjoy the thrill of watching the best golfers in the world. Majors are the ultimate test for the best players in golf.

The layouts are difficult and there is a lot of pressure to play in these events. The US Open and PGA Championship are two of my favorite tournaments. The course is difficult and the pin placements are very sadistic.

Although it is difficult to be a professional golfer it is still fun to watch the likes of Phil Mickelson or Rory McIlroy struggle for bogey-free rounds. The majority of tournaments are never won until their final round, which keeps fans on edge and biting their nails.

The ultimate excitement is then. A playoff. If two or more players have the same 72-hole score, the tournament proceeds to a playoff. It can be sudden death or over three holes. This is the golf equivalent of a soccer penalty shootout.

This is the epic playoff between Thomas Pieters & Haotong L at the 2023 BMW Championship.

 

7. There are different scoring formats

There are several scoring formats for golf to keep it interesting. The Stableford format uses points and is the most popular. This system has a shot limit. It varies depending on your handicap, the stroke of the hole, and other factors.

Match-play is my favorite format because you can hit a bad shot but still win or halve the hole. You can only go one shot further if you have a blowout or card a triple-bogey on the first holes. This allows you to walk to your next hole, hit your fairway shot, and then make a solid recovery.

There are also foursomes, better balls, scramble and classic stroke play. You team up with a buddy to play foursomes. Each player hits the alternate shot. You hit the tee shot, then your partner hits the approach and you end with the birdie putt. This format uses Stableford scoring.

The name implies that the better ball is the one with the lowest score. This game can be played with either 2 or 4 balls. Scramble is undoubtedly the most entertaining format. Each player hits their tee shot and you take the best result. The next step is to have everyone in your group line up their ball at the mark and play their second shot.

 

8. There are several types of golf

There are many ways to enjoy golf on an 18-hole course. Because of the decrease in disposable time, short courses are becoming more popular. You can choose from 6-hole or 9-hole par 3, golf courses.

Top Golf is a great place to play if you don’t have the time for a full round. You can also play miniature-golf and test your skills using a putter.

The point is that you can enjoy the game of golf in many different ways without spending hours in the sunlight. I do recommend getting a natural sun tan and spending time in nature.

 

9. You could win prizes in tournaments

I know that many amateurs enjoy playing casual rounds of golf with their friends. Participate in club or charity competitions if you have the opportunity. You could win incredible prizes such as vacations, footwear, golf clubs, and even a bottle of liquor.

It is a rewarding feeling when you win a prize. It is a feeling of accomplishment that gives you the satisfaction of knowing you did not go home empty-handed.

 

10. You get to drive golf carts

I love walking around the golf course. I enjoy the peace and exercise it brings. However, I know that many golfers are also closet gearheads who love fast-moving machines.

While golf courses may limit the speed of golf cars, they are still fun to drive. Golf cart injuries are quite common, so be careful.

 

11. It helps forge business relationships

This may seem like a negative factor, but it can make your experience more enjoyable. The fun comes after a large paycheck from the business relationships you formed on the golf course. It helps to be a consistent golfer and can win over your opponent or potential client.

You can bond with someone during a round. You can get to know each other in a calm environment, which can be challenging in the boardroom.