Is Golf Really a Sport?
While watching ESPN recently, I found myself wondering who determines how time slots are divied up throughout the show. I was excited to see what had happened in the College World Series that day, and I was disappointed to see only a brief highlight of North Carolina’s extra inning defeat of Cal State Fullerton. The program quickly moved on to other, evidently more appealing sports. I then sat and watched as a few long minutes of golf highlights were reeled off. Obviously there must be a larger (or in some other way worthy of ESPN’s marketing efforts) fan base for golf than there is for college baseball, but then again, there’s also likely a larger market for scrapbooking supplies than for college baseball. But ESPN is for sports, right? Following this thinking caused me to ask myself a question that I’ve discussed with people on a few occasions before: Is golf a sport?Okay, lets lay out some criteria for what characterizes a sport. Wikipedia says that a sport combines physical and mental activity for the purpose of competition, and that there is a scoring system involved. It would seem that golf is covered under this definition, except that I question whether there is much physical exertion involved. I’ve played golf a few times - not enough to consider myself more than a beginner, and I’ve watched some golf highlights as a side effect of taking a break to catch up on recent happenings in the baseball, football, basketball, etc. world. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen anyone as much as jog while playing golf, except when, as kids, my friends and I were chased off the local country club’s courses by security personnel.
Do golfers lift weights or do any specific exercises to improve their game? Those kinds of habits are good indicators I imagine that maybe some of the younger generation of golfers have incorporated some kinds of workout routines into their game. Googling for “tiger woods workout” found this response by Tiger to a fans question about increasing his fitness and strength levels to improve his golf game. “I’ve always felt that golf is a sport, and you have to train as if it’s a sport.” (from GolfDigest.com) After making that comment, Woods does mention lifting weights, but his recommendations focus mostly on building hand strength.Asking this question of golf might suppose the need to ask whether other sports are really sports. Responding to being questioned about his obesity and his smoking habit, John Kruk once told a lady, “I ain’t an athlete, lady, I’m a ballplayer!” Of course, John Kruk doesn’t exactly set the mold for baseball players, especially nowadays. I think most would agree that, especially compared to golf, baseball is indeed a sport, and its players are, in most cases, certainly athletes.There are other characteristics of golf that cause me to question its value as a part of SportsCenter and its inclusion as part of the sports world. Most amateurs play the game to relax and take a break. Often the game is treated like going to dinner: “Why don’t we talk about this over dinner, or maybe a round of golf?” I know of businessmen who invite their attorneys to play golf with them as a way to cut down on their legal expenses. I don’t hear many of those same people inviting any lawyers to play pickup basketball.
I’m sure the people at ESPN have legitimate reasons to include golf highlights in their show. I just wish they wouldn’t spend so much time showing golf, when there are perfectly good highlights from the College World Series or the World Cup that could be shown. Those are sports. Golf is a glorified leisure activity.
Next up for consideration? Is NASCAR really a sport?
Richard, I don’t understand your venom towards one of the more difficult SPORTS to play. John Kruk (former pro baseball player) once said “I’m not an athelete, I’m a baseball player.” In that same vein, who really thinks a sport that can be dominated by old men (i.e. Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, etc.) is more challenging than golf. It seems to me what you are really irritated about is that a college sport was preempted by a professional sport. It’s not like they put college golf on over college baseball.
Many would argue that golf is the only sport that is based solely on a player’s performance to be successful. There are no arbitrary calls at the plate (safe or out), was he fouled or not (NBA playoffs) or did he cross the goal line (Warrick Dunn was in against Virginia). The ball either goes in the hole or it doesn’t.
By the way, I have been invited by my clients to play pick up basketball before. Keep up the good work. The post was thought provoking.
The Online Lawyer
Comment by Nolelaw — June 23, 2006 @ 9:48 am
I can understand why many feel golf isn’t a sport. According to wikipedia as you sited a sport has physical, aspects as well as rules and competition. I think there is no denying by anyone of the last two, however, although not physical in the way of other sports golf requires a great deal of coordination, timing, and control in order to play at a high competitive level. Many say that it is not a sport because old men play it but plenty of old men play other sports. I feel that golf is played as both a sport and hobby. The old man on the course is not an athlete, just as the old on the courts or field is not an athlete, but those who work hard daily to tune the swing which contains more moving parts then a baseball swing, or jumpshot, as well as tune their bodies such as me and my collegiate teammates, and those playing at a higher level than us are indeed athletes playing a sport.
Comment by collegegolfer — December 31, 2006 @ 11:19 pm
Golf is not a sport.
It’s a game untalented, fat white guys play when they’re not watching their wives hook up with a guy who actually plays a sport.
Comment by Tiger — June 7, 2007 @ 3:56 pm
Firstly the Wikipedia definition is very much open to interpretation. I believe that in order for something to be clasified as a Sport then you have to be directly be competing against somebody/people and that the way they compete has an impact on your performance. So for instance using this I classify tennis as a sport as if I were playing Roger Federer then I could guarantee I’d lose 6-0 6-0 6-0 as he is so much better than me that I’d be unable to ge t a game. However, If I were playing Tiger Woods at golf I would go around in something like 90. If I were playing my next door neighbour I would still go around in 90. The fact that Tiger Woods would go around in 70 (beat me) and my neighbour in 100 (lose to me)does not make it a sport. Golf is a game, at which some people are very very good.
Comment by keith — November 21, 2007 @ 8:15 pm
Why cant it be both ? recreational some and a sport to others..
Comment by dave — December 5, 2007 @ 8:23 am
Golf is a sport. Physical does not just mean hitting someone or running. It means using energy to do a certain task. Everyone who doesn’t play golf thinks it’s easy, and takes no effort. It’s the hardest sport in the world. If your not in shape for golf you won’t be the best. Who’s the best in the world right now? Tiger Woods, the most fit athlete of this time. Golf takes coordination, dedication, skill, and hard work. You can’t practice 3 times a week and be good like in basketball. And reffering to the comment by Tiger, Who is the best golfer in the world, a strong, fit, black guy. So quit stereotyping. Everyone who hates golf, and thinks its easy, its because you suck at it, and have no patient. It’s much harder to make a 10 foot putt, than a 10 foot shot in basketball hands down.
Comment by Conor — December 17, 2007 @ 5:14 pm
I have tried and tried and tried to develop a taste for golf, and I just cannot do it. As a long distance runner and student of martial arts, golf just does not hold my interest. Golf is NOT a sport. To anyone who says is is I have two words: John Daly. When anyone in that physical condition not only competes, but excels at the professional level, there is no way golf can be considered a sport. period. Yes, Golf does require a great deal of coordination, skill, timing, etc., but so does running a chemistry experiment (I’m a PhD chemist), so does that make chemistry a sport? Most would say no. Truth be told, I exert more physical activity doing scientific research than I did in my times on the golf course. So if you say golf is sport, than you have to say chemistry is a sport as well. I have also heard that lugging all those clubs around all day is exertion. Point taken, but every course I have been you had to use a cart, or had a caddy. Besides thats not a sport, thats just lugging around a bunch of metal, so does that make construction work a sport? Anyway, the debate will endlessly continue, and the golfers will continue to play, and get fat.
Comment by Gator — January 30, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
Whoever says golf is not a sport and then uses example like John Daly or other fat, white guys are just dopes.
By that reasoning, then baseball isn’t a sport because Babe Ruth was a fat, out of shape man. Football isn’t a sport because 75% of lineman are disgusting examples of obesity.
And, Gator, professional golfers don’t use carts. They walk, four days straight, in dress pants, often in 90+ degree weather. I’d like to see you do that while still performing your job at a high level. Don’t be so ignorant as to base your opinions on how amateurs approach a sport, or pigeon-hole the sport based on extreme examples of it’s players.
Comment by A Smart Person — March 13, 2008 @ 10:58 am
I agree with Gator and think that A Smart Person is anything but. Babe Ruth? Nice comparison. Babe Ruth played his last game more than 70 years ago. John Daly plays now. Also, many those “obese” lineman run 40 yard times under 5 seconds, and can press 225lbs more than 2 dozen times. Just watch the NFL combine on the NFL network. Also, I don’t thing that using John Daly as an example makes you a dope. I think not using him as a point of reference makes you a dope. John Daly has won 2 Majors in golf. This either ties him or puts him ahead of the following 152 pro golfers with Major wins: 2 majors - 32 golfers: Jack Burke, Jr., Ben Crenshaw, Leo Diegel, Olin Dutra, Doug Ford, Retief Goosen, David Graham, Hubert Green, Harold Hilton, Jock Hutchison, Tony Jacklin, Lee Janzen, Sandy Lyle, Bernhard Langer, John McDermott, Bob Martin, Johnny Miller, Greg Norman, Andy North, José María Olazábal, Mark O’Meara, Willie Park, Jr., Henry Picard, Edward Ray, Paul Runyan, Alex Smith, Horton Smith, Dave Stockton, Curtis Strange, Craig Wood, Fuzzy Zoeller. 1 major - 120 golfers: Tommy Aaron, George Archer, Laurie Auchterlonie, William Auchterlonie, Paul Azinger, Ian Baker-Finch, John Ball, Jerry Barber, Rich Beem, Tommy Bolt, Gay Brewer, Mark Brooks, David Brown, Billy Burke, Walter Burkemo, Jack Burns, Richard Burton, Ángel Cabrera, Mark Calcavecchia, Michael Campbell, Bob Charles, Charles Coody, Fred Couples, Tom Creavy, Ben Curtis, Fred Daly, Roberto DeVicenzo, George Duncan, David Duval, Steve Elkington, Chick Evans, Johnny Farrell, Max Faulkner, Willie Fernie, Jim Ferrier, Dow Finsterwald, Jack Fleck, James Foulis, Ed Furgol, Jim Furyk, Al Geiberger, Vic Ghezzi, Bob Goalby, Johnny Goodman, Wayne Grady, Lou Graham, Bob Hamilton, Todd Hamilton, Chick Harbert, Claude Harmon, Chandler Harper, Pádraig Harrington, Arthur Havers, Jay Hebert, Lionel Hebert, Fred Herd, Sandy Herd, Don January, Zach Johnson, Steve Jones, Herman Keiser, Tom Kidd, Hugh Kirkaldy, Tom Kite, Paul Lawrie, Tom Lehman, Tony Lema, Justin Leonard, Lawson Little, Gene Littler, Joe Lloyd, Davis Love III, Willie Macfarlane, Fred McLeod, John Mahaffey, Tony Manero, Lloyd Mangrum, Dave Marr, Arnaud Massy, Dick Mayer, Shaun Micheel, Larry Mize, Orville Moody, Kel Nagle, Bobby Nichols, Geoff Ogilvy, Francis Ouimet, Alf Padgham, Mungo Park, Sam Parks, Jr., Jerry Pate, Corey Pavin, Alf Perry, Horace Rawlins, Johnny Revolta, Bill Rogers, Bob Rosburg, Alec Ross, George Sargent, Jack Simpson, Scott Simpson, Jeff Sluman, Willie Smith, Craig Stadler, Andrew Strath, Hal Sutton, David Toms, Jerome Travers, Jim Turnesa, Bob Tway, Ken Venturi, Lanny Wadkins, Cyril Walker, Art Wall, Jr., Mike Weir, Tom Weiskopf, Reg Whitcombe, Jack White, Ian Woosnam, Lew Worsham. 25 of the referenced 2 Major winners are inducted the World Golf Hall of Fame, located in Florida. For you numbers nuts, like me, you can go to their website of the same name to verify. Big, “disgusting example of obesity” - I think those were your words A Smart Person - John Daly, has equalled or exceeded Major wins by 25 Hall of Famers. Have 25 Hall of Famers equalled or exceeded Babe Ruth’s numbers? I believe you called him “a fat, out of shape man.” Bet you can’t name 5. That question is to you A Smart Person? Think first bro. Don’t just make a knee-jerk response based on emotions, not on fact. Now, back to John Daly and the 25 Hall of Famers. I’m pretty sure that the 25 inductees to golf’s hallowed halls, were inducted based on their body of golfing accomplishments and impact on the game, and not solely on winning 2 golf majors (at least let’s hope not-or else you got to put the big white boy in there). I’m just saying, numbers never lie and it is what it is. Lastly, Jack Nicklaus won his last major at the “youthfull” age of 46 (love handles & stomach fat-roll clearly in plain sight). He also contended for another major and came in 6th place at the even “more youthful” age of 58. Still think it’s a sport? Please find me another example of where this type of accomplishment has happened in sports by an individual at such an advanced age. Anything younger than 46 don’t count. He won the Masters baby, at 46, not some putt-putt tourney. The Masters is considered the pinnacle of golf. The best in the game. That’s why they call it The Masters. We’re talking World Series, World Cup, Gold Medal winner(not including curling) here. Please don’t insult me by using some example like a 90 year old who swam the English Channel or a 50 year old player who mainly comes off the bench to do his best work (Julio Franco). No NASCAR or Chris Chelios references either. The car and pit crew do most of the work & Chelli’s a freak of nature. He has 4 percent body fat. It’s not even fair to compare him to someone half his age. Golf and bowling are the only activities that I can think of(don’t say fishing), that you do not have an actual opponent whose actions do something to counter your actions to win. You play the course, and that’s not an opponent. The course does not know or care how well or poorly that you are playing. Bowling is the same way. You play the lane. Golf is unique in that every course is designed differently(in bowling, the lanes and pins are standard). Honestly, golf shouldn’t even be considered a game, like chess, checkers or shuffleboard (as 3 examples). In each of those games, there is an actual opponent whose actions do something to counter your actions to win. So what is golf, if it’s not a sport or a game? I say that it’s a recreational activity, played at a leisurely pace, by out of shape men (mostly), who originally wanted to get away from family, job, etc for a few hours(that’s why you had to join a club-it keeps the have nots away). Since the majority of men fit in this category, golf took on an enormous following. It looked like something that we could all do without an opponent trying to stop us. You could even participate alone. That enormous following drove golf to become a recreational activity (stilled played at a leisurely pace), that wishes it was a sport, but is played like a game without an adversary. Oh, and finally, I would like to comment on that dude’s statement about “professional golfers don’t use carts. They walk, four days straight, in dress pants, often in 90+ degree weather. I’d like to see you do that while still performing your job at a high level. Don’t be so ignorant as to base your opinions on how amateurs approach a sport, or pigeon-hole the sport based on extreme examples of it’s players.” Actually, they don’t really walk, they stroll. They wear custom-made shoes, designed to specifically fit their feet, and wear pants, shirts, vests and visors that are made of breathable, wicking materials, designed to specifically keep them cool. Have you ever been to a golf course? The trees help keep the course cool, not to mention the shade that they create. They’re not playing in the Sahara Desert every time (I know-desert golf courses exist). So for you to say that a golf cart somehow gives you an advantage, or going for a leisurely stroll is somehow strenuous, is ridiculous. Just look at John Daly now or Jack Nicklaus’ performances at age 46 & 58 again(dude, seriously, the caddy is carrying your bag of clubs, bottled water, bananas, cigarettes-John Daly reference-and whatever else, you only carry your scorecard!).
Comment by Psycho Greg — April 13, 2008 @ 10:07 pm
I thought the comment #6 was funny. In no way is Tiger Woods the most fit athlete of this time. Not at all. Plus a 10 ft putt and a 10 ft shot are in no way equal. It would be more like a 20 foot shot. Plus I’ve played golf and I know that running or trying to hurry actually decreases your performance and so it’s better to walk and stay relaxed. Try walking around on a soccer field or a basketball court and see how long it takes to go pro.
Comment by bob taco — April 17, 2008 @ 1:48 am
ok Iam a high school schooler and I play high school golf. In school iam writing a essay to persuade people like gator and some dude name Psycho greg that golf is not a game its a sport .Yea I like how you give examples about john Daly but how about me there is no such thing as a caddy in high school golf iam walking the whole course in rain or shine with my bag on and i keep my own score . All yea hey greg i have been at many golf coarse and no not many do have alot of trees and if they do you cant be just cooling and relax you have to move on and play the next hole. All yea how does golf got to do with chemistry you have to kidin right. you know what so what if your not good at it you shouldnt be talkin because you have not played it long enough and if you dont like the sport or game what ever you call to me its a way of life. Golf takes practice alot of it . I have a question for you gator or greg did you ever realy played around of golf . so the next time you say golf is not a sport do sat anything until you are actualy good at it or dont say anything at take it from a golfer .
Comment by amature high — May 2, 2008 @ 3:20 am
Haha great responses…
Golf is a sport, if it’s played within the contexts that underline the definition of a sport (i.e. that it is performed against competing players under a defined point system with the ultimate goal of beating your opponent). To argue that golf is a game played against yourself is…well, just wrong (in the professional sense). They’re not playing against the course in the PGA. So, the course scored 72, or whatever even par is. But what does that mean in relation to the winner? Absolutely nothing, it could be an obscure random number and it wouldn’t change who the eventually winner is.
Let’s face the facts this is an argument that will probably always exist. You can argue about the physical shape of the players who play, or whether a physical exertion is required. But for anyone who has played at a high level can attest to, it’s an extremely exerting sport. I remember playing competitively in high school and college, and coming home exhausted from practicing 8 hour days. I should make a point to let you know that I’m not a weak guy. I’m currently attending college, and work out regularly. In high school I ran a low 5 minute mile, benched 245 and weighed in around 190 lbs. Golf may not require a similar muscular build as football or even baseball to be succesful, however it does require a lot of core strength, fast twitch muscle fibers, and control.
This is where I end my post, realizing that no matter what arguement can be made in order to support golf as being a sport, can also be countered by someone with far too much time on their hands. However, for those of you who maintain that golf is not a sport, take into consideration the new-age of professional golfers who have elevated the sport to the level that it is currently at. Sure, John Daly did pull out two major victories within the last 20 years but the evolution of golf is upon us…
Comment by Travis — May 12, 2008 @ 2:26 am
you can make all the arguments you want about golf not being a sport and they will fail at proving a point. if you dont think golf is a sport i would rly like you to play 18 holes everyday for 3 days straight even 1 day it can be tiring. the only argument people make about golf not being a sport is that you can be out of shape and still do well. thats stupid look at tiger woods and look at john daly (seems like alot of ppl like to diss on golf using john daly) tiger woods is way better than john daly. and who said daly was good.
Comment by golf is a sport — May 13, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
Only someone who has played golf as a leisure activity would say that it is not sport. Anyone who has walked a 72 hole tournament and faced the pressure of competation would really know that it is a sport. And if you doubt it go out and play four consecutive days from the back tees on a hilly course when the temp is above 90 and then come back and talk to me about it!
Comment by J P Del — June 5, 2008 @ 2:32 pm
Golf is definitely a sport!
Comment by Apryl DeLancey — June 6, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
Thought I’d throw this one your way – my definitive criteria for deciding whether or not something is a sport.
http://atreefalling.blogspot.com/2008/06/if-it-has-cheerleaders-thats-just-bonus.html
Well-covered ground, but timely in the wake of all the discussion of Tiger’s U.S. Open performance.
Comment by Steve Harbula — June 18, 2008 @ 11:28 pm
Not a sport
Comment by ray — June 19, 2008 @ 5:19 pm
Is golf a sport? If you divide sports into 2 categories, “contact sport” or “non-contact” I think it is fair to say that golf would be a non-contact sport, like bowling and like track and field events. Any argument?
The major component of contact sports, “baseball, football, basketball, soccer, hockey, fighting, is not about athleticism. Being “in shape” will only effect your performance and not determine whether you play a sport or a game. You can be an Olympic athlete and type but that wont make typing a “sport” just because and athlete does it. Same with golf.
Just because Tiger Woods is in shape does not make him an athlete or golf a sport. What DOES make the “contact” events, sports, is the fact that in those events, one player or team, by rules…by definition…by intention, deliberately and with strategy and by physical force, effect the opposing player, the opposing team, their equipment, and most importantly….their play. In those “sports” you can actually take away the ball with physical force and disrupt the physical and mental make up of the opponent.
So, at best, golf is a non contact sport. At least in tennis you can respond to your opponents efforts.
My view is that golf is NOT a sport, but rather a sporting event. Contact sports are also sporting events, but not all sporting events are “sports”. Bowling? Event. Track and field? Event.
Are golfers athletes? Are bowlers? Are dart throwers or archers? They will all say they are. I won’t argue with them. I’d just love to see golfers carry their own clubs and have there be a clock on the golf course. I want to see John Daly running down the 18th fairway with his bag on his shoulder to finish before the buzzer because of poor clock management on the front nine.
I’d love to see Tiger and other golfers play with fans screaming and taunting. Did you ever see the look on Tiger Woods face when someone in the gallery makes a noise?
Sport my ass.
Comment by Dave — June 20, 2008 @ 2:24 pm
In some senses, golf is a sport. In some, it is not.
It does not require a great deal of physical exertion, however, you must have an excellent sense of timing and co-ordination, as well as a fairly strong core to make a powerful balanced golf swing. Tiger Woods is not a weak fellow for his size. In fact, he is quite strong. He has very strong core muscles that allow him to keep balance and stability while swinging with a club head speed in excess of 170mph.
Those who play golf as an occasional leisure activity will take it for just that. However, JP Del is quite correct. 4 days in over 90 weather on a hard course is tasking, i know this personally.
So, it really depends on how committed you are to it. if you play it on a competitive level, it is a sport. If not, then its a leisure activity.
And Dave, as some one the internet say “learn your shit”. Tiger Woods is not effected by any noise during his swing. I’ve seen a man yell in the middle of his backswing, and he still hits the ball 325 down the fairway.
Professional golfers are some of the most mentally tough “athletes”, if you will, on the planet. The stress of a tournament can be very near insurmountable for an amateur, yet professionals blow it off with ease. That is why Tiger is Unaffected by noises, because he is the best.
Comment by Sebastian — July 23, 2008 @ 2:49 am
And stop using John Daly as justification grounds for your arguments. He was in fairly good shape in the days that he was a good golfer and winning lots of tournaments.
When he got fat, he turned into a horrid golfer. I think he’s won one tournament since he slipped into obesity.
Just look up pictures of him in 95. He’s barely overweight, if at all.
Comment by Sebastian — July 23, 2008 @ 2:57 am
Golf is a game. It is not an olympis sport, as people would be horrified to see these non athletes recieve such esteemed recognition.
My rule of thumb usually is, if you dont have to strenously exert yourself then it really is not a sport.
I suggest to every “Golf is a sport” person, do the following, and enlighten us to wether this equates to playing four round of leisurley golf
Day 1 - Go for a five mile run
Day 2 - Go for 800m swim
Day 3 - Go play a 90min game of football
Day 4 - Go for a 20mile cycle
Comment by Joe — July 24, 2008 @ 9:24 am
Alright Joe. You’ve succeeded in putting four physically demanding activities in front of us. Only one of which is a sport. You’ve proved absolutely nothing.
Anyone who thinks running is more of a sport than golf is truly an idiot.
Comment by Sebastian — July 24, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
Who cares whether golf is refered to as a sport or a game? The difference is tivial. Look the words up in the dictionary. Both are competitive pastimes of some sort that are trivial in nature. Additionally, sport should require some sort of eye hand coordination or mental component at least. Running, cycling and swimming are muscular exercises not sports or games. Which again isn’t hear nor there.
Comment by thegolfscribe — July 30, 2008 @ 1:54 pm
Well Joe, they are considering making golf an olympic sport in 2016 so say what you want. People have different expectations as to what events are sports which makes it a hard topic to really discuss. There is physical exertion in golf regardless of what anyone says.
Comment by Robb — August 7, 2008 @ 11:57 pm
I have played golf since I ws 8 years old. I am now 18. Many people over the last couple of years have asked me why golf is a sport because there is no physical activity. I think in my head. no physical activity? Whatever. Walking for 5 hours with a 30-50 pounds on your back, up and down hills. Taking stops to take a swing. A golf swing consist of extreme stretching of the shoulders and lower back, along with intense coiling of your core. If you say that is not a sport you have got to be a very stupid person. Sorry for no big words but seriously. It’s very inconcider it.
Comment by Kristen — November 13, 2008 @ 6:40 pm
Golf is not a sport. I think running, cycling and swimming are more of a sport than golf. Yes, golfers might need to walk a long time with all these heavy golf clubs on your back under 90 degree, but it’s nothing compare to the sports like football, baseball, soccer, and basketball. And watching golf is like watching the paint drys. There is no excitement, no momentum, no nothing. You just hit the ball with your pretty swing and see if the ball goes into the hole. If this is a sport, then shooting pool should be considered a sport also. It’s pretty ridiculous how golfers get paid so much by hitting the balls, they are definitely over-paid.
Comment by Sherry — March 8, 2009 @ 7:57 pm
Friends and I were having this discussion today, and like this blog, everyone had a different point of view. I’ve played golf for 16 years now and have become very good at it..but is it a sport…I don’t think so. And if it is, it’s a sub class of sprots in general. My definition of a sport would be something like, an event that has an opponent playing another in a timed, scored, and officiated manner. Ie hockey, football, basketball..etc. Whereas one opponents actions will effect the others. Basically you’re playing someone else, in front of you, that can block, hit, save, or ditract you from “scoring”. Because scoring is the key to a sport! Then you would have sporting activities. This is where golf would fall in. And bowling, swimming, and all olyimpic sports. You’re still timed, judged, and measured, but against yourself or the obsticle that you are all being timed, judged or measured against. Golf would be against the course, relative to how other golfers scored. Long jumpers measured against the distance, as well runners and swimmers being timed. Then you would have games. These have opponents, and include scoring, but now you are using instruments. Checkers, chess pieces, horseshoes, darts, scrabble..etc. There is no real physical activity in a “game” and that’s what would be the defining factor between a game and a sport. So ther you have it..
Sports.
Sporting activities.
Games.
All fun, and like the blogger above mentioned, the physical condition of an athlete doesn’t quantify it as a sport. Just because a guy is fit and plays cards doesn’t make cards a sport. And because someone is out of shape but has the talent to play an activity or a sport doesn’t make it one or the other. But I will say for those who have never golfed, it is physical, most courses are about 5-6 miles in total to walk, and that includes uphills and down side banks. Plus swinging a club 70-120 times takes it’s toll. But in the end, I’m not getting tackled while I’m putting.
Comment by chad — March 31, 2009 @ 12:31 am
A sport does not need to be brutal to be a sport. When guys go golfing on buissness trips, they normanly rent carts. Now that defeats the purpose for the sport. If you walk with your bag, or just walking, it uses physical energy. Golf is also more mental. IT IS one of the hardest sports to play. Tiger has huge guns, whitch is why he hits the ball so dang hard.
Comment by Cmaeron McMullin — May 14, 2009 @ 10:45 am