why do you play golf?

[Deleted member 18121]

I ask because of how bothered people are about others scores, whether they cheat and how much it seems to matter to win medals/competitons.

For me its the following reasons:
1. To spend 4-5 hours with my friends, chewing the fat and enjoying the countryside
2. To better MY OWN game and performance
3. For the feeling of hitting a great shot

I don't want to get hung up on what everyone else is ddoing and how they perform.

 

[6inchcup]

For fun and enjoyment no other reason for a h/c player to play.

 

[Neddy]

The challenge and the satisfaction you get when you do hit a good shot. It's a hobby to be enjoyed.

Often amazes me reading this forum how stressed out/competitive some people get about it

 

[ScienceBoy]

To get out and do something other than sit around in front of the PC.

A bit of competitiveness against myself, bettering my game etc

For the sheer enjoyment, the ups and the downs, the elation and overcoming the fear.

 

[Lump]

Firstly and foremost for the fun of it. I love this game, I don't think I could be without it.
That being said, do I enjoy winning......... hell yeah!. Nothings better that knowing on that day you played better than everybody else at the club.

 

[Kellfire]

Firstly and foremost for the fun of it. I love this game, I don't think I could be without it.
That being said, do I enjoy winning......... hell yeah!. Nothings better that knowing on that day you played better than everybody else at the club after handicaps are taken into account.

Finished that quote for you and I agree with it all.

 

[Pro Zach]

Firstly and foremost for the fun of it. I love this game, I don't think I could be without it.
That being said, do I enjoy winning......... hell yeah!. Nothings better that knowing on that day you played better than everybody else at the club.

You don't win golf by playing better than everyone else on the day. You win by having the most inaccurate handicap on the day.

In answer to the op. I play because I enjoy the challenge of getting the ball in the hole in as few shots as I can.

I would enjoy the game more if I had the challenge of competing against others on a level playing field. But golf has a mad, antisocial, handicap system instead.

 

[Pro Zach]

Firstly and foremost for the fun of it. I love this game, I don't think I could be without it.
That being said, do I enjoy winning......... hell yeah!. Nothings better than pretending on that day you played better than everybody else at the club.

Corrected that quote for Kellfire.

 

[Lump]

I would enjoy the game more if I had the challenge of competing against others on a level playing field. But golf has a mad, antisocial, handicap system instead.

You're allowed your opinions.

Would you rather everyone played off scratch?

 

[Pro Zach]

You're allowed your opinions.

Would you rather everyone played off scratch?

YES.

 

[GreiginFife]

YES.

Err why? The best part of golf over nearly every other sport is that it has a method of [partially] leveling the playing field so that people of all ability can participate without it being a pointless exercise from the off.

 

[Crow]

You're allowed your opinions.

Would you rather everyone played off scratch?

YES.

Then just enter scratch competitions.

 

[Sweep]

After being 6 under my handicap after 8 holes yesterday and playing the best golf of my life, then watching it all dissipate with one disaster after another, then getting in back in time so I would just make my buffer, why do I play golf? God knows.

 

[palindromicbob]

After being 6 under my handicap after 8 holes yesterday and playing the best golf of my life, then watching it all dissipate with one disaster after another, then getting in back in time so I would just make my buffer, why do I play golf? God knows.

Now this I can related to! Play of 20. I was 5 over gross (23 points) after 9 holes yesterday. Finished with 35 . Glad things didn't continue to click on the back nine or I'd have been called a cheat

Thankfully had that happened my detailed handicap cert can help me show people what I am capable off

 

[Pro Zach]

Err why? The best part of golf over nearly every other sport is that it has a method of [partially] leveling the playing field so that people of all ability can participate without it being a pointless exercise from the off.

A level playing field , in competition, means that the rules and conditions are the same for everyone. This ensures that winning is based on ability. The handicap system is the opposite of a level playing field. In effect it unlevels the field based on ability. To keep it simple you make the best runner run uphill and the worst runner run down hill. If we could do this accurately it would be a draw. If someone 'wins' it is madness to conclude it was from ability and not from the inaccuracy of the tilt.

It is the handicap system that makes it a pointless exercise from the off. We can't know why the winner won if it isn't played on a level playing field.

 

[Darth Fader]

For the challenge, the craic and to get outside for a while. A cold one after he round doesnt hurt either.

 

[chellie]

To annoy people who think that relative newbies, high handicappers and women shouldn't play golf

 

[TheClaw]

A level playing field , in competition, means that the rules and conditions are the same for everyone. This ensures that winning is based on ability. The handicap system is the opposite of a level playing field. In effect it unlevels the field based on ability. To keep it simple you make the best runner run uphill and the worst runner run down hill. If we could do this accurately it would be a draw. If someone 'wins' it is madness to conclude it was from ability and not from the inaccuracy of the tilt.

It is the handicap system that makes it a pointless exercise from the off. We can't know why the winner won if it isn't played on a level playing field.

I've been saying that on here for ages....it doesn't go down well

 

[Twin Lakes]

I play cos it's tough.
oh and to hear people saying they've played well when shooting scores in the 80's or 90's... priceles

I feel sorry for the good golfers when some weekend warrior off a high handicap takes the prize. Lowest gross should always win.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I play to get as low as I can. I go out to shoot the best score I can every competitive round I play. If I do well and win that's a bonus but for me its about trying to hit single figures again. Irrespective of that I love the company and will happily play with anyone. In a social round its about having fun, trying a few things and seeing what OCCURS.