Some thoughts on golf...

As I sit here and look out over the rolling green landscape of the local golf course, I wonder why it is that so many of us are drawn to this funny little game. I know why I like other sports. I know that I am drawn to baseball for the history and the intricacies of the game; and I enjoy hockey for the pace and the grittiness of the players. Football appeals to the warrior instinct within each of us, and boxing to the aggression we all spend so much time suppressing. Even horse racing, where the animals are the real athletes, I admire for the majesty, beauty and power of the horses. But golf? I just can't figure it out.

Don't misunderstand me, I thoroughly enjoy the game, even if I am financially precluded from playing it as often as I would like. I just don't know WHY I like it. Why would anybody want to spend half the day hitting a tiny ball with a piece of metal, especially when they miss what they are aiming for more often than not? Of course, it can be good exercise...when you walk the course, but most of us prefer carts (don't lie). As I alluded t before, it is not a cheap sport to play. You need special shoes, clubs that fit you, balls, and don't forget the clothes! Oh boy the clothes. At least they are getting more stylish, you don't see too may plaid pants or knickers anymore!!

Maybe if I played more, I could come up with the definitive answer on why I enjoy it. There is a feeling of satisfaction in reading a green just right and sinking a long putt. Sometimes you drive the ball and you can tell by the sound it makes that you nailed it...that's always nice too. Even if you do poorly on a hole, you have 17 other holes to do better on. Of course if you door poorly on all of them, you're screwed!

I just looked out the window again, and I think I have it. The sun just peeked out through the clouds and there's a little more blue sky over the fairways. I just realized...for me, it's not the game itself, but where it's played! Every course is unique, and most are thing of beauty...a work of art if you will. Mot sports are contested in a confined space, but golf is spread out over a spacious area. Each hole is a different landscape. Rolling hills, beautiful trees, babbling brooks, and wildlife galore (humans excluded)...that's what does it for me. As mad as I can get after a poor shot, it goes away pretty quickly when you are in the midst of a particularly tranquil setting. Yup, that's the answer I'm going with, and I can't really think of anything better. Fore!