Is golf a game? Is golf a sport?

Many years ago when I was at Clear Channel Radio in Syracuse, I debated this subject many times with Bud Poliquin on Sports Radio 620 WHEN, while Jim Lerch, host of “Bud and The Manchild,” arbitrated our lively discussions for several months. I’m sure I did not convince Bud that “golf” should be considered a “sport,” and I am certain you must know that I would not allow Bud to convince me that “golf was just a game.” Because Bud and I have never been able to resolve our differences on this subject, I am going to attempt to search for some facts in this article that will hopefully allow you to make up your own mind... once and for all. Special thanks to Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, Golf Geeks, Wikipedia, and Team Coordinator... Pronoun.

Let’s start with definitions: The Oxford Dictionary describes a “game” as “an activity done for ‘fun,’ often with rules, where you can win or lose. It also brings people together from all walks of life.” The Oxford Dictionary defines a “sport” as “an activity requiring physical effort and skill, conducted in a specific area and adhering to a set of rules. It also brings people together from all walks of life... to compete.”

Golf is not a sport because:

1. Golf is not a demanding physical activity.

2. It does not have direct opposition like other team sports (football, basketball, soccer).

3. Golfers do not need to be in shape.

4. Golf promotes more social interaction.

5. There is little risk for injury.

6. Golf lacks a “standard” playing area like a basketball court, football field, or soccer field.

7. Golf has a complex set of evolving rules and different scoring systems.

Golf is a sport because:

1. While it is true that most golfers ride in carts, they still burn almost 300 calories during an 18-hole round of golf. Walkers burn up to 500 calories. Golf is absolutely a demanding physical activity. Have you ever tried to walk 18 holes in 90+ degree temperatures?

2. Golf certainly does have direct opposition if you are a competitive golfer who competes regularly in tournaments to earn a spot on the Mitchell Cup or Sovik Cup teams at the end of the golf season in Central New York. These are the Ryder Cup teams of CNY.

3. In order to become an elite competitive golfer, it is mandatory that you participate in a physical fitness program—just like athletes in other sports—to maintain the skill set and endurance required over an entire season. Being strong, flexible, and in good shape never hurt anyone.

4. Golf does promote social interaction, even when competitive golfers play in local, regional, and national tournaments. They meet fellow competitors who often become lifelong friends.

5. Avoiding injuries is fairly easy when you play golf just for “fun.” However, there is real risk for injury when elite golfers commit to intense fitness programs to improve performance.

6. Although every golf course is different in yardage and aesthetics, isn’t that part of the charm, beauty, and challenge of the “sport”?

7. No matter how complex the Rules of Golf may be, they are necessary to ensure fairness and integrity in the “sport”—especially when playing for $5–$10 million.

Summary:

• The Oxford Dictionary says a “sport” needs skill, physical effort, and rules. Golf has all three.

• Golf is now officially an Olympic “sport.”

• Name one PGA Tour player who does not have a fitness trainer on his team?

• Tiger Woods has had 30 serious operations in his career. There is significant risk of injury when golfers neglect fitness.

• Golf requires strength, flexibility, and balance to become an elite player—just like all other “sports.”

Golf is a wonderful “game” to play for “fun”... but it has now also become an international “sport”... forever!