The National Golf Foundation reports a meteoric surge in the popularity of golf:
There were 119 million American adults (those aged 6 and over) who were exposed to golf in 2022.
For 77.9 million individuals, golf was either a televised event, a podcast, or something they read about.
A total of 25.6 million people hit the links for a round.
Fifteen and a half million went to driving ranges, TopGolf, or indoor golf simulators to play the game.
In 2022, 3.3 million people took the golf course for the first time.
These figures are unprecedented. Growing figures like these have never been seen in golf before, and the last time they were comparable was in 2000, during Tiger Woods’ prime.
Those of you who are already convinced that golf is a fantastic sport likely don’t need me to tell you that, but I’m sure you know someone who isn’t yet convinced—a friend, coworker, or family member.
Here are my top reasons to start playing golf if you know someone who would benefit from some encouragement to do so!
Why Play Golf?
Golf’s appeal has surged dramatically, and I have received a lot of messages and comments from players ranging in ability.
More than just a disliking, many of these people find great terror in the word “golf.” It surprised me since, throughout my life, I have played and surrounded golf; the name “golf” has negative connotations for certain people.
Several comments I have heard follow:
- “Golf is way too expensive for me”
- “Golf is elitist—golfers are rude and I’d feel out of place”
- “I suck at golf! I can’t keep up with my friends who play all the time”
It’s okay for someone to think these things, but there’s always another side to every story. Here is mine.
Golf is Cheaper than you Think
It’s true that playing golf may be very expensive. In the United States, the greens fee for an 18-hole round at a reputable public course can vary from fifty dollars to one hundred and twenty dollars. Invest over $2,000 on a brand-new, high-quality set of golf clubs. A 12-pack of brand-new balls can cost between $35 and $55, a glove can cost between $20 and $30, and a whole costume can cost $150. You get the concept, I think.
But wait until…
You don’t need to invest a lot of money to play this game. People typically assume you will have to pay that amount.
If you know what you want and are prepared to invest some time in learning about and making the purchase, you may start playing golf for $500–1,000 without sacrificing quality. Specifically, how?
- Purchase a used pair of clubs from a thrift store, garage sale, or eBay.
- Play used golf balls; if you look closely, you can discover them on every hole.
- During the “twilight hours,” play golf. The majority of golf courses have promotions at specific days and times of the week.
Golf Stereotypes Ruin the Game for Everyone
Regretfully, a lot of popular myths about golf are grounded in fact. Dealing with certain golfers can be quite unpleasant. There may be a few “elitist” golfers among you. Country clubs may be “stuck up” and have unspoken prejudices against specific groups of people.
Still, they are a very small minority. Not every one of us is an avid golfer.
I can state with certainty, having played for a long time, that most people who play golf do so for enjoyment, to network, and to get better at the game. I’m through.
Furthermore, a golf course is not the appropriate setting for self-consciousness. Approximately 75% of all golf courses are public, with about 2,500 of them located in the United States. These kinds of courses are welcoming to new students and won’t dismiss you for wearing the incorrect outfit or saying the wrong thing.
Golf helps you disconnect
Screens are no longer popular. Most of us look at computers for more than seven hours a day, and we use our phones more than three hundred times the day.
Even though there are a lot of free things to do outside, I don’t think many people who are new to golf realize how peaceful it can be.
People think of golf as a stressful, painful sport where players constantly hit their clubs into each other. It’s also true for some people.
For golfers, on the other hand, walking (or riding) the nine holes is a great way to get away from their busy lives. Come with me to a quiet place where we can unwind, enjoy nature, and take a break. Aside from getting that “perfect golf shot” (if you know what I mean), it’s a great place to relax, think, hang out with friends, and enjoy nature.
Golf Builds Relationships
More than everything else, golf is a game about socializing.
Though the event itself had nothing to do with golf, the business I visited on the course will live in some of my most vivid memories. Whether it’s laughing at a poor shot, commemorating a once-in-a-lifetime shot, or just remembering the one-off conversation you had while strolling down the 9th fairway with your spouse, kid, or best friend, nothing lasts longer than the memories you create with the people you love.
For many people who are just starting out, golf may feel like a chore; something they have to learn if they wish to enter the business or social spheres.
Though this is a decent motivation to get a golf club, the funny events, highs and lows, and pressure putts that result in your best round ever really drive you back for more.
People of various ages can enjoy golf among friends, family, colleagues, and even total strangers. If this is true of one sport, what about another?
Golf can be a Puzzle or an Art
Golf has always seemed to me as a mystery till now. If you wish to score low, you have to become proficient in every game mechanism in one round.
Whether it’s with the continuous need to change their equipment, evaluate data from launch monitors, keep track of statistics while playing, learn new shots, hone their swing, or create a mental game plan, golf keeps players on their toes.
The best thing, though, is that your degree of intricacy is totally at your control. The “analytical” and “grip it and rip it” varieties abound on the same golf course.
It can be a relaxing pastime or a psychologically draining quest of perfection. One’s style and personality will determine how fast one plays golf. Its amazing quality is that it is a cultural melting pot.
A throw to pick up golf
I advise you to have one annual golf outing. Invest in cheap clubs to set aside time and effort to learn the nuances of golf.
Any experienced golfer can tell you—you will be hooked for life when you hit that first ” flush” golf stroke.
I have created a special beginners quickstart guide just for people who are brand-new. This manual has you covered if you wish to start off in the correct posture for golf.
Hi, I’m Sarah Thompson, a passionate player and writer from the United States. I’ve been immersed in the world of golf for over 15 years, playing in amateur events and refining my skills on the green. At 40, I mix my love for the sport with my writing, creating pieces that aim to help golfers of all levels improve their game and find joy in every swing.