The Benefits of Playing Golf

2262 Words5 Pages

When people here the word ‘golf’ they often correlate it with a misleading sense of boring, elderly men and women who have nothing better to do. Believe it or not, there is a broader reason why so many retirees indulge in the golf lifestyle. Yes, golf is a lifestyle, not just a sport. Many people, most of whom know absolutely nothing about the sport, do not realize that playing golf regularly can add five years to their life span and also have many other well-being-related benefits (“Health” par. 5). Golf is a great therapeutic activity because it teaches good etiquette, it enriches the mind, and it provides for a healthy lifestyle.

In order to be successful with any career, it is important to follow good etiquette in certain situations and/or environments. Golf is an effective way to teach this. Most golfers pride themselves on being honest, respectful, disciplined, and courteous among other qualities (Hall par. 13). These qualities are incorporated into the sport in various, and often unnoticeable ways. Unfortunately, many people do not see these ways, and therefore do not give golf a chance to better their etiquette. One cannot put enough emphasis on the quality of having proper and admirable etiquette, especially in today’s society. A first impression means so much in today’s world. If one is able to appeal to another’s initial and often unfair judgement, a social barrier is broken, and the possibilities from there are endless.

In the sport of golf, there are many ways in which good etiquette is incorporated. Honesty is often seen as the most significant quality of the golfer and is practiced during many different situations on the course. There are numerous rules and regulations to follow when golfing, and ...

... middle of paper ...

...ptual and Motor Skills 86.3 (1998): 811-815. Web. 22 Oct. 2013.

Lane, M. Andrew and Hayden Jarrett. “Mood Changes Following Golf Among Senior Recreational Players.” Journal of Sports Science and Medicine 4 (2005) : 47-51. Web. 22 Oct. 2013.

"Rules and Decisions." USGA: Rules and Decisions. United States Golf Association, 2013. Web. 22 Oct. 2013.

Sell, Timothy C., John P. Abt, and Scott M. Lephart. "Physical activity-related benefits of walking during golf." golf2020.com. Web. Club Managers Association of America, 2008.

Shackleford, Edwin. “It’s All About Good Golf Etiquette.” The Chronicle Journal. Apr. 2011: 1. Chronicle Journal Web. 24 Oct. 2013.

Thomas, Patrick R. and Gerard J. Fogarty. “Psychological Skills Training in Golf: The Role of Individual Differences in Cognitive Preferences.” The Sport Psychologist 11.1 (1997) : 86-108. Web. 17 Oct. 2013.

Open Document