By Tom Koonce
It was an uncharacteristically pleasant, late-summer night for the Washington, D.C. area — low humidity, a few clouds in the sky, and temperatures going down into the 60s. A perfect night to be outside with the kids and neighbors (note that this was 2019): roast s’mores, listen to some music, and have a few drinks with friends. As we settled into the night, talk turned to the absence of one of our adult friends who was out of town for the night at a weekend volleyball tournament — something that was met with comments of how it was pretty cool that someone in their mid-40s was still competing and playing in those types of events.
But for some reason, the conversation turned to golf and comparisons between our friend going away for a night for volleyball and my weekend golf trips, which admittedly are for more extended periods of time. A response that came quickly and stood out was, “Golf is a waste.” That was soon joined by comments about how it is a waste of time, land, resources, etc., and overall an inane elitist hobby. I started to provide a defense but stopped, realizing it was going to come across as just that — defensive, an excuse, basically pointless to try and refute this opinion.
The author’s mental coach, during a round at the Schoolhouse Nine in northern Virginia.
But why would someone who has no concept of the game — and my love of it — call it essentially horrible? And even though I know the person who said it didn’t mean it to be offensive and probably has little exposure to golf, that was just it: their impression was completely negative. It unfortunately colored the rest of my night. I could not shake the set up for this very brief discussion about golf (since I didn’t engage, the conversation moved on to other topics) that implied my passion, above all others, is an absurd and wasteful pursuit.
All of us know people who train for marathons or even ironmans, bike every day, work out multiple times a week, play in soccer, basketball and hockey clubs, fish, hike, swim, cycle, go camping, play tennis — and yes, play volleyball. And these interests are usually met with little criticism and likely encouragement from their spouses, friends and even kids. One cannot look through social media without seeing postings of achievements in one’s beloved sport or hobby with comments of congratulations. Having such interests is healthy and necessary, but golf for some reason is not held in the same esteem. It does come up on social media as well, but it’s usually the result of someone getting a hole in one or a visit to a bucket list destination. The point is that golf is seen by many as frivolous and indulgent, and not something for which someone who enjoys it should receive accolades or encouragement.
Some also question whether it’s a sport, and others will roll their eyes when you say that walking and carrying your bag 18 holes is exercise (for those folks, I say try it if you haven’t, and then say it isn’t).
Cabot Links Golf Resort in Nova Scotia.
So golf, unfortunately, still has a serious image problem. It’s not only the bad impression given by some famous people who play golf, but it is also for several reasons that tarnish the reputation of the sport. These include the fact that most in this country take a cart instead of enjoying a walk and getting more exercise while playing; alcohol can be consumed while you play; it can take five hours or more to play 18 holes; it is, quite simply, hard; or the unfortunate fact that many of the top courses in this country are off-limits to most unless they can pay oftentimes exorbitant club fees or know someone who is a member. Not to mention it costs money to play golf, but all hobbies or sports have some expense, so I tend to believe this accusation that golf is too expensive is overblown, especially given the existence of municipal courses (with renovations, many of these courses are getting better by the day), relatively cheap driving ranges and the ability to rent clubs or buy used ones at inexpensive prices.
So even over two decades after Tiger Woods burst upon the scene, golf is still seen by some as a waste. It is very unfortunate, because the sport is in the middle of a mini-renaissance, and over the past several years, love for the game has grown among many. This has been driven in part by getting back to the sport’s basics such as walking and minimalist designs. But many new resorts and developments also have put a premium on the experience and fun, sometimes by challenging the common perception that 18 difficult holes and hosting a PGA Tour tournament make a course. Golf also has been an outlet for many during the pandemic, as courses put in place protocols for people to enjoy a game that is always naturally outdoors — hopefully this interest will continue past the crisis. In my mind, the game of golf in this country has moved into a much better place than it was 10 or 20 years ago, but still the image problem persists.
I’ve thought many times about announcing through social media and otherwise an effort to get my handicap down to a 5 or better — that over a certain period of time I would commit to getting up early to practice several days a week, play at least one round per week, etc., so I could start regularly breaking 75 (for the record, my handicap hovers around 7 to 9, and I’ve never broken 75) — basically setting up a goal and a plan. In my mind, it isn’t that different than someone who sets up a plan to train for a marathon: it’s a personal pursuit that involves sacrificing time with others in order to achieve a somewhat selfish goal. Yes, marathon training does have the benefit of exercise and likely getting in better shape. But practicing golf is a physical activity as well (at a different level), and I would strive to walk most of my rounds if I made such a commitment. Realistically, though, there’s no chance I would make this sort of announcement — and if I did, I would undoubtedly receive ridicule. Such a pursuit would be seen as foolish, frivolous and yes, a waste.
One of the wastes often cited — the idea that golf takes up too much time or wastes time is a point that deserves some more attention. Yes, golf can be slow, and the amateur and professional game struggle with this. An 18-hole round shouldn’t take more than four hours, but for various reasons, a five-hour round is more the norm. I understand if you’re paying north of $500 to play Pebble Beach, you should be able to take your time and soak everything in. But otherwise, it is on everyone interested in golf to do everything in their power to speed up play. For example, if it’s carts on path, walk if you’re able; always play ready golf; take a few looks at putts but not five or six; and please, just pick up when you reach three-over for a hole. Because while golf can take up more time than it should, this passion shouldn’t be confused with wasting time. Golf can and should play an important part in the lives of those who love the game and those who like playing every now and then. It’s fun, helps to take your mind off of everything else (so it can be healthy for both body and mind), and is awesome to do with others. But unless you’re a pro, trying to hit a milestone like I outlined above or have the luxury to play anytime you want, golf should be able to fit into your lifestyle. My point is that carving out four hours every week — or if that doesn’t work, every two or even three weeks — should be encouraged and sought after for all of the benefits it can provide. And if that’s even too much time, play nine, hit the range or maybe play a par-3 course if there’s one nearby.
Bandon Dunes on the Oregon coast.
One aspect of golf that is not highlighted enough is that it can be invaluable for relationships. I value my time on the golf course with family, friends, colleagues, and yes, even strangers (with strangers at times — I don’t want to get carried away). Recently, most of my rounds have been trying to fit in as many holes I can around activities of my kids. I’m grateful to get out, but a number of these have also been by myself, especially since fitting in a round at a course near where I need to be rarely syncs up with someone else. Solo rounds can be invigorating and freeing from time to time, but I’ve grown less and less fond of them, which has reinforced to me how golf really is a game best enjoyed with others. Tom Coyne recently wrote in The Golfer’s Journal about men struggling with genuine friendships and how golf can help in that category — I agree completely, as I value my rounds with other guys and my annual “buddies” trips. But I don’t think it is just among men, and I doubt Tom does either (not his point), as I enjoy playing with anyone I know who wants to get out and enjoy a day on the course.
For all of these reasons and more, everyone who loves the game needs to continue to do what they can to help golf chip away at the horrible rap it still receives. While we can’t overcome every negative image of how it’s been pursued and portrayed in this country for about the past half-century or so, it is up to us to work to overcome the stereotypes and champion the game for all. And even if everyone works overtime to make the case, there is no doubt that some will never be convinced.
But maybe, just maybe, golf will not be seen as a waste.
Tom Koonce is a government affairs consultant in the Washington, D.C. area. He grew up in a small town in North Carolina halfway between Pinehurst and Myrtle Beach, but you wouldn’t know it from his golf skills. You can reach Tom at tckoonce@gmail.com.
. . .
You might also enjoy reading…