OT: Do you consider golf a sport

[hawkeye_fan321]

With the Masters this week, my buddy was talking about how golf is not a sport or physically taxing. I have to disagree. If you are riding a cart and just hitting the ball for fun, than I would agree with him. Professional golfers, however, put in hours everyday perfecting their swing and having to hit 100s of golf balls from various stances while using the proper form is physically taxing. This combined with the mental toll and walking the course makes golf a sport in my mind. Of course, there are golfers that are not in great shape, but best three in the world (Day, Spieth, and Rory), appear to be athletes.

What say you? And dhow would you compare golf to baseball?

 

[TopHawkeye]

With the Masters this week, my buddy was talking about how golf is not a sport or physically taxing. I have to disagree. If you are riding a cart and just hitting the ball for fun, than I would agree with him. Professional golfers, however, put in hours everyday perfecting their swing and having to hit 100s of golf balls from various stances while using the proper form is physically taxing. This combined with the mental toll and walking the course makes golf a sport in my mind. Of course, there are golfers that are not in great shape, but best three in the world (Day, Spieth, and Rory), appear to be athletes.

What say you? And dhow would you compare golf to baseball?

Similar to billiards - lots of practice, precise skills required but little strength, endurance or other athletic skills involved..

 

[DanL53]

It's a sport. I just looked up the definition of sport.

 

[spbc7]

Yes, golf is a sport. I never realized this was even a debate.

 

[L. Wade Childress]

Can I drink while watching or playing?

Yes.

It's a sport.

 

[LuteHawk]

Golf is a sport which requires skill, stamina, and strategy.
The PGA golfers who are successful demonstrate the
ability to have a consistent game as far as pars and birdies
are concerned They do not choke on the back nine during
the final day of the tournament. Pro golfers are very adept
at picking the right club for each shot.

Bottom Line: Golf is a great sport even for amateurs..

 

[uniFIGHTuniFIGHT]

You asked a loaded question. It's not an Iowa Basketball sport. It's a sport I respect. I will be following the Masters the same way I'll be following June MLB scores. I'll be tuning into a pitcher's duel or a Friday/Saturday game. I grew up playing ball. I don't care much for golf.

 

[hawkbleeder]

Tiger's body is a wreck, it's a sport.

 

[Curt Furence]

I swear this "debate" was on HR about this time last year. It is absolutely a sport, it shouldn't even be a question

 

[Lone Clone]

With the Masters this week, my buddy was talking about how golf is not a sport or physically taxing. I have to disagree. If you are riding a cart and just hitting the ball for fun, than I would agree with him. Professional golfers, however, put in hours everyday perfecting their swing and having to hit 100s of golf balls from various stances while using the proper form is physically taxing. This combined with the mental toll and walking the course makes golf a sport in my mind. Of course, there are golfers that are not in great shape, but best three in the world (Day, Spieth, and Rory), appear to be athletes.

What say you? And dhow would you compare golf to baseball?

I would have phrased the poll differently. I think it's fair to say most high-level golfers are athletes, but you don't need to be an athlete to be a high-level golfer.

 

[SCHawkFan]

I would have phrased the poll differently. I think it's fair to say most high-level golfers are athletes, but you don't need to be an athlete to be a high-level golfer.

This is almost the correct answer, but I am not sure most high-level golfers are athletes. Almost all of them are in excellent physical condition, but I still would not consider many of them to be athletes.

Golf is, however, a sport.

 

[StormHawk42]

Absolutely. Maybe not as physically demanding, but one of the most mentally challenging sports out there. Maintaining focus for about 4-5 hours while knowing one serious mistake likely ruins everything.

 

[DavenportHawk8]

I would have phrased the poll differently. I think it's fair to say most high-level golfers are athletes, but you don't need to be an athlete to be a high-level golfer.

Just like you don't have to be a high level athlete to be a good basketball player (Niang, Kingsbury, Settles, etc..). I think they call it "old school" basketball in terms of those guys. Not very athletic, but can hurt you in multiple ways.

Golf is a sport, there are several different things that make it a sport. Is it physically tough, depends on if you have to walk 18 holes carrying your own bag on a Hilly course. Then I would say its physically tough. If your just out cruising around on a golf cart drinking beer, then its not that demanding, but you are still being active.

 

[gilligan19]

Similar to billiards - lots of practice, precise skills required but little strength, endurance or other athletic skills involved..

can you walk 5 miles a day for 5 days? most courses are over 7,200 yards for the pro's, that's 21,600 feet of walking up hills and down as those courses are not Flat, that If the keep it the fairways. so yes it is a sport.

 

[gilligan19]

Golf is a sport which requires skill, stamina, and strategy.
The PGA golfers who are successful demonstrate the
ability to have a consistent game as far as pars and birdies
are concerned They do not choke on the back nine during
the final day of the tournament. Pro golfers are very adept
at picking the right club for each shot.

Bottom Line: Golf is a great sport even for amateurs..

you don't watch much golf do you, yes they do choke down the stretch when the pressure is on, it is hard to have 4 good rounds in any Tournament, I have seen a player start out hot and then fade down the stretch or if they have a very good round the next day the shots they were making just don't fall the next,

there was a quote in the movie Legend of Bagger Vance that I like and its true,

" Golf is a game that can't be beat,, it can only be played" that's why people of all skill levels play the game.

 

[TopHawkeye]

can you walk 5 miles a day for 5 days? most courses are over 7,200 yards for the pro's, that's 21,600 feet of walking up hills and down as those courses are not Flat, that If the keep it the fairways. so yes it is a sport.

Long walks 4-5 days in a row do not a sport make. It's a game only. No offense intended.

 

[HawCory]

Is throwing darts a sport? How about shooting pool?

 

[FranklinHawk]

Is throwing darts a sport? How about shooting pool?

Or bowling?

 

[IamHawkeye]

Is throwing darts a sport? How about shooting pool?

Yes. Some of you are mixed up on the definition of sport.

 

[oakhawk]

Is getting into a fight with someone a sport? Is driving a car around in circles a sport?

 

[EZ2BJZ]

sport
spôrt/
noun
plural noun: sports

1. 1.
   an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.
   "team sports such as baseball and soccer"
   synonyms: (competitive) game(s), physical recreation, physical activity, physical exercise, athletics;
   pastime
   "we did a lot of sports"
   • 
     
     
     
   • 
     
2. 2.
   informal
   a person who behaves in a good or specified way in response to teasing, defeat, or a similarly trying situation.
   "go on, be a sport!"

So I guess it would depend on someone's definition of "physical exertion." For me, golf is not a sport. But I respect the opinions of those who think it is.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Golf is a sport and golfers are most definitely athletes. I don't know how this can be debated.

Is a golfer the same kind of athlete as a D-linemen? Of course not. But, if you don't think it takes strength and stamina to play high level golf you are kidding yourself.

BTW, how many fat golfers do you see on tour these days vs. fat baseball players?

 

[Lone Clone]

can you walk 5 miles a day for 5 days? most courses are over 7,200 yards for the pro's, that's 21,600 feet of walking up hills and down as those courses are not Flat, that If the keep it the fairways. so yes it is a sport.

I walk more than that now, and nobody ever accused me of being an athlete even 50 years ago.

I think the basketball players somebody named -- Niang and Settles, among others -- are not considered athletic compared to college basketball players, but they certainly are athletic by any other standard.

As to what is a sport, I think golf is a sport but the definition means something different to different people. Sports Illustrated -- which one would think has some credibility in this regard -- considers bridge and chess to be sports. .

 

[EZ2BJZ]

Sports Illustrated -- which one would think has some credibility in this regard -- considers bridge and chess to be sports. .

In that case, my 90 year old grandmother will be happy to know she is an athlete in disguise, because when it comes to bridge she is one of the finest at her sport.

 

[Carlton]

Is Bianka Panova an athlete?

 

[hawk-i bob]

People who don't think Golf is a sport...normally can't play it very well.

 

[The Sleeping Dog]

Golf requires:

1. Almost superhuman hand to eye coordination in which a difference of 2 or 3 millimeters can be the difference between a birdy or eagle putt and a scramble for par.

2. Almost superhuman concentration when played at a professional level. Think of all the distractions that have to be blocked out while looking for that 2 or 3 MM sweet spot.

3. Extreme muscular flexibility, especially in the core muscles. Twist your back like a pro golfer and you'll quickly understand the extraordinary muscular flexibility that it takes is also far outside the normal human movement, especially when you consider that a golf swing, unlike tennis or baseball, hockey, etc... is a very unnatural body motion that has to be learned and converted into muscle memory.

Of course bowling and darts are sports, just ones that require a kind of minimum level of coordination and athleticism.

Chess is a game. Debate is a game (and you know this site is full of guys that don't know they are frustrated debaters that couldn't come out of the nerd closet). Any game that requires physical skills is a sport. If you don't need a superior physical skill to play a game then its not a sport.

PS If there are any other nerdy ex debaters on here please don't say that talking and listening to 400+ words per minute is a "physical" skill. Technically true but it only requires the mouth muscles to learn to perform and not other movement so don't argue with me about it!

 

[Lone Clone]

In that case, my 90 year old grandmother will be happy to know she is an athlete in disguise, because when it comes to bridge she is one of the finest at her sport.

See, you're illustrating what I mean by definitions. The whole point is that a sport isn't necessarily an athletic event. Golf certainly is a sport. You certainly do not have to be athletic to play it. Guys with artificial limbs play it, and play it well. One of the better golfers in our association is morbidly obese.

You apparently think of "sport" as athletic competition. That's reasonable, but it isn't the definition used by everybody, including the people at SI.

 

[hawkbleeder]

Long walks 4-5 days in a row do not a sport make. It's a game only. No offense intended.

As compared to baseball where there's mostly standing and sack adjusting.

 

[EZ2BJZ]

See, you're illustrating what I mean by definitions. The whole point is that a sport isn't necessarily an athletic event. Golf certainly is a sport. You certainly do not have to be athletic to play it. Guys with artificial limbs play it, and play it well. One of the better golfers in our association is morbidly obese.

You apparently think of "sport" as athletic competition. That's reasonable, but it isn't the definition used by everybody, including the people at SI.

C'mon, LC, clearly I was being facetious. Like I said in my first post, I don't personally consider it a sport but respect those who think it is.

 

[solidstatelogic]

At the age of 60, Tom Watson led the 2009 US Open for most of the way until losing in a playoff. One would think that if a 60 year old can compete in a sport at a championship level, maybe that sport doesn't require an abundance of athleticism.

 

[Scott559]

I'm not sure using the Tom Watson example really proves a lot, Equipment, Especially the golf ball has changed the game so much, At Turnberry ( British Open Btw ) Watson was day in and day out hitting shorter irons on his approach shots when he was 59 years old vs when he beat Jack Nicklaus on the same course in 1977. The course really hadn't changed, At Augusta they made changes to the course to lengthen it to try to help offset the huge advantage today's players have because of equipment. Tom himself said a few years ago that he just didn't have the ability to hit the ball far enough to compete at Augusta anymore. Plus Tom Watson is a pretty fit guy even today, He worked very hard on keeping flexibility in his body as he aged.
As far as whether or not Golf is a sport, Don't know, I just enjoy playing, I'm in my fifty's and honestly don't care if I am considered an athlete or not.

 

[hawk-i bob]

when colleges hand out scholarships from their athlete dept .. the receiver becomes an athlete. Anyone who thinks the game of golf is just a sport should tell the athletic depts.

Playing a round of golf with friends is a game. Shooting baskets in the backyard is a game. I would suggest the majority of us do not consider ourselves athletes when "playing" a game.

Those that play competitive sport are athletes...doesn't matter what the sport is. I have grandsons who play competitive golf. Will receive academic assistance from athletic dept. They will reside with other athletes from other sports in dorm.

As far as the physical aspect of the sport. Golf is like any other sport..some of the ability is god given...some of it is the love of the game which creates the desire to get better....its called practice..practice...practice. The majority of us "play"...we don't "practice".

 

[Lone Clone]

At the age of 60, Tom Watson led the 2009 US Open for most of the way until losing in a playoff. One would think that if a 60 year old can compete in a sport at a championship level, maybe that sport doesn't require an abundance of athleticism.

60 is the new 30.

 

[RockEyeState]

Yes, golf is a sport. I never realized this was even a debate.

spbc7 and I are always in agreement !

Heck yes, golfers are athletes........Rory McElroy, Jordan Spieth, Zach Johnson all have
Athletic trainers keeping them fit for the competitions. And for the folks that say it's NOT ..........go Walk 18 holes this weekend. Guarantee you're not in shape to do it.

#goHawks

 

[Hawk_4shur]

See, you're illustrating what I mean by definitions. The whole point is that a sport isn't necessarily an athletic event. Golf certainly is a sport. You certainly do not have to be athletic to play it. Guys with artificial limbs play it, and play it well. One of the better golfers in our association is morbidly obese.

You don't have to be an athlete to play basketball either, but it helps.

 

[basketballfan333]

With the Masters this week, my buddy was talking about how golf is not a sport or physically taxing. I have to disagree. If you are riding a cart and just hitting the ball for fun, than I would agree with him. Professional golfers, however, put in hours everyday perfecting their swing and having to hit 100s of golf balls from various stances while using the proper form is physically taxing. This combined with the mental toll and walking the course makes golf a sport in my mind. Of course, there are golfers that are not in great shape, but best three in the world (Day, Spieth, and Rory), appear to be athletes.

What say you? And dhow would you compare golf to baseball?

For someone to even come close to questioning whether or not golf is a sport doesn't say much about the intelligence of the person asking the question.

 

[ZaHawks]

Golf requires tremendous hand-eye coordination. If you can shoot par, then I might accept your opinion that it's not a sport. If you can't shoot par, you are not knowledgeable enough to say it isn't a sport.

 

[lilhwkgld]

Not only walk 18, but try and hit the ball less than par 72. I only started playing as a way to relax on the weekends, but by the time we hit 14 or 15, trying to make a solid shot is both physically and mentally draining.

Also, to say guys that drive race cars aren't athletes, go give that a shot too, doubt you will last more than a lap or two. Not only are they traveling at excessive rates of speed, inches from the other cars, they are doing it in temperatures that are often times 90-100 degrees for multiple hours at a time.

The beauty of sport is that it is all encompassing. Being a football player doesn't mean you can be a successful basketball player, wrestler, golfer, racing driver, etc.. It is the finite skills each sport requires that makes it a sport, and those that are able to master those skills should and most often are considered athletes.

 

[2007hawkeye]

All those people saying it isn't a sport, it would be funny seeing how many times they swung and completely missed (whiffed) a stationary ball in an 18 hole round. I would bet money that every one of them can shoot a basketball, throw a baseball, or catch a football better than they can hit a golf ball.