Golf; What's the Attraction?

It is estimated that more than twenty-five million Americans play golf on the more than sixteen-thousand golf courses in the U.S. In 2005 Golf Digest estimated that there were 32,000 golf courses in the world.

The game of golf as we know it began as an organized sport in Edinburgh Scotland in 1456 and its popularity has been growing ever since. The last decade has seen a significant increase in the worldwide popularity of the game. Golf vacations, luxury golf resorts, golf retirement resorts, and golf lesson vacation packages are becoming more and more popular.

Golf is a game of interaction with other people. Whether you show up at the course with your friends or you're alone, you will more than likely be placed in a group of two, (twosome), or four, (foursome). Total strangers who tee off at the first tee, can find themselves at the end of the round sharing stories, of their adventure, and enjoying a bond that's usually reserved for the best of friends. It has been said that there is no better way to get to know someone than to spend 5 hours with them on a golf course.

There's no doubt that the PGA and European Tours have done a great deal to promote the game worldwide, in addition to several other professional and amateur organizations in many regions of the world.

Then there's Tiger Woods. Tiger is the most popular sports athlete in the world today and has definitely influenced many young people to take up golf and interest in the game. The Tiger Woods Foundation is dedicated to helping young people explore their interests and career aspirations. Over 10 million kids have benefited from this supportive environment since 1996.

Golf is a unique game whereby any golfer, regardless of expertise can play on many of the same golf courses where their favorite pro golf stars perform. The weekend duffer can try the same bunker shot he saw Tiger hole-out in the final round of the U.S. Open. Golfers can identify with and appreciate the talents and skills of their professional counterparts perhaps better than any other sport.

It is impossible to even estimate how many millions of dollars in business transactions have been consummated on a golf course. But what does golf have to do with business? It may begin with the seller wanting to impress the buyer by treating him or her to a great golf course experience. As the parties get involved in the game the sociability aspect of playing golf kicks in. The conversations become more casual, comments and jokes are shared as the round progresses, and eventually they find themselves at a different level in their relationship. Remember? No better way to get to know someone than to spend 5 hours with them on a golf course. Well, it applies here as well. The benefits of the game can continue to forge a long-term business relationship, or even a friendship.

If you enjoy a natural environment there's no better experience than walking a golf course first thing in the morning. The air is fresh; silence is the only sound other than the sounds of nature, and an occasional victory yell from the next green. Being surrounded by the beauty of the scenery of a golf course is enough motivation for many golfers. This environment helps to relieve the stress of our day to day lives, helps you to clear your mind, forget about your troubles and just enjoy the moment. As a cautionary note, the game of golf can be very frustrating for those who take it too seriously and who expect too much of their performance.

A golfer's biggest competitor is his or herself. Golf can provide a lifetime of healthy competition with one's self. Setting goals of improvement in your game and then achieving those goals can be very gratifying, and can fulfill a competitive need in one's life. Self worth, self gratification, you bet! Just ask any golfer who's just broken 90, or 80 for the first time.

Today many couples golf together, equally enjoying the experience.Golf is one of the few sporting activities that a couple can participate in as a couple well into their senior years. Many senior retirement resorts include a golf course for their residents. Although the physical abilities may not be what they once were, many seniors who are in relatively good health can still hit a golf ball. Still enjoy the natural environment, social activity with friends, exercise and competitive spirit to improve their game.

• Golf; a wholesome interest for young people
• Golf; a fun way to exercise
• Golf; enhance relationships and create new ones
• Golf; can help to build business
• Golf; in touch with nature
• Golf; can be shared for a lifetime

All of this from a game where the player hits a ball into a field; goes to the ball and does it again and again, until he gets to a little hole in the ground where he needs to put the ball.

For those who do not yet know the pleasures of golf, I hope this little article may encourage you to give it a try.