golf is a sport where

Golf is a club-and-ball sport in which players use various clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a course in as few strokes as possible. Golf, unlike most ball games, cannot and does not utilize a standardized playing area, and coping with the varied terrains encountered on different courses is a key part of the game.

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What makes golf a good sport?

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Is golf considered a sport and why?

Those who claim golf is a sport would point to the fact that it is an activity requiring skill which has an element of competition. They would also point to the fact that golf requires a certain degree of coordination and muscle use, as well as being featured at the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics.

Why is golf considered a sport?

• When you compare golf with other sports, it is less strenuous, and physical exertion is not that much. ...
• From a safety point of view, golf is much safer than other sports. ...
• If you want to become a golfer, you wouldn’t need attributes like being agile, fast, or being fit. ...

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Why golf is the best sport?

Jonathan Coachman is joined by top sports betting experts Mike McClure, Justin Perri and Zack Cimini on the Early Edge podcast, powered by SportsLine. Get highlighted plays for the NBA, college basketball, golf and soccer for Wednesday, Feb. 2 ...

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Which country sport is golf?

While the modern game of golf originated in 15th-century Scotland, the game's ancient origins are unclear and much debated. Some historians trace the sport back to the Roman game of paganica, in which participants used a bent stick to hit a stuffed leather ball.

What is golf the sport of?

golf, a cross-country game in which a player strikes a small ball with various clubs from a series of starting points (teeing grounds) into a series of holes on a course. The player who holes his ball in the fewest strokes wins.

Where is golf mostly played?

Still, the sport is geographically concentrated, with 74% of the world supply of courses located in the top 10 golfing countries: the United States, Canada, Japan, England, Australia, Germany, France, Scotland, Sweden and South Africa. The majority of worldwide supply is located in the western hemisphere.

Where golf is played is called what?

More information: The playing ground for the game of golf is called a golf course. A standard golf course should have; Fairway, Green, Tee, Rough, and Hazard.

Whats golf stand for?

The word 'golf' is not an acronym for anything. Rather, it derives linguistically from the Dutch word 'kolf' or 'kolve,' meaning quite simply 'club.

Where did golf originally come from?

Golf originated from a game played on the eastern coast of Scotland, in an area close to the royal capital of Edinburgh.

What state is golf most popular?

How does your state compare?RankStateSearch Popularity1Minnesota1002South Carolina993Michigan964Wisconsin9347 more rows•Dec 26, 2016

What country has most golf?

Japan, Canada and England each have 2,000+ golf facilities, though with different land masses and population distributions. Australia is the only other country to have over 1,000....How many Golf Holes are there in the World? Answer 576,534.18 countries with most coursesScotlandApprox Population5,327,700Golf Holes9,384Golf Facilities552Population per golf hole56818 more columns•Apr 18, 2015

What country is good at golf?

Scotland. Topping our list of the best countries to play golf is Scotland. Which comes as no surprise as it also tops the list of the most exclusive golf courses in the UK. Often described as the home of golf and looked up to as an iconic location to play the sport, Scotland tops the list with locations such as St.

Who plays golf?

Half of all avids are age 50 or older. Eighty-two percent are male. Core Golfers (8+ rounds per year) Although they constitute roughly half of all golfers, they account for close to 90 percent of all rounds played. Their average age: 45.

Why golf is an individual sport?

Traditionally, golf has always been played as an individual sport. The independent nature of this game has historically driven athletes to compete by themselves. Players who golf individually are scored on their performance alone, their score and rank do not rely on any other golfer.

How much does a golf ball weigh?

Shortly after World War I, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews enacted what is called the "1.62 formula". Regulation golf balls have a m...

Where did golf originate?

The origins of golf are obscure and much debated. Evidence suggests that golf, as we understand it today, was firmly established in the Netherlands...

What is the diameter of a golf hole?

A golf hole measures 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) in diameter and is at least 4 inches (10.2 cm) deep. It is set in an area of turf called a green, which...

What is the average distance of an 18-hole golf course?

Standard 18-hole golf courses measure from 6,500 to 7,000 yards (5,900 to 6,400 meters), and individual holes are from 100 to 600 yards (90 to 550...

Is golf an Olympic event?

Golf was included in the Paris 1900 Olympic Games and the St. Louis 1904 Games. Golf was then discontinued as an Olympic sport for more than a cent...

Where did golf originate?

The Xuande Emperor of the Ming dynasty playing chuiwan. While the modern game of golf originated in 15th-century Scotland, the game's ancient origins are unclear and much debated. Some historians trace the sport back to the Roman game of paganica, in which participants used a bent stick to hit a stuffed leather ball.

What is golfer?

For other uses, see Golf (disambiguation) and Golfer (disambiguation). Golf is a club-and-ball sport in which players use various clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a course in as few strokes as possible. Golf, unlike most ball games, cannot and does not utilize a standardized playing area, ...

How do you play a hole in golf?

Playing a hole on a golf course is initiated by putting a ball into play by striking it with a club on the teeing ground (also called the tee box, or simply the tee). For this first shot on each hole, it is allowed but not required for the golfer to place the ball on a tee prior to striking it.

How many holes are there in a golf course?

Main article: Golf course. A golf course consists of either 9 or 18 holes, each with a teeing ground that is set off by two markers showing the bounds of the legal tee area, fairway, rough and other hazards, and the putting green surrounded by the fringe with the pin (normally a flagstick) and cup.

What is golf equipment?

Main article: Golf equipment. A wood positioned ready to be swung and to strike a golf ball. Golf clubs are used to hit the golf ball. Each club is composed of a shaft with a lance (or "grip") on the top end and a club head on the bottom.

How many people play the 18 hole golf game?

The game can be played by any number of people, although a typical group playing will have 1-4 people playing the round. The typical amount of time required for pace of play for a 9-hole round is two hours and four hours for an 18-hole round.

What is the lowest score in golf?

Golf is played for the lowest number of strokes by an individual, known as stroke play, or the lowest score on the most individual holes in a complete round by an individual or team, known as match play. Stroke play is the most commonly seen format at all levels, but most especially at the elite level.

What is a sport?

According to Merriam-Webster, a sport is "a contest or game in which people do certain physical activities according to a specific set of rules and compete against each other.". There's no doubt golf fulfills that definition, especially the part about the rules. There are lots of those in golf.

Is golf an aces sport?

Therefore, golf, which returned to the Olympics in 2016 after more than a century absence, is aces. And I can certainly argue that it' s more sporty than longtime Olympic events like archery or curling.

Is golf harder than Olympic sports?

Golf has all of that in droves, plus you can argue that performing on a high level is more exacting and difficult than most Olympic sports. 3. Tiger Woods solidified golf's sporting status. The way Tiger Woods played golf could be compared to the way Michael Jordan, Tom Brady or Derek Jeter defined their sports.

Is golf hard?

Golf is really hard, in case you haven’t heard. So the argument that golf isn't a sport, at least not one on par with baseball, football, hockey and baseball, or even individual sports like tennis, for that matter, is worn out.

Do college golfers have to carry their own bags?

And while the tour players have caddies, college players, for example, do not and have to carry their own bags. It's one of the reasons serious golfers put a lot of cardio work in their training regimes as well as strength and flexibility work. Oh, and if you think taking a golf cart isn't taxing, think again.

Why is golf not considered a sport?

1. No Athleticism Required . A point that a lot of people that do not consider golf a sport love to make is that golfers are not athletic. Do not misunderstand that comment and think ...

What is a sport?

According to Dictionary.com, a sport is an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature.

Why is there competition in golf?

There is competition because you can compete with other golfers in various types of tournaments and formats such as match play. There is skill involved because you can obviously improve at the game and luck is only a very small percentage of the end result.

Is golf athletic or out of shape?

But there are certainly people who are good at golf and not athletic. It is a valid point because when casual golf fans turn on the television, they might see golfers that are very out of shape and do not look impressive in their physique or body composition.

Do you need fitness to play golf?

Fitness. There is no doubt that you need a good level of fitness to play golf. Sure, there are golf carts and aids to reduce the strain, but imagine playing and walking 18-holes multiple times per week. Heck, some players play a round EVERY DAY.

Is golf a competitive sport?

No Competitive Aspect. With golf there are basically two different settings that the game is played in. There are tournaments and there are casual golf rounds. When talking about casual golf rounds, many people argue that golf is not a sport after referring to the true definition of what a sport is. Remember that there needs to be ...

Does Golf Meet the Definition of Sport?

In looking at the definitions, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Common Arguments

Here are some common arguments and opinions that drive the debate of whether golf is a true sport.

Golf and the NCAA

Golf is recognized as a sport by the NCAA. In fact, it has sponsored a national championship in men's golf since 1939 and a women's college golf championship since 1982.

Golf and the Olympics

Golf is also as an Olympic sport. Golf returned to the Olympics in 2016 after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reinstated the game.

Conclusion

Golf is, without a doubt, a sport. Just because it’s not as physical and can be more leisurely than faster, high-profile sports should not exclude it from the category. Professional golfers who have devoted their lives to the game have a body of work to prove those who say otherwise.

About the Author

Todd Mrowice is a Staff Writer for GolfLink. He has been writing about golf for over 10 years including a long tenure at GOLFChicago Magazine. Todd has covered all aspects of the game including travel, products, business, and professional tours.

Where did golf originate?

James III in 1471 and James IV in 1491 each re-issued the ban on golf. Golf Developed in Scotland ... But Where Did It Originate? The game continued to develop in Scotland over the decades and centuries, until 1744 when the first-known rules of golf were put down in writing in Edinburgh.

What did the Scots do to improve golf?

The Scots made a singular improvement to all the games that came before: They dug a hole in the ground and made getting the ball into that hole the object of the game. As we said at the beginning, for golf as we know it, we definitely have the Scots to thank.

What did the Dutch call the game of ice?

The medieval Dutch term "kolf " meant "club," and the Dutch were playing games (mostly on ice) at least by the 14th Century in which balls were struck by sticks that were curved at the bottom until they were moved from point A to point B.

Did Scotland play golf?

Yes and no. It's definitely true that golf as we know it emerged in Scotland. The Scots were playing golf in its very basic form—take a club, swing it at a ball, move ball from starting point to finishing point in as few strokes as possible—by at least the mid-15th Century.

What is the name of the area of golf?

Golf is often played competitively, but can also be played for relaxation and just to enjoy the outdoors. The playing area for golf is called a golf course. Unlike many sports, the course is not a standard or fixed size. Courses vary in length and design.

When was golf invented?

Golf was invented and first played in Scotland in the 15th century. Golf quickly spread to England and from there throughout the world. The first Golf Club, The Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, was formed in Scotland in 1744. The first official rule guides were published not much later.

What is the sport of hitting a ball with a club from a tee into a hole

Golf. Golf is an individual sport played by hitting a ball with a club from a tee into a hole. The object is to get the ball into the hole with the least number of swings or strokes of the club. Golf is a hugely popular sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Golf is often played competitively, but can also be played for relaxation ...

What is the use of a putter in golf?

Once the golf ball is on the green, the golfer will use a putter to roll or "putt" the ball into the hole. The number of strokes are counted up for the hole and recorded on a score card. At the end of the course all the strokes are totaled and the golfer with the fewest number of strokes wins. Short History of Golf.

How many holes are there in golf?

Each golf course is made up of a number of golf holes. Usually 18 holes, but some courses only have 9 holes. On each hole the golfer first hits the ball from a tee area towards the hole. The hole is on a smooth area of short grass called the green. Typically it will take the golfer a number of shots to get to the green.

What is the most famous golf course in the United States?

Many golf courses are famous and known for their beauty or difficulty. Perhaps the most famous golf course in the United States is Augusta National in Augusta , Ga. This is where The Masters golf tournament is played each year. Each golf course is made up of a number of golf holes. Usually 18 holes, but some courses only have 9 holes.

Is golf a fixed size?

Unlike many sports, the course is not a standard or fixed size. Courses vary in length and design. This is one of the many aspects of golf that have made it so popular and interesting. Many people enjoy trying out and experiencing different courses. Courses can be very different depending on the local terrain.

What is the basic golf game?

The basics of golf include hitting a ball with a club, trying hard to hit the ball directly into the hole on the green. Golf Courses. Golf is played on a course, and the green area of the course is known as the fairway.

What is the most commonly played type of golf game?

Next, you will decide on the type of golf game you want to play. Stroke play is the most commonly played type of game for professionals and simply uses the amount of strokes it takes you to complete the game to determine your score. The player with the lowest amount of strokes wins.

What is the scoring of a golf hole?

Scoring in golf is called a par, and the distance from the teeing green to the hole usually determines what a typical par is for that hole. You are then scored on whether or not you go above or below the allotted par for that hole. Anyone who enjoys a nice walk and doesn't mind learning a few rules can begin to play golf.

What do you need to play golf?

To play golf a golfer needs a set of clubs, no more than 14, of varying lengths and sizes, a set of golf balls, and a golf bag.

How many people are on a team in a game?

A team play game pits two people or a team of two to three people against each other. Similar to a stroke game, the strokes used count as your score but it's tallied as a team rather than individually. Amateurs also tend to use handicaps when calculating the score, as it allows you to subtract from the total score.

Why do golf courses have grass?

Golf courses use different lengths of turf or grass to increase the difficulty of the game. On the putting green, the area closest to the hole, the grass will be short and smooth to make it easier to putt into the hold. The course may also consist of intentional hazards such as sand dunes or lakes.

Is golf a game?

It's a sport that requires concentration and precision, and it's enjoyed by professional athletes and amateurs, both of whom compete throughout the year for titles and prizes. Many people consider golf an easy game to learn, but not everyone is actually good at golf.

Where did golf originate?

Modern golf in the form in which we know it today originated from 15th century Scotland, but a similar activity can be dated as far back as the game of paganica in Ancient Rome or chuiwan, a Chinese game which was first played in the eighth century. Golf is a multi-billion dollar industry which continues to grow in America and throughout the world, ...

How many Americans play golf?

alone, golf is estimated to be a $76 billion industry. In recent polls, it is suggested that 38% of Americans consider themselves to be golf fans, and 25.7 million Americans play golf. Clearly, there can be no questioning golf's ...

How many calories do you burn playing golf?

An hour of golf without a cart or caddie burns, on average, 360 calories. By comparison, an hour of basketball burns 727 calories, soccer over 900 and boxing even more than that. Golfers who use a cart burn around 208 calories, meaning that walking constitutes 42% of the work in golfing. Given that walking is not considered a major part of golf, as ruled by the U.S. Supreme Court in the PGA Tour v. Martin case of 2001, golf itself, which is the integral part of the sport, requires almost as much effort as the walking, which is not.

How old are the oldest sports players?

In most sports, athletes have a peak and an expiry date. Most soccer players retire around the age of 35, and most highly competitive sports have similar or even younger average retirement ages. The oldest ever professional soccer player was 50, the oldest American football player was 48, the oldest basketball player was 52, the oldest tennis player was 49 and the oldest rugby union player 40. Yet the oldest golfer was 79 years of age. Furthermore, whilst in most sports players deteriorate with age, some golfers find their best form late in life, such as Tom Watson who almost won the British Open aged 59. While it's all well and good that golfers can hit their prime later in life, is that really the sign of a sport? Sure, an activity requiring strong mental acumen and lots of experience, but not one to display peak athleticism.

How old is the oldest golfer?

Yet the oldest golfer was 79 years of age. Furthermore, whilst in most sports players deteriorate with age, some golfers find their best form late in life, such as Tom Watson who almost won the British Open aged 59.

Is golf a sport?

The fact that there is an element of competition, that is to say, a number of individuals competing against one and another, and scores are kept and tallied up throughout, some believe, is sufficient evidence that golf is a sport. While both elements are common to both golf and almost all other sports, they do not, in of themselves, qualify golf as a sport. For example, spelling bees and poker have both of these elements, but few would argue that they should be considered sports.

Is golf an Olympic sport?

While golf will be an Olympic sport at the 2016 Summer Olympics, it hadn't been an Olympic sport since 1904 prior to the decision to include it in Rio. The decision has been heavily criticized from some quarters, with suggestions that golf has only been re-introduced and had its 112 year absence ended because of its growing popularity, and the lucrative sponsorship opportunities it brings. Whilst some claim the decision shows golf is a sport, the likes of race walking and pistol shooting are all Olympic events, and the tug of war was even competed more recently (1920) than golf.

What is the sport of footgolf?

Footgolf is a sport in which players kick a spherical association football into a cup in as few shots as possible. The name is a portmanteau of football and golf, and the game combines the two sports, being more closely related to golf.

When did Footgolf start?

Michael Jansen and Bas Korsten were the creators of the FootGolf uniform and basic rules, and also organisers of the first tournament played the way the sport is played today around the world, and they officially launched FootGolf in the Netherlands in 2008. They learned of the sport from Korsten's brother, Dutch footballer Willem Korsten, who recalled playing a similar game during his time with British club Tottenham Hotspur between 1999 and 2001, where players would end training sessions by kicking the ball from the pitch back to the changing rooms in as short a time as possible.

What is the dress code for golf?

Attire. The dress code for competition states a "classic golf style uniform with wearing indoor soccer or turf shoes" for tournament play , and notes that most golf courses have a dress code for golfers, which FootGolf players would also have to follow.

Where was the first footgolf tournament?

The first ever FootGolf tournament was organized in the Netherlands by Michael Jansen and Bas Korsten, and played by a mix of Dutch and Belgian professional footballers. After this, many countries began to organize matches, events, tournaments, even national leagues and associations around this game.

Who won the 2018 Footgolf World Cup?

The winner of the individual event was Argentinian player, Christian Otero and the Team World Champion was the United States (Team USA). The third FootGolf World Cup was held in December 2018, in Marrakech, Morocco. The mens individual champion was Matias Perrone from Argentina and the women's individual champion was Sophie Brown from ...

Overview

Origin and history

Golf course

Play of the game

Rules and regulations

Equipment

Stroke mechanics

Scoring and handicapping