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  1. #1

    Is golf worth the money?

    I know just about all of you are going to say yes, but I think No. Right now i have about $200 worth of steel, graphite, titanium, and rubber in my golf bag, plus about $500 in other equipment scattered throughout my house. Plus every time I play it cost me like $12 for 18 holes. I have realized there are a lot more ways to get more bang for my buck than golfing. I still like golfing, and will continue to play because I get to play for free in the spring with my High school. Hopefully I can graduate next year, and then I will no longer to be able to afford to play any more.

    It's hard to believe that people actually pay over $1000 for golf clubs, and $40 for a dozen balls, and then over $20 to play each day.

    I don't hate or dislike golf, but I'm just pointing out the ridiculous cost and I personally think it isn't worth it.

  2. #2
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    I found myself wondering if all the money that ive put into golf was in my bank account.... i dont think id have to worry about tuition in two years.... But, its given me lessons a plenty, and alot of goodtimes. So for the meantime ill say yes, but we'll see;)
    I feel sorry for Skeet boy's cat...

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    This is true. I can play just about any other sport for free. Why play golf? First, you know it obviously takes a lot of money to maintain a golf course opposed to a basket ball hoop or football field. I love the sport because:

    1 - I don't need a team to play on

    2 - It takes mental focus and physical training - Any idiot can throw/kick a ball. There are so many more variables involved in a golf swing that it takes much more coordination to pull it off correctly.

    3 - It builds character...if you play by the rules.

    4 - By the nature of the sport, you are usually (not always) around well natured people. (just think of Shaquille O'Neal, Lebron James, Terrell Owens, the list goes on). And yes golf has it's yuppies too

    5 - I love being outdoors. It's like hanging out in a nice park with your friends with hot chicks that come to you with beer...or, um pop for you youngins.

    It's like a mini-vacation or day camp for $20.

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    And yes golf has it's yuppies too
    Rory Sabattini
    I feel sorry for Skeet boy's cat...

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    Quote Originally Posted by bdgiant
    2 - It takes mental focus and physical training - Any idiot can throw/kick a ball. There are so many more variables involved in a golf swing that it takes much more coordination to pull it off correctly.
    I wouldn't go that far. I love golf - it is an escape. It also is more of a mental game than a physical and is very challenging but I wouldn't say that it is so much harder than football, soccer, etc.

    Personally, I find it alot easier hitting a golfball that isn't moving than trying to throw a 40 yard pass to a wide receiver who is running full speed while i have 3-6 guys rushing at me and 5-8 other guys trying to knock that pass down, intercept it, etc.

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    Think before u talk my friend.... That quarterback making the pass may miss one, but then on the next play, he doesnt have time to think; "o no, i couldnt make this last time, i dont nkow about this time", its a reaction, they train and train, so they dont "think on the feild, its their subconscious mind out there, because theyve done it millions of times. On the course, you can stand behind/above your ball and think ALL YOU WANT, the more then think, the more u screw yourself. I could throw that pass mroe times outta ten then i could break par. Were talking real golf, correctly and consistently. Physically its probly easier then alot of sports, but its the toughest sport mentally, and then add on that the physical part of being able to swing the club the same way consistently. Anyone can "swing" a club, but it takes alot more to hit the ball, then more to hit it a distance, then EVEN MORE to hit it to a little target 500 yards away.

    Then after that, you have to get consistent.......
    I feel sorry for Skeet boy's cat...

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    I gave up golf after graduating high school and deciding not pursue it collegiately. I've just recently started playing again after a three year lay-off and the only reason is because I'm working at a golf course again. That means I play for free, get free range balls, free balls/gloves/tees for the most part, and all of my equipment is incredibly discounted at the moment and will be free once I'm on staff.

    I will never pay money to play this stupid game because it is far too taxing financially and time consuming to play at the level I'm accostumed to playing at. To those of you looking for a similar challenge at a much cheaper price, I recommend Disc Golf. Go ahead, laugh. Go play a few rounds then get back to me. It costs nothing to play, the equipment is inexpensive, and Disc Golfers are much cooler than regular golfers. The only thing missing is the Grill/Bev Cart girls which shouldn't matter to most of you because you don't stand a chance in hell anyway.

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    Quote Originally Posted by JesusCrizzle
    I gave up golf after graduating high school and deciding not pursue it collegiately. I've just recently started playing again after a three year lay-off and the only reason is because I'm working at a golf course again. That means I play for free, get free range balls, free balls/gloves/tees for the most part, and all of my equipment is incredibly discounted at the moment and will be free once I'm on staff.

    I will never pay money to play this stupid game because it is far too taxing financially and time consuming to play at the level I'm accostumed to playing at. To those of you looking for a similar challenge at a much cheaper price, I recommend Disc Golf. Go ahead, laugh. Go play a few rounds then get back to me. It costs nothing to play, the equipment is inexpensive, and Disc Golfers are much cooler than regular golfers. The only thing missing is the Grill/Bev Cart girls which shouldn't matter to most of you because you don't stand a chance in hell anyway.
    Disc golf is fun, but my arm and shoulder ache like you wouldn't believe the next day (not after golf though). The bev cart chicks are only good to look at anyway. It's why men look at porn. Every guy knows he's not going to score with a porn star/playboy playmate, but they are fun to look at, especially when they are right there in short skirts and tight, low-cut tees hauling beer. I'm happily married, but I enjoy good scenery.

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    Thumbs down

    Quote Originally Posted by bdgiant
    This is true. I can play just about any other sport for free. Why play golf? First, you know it obviously takes a lot of money to maintain a golf course opposed to a basket ball hoop or football field. I love the sport because:

    1 - I don't need a team to play on

    2 - It takes mental focus and physical training - Any idiot can throw/kick a ball. There are so many more variables involved in a golf swing that it takes much more coordination to pull it off correctly.

    3 - It builds character...if you play by the rules.

    4 - By the nature of the sport, you are usually (not always) around well natured people. (just think of Shaquille O'Neal, Lebron James, Terrell Owens, the list goes on). And yes golf has it's yuppies too

    5 - I love being outdoors. It's like hanging out in a nice park with your friends with hot chicks that come to you with beer...or, um pop for you youngins.

    It's like a mini-vacation or day camp for $20.
    I just thought I'd take a few of your points apart. I love golf... But honestly, I think you cross a line or fifty...

    1 - True, you dont. Its just as boring to consistantly go out and play golf by yourself as it is to consistantly shoot freethrows by yourself or consistantly go the batting cages by yourself (which i'll actually say is more fun). Most people still don't want to play alone most of the time, however, even if they're not part of a team.

    2 - The "physical training" in golf is real... But to a MUCH lesser extent than damn near any other sport. Men in their 70's wouldnt be playing it if it were physically taxing as you're making it out to be. If any idiot can kick a ball then why arent there more professional soccer players, football players, baseball players, basketball players. Why is it only the top 10% of high school kids make it to college, and the top 5% of them make it to minors and the top 5% of them ever make it pro? I mean any idiot can do it, right? I take your argument further. Any idiot can swing a golf club and hit a stationary ball. It may not do so well but any idiot can do it. Can you hit a hundred mile an hour fastball? Can you hit a 220 mile per hour tennis ball? Can you stop a 150 mile an hour puck from getting in a little net behind you? Somehow I doubt it. If you think golf is the most mentally taxing sport in the world, you've never been a starting pitcher for a baseball team. You've never played the last two minutes of a close basketball game. If you're going to argue that only two minutes of the game is mentally taxing... How often do you have to preanticipate what a ball is going to do before you swing? How often do you have to have three to five plans going on in your head to deal with a situation before you ever even TAKE your swing? As a pitcher, when I played, I had to think about every single throw I was going to make, how I was going to handle every batter. Then you have to think about where you're going to cover when the ball is in play and what you should be doing. In golf you have the time to sit and think and cool down. The only person you're going to be angry with in golf is yourself. Playing for a team you have the stress of each individual team mate on your shoulders as well. Dont even try to tell me ANYBODY can kick or throw a ball but it takes someone special to hit one that doesnt even move with a club.

    3 - You can argue that of any sport. In fact, if you pay attention to your sociology, its been impressed upon us since our youth that sport builds character and makes you a better man, a better american, etc you name it. Theres no evidence behind these claims. It just gets you watching tv and buying equipment and respecting your coaches.

    4 - I for one would love to know Shaquille Oneal. He's done so much good for local communities and things for kids its not even funny. Donated millions plus his time. His time is even more valuable, and he does it because he enjoys it. You're making examples out of, for the most part, very loud and flambouyant exceptions. How often do you hear about every other basketball player, football player, baseball player making the news for being a jerk? I can argue that most of the other sports stars get much more media attention than a professional golfer ( this has been changing with the intro of Tiger ). Getting constantly followed around and expected to act a certain way might just bring out certain 'unsavory' characteristics. You ever think its all an image that sells? Do you honestly think Labron James was worth a 90 million dollar pepsi contract because he was a talented rookie? No, he's there to be noticed and sell tickets and products, and he does a good job.

    5 - Most other sports are outdoors too. The same can be said for most of them, and beer is just as readily availible... Only you cant play while drinking and expect to succeed.

    Again, id argue that going out to the field is a mini vacation for anyone in any other sport. That said, other sports are often better because A) the equipment is cheaper and B) you dont have to pay money to play. If I want to go toss a ball around with my friends I can do it in a nice field for free. If we want a whole stadium to ourselves we can rent it for about 100$ combined. They're not going to charge me extra for each person playing. I still think the whole "each person who rides a cart has to pay the cart fee but you're expected to share" rule is a load of crap. Plus there are no exclusive 'football clubs' or 'baseball clubs' or what have you where you have to pay yearly fees to even play... nor do they charge 60, 80, 200$ fees just to play around on the course for 3-5 hours.

    I dont mean to pick on you, but your comment that any idiot can kick or toss a ball just kinda has me going. Sport is a personal preference. Don't blast on other people because you don't like what they do. A lot of people view your sport of choice the same way. In fact, most people I know don't even view golfers as athletes. When you play a sport, understand it, devour it, love it, live it, there is ALWAYS a physical and mental aspect that is draining to no end. I get drained just WATCHING baseball on TV. I'm constantly thinking about where a pitch should be, what kind of pitch should come, where he should go after certain batters, the position of the fielders, the runners, what *I* would do in that situation. Just don't bag on something because you fail to appreciate it or understand it fully, thats all I ask.

    Shiva

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    great rant man. seriously. But i would have to respectfully disagree that golf IS the toughest mental test in sport. dont get me wrong, not mentally taxing, but overall mentally toughest.

    By this im saying at the highest levels, top amateurs/minor leagues and up. Im not considering the sunday golfer and the peewee pitchers out there. People who take the game seriously.
    I feel sorry for Skeet boy's cat...

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by shiva
    I just thought I'd take a few of your points apart. I love golf... But honestly, I think you cross a line or fifty...

    1 - True, you dont. Its just as boring to consistantly go out and play golf by yourself as it is to consistantly shoot freethrows by yourself or consistantly go the batting cages by yourself (which i'll actually say is more fun). Most people still don't want to play alone most of the time, however, even if they're not part of a team.

    2 - The "physical training" in golf is real... But to a MUCH lesser extent than damn near any other sport. Men in their 70's wouldnt be playing it if it were physically taxing as you're making it out to be. If any idiot can kick a ball then why arent there more professional soccer players, football players, baseball players, basketball players. Why is it only the top 10% of high school kids make it to college, and the top 5% of them make it to minors and the top 5% of them ever make it pro? I mean any idiot can do it, right? I take your argument further. Any idiot can swing a golf club and hit a stationary ball. It may not do so well but any idiot can do it. Can you hit a hundred mile an hour fastball? Can you hit a 220 mile per hour tennis ball? Can you stop a 150 mile an hour puck from getting in a little net behind you? Somehow I doubt it. If you think golf is the most mentally taxing sport in the world, you've never been a starting pitcher for a baseball team. You've never played the last two minutes of a close basketball game. If you're going to argue that only two minutes of the game is mentally taxing... How often do you have to preanticipate what a ball is going to do before you swing? How often do you have to have three to five plans going on in your head to deal with a situation before you ever even TAKE your swing? As a pitcher, when I played, I had to think about every single throw I was going to make, how I was going to handle every batter. Then you have to think about where you're going to cover when the ball is in play and what you should be doing. In golf you have the time to sit and think and cool down. The only person you're going to be angry with in golf is yourself. Playing for a team you have the stress of each individual team mate on your shoulders as well. Dont even try to tell me ANYBODY can kick or throw a ball but it takes someone special to hit one that doesnt even move with a club.

    3 - You can argue that of any sport. In fact, if you pay attention to your sociology, its been impressed upon us since our youth that sport builds character and makes you a better man, a better american, etc you name it. Theres no evidence behind these claims. It just gets you watching tv and buying equipment and respecting your coaches.

    4 - I for one would love to know Shaquille Oneal. He's done so much good for local communities and things for kids its not even funny. Donated millions plus his time. His time is even more valuable, and he does it because he enjoys it. You're making examples out of, for the most part, very loud and flambouyant exceptions. How often do you hear about every other basketball player, football player, baseball player making the news for being a jerk? I can argue that most of the other sports stars get much more media attention than a professional golfer ( this has been changing with the intro of Tiger ). Getting constantly followed around and expected to act a certain way might just bring out certain 'unsavory' characteristics. You ever think its all an image that sells? Do you honestly think Labron James was worth a 90 million dollar pepsi contract because he was a talented rookie? No, he's there to be noticed and sell tickets and products, and he does a good job.

    5 - Most other sports are outdoors too. The same can be said for most of them, and beer is just as readily availible... Only you cant play while drinking and expect to succeed.

    Again, id argue that going out to the field is a mini vacation for anyone in any other sport. That said, other sports are often better because A) the equipment is cheaper and B) you dont have to pay money to play. If I want to go toss a ball around with my friends I can do it in a nice field for free. If we want a whole stadium to ourselves we can rent it for about 100$ combined. They're not going to charge me extra for each person playing. I still think the whole "each person who rides a cart has to pay the cart fee but you're expected to share" rule is a load of crap. Plus there are no exclusive 'football clubs' or 'baseball clubs' or what have you where you have to pay yearly fees to even play... nor do they charge 60, 80, 200$ fees just to play around on the course for 3-5 hours.

    I dont mean to pick on you, but your comment that any idiot can kick or toss a ball just kinda has me going. Sport is a personal preference. Don't blast on other people because you don't like what they do. A lot of people view your sport of choice the same way. In fact, most people I know don't even view golfers as athletes. When you play a sport, understand it, devour it, love it, live it, there is ALWAYS a physical and mental aspect that is draining to no end. I get drained just WATCHING baseball on TV. I'm constantly thinking about where a pitch should be, what kind of pitch should come, where he should go after certain batters, the position of the fielders, the runners, what *I* would do in that situation. Just don't bag on something because you fail to appreciate it or understand it fully, thats all I ask.

    Shiva
    Um...Ok. I guess you didn't see my point at all. I guess some people need everything spoonfed to them with every detail spelled out. I have played (and still do play) football and basketball. I did not step over any line. I just made some generalizaitons about other sports. That's all. If I offended you in some way, I'm sorry. But don't be a dick because you are too thick headed to realized I wasn't bashing other sports, I was talking about them in a very gernal sense compared to golf.

    1 - I realize you can play other sports by yourself. I only pointed out that you could play golf by yourself, that's all. You are correct is saying that there are many other sports (i.e. the batting cage) that are more enjoyable. I agree. I just pointed out that golf can be done alone. I didn't think you'd read into it.

    2 - I know golf does not require the physical make up of many/most other sports. I do also know that an idiot can't make it pro and every sport, if you want to do it well, takes a lot of mental focus. My generalization was that it the BASIC mechanics of kicking a ball are not as involved as sminging a club. Hitting a fast ball is harder I agree. I just made a GENERALIZATION to make a point that golf takes focus. I didn't mean to offend the other sports gods. I'll go sacrifice a few chickens to make it up to them.

    3 - Being involved in any extracurricuar activity builds character. It's not just propaganda.
    http://www.iastate.edu/~rhetoric/105...llrah/cof.html
    http://www.iefintl.org/enews/2004-1/zhao.htm
    http://www.boardingschoolreview.com/.../school_id/328
    And no I'm not basing the claims off of TV commercials. I posted a few sites that I just googled. I'm not going to dig up specific research about "golf building character," but I have countless articles and RESEARCH that explains how extracurricular activities help build character.

    4 - This point can be argued all you want, but I don't like Shaq, Labron, or TO. They have said and done some pretty dumb things. I know they have millions and do benefit events (it's called PR). That's fine. I just don't like them. My point here was that there a lot more people with bad attitudes (IMO) playing other sports. Maybe it's due to their publicity, I don't know. I was only stating that you don't see golfers punching cameramen, fighting with the spectators, or headbutting referees as often as other sports. Again, if I offened you or the other sports gods, I opologize.

    5 - I never said you couldn't do the other sports outside, it was just a point I was making about golf and a reason to like it. I wasn't bashing other sports. I don't know why that would piss you off so much. I like being outside> golf is outside> YEAH! A reason to like golf. Don't read into it so much jack ass.

    I have been playing sports my whole life and respect them all. The point of this thred was why to play golf. I didn't bash any other sports. I bashed a few athletes that I did not think to highly of (I didn't even get into specifics). I have two bachelors degrees and a masters degree. I understand what it takes to get through college and know that some "idiot" can make it big just kick a ball in circles. I simply made a few generalizations to point out that golf is an enjoyable and thought-provoking sport. If you are offended because I said an idiot can kick a ball, I'm sorry. You have some major issues because I was in no way bashing other sports. If you like Shaq and them, good for you. I don't. The best thing about everyone else's opinion is that it's not yours.

    BD

    BTW - Don't you have a ball to go kick around?

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    I'll stand by my statement. I think mentally a professional goalie, professional baseball pitcher, professional forward, a professional tennis player all have a lot more on their mind than a professional golfer; both mentally taxing and tough.

    As I said I love the sport and I will agree that in some ways it is both physically and mentallly draining and demanding - especially at the professional level, but the *toughest* mentally? I can't agree.

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    No need to get pissy, your 'talking in a general sense' about other sports is tentamount to fabricating whatever examples you needed to fit your little example of golf somehow being a superior sport. And im sure it is -- in your eyes. Thats where it ends. If you're going to make generalizations they're supposed to be based upon something to generalize upon, not just brash unthinking comments.

    The "basic" mechanics of throwing a baseball are no easier than the "basic" mechanics of hitting a golf ball. Any idiot can do it, as you pointed out. It takes real skill to do either well.

    If you're doing research, you can look up just as many articles stating that sport does NOT build character. I was a sports science major in college for christs sakes. You'll find more articles by psychologists and sociologists stating that if anything, it often detracts from character. Are you going to argue that it builds moral character? After making those "examples" of all those athletes you did, you're going to argue that these athletes are highly moral? I'm sure they owe that to sport. How about team work? Oh yeah, golf is a solo sport. Oh yeah, the athletes we all praise and watch are the 'jerks' you posted above. Those attention hogs that don't do much anything for their organization as a team but as individuals. How about high acadamia? Oh yeah.. I forgot how many athlete's coaches have to help them cheat or add fake classes to raise their grades so they'll pass. I'm sure they owe a lot of their "character" to sport.

    http://www.worldandi.com/public/1988/october/mt8.cfm
    http://www.ausport.gov.au/fulltext/1...w/p165-175.pdf
    and I found a slew of other PDF research articles that you have to pay for to view. Its easy to find research pointing both directions. Its even easier to look at the 'character' of most of our most treasured athletes.

    Whether you recognize it or not, your approach to why golf should be played WAS a knock on other sports. When you represent other athletes as idiots, id say thats a knock. Even if you want to "generalize" it.

    -- Shiv

    BTW: Shouldn't you be outdoors?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Wadeisabeast

    It's hard to believe that people actually pay over $1000 for golf clubs, and $40 for a dozen balls, and then over $20 to play each day.
    I don't know where you play but $20 around my way will get you 9 holes at the local public course and depending on which you pick it will run from $19 to $24. To play 18 on a weekend will cost you a min $35 and most of the courses around here are between $45 and $50 will several at $60 or more (plus more if you ride, but I always walk).

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    Quote Originally Posted by bdgiant

    4 - This point can be argued all you want, but I don't like Shaq, Labron, or TO. They have said and done some pretty dumb things. I know they have millions and do benefit events (it's called PR). That's fine. I just don't like them. My point here was that there a lot more people with bad attitudes (IMO) playing other sports. Maybe it's due to their publicity, I don't know. I was only stating that you don't see golfers punching cameramen, fighting with the spectators, or headbutting referees as often as other sports. Again, if I offened you or the other sports gods, I opologize.
    I was the LPGA US Open in Newport yesterday. Hole 5, round 3. Carin Koch hooks to the left off the tee and ends up in the rough near a bunker. Grass was like 12 to 18 inches deep. She throws her driver and it bounces off the ground and ends up in the tall weeds and water next to the tee box. Her caddy, who also happens to be her husband, starts walking down the fairway. I guess she expected him to go get the club. She starts screaming at him, he responds, she screams back. Meanwhile one of the volunteers starts to go in the weeds to get the club and Carin stops him, good move on her part. Her caddy keeps on going. She is pissed. Finally she retrieves the club and starts down the fairway. While this was going on she also had words with a spectator who was heckling her after her caddy would not get the club. I observed everything from maybe 20 feet away as I was right there near the front the off the tee box.

    While golfers in general seem to be more civilized than some other athletes, they are cerainly not angels above reproach however I do understand what you are trying to say and in general I would agree.

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    NO! It's an addiction just like heroin. Especially if you're a club ho.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wadeisabeast
    Is golf worth the money?... and It's hard to believe that people actually pay over $1000 for golf clubs, and $40 for a dozen balls, and then over $20 to play each day. I don't hate or dislike golf, but I'm just pointing out the ridiculous cost and I personally think it isn't worth it.
    How each of us spend our time and money is a very personal choice. At your point in life, I certainly would be pursuing an education and career before spending time and money on golf (assuming golf won't be your career). Spending $1000 on clubs would be "ridiculous".

    I'm only now playing golf regularly, now that my career provides plenty of income, I've raised my kids and have time for myself. For me, paying $1000 for clubs is probably comparable to you paying $1 (or less), so it's not at all ridiculous for me to pay that much. It's all relative.

    For most, golf is a luxury that can only be enjoyed fully when ample time and money come into your life at the same time. For those who have the time and money, don't assume it's ridiculous to use that time and money for golf. I absolutely love spending mine that way ;)
    Richard

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    From a different perspective...

    I mountain bike, paddle whitewater kayaks, run triathalons, and surf. Or, at least, I used to do all of those until I started my own company 4 years ago. I simply don't have the time to ride 3-5 days a week to stay in the shape necessary to enjoy a weekend in the mountains, nor do I have the desire to spend weekends away from my wife and 2yr old daughter to head to the mountains to kayak, nor do I have the freedom to drop everything when the waves are up, so I started playing golf. I can head to the Muni and play 9 holes in the early morning or late evening with friends. I can go to the range for an hour and hit balls. While golf isn't the physical workout (except for walking 18 in 90 degree heat and humidity) of my other sports, it is a mental challenge. The challenge of golf is about playing the perfect game and, because perfection is impossible, playing the closest to the perfect game. If I decide to not play a round for a month, I can always go to the range every so often. With the other sports, if you take a week off of serious training, you will pay for it big. Since golf is a sport of technique, you can get rusty, but you can get it back quickly.

    Hitting a golf ball is really easy. Repeating that hit throughout a round with different clubs so that every strike is correct and played like you want to play it is where the game is tough.

    So, is golf worth it? Well yes and no. Kayaking requires a steep initial investment and then it's just gas to the river and back. Surfing is similar as are mountain biking and triathalons - once you pay to play, the ongoing cost is small. So, while golf is expensive to play an outing, you can play with a cheap set of clubs so there isn't a requirement of a large investment in gear. For me, I like that I can get some exercise, be outside, and be home in a couple of hours and play with my daughter. But, on the downside, it does add up if you are playing regularly.

    Lemonhead

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lemonhead
    From a different perspective...

    I mountain bike, paddle whitewater kayaks, run triathalons, and surf. Or, at least, I used to do all of those until I started my own company 4 years ago. I simply don't have the time to ride 3-5 days a week to stay in the shape necessary to enjoy a weekend in the mountains, nor do I have the desire to spend weekends away from my wife and 2yr old daughter to head to the mountains to kayak, nor do I have the freedom to drop everything when the waves are up, so I started playing golf. I can head to the Muni and play 9 holes in the early morning or late evening with friends. I can go to the range for an hour and hit balls. While golf isn't the physical workout (except for walking 18 in 90 degree heat and humidity) of my other sports, it is a mental challenge. The challenge of golf is about playing the perfect game and, because perfection is impossible, playing the closest to the perfect game. If I decide to not play a round for a month, I can always go to the range every so often. With the other sports, if you take a week off of serious training, you will pay for it big. Since golf is a sport of technique, you can get rusty, but you can get it back quickly.

    Hitting a golf ball is really easy. Repeating that hit throughout a round with different clubs so that every strike is correct and played like you want to play it is where the game is tough.

    So, is golf worth it? Well yes and no. Kayaking requires a steep initial investment and then it's just gas to the river and back. Surfing is similar as are mountain biking and triathalons - once you pay to play, the ongoing cost is small. So, while golf is expensive to play an outing, you can play with a cheap set of clubs so there isn't a requirement of a large investment in gear. For me, I like that I can get some exercise, be outside, and be home in a couple of hours and play with my daughter. But, on the downside, it does add up if you are playing regularly.

    Lemonhead
    Seperated at birth? Triathlete, whitewater kayak & canoe, occasional surfer, former mountain bike rider. Used to teach and work for the NOC...still miss boating 300 days a year, but life called and the answer was that my wife took a nasty swim on the Nanty one day, gave it up. She never liked the downhill part of mountain biking, bike went up for sale. She never understood the "you are going to this and then that and finish doing what?" aspect of triathlon. Still despite these differences she never said no, never rolled her eyes and always cheered me on.

    But with golf, we can do that together...and enjoy it on our own levels. For the first time she is asking when we are playing next, going to the range on her own to hit balls, working with an instructor to improve...really driving herself to be better. And it brings a big smile to my face...and certainly makes golf worth it...the time spent with my wife rather than off training. It makes me golf more and miss my other activities less...although we golf later in the day because of weekend morning rides.

  20. #20
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    lemonhead is right... even with the demands of work and family, it's VERY important to do something recreational or relaxing too!! I put off golf all these years partly due to lack of time and funds, but also because I put a higher priority on hockey and snowboarding... Now, nearing 50, I decided to give golf a another try. I still snowboard in the winter, but wound down the hockey commitment.

    And regarding the cost of golf... you really can keep it cheap if you want to. I played for a while when I was 20 with a $99 set of clubs from k-mart and shot good scores. I now barter for free golf by promoting local course tournaments, discount programs, junior golf, lessons, etc. at golfslo.com ;)... I still pay for golf at the higher end courses and for tournament play, but manage to keep my average round near $25-30 (not bad for California). I'm also very happy to keep playing with my old 12 year old irons and aging fairway woods. At this point in my life, I'd rather keep my cash to live off of so I can work less hours and play more golf.
    Richard

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  21. #21
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    Opus,

    How do you have a nasty swim on the Nanty? Did she miss the swim the falls or miss the takeout? Spent many days around the NOC. Ever paddle with Chris Hipgrave (Dagger rep at the time). He's a good friend of mine.

    My wife likes to ride but we just don't find the time. She wants to kayak but it's going to be many years before she gets a chance to learn. Now when I paddle, I hit the ocean. You can get about 2-3 ends before washing out (unless it's huge). Been out in 12' surf with my boat, but not recently.

    Anyway - I love the Nanty area - great paddling within an hour's drive, great riding, beautiful area. Haven't been through there in several years. Great - no absolutely FABULOUS memories.

    Lemonhead.

  22. #22
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    I did have a chance to paddle with Chris a few years back as well as a couple of the "legends" of the area like Tom Decuir and Joe Holt (who was one of my instructors during my ACA course).

    How do you have a bad swim on the Nanty? First...and this is very important, you have to be luke warm to kayaking in general...then it gets easier. She flipped at the top eddy at Quarry and got banged up with a few nice bruises. Not really nasty...but it was for her.
    (I almost died during my "bad" swim at Insignificant on the Gauley and kept paddling...but not that day).

    Living and working around NOC was a true dream, even if primarily I was stationed at the Asheville Store, when they closed that...well, it was time to move back to reality.

  23. #23
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    I believe anything you enjoy is worth spending money on. I make good money at my job and have no problem spending it quite freely.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by LyleG
    I believe anything you enjoy is worth spending money on. I make good money at my job and have no problem spending it quite freely.
    Lyle and I finally agree on something.

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by pegleg2005
    Lyle and I finally agree on something.

    Everyone comes around eventually ;)

  26. #26
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    Opus,

    Never swam Insignificant, but swam Pillow once. Worst event was on the Laurel Fork. Bad run in with a tree. Had to roll UNDER the tree because the boat was folding up. Took off on the Lower Rocky Broad at mile 3.5 because I just quit having fun that day.

    Just remembering some of my great Gauleyfest days... wow! Are you still in the NC area or does your homecorse of "Banff..." mean that you are up in Canada now?

    Lemonhead

  27. #27
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    I used to play soccer, indoors and outdoors. I stopped a few years back and picked up golf. The main reason was my career requires me to be able to walk and while defending on a corner kick my opponent, a tweenty year old decided it would be nice to throw a hip check. I went down and hit pretty hard. It was a cheap shot and I almost broke my ankle. If I break my ankle I can't work. If I can't work I can't make money. I decided after that game that I had too much to loose by continuing to play soccer.

    Golf is a challenging game that I can play for the rest of my life with little chance of injuring myself. There are not many sports/hobbies that you can do through the length of your life and still not master. It's challenging and relaxing and some of the best parks in the world are golf courses. It's worth my money but it's all relative.

  28. #28
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    Any sport/hobby you enjoy is worth the money as long as you are happy doing it. I played all types of sports and golf is one which you can enjoy for the rest of your life as poe4soul, and another mentioning being outdoors.

    Golf is a game in which you can travel the world and experience different scenery and cultures. Football is not football around the world, baseball is not baseball but considered as cricket in the UK? So not all sports are equal in every aspect. You can travel to the Bahamas and play a round of golf there and not experience anywhere else. Basketball in the Bahamas is basically the same as basketball at your local gym or playground.

    It's like the saying regarding a boat or a car, if you have to worry about how much gas cost to fill it, then you shouldnt buy it. If golf is in that category for ya, then we'll see ya in a few years when money isnt an issue.
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  29. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wadeisabeast
    I know just about all of you are going to say yes, but I think No. Right now i have about $200 worth of steel, graphite, titanium, and rubber in my golf bag, plus about $500 in other equipment scattered throughout my house. Plus every time I play it cost me like $12 for 18 holes. I have realized there are a lot more ways to get more bang for my buck than golfing. I still like golfing, and will continue to play because I get to play for free in the spring with my High school. Hopefully I can graduate next year, and then I will no longer to be able to afford to play any more.

    It's hard to believe that people actually pay over $1000 for golf clubs, and $40 for a dozen balls, and then over $20 to play each day.

    I don't hate or dislike golf, but I'm just pointing out the ridiculous cost and I personally think it isn't worth it.
    Ok...put it this way.....is a woman worth the money..? $$ spent going out, relationship....marriage......divorce...?? But the ride is well worth it I think.....The same applies for golf....Always remember Golf and sex are both alike....you don't have to be good at either one to enjy it......You do your thing and let me have mine....ok...?? Don't go whining about paying $ 18.00 for green fees then go out and spend $ 25.00 on that crap you youngsters call music to play so loud that you can't hear it....Have a nice day

  30. #30
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lemonhead
    Opus,

    Never swam Insignificant, but swam Pillow once. Worst event was on the Laurel Fork. Bad run in with a tree. Had to roll UNDER the tree because the boat was folding up. Took off on the Lower Rocky Broad at mile 3.5 because I just quit having fun that day.

    Just remembering some of my great Gauleyfest days... wow! Are you still in the NC area or does your homecorse of "Banff..." mean that you are up in Canada now?

    Lemonhead

    I live in Raleigh now. Working on an MA in History here at NCSU as well as working here on campus. When I get that (a couple of years from now)...the wife and I plan on moving closer to the mountains again.

    No longer own a kayak, but I do play around in a Savage Super Fly w.w. canoe...as it is easier on my shoulders...low brace roll vs. high brace roll etc. (radical dislocation of the right shoulder while being driven underwater by a floating barge i.e. raft.) Doesn't bother
    the golf swing any...but I work hard on keeping it strong.

  31. #31
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    It cost $30 to play 9 holes at my course. Luckily the junior membership is only 135 and I can play any day there isn't a tournament from when the course opens in May until it closes in November.


    I think it's worth every penny. As long as you have the pennies to spend.

  32. #32
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    where do you go for only 12 bucks for 18 holes????
    everywhere i golf it's 30+ for 18 holes, and i happily pay that

    golf is definetly worth the money, not just because it fills up the time, but the people you meet...i think that the best part of the game is going to the course alone and getting put with a 3-some that have played the game together forever...they always have character and lots of good stories
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  33. #33
    The course near my house is $7 for 9 holes, $11.75 for 18.
    Sometimes I pay $10 online and get to use a cart. I get to play wednesday for free.
    If I had money I would play a lot more, but I have only been able to play once in about a month.

  34. #34
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    Talking

    Sick of spending money on golf? Find something else to do then, there are plenty of options on this thread alone. My advice, take up fishing. Get a cheap pole, a bobber etc and license and your off. Of course you would have to get a license every year so that would involve spending more money so that may be out....ummm well maybe you could just sit at home and do nothing, that is free at least.

    I love golf, took a few years off and have been back for the last few years. I see in my near future the golf game being squeezed out of the picture as we just bought our first house and have our first child on the way, i will still play though because it gets me away from the damn real world for a little while and forces me to waste some time...

  35. #35
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    yes

    simply yes
    golf's a relaxing betting game.

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