Quote:
Originally Posted by microbet
cuserounder,
That's not good for your power rankings.
I play it, I watch it, I love it. But I'm a big sports fan in general. I love football, hockey, baseball and basketball as well.
I'm not saying they suck, I'm just defending golf. It's an awesome sport. Over the last 20 years it's become increasingly accessible to the working and middle class (thanks Tiger!) and we've seen it progress a lot in terms of social equality, although it still has a ways to go.
It can be complicated to be a liberal golf fan who thinks deeply on social justice, but it's not impossible. I can love Augusta National the course and loathe what ANGC has stood for socially, while loving the Masters tournament... And ANGC has really improved the last few years in trying to grow the women's game and amateur golf around the world.
From a standpoint of being a fan, I find it thrilling to watch the best players deal with immense pressure over the course of 2-4 hours, with nowhere to hide. There's no helmet to hide behind, no pads to conceal slumping shoulders. For most, there are no shades to hide tears - of joy or sorrow. There is also no 7 foot center, or 300 pound lineman standing in their way. It's their mind and body executing, a battle as much with their own self as against anyone else. It's amazing! At the Masters in particular, you know exactly when the pressure is coming because you can get to know the course so well. Then there is the history remembered at the greatest courses. The great shots hit by great champions.
Golf is also a sport you can play your whole life, and it is challenging and enjoyable no matter how good or bad you are. An amateur weekend golfer can easily be better at 50 than 20 or 30, which is awesome. Because a 25 year old can play with a 70 year old, it ties generations together. Parents and kids bond over it. It teaches you a lot about morals, and puts a high value on honesty and honor. You call penalties on yourself, you play it as it lies, you shake hands after the last hole.*
* Unless you're the POTUS, and every golfer who votes for him should be ashamed. Honestly to anyone who has ever golfed, the stories about him golfing should be disqualifying in and of themselves. They demonstrate his horrible character and complete lack of regard for others. If I was totally clueless as to his politics, and saw him kick a ball into the fairway and drive his cart right up to the green, I'd already know all I needed to know. You want to measure someone's character in four hours? Go play a round of golf. You'll see him or her in moments of triumph, dejection and frustration, and get a good idea of their moral compass.