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The Games of Golf

usfan

Well-Known Member
I've been a lifelong sports addict. 'Life is a game', has been my creed since childhood.. which I've never really grown out of, evidently. ;)

But in my mid 40s, finally realizing that old age would catch me, no matter how fast i ran, i decided to take up golf. Now, ~ 20 years later, its about the only sport i do.

So i thought some philosophical ponderings, and existential reflections would be in order, for this old traditional game.

There are 4 games in golf.. or 4 skills to acquire to score well:
1. Driving
2. Irons/approach
3. Pitch/chip greenside touch shots
4. Putting

You cannot win at golf. You can only play it.

To keep from going mad, and to minimize frustration, playing well, or poorly should both be enjoyed.

Golf can be played in a social setting, or alone, like transcendental meditation, yoga, or National Socialism.

To correlate this game to this forum: Golf is, and can be, a religion. Some live, breathe, and exist only for golf.

Golf exposes character flaws, and brings out epithets previously unheard.

A well struck shot, planned and executed, is the closest to nirvana in this life.

And now, words of wisdom from others, about this game:

“Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps.” – Tiger Woods

“I have a tip that can take five strokes off anyone’s game: It’s called an eraser.” – Arnold Palmer

Golf is a good walk spoiled. ~Mark Twain

The only sure rule in golf is he who has the fastest cart never has to play the bad lie. ~Mickey Mantle

Any other philosophical musings about this metaphor for existence?
:D
 

BSM1

What? Me worry?
I could never get across water, be it lake or mud puddle. Mental thing, I know, but there you have it...
 

Revoltingest

Pragmatic Libertarian
Premium Member
I could never get across water, be it lake or mud puddle. Mental thing, I know, but there you have it...
Golf is only fun in Revoltistan.
There's the course, a 308 rifle, bowling pins, ostrich feathers, & the shaved weasels.
 

usfan

Well-Known Member
For me, the worst part of playing golf, by far, has always been hitting the ball. ~Dave Barry

If you think it's hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball. ~Jack Lemmon

While playing golf today I hit two good balls. I stepped on a rake
. ~Henny Youngman

I guess i would describe myself as an avid golfer. I even got a part time job at golf course, so i could play more (and cheaper!). I'm playing today, in ~ 3 hrs. I should practise more, to hone my game, but would rather just play, when i have time to get out.

..but, I'm no addict. My family leaving me, my business failing, and losing the house had nothing to do with golf.. ;)

J/K.. family, house and business are fine, though they do interfere with my golf game.. :D
 

PoetPhilosopher

Veteran Member
For me, the worst part of playing golf, by far, has always been hitting the ball. ~Dave Barry

If you think it's hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball. ~Jack Lemmon

While playing golf today I hit two good balls. I stepped on a rake
. ~Henny Youngman

I guess i would describe myself as an avid golfer. I even got a part time job at golf course, so i could play more (and cheaper!). I'm playing today, in ~ 3 hrs. I should practise more, to hone my game, but would rather just play, when i have time to get out.

..but, I'm no addict. My family leaving me, my business failing, and losing the house had nothing to do with golf.. ;)

J/K.. family, house and business are fine, though they do interfere with my golf game.. :D

You're an interesting guy.

I had a question. Would you be opposed to me adding some comic relief to your debate threads if I am fair to both sides in doing so? I knew a perfect YouTube song for one of the arguments. Maybe I should just post it in this thread.
 

usfan

Well-Known Member
You're an interesting guy.

I had a question. Would you be opposed to me adding some comic relief to your debate threads if I am fair to both sides in doing so? I knew a perfect YouTube song for one of the arguments. Maybe I should just post it in this thread.
No problem from me. I try not to take things very seriously, anyway.. ..too many grim faced ideologues in the world, already! ;)


“No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously.” ~Dave Barry
 

icehorse

......unaffiliated...... anti-dogmatist
Premium Member
I'm an avid golfer, thanks for all the great golf jokes :)

One aspect of golf is that because you can take a little time with each shot, it's REALLY HARD to avoid over-coaching yourself and/or psyching yourself out.

The other aspect that's endlessly challenging is that in order to hit the ball well, you have to find a tempo that's slower than what's intuitive. It's hard to keep a slow tempo when you're under pressure.

Overall, I can't recommend the game. ;)
 

Vinayaka

devotee
Premium Member
Ninety percent of putts that are short, don't go in.

Yogi Berra

Jerry, a golf enthusiast, was golfing with 3 friends, and on the fourth hole one of them, Frankie, passed out dead as a doornail after he missed a short putt. When Jerry got home later that afternoon, as usual his wife asked how things had gone.
"Well, Frankie died on the fourth hole."
"Really," she said. "So what happened then?"
"Mac and Bob and I shot quite worse then usual as we had to haul that lug around 14 holes.
 
Last edited:

David T

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
I've been a lifelong sports addict. 'Life is a game', has been my creed since childhood.. which I've never really grown out of, evidently. ;)

But in my mid 40s, finally realizing that old age would catch me, no matter how fast i ran, i decided to take up golf. Now, ~ 20 years later, its about the only sport i do.

So i thought some philosophical ponderings, and existential reflections would be in order, for this old traditional game.

There are 4 games in golf.. or 4 skills to acquire to score well:
1. Driving
2. Irons/approach
3. Pitch/chip greenside touch shots
4. Putting

You cannot win at golf. You can only play it.

To keep from going mad, and to minimize frustration, playing well, or poorly should both be enjoyed.

Golf can be played in a social setting, or alone, like transcendental meditation, yoga, or National Socialism.

To correlate this game to this forum: Golf is, and can be, a religion. Some live, breathe, and exist only for golf.

Golf exposes character flaws, and brings out epithets previously unheard.

A well struck shot, planned and executed, is the closest to nirvana in this life.

And now, words of wisdom from others, about this game:

“Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps.” – Tiger Woods

“I have a tip that can take five strokes off anyone’s game: It’s called an eraser.” – Arnold Palmer

Golf is a good walk spoiled. ~Mark Twain

The only sure rule in golf is he who has the fastest cart never has to play the bad lie. ~Mickey Mantle

Any other philosophical musings about this metaphor for existence?
:D
the great philosopher on the topic golf.
 
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