Fundimentals between golf vs other sports?

Question

Does anyone know the fundimental difference between golf and the other sports like soccer, tennis, football etc?

Answer 1

There are many, but probably the most fundamental difference is that almost all other sports involving a ball, the ball is moving when it is struck at (tennis, baseball, handball, racketball, soccer, cricket), but in golf the ball is sitting still on the ground before it is struck by the player.  At the onset this may make it seem like it should be easier to hit, but it requires you to start the motion to hit it from a static position which is very difficult.  Another big difference is that most other sports have an official or referee that oversees every play - in golf the players for the most part oversee themselves and call penalties on themselves.

Answer 2

Its the only sport where the lowest score wins.

There are other major differences also. As the person above me mentioned, its one of the only sports where the ball is struck while its not moving.

Another fundamental difference is that when 2 players are competing against each other they have virtually no influence on the performance of the other player. For example, in baseball I could make a great hit, but a defender could make a great catch to nullify a good hit. The success of one person depends on the skill and performance of the other person. But in golf, the skill and performance of your opponent doesn't affect how well you play. If I play against Tiger Woods, I'll get the same approximate score as if I play a round against my friend who shoots 120. But in baseball, I'd hit a home run every time against a little league pitcher, but I'd strike out every time against a professional pitcher because their skill level has a direct impact on how hard it is for me to perform.

Answer 3

Golf surely is the most technically difficult sport I've ever played.  Other sports require more talent, quickness and agility to be successful, but with golf you have to be able to do a lot of things right in the swing to be successful.  You don't have to be quick and agile and the fundamentals of the golf swing can be taught, if you're willing to learn.  The same can't be said for many other sports.

Answer 4

Take tennis for example.

Neither golf nor tennis is easy and either one could be a waste of time, depending on how the player approaches the challenge.

In tennis, generally, both the player and the ball are moving when the ball is struck. In golf, both are still.

Tennis requires running, which might suit a younger, lighter, more fit player. Golf is easier on older, less fit people but is still enjoyable and good exercise for them.

Golf is a rather expensive sport and is also quite time-consuming. A good tennis workout lasts about two hours and is much less expensive, both for equipment and playing location.

Both sports require a great deal of practice and learning, but in different ways. Learning to hit a putt correctly is just as difficult as learning to hit a vollley correctly. Also, a tennis player must learn tactics, strategy, and self discipline in order to be able to play because he or she is plalying an opponent. The golfer essentially plays the course, and does not even need an oponent to play the game. Tactics and strategy are not nearly so necessary.

Being successful at either game is a positive accomplishment, and the players deserve praise for getting to even the lower the levels of play.

Answer 5

One thing the others didn't mention is that the other sports are team sports, while golf is an individual sport (with the exception of the team events like the Ryder Cup and the President's Cup).