Golf is not a sport – agree or disagree?
In order to know if golf is a sport or not, we must first be clear about the definition of sport or sports.
“A sport is all forms of competitive physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical ability and provide entertainment to participants”.
Judging by the definition it seems that the game of golf fits in to the definition of sport. There is physical activity, there is competition, there is entertainment but then why do many people not consider it as a sport? After all, it is the most highly
paid sport of the world.
People, who argue that golf is not a sport, claim that a sport should have the following characteristics:
Athleticism
People argue that there is not much athleticism in golf. There is no exertion and above all there is no thrill at all. According to them, it is a very passive game because the competition is not among the players, it is with the golf course.
Well, as far as I believe, there is a great deal of athleticism involved in it, as the feet of the golfers are in constant motion.
During the golf swing, almost every muscle in the body is active and if any one muscle is giving problems then the swing will give problems.
Speed and Strength
The next argument that people come up with is that they think there is absolutely no speed and strength involved.
I think they have never played golf. Golf is a pretty fast paced game, as there is very less time to finish a hole because a group is just right behind them.
As far as the strength is concerned, walking around the course and playing for four consecutive days in a week throughout the year is not an easy job. It certainly requires plenty of strength and stamina.
Injury
This is a big misconception. Many say that in golf there are no injuries. However, if we look at the stats of last ten years, we would come to know that it is the game of golf in which players suffered the most number of injuries.
Golf is a very technical game and one has to tune up their body according to it. If they do not, then they are highly prone to injuries.
Impact of Others
Critics say that one golfer cannot affect the output of another golfer because the competition is not between them, it is with the golf course.
I would say that is not true because if a player is playing well, his score will certainly put pressure on the other player.
The best example of this was at the 2012 Open Championship, when Ernie Els blitz at the back nine forced Adam Scott to crumble in the pressure.
So in my view golf is definitely a sport, golf has all those characteristics that make this beautiful game a sport.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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