any golfers here?

Quite right bottleneck
It isn't a sport like darts or snooker is it or synchronised swimming or that gymnastics with balls and ribbons?

Bob

 

How is it not a sport? You have to practice for years to get to a decent level,there is an incredible amount of skill involved and nowadays at pro level fitness is mandatory.Even at amateur level you have to be able to walk 7 miles dragging or carrying a bag.

I assume you were taking the mick

 

no not taking the mick.

not all pro golfers are in great shape, some couldnt run 3 miles!

Ive got a relative with a near pro level handicap and he drinks, smokes, and couldnt run to save his life.

its skilled - but so is target shooting and archery. I wouldnt call them sport either. Or darts, or snooker.

Being terribly geeky I looked up a definition of the word 'sport'


1 [C] a game, competition or activity needing physical effort and skill that is played or done according to rules, for enjoyment and/or as a job:


''physical effort'' required to play golf is minimal. I burn more calories mowing my back garden.

 

Sorry,but thats rubbish,but you are entitled to your opinion Walking 6 miles carrying a 25lb bag and swinging a golf club aint easdy.Go try it!

We will have to disagree vehemently on this one .George Best,smoked,drank and did all sorts,still the greatest player ever (maybe).Using your unhealthy local pro as an example of a sport played by millions isn't statistically sound now is it

 

As Hemingway said (roughly, before I get the quote police on me ) "There's only 3 sports: Mountain Climbing, Motor Racing, and Bull Fighting. The rest are just games"

Still, I doubt if I'll be getting into golf, for a start I don't like competitive games as much as loner ones... And I've already spent a fortune on my other obsessions so I certainly don't need another. Even if I wanted to, there isn't enough flat ground round here to make a shove ha'penny ring, never mind a golf course..

 

I guess we will have to disagree!

George Best might have smoked and drank - but he could run for 90 minutes - plus an extra half an hour if overtime was played.

I see a lot of golf pros going round courses in little buggies. Oh how their cardiovascular muscles must be aching!

 

Best running for 90 minutes! I must have missed that game - he strolled and around and did a few tricks, Le Tissier style. He was so good he didn't need to be that fit.

Who would the fittest be? Tiger Woods or Bestie (at his peak)?

Thing is they may be playing one or two rounds a day every day and at 4 miles a time, this would knacker you out after a few days.

I've done 36 holes in a day a few times at it does leave you shattered - I've even had cramp of the calf just like you get in extra time playing football.

I would imagine the fitness for golf and cricket ain't that far apart and I don't see anyone suggesting cricket ain't a sport!

Matt.

 

Except that 'they' would in reality be far more likely to sell the land for building houses on than create a beautiful park for everyone.

 

the golf course near where I used to live had a public footpath through it so everyone could enjoy it.

the clubhouse was open to non-members, and you could go in for nice food or a drink.

definately the way to do it imo.

 

Nail on the head!
I wouldn't say cricketers are noted for their fitness - you never heard anyone saying "Botham's got a rest heart rate of 36 just like Miguel Indurain!"
The similarity also extends further - both are (imho of course!) incredibly dull to watch as they go on and on - mebbe a small match on the village green can be fun if you've brought a couple of crates of cold beer but otherwise I'd rather be watching the grass grow, or even better go for a proper walk with the dogs (shame we haven't got a local golf course cos our dogs could leave obstacles on the green to make the game more exciting )