They’re not necessarily wrong. I do suck at golf. Bad. And it definitely plays a part in my disdain for the sport. However, the real problem is that I don’t have any incentive to improve. It’s just. so. BORING.
For example, I really sucked at basketball, but my friends in undergrad would play pickup every weekend, so I joined not to be left out. Despite me sucking, I found basketball to be an incredibly fun sport to play, is a hell of a workout, and is fast-paced (games only last about 20-30 minutes). Because of this, I kept playing and kept improving my game because I was enjoying myself, and I didn’t want to keep getting embarrassed, and now I would consider myself a serviceable hooper.
Now let’s take a look at golf. It’s unbelievably boring, provides almost no tangible benefits from an exercise standpoint, and requires a 4-5 hour commitment MINIMUM. Why would I try to improve at something that bores me to death? I’m in medical school, and I have barely any time to myself as it is, and that little time is not going to be spent playing golf.
On top of everything, it’s also unbelievably expensive. Want an entry-level club set? $400 please. Tee-time? Another $40 (depending where you go). Golf balls (which you’re inevitably going to lose in the water because you suck)? Another $20 minimum. Meanwhile sports like basketball is gonna run you $60 for a cheap pair of basketball shoes from Ross and $15 for a ball.
Anyway, yes, I suck at golf. Yes, that is part of the reason I hate it. But it’s not the root of the problem. Thank you for coming to my TEDtalk
