Do you play golf? Is golf an elitist sport in your view? Do more repubs than Dems play golf.

[Mountainman]

Just wondering what DUers think about golf.

Golf's Popularity
By: Anonymous
August 8, 2006
Ever wonder why golf is growing in popularity and people who don't even play go to tournaments or watch on TV? These truisms may shed light on reasons why.

Golf is an honorable game, with the overwhelming majority of players being honorable people who don't need referees.

Golfers don't have some of their players in jail every week.

Golfers don't scratch their privates on the golf course.

Golfers don't kick dirt on, or throw bottles at, other people.

Professional golfers are compensated in direct proportion to how well they play.

Golfers don't get per diem and two seats on a charter flight when they travel between tournaments.

Golfers don't hold out for more money, or demand new contracts, because of another player's deal.

Professional golfers don't demand that the taxpayers pay for the courses on which they play.

When golfers make a mistake, nobody is there to cover for them or back them up.

The PGA Tour raises more money for charity in one year than the National Football League (NFL) does in two.

You can watch the best golfers in the world up close, at any tournament, including the majors, all day, every day for $25 or $30 while the cost for a seat in the nosebleed section at the Super Bowl will cost upwards of $300..

You can bring a picnic lunch to the tournament golf course, watch the best in the world and not spend a small fortune on food and drink. Try that at one of the taxpayer funded baseball or football stadiums.

In golf you cannot fail 70% of the time and make $9 million a season, like the best baseball hitters (. 300 batting average) do.

Golf doesn't change its rules to attract fans.

Golfers have to adapt to an entirely new playing area each week.

Golfers keep their clothes on while they are being interviewed.

Golf doesn't have free agency.

In their prime, Greg Norman, Arnold Palmer and other stars, would shake your hand and say they were happy to meet you. In his prime Jose Canseco wore T-shirts that read "Leave Me Alone."

You can hear birds chirping on the golf course during a tournament.

Ladies are welcome players.

At a golf tournament, (unlike at taxpayer-funded sports stadiums and arenas) you won't hear a steady stream of four letter words and nasty name calling while you're hoping that no one spills beer on you.

Tiger Woods can hit a golf ball three times as far as Barry Bonds can hit a baseball.

Golf Courses don't ruin the neighborhood.

http://www.thegolfexpert.com/articles-golfs-popularity.php

I play golf.

[LisaM]

1. "Ladies are welcome players"? LOLOL

Tell that to Martha Burkett.

My feeling is that if golf clubs are going to continues to exclude women and people of color as members, people should not be able to write off membership fees on their taxes as a business expense.

[Captain Hilts]

3. How do they prove they're "ladies?" Do men have to be "gentlemen?" Woods thinks sex discrimination

is okay.

[FunkyLeprechaun]

77. I have a friend who's a member of THAT golf club

And his wife is furious that she can't play there as well (she's also a golfer). She wants him to renounce his membership.

I didn't know that? I used to be a member of a golf and country club (mainly due to the fact that it had a swimming pool). I also played tennis as well, but NO golf! :-) No longer, it got a bit expensive. And the food sucked as well!

[Captain Hilts]

2. It costs a lot to play, even on public courses. So, 'yes', it's elitist. Everyone vs. All.

Encourages selfish individualism.

[Freedomofspeech]

6. I play in a league on a blue collar public course...

There are several women's leagues there and have been for years. Of course there are always men who think women should not be on a golf course, but who cares what those kind of men think.

[Captain Hilts]

14. You're very lucky to have a facility like that. nt

[Sanctified]

21. I pay $15 for 9 holes and $26 for 18.

And that is once a week, compare that to some other entertainment.

[B2G]

31. Individualism is selfish?

Do tell...

[Jeffro40]

33. Not true, many municipal courses are affordable

I play a 9 hole course that only allows walking. it's $12.00.

Is that elitist? I don't think so.

[Captain Hilts]

40. The equipment is pricey also. Kind of like how ice hockey's entry price is high for kids. nt

[Jeffro40]

52. My clubs were $25 at the salvation army

NO, they're not Callahans, but I still miss the hole just as well.

If your mentality is that everything has to be new from Walmart, then yes, it's expensive.

[cgrindley]

59. I stole mine from my dad when he got too old to play

I play a few rounds a year with my 70 year old father in law. It's not a lot of money. Back home in Victoria, BC, the municipal course was 26 bucks for 18 holes. The local nine hole par 4 was 6 bucks.

[defendandprotect]

70. Mainly populated by males --- that's elitist ---

Ever family's tax dollars have gone to supporting these public golf course ---
just as we've paid for the town's efforts to create "major league-type" sports for the males in
these towns.

Only in recent years have females benefited from the sports programs ---

And only last year did they get around to building a facility for the female team players to change clothing, etal --- !!!! Last year!!!!

[spoony]

99. Other sports have expenses, too.

I recently priced bats and gloves for my nephew. How the hell a length of rounded metal or a bit of stitched leather can cost that much I'll never get.

Now soccer...there's an "everyone" game. But I may be biased.

[Tyrone Slothrop]

102. It's not that expensive

I live in NYC (where space is at a premium and everything is more expensive); the city's public courses are only about $30 for 18 holes. Not too bad for 5 hours of recreation.

[SteppingRazor]

4. I like a round now and then, but most of those statements are pure idiocy.

"Golfers don't get per diem and two seats on a charter flight when they travel between tournaments."
How was it that Payne Stewart died? Oh yeah ... on his private jet.


"Professional golfers don't demand that the taxpayers pay for the courses on which they play."
:rofl:

"Golfers don't scratch their privates on the golf course."
and
"Golfers don't kick dirt on, or throw bottles at, other people."
If that's the case, you're playing golf with the wrong people. :evilgrin:

"Ladies are welcome players."
Again, :rofl:

"Golf Courses don't ruin the neighborhood."
No, they just take up room that could be used for affordable housing.

"Tiger Woods can hit a golf ball three times as far as Barry Bonds can hit a baseball."
BFD. How far can tiger hit a baseball? Apples and oranges comparisons are useless.

"In golf you cannot fail 70% of the time and make $9 million a season, like the best baseball hitters (. 300 batting average) do."
That is a powerfully dumb statement on batting average.

I could go on, but you get the idea.
:P , I say!

And again, I say :P

[Bake]

105. The golf ball isn't moving at 90+ mph when you swing at it.

Nor is it going to curve, slide, float, etc. right about the time you swing ....

:rofl:

Bake

[Virginia Dare]

5. No, yes and probably.

I remember somebody telling me several years ago about a private golf club in North Carolina that wouldn't let Michael Jordon play there becaus he he was black. Ignorant shit like that still goes on in this country believe it or not.

[panader0]

7. Golf is elitist in the sense that golf players are , on average,

much richer than players of other sports.(I'm talking non-professional here) It's been a while since I've played, partly because it's very expensive. Many golf courses are private and cater only to wealthy members. Here in So. Az., golf courses use precious water resources at the expense of the regular citizen. Houses built next to golf courses are the most expensive and I would bet their owners are repubs. In fact, I would bet that most golfers, with the exception of a few like yourself are repubs. Don't get me wrong, I think it's fun, but because of the expense, it's elitist. Most golf courses have dress codes too.
How about fox hunting? Polo?

[wtmusic]

12. Not to mention it requires a lot of free time

Wanna keep your scratch game? Plan on playing at least one round/week and hitting the driving/putting/bunker/chipping range 3-4 times/week.

Only the idle rich have 10-14 hours/week free.

[GOPisEvil]

42. What?

Only the idle rich have 10-14 hours per week free?

I am HARDLY rich, and I could spend two hours a night on the range and 5 hours on the course if I so chose. I work full time, and while I don't have children, the time IS there, if I want to use it.

[devilgrrl]

54. We play a 18 hole par 3 every Sunday. Costs $12 and takes 2+ hours of time.

My putting game blows.

[wtmusic]

56. Eh that's kiddie golf

:evilgrin:

[devilgrrl]

60. That may well be but it gets me out of the house.

And I'm pretty good with a 7 iron. :P

[dionysus]

93. amen!!!

i get a chuckle out of these idiotic golf haters.

[fishwax]

50. "Only the idle rich have 10-14 hours/week free"

most people in the United States spend more time than that watching television.

[Jeffro40]

53. The Rich are busy working and getting richer

they're not all playing golf.

The Faux Rich, guys on corporated expense and sales accounts, are the ones playing.

[wtmusic]

55. Yes of Course It's Hard Work That Makes a Man Rich in the U.S.

How could I forget!!

[devilgrrl]

61. Come on dude, being a rich pResident is hard work. He even said so himself.

Waking up everyday and running the United States into the ground is some serious back-breaking work.

Where have you been?

[wtmusic]

62. true.

Actually, it's more of a God-Given Talent.

He makes it look so. damn. easy.

[Marr]

103. Haha-- not even close.

The truly wealthy don't work at all. They make money by having money.

People who work are not rich, period. There are alot of dimwits in this country who *think* they're rich because they make they make $400k/year and spend 80 hours working every week. They're certainly not poor, but they're not even close to wealthy.

[defendandprotect]

71. The elite are playing during weekdays --- and on weekends ---

[fishwax]

72. true that n/t

[Bill McBlueState]

8. the analogy to batting average is poor

In golf you cannot fail 70% of the time and make $9 million a season, like the best baseball hitters (. 300 batting average) do."

That shows an outdated understanding of baseball, if I ever saw one. Getting a base hit is not the only way to succeed at the plate.

Anyway, I'd like to see how well Tiger Woods would do if, instead of hitting his first shot off a cute little tee, the ball came at him at 90 mph.

[devilgrrl]

9. I like golf... my putting game is a disaster though.

:blush:

[BB1]

10. As much as I agree

I have to point out that golf courses are some of the most environment UNfriendly places on earth. Courses are okay in areas where rain falls plenty, or where people have plenty living space.

I live in the Netherlands, we have over 200 golf courses. We could (and have to, in the future) fit a million people in the same space! So maybe not that elitist (except for some die-hard old-timer course in the nicks), but costing an awful lot of space, water and other resources.

I play too. We do Urban Golf these days. Softer balls, less distance, more fun:)

[southpaw]

11. George Carlin's take on the subject...

I don't play golf, nor do I stereotype those who do... but your question reminded me of this old bit from the legend himself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbSRCjG-VLk

[Burma Jones]

13. In my experience, golf is pretty democratic (small d intended)

My Grandparents and their siblings and Parents and their siblings played, and until my Dad's generation, they were all working class. A lot of my friends play, I don't though, I spend my time in other ways but not because of any particular aversion to golf. That being said, the friends of mine that play golf are pretty well off.........

However, it IS an expensive pastime, compared to fishing or hiking, but it is also a sport/game you can play well into your Golden Years......

I do prefer to watch Football and Baseball, both on TV and in person. I've been to a few PGA events and they're fine, but I enjoy the boisterousness of High School, College or NFL Football Game and the sheer drunken pleasure of a lazy Minor or Major League Baseball Game.

[karlrschneider]

15. I play too...on public courses that cost only a little more than a movie

(which I avoid.) We bought our own golf cart (used & broken) for $300, spent about that much more to fix it up and
we use it to run to the store as well as for golf.

[TlalocW]

16. I would watch golf if

The golfers hit the ball then started running straight away to where the ball landed and hit it again as quickly as possible. Also, maybe allow body checking. I know I'll get flamed for it, but I don't consider golf a sport. I'm not saying it doesn't take skill, but if you have the option of driving a small motorized vehicle to the ball before you take a swing at it, it's an activity.

TlalocW

[A HERETIC I AM]

49. Golf isn't a sport.

It's a game.

Like Baseball, Football, Basketball, Soccer, Hockey, Tennis, Croquet, Badminton, and Hopscotch.


“There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.” - Earnest Hemingway

[BulletproofLandshark]

17. I would play golf if I could afford to.

Between lessons, equipment, and greens fees, it seems like a huge financial investment. But I don't have any moral quibbles with the sport. It looks like it would be both fun and maddening to play. I'll just stick to putt-putt though.

[MadHound]

18. I've always had negative associations with golf

It is an elitist's sport, always has been. You have to, in many cases, belong to an exclusive club in order to play the came. You have to, generally, have a higher income level in order to afford equipment, greens fees, etc. etc. Not to mention that many many country clubs discriminated against blacks, Hispanics, Jews, women, etc. etc. Some still do, either openly or covertly.

I've had the opportunity to mingle with members of the country club set, and for the most part I've found them to be arrogant assholes who are intent on their social climbing. Even those who patronize public golf courses tend to have their nose up in the air a bit.

Furthermore golf courses are hell on the environment. The most chemically laden pieces of land, per acre, anywhere. The runoff from golf courses contaminates streams, rivers and water tables. Not to mention the amount of nature that was destroyed putting in the damn things along with the overpriced housing developments that generally go along with them.

All in all I find the sport of golf both boring and despicable.

[AlCzervik]

19. i don't play but my husband used to on the weekends, always at a public course

and there were all kinds of people there. He always walked the course and then would come home and tell me "If i bought a new pitching wedge/driver/set of iron/sand wedge i'd be doing better" so in other words it was always the equipment at fault and not the operator.

[Neshanic]

20. As far as space required, resources needed, and environmental damage, yes it is.

[Bigmack]

45. Nobody else commented on your post.....

so I will. I never like to crap on somebody else's hobby/pastime/sport/passion, BUT...
Water is a big issue... especially in the Southwest (Those greens just don't stay green without lots of water.) Chemicals used on the courses to kill weeds and to fertilize is a big issue in terms of runoff. (Weed and Feed is a known baby salmon killer.) The use of non-native invasive plants is an issue. (Fountain grass and English Ivy is an example.)

On the other hand.... at least some acres in urban/suburban areas are grass and trees rather than concrete strip malls.

I dunno if golf courses are good or bad, but I vote 60% bad, 40% good.

Of course, I never was a golf junkie, so......

[Sanctified]

22. I play Golf, as you get older you can't exactly run out and play football or basketball every...

weekend. Golf is a great sport that older people can play that gets them outside exercising with minimal cost. You can get setup with a golf club set for like $200 or rent clubs for $5 and can get on a public course for around $15.

[dysfunctional press]

26. "exercising" is being a little generous...

except maybe for those that are willing to actually carry their bag around the course without a cart.

i played when i worked at a nice country club- we got to use the course free on mondays, as the club was closed. the greenskeeper would always get pissed at me for playing barefoot- but it's how i did the best.

i doubt i'll ever play again though, now that ankylosing spondylitis has completely fucked up my spine.

[zalinda]

23. In Syracuse there are tons of courses

I know a team from a carpet store who play, and they are the installers. It's very common here.

zalinda

[ThoughtCriminal]

24. Something I've posted before - What America needs...

is a President who does not play golf.

[warren pease]

38. Last one was Carter. n/t

[BoneDaddy]

79. Why?

Not sure of the connection. Golf is a fun and challenging game.

[Jed Dilligan]

25. Nothing against it; it's not for me

Some of the courses are a bit ridiculous in terms of water and chemicals.

[Thothmes]

86. Same here,

Never cared much for cow pasture pool.

[ileus]

27. I play golf, it's just a game...

[Hepburn]

28. I think I started playing golf before I could walk.

My paternal grandfather was Secretary of the USGA and a designer for McGregor golf clubs. I have in one of my collections of classic clubs the proto-type of the Hogan bap iron...he designed that. I played in the Ohio juniors when I barely got in for the youngest age category when Jack Nicklaus was playing at the age limit for that Tourney. I also used to play against Judy Torlumpke when I was a kid and beat her most of the time. Oh, she is probably better known as Judy T. Rankin, BTW.

I was raised an only child ~~ female only child that is ~~ and the object of me playing golf for my dad was for me to beat the hell out of the sons of all his golfing partner...which I did on a regular basis and from the men's tees. In HS, the golf team was a BOYS' SPORT....so I was not allowed to play. My best gal pal and I thought we were not allowed on the team cuz we could beat EVERY guy on the team and the male coach, too! So that is why they kept us off cuz if we had been allowed to play, no other team would have been able to beat us. LOL

So, am I am golfer? Ummmmmm....yes. Well, used to be. I am crippled up and cannot play anymore. Am I a Repiggie...HEll NO! Was I raised in by snooty, snobby Repiggie parents who belonged to the all white, non-Jewish, private CC? Ummmmmmmm....yes. And, of course, my mother had to hide her Jewish background for our family to get in!

[Mountainman]

114. You bring back a lot of memories to me. I used McGregor clubs back when I was a good golfer.

I studied Jack Nicklaus but did not copy him. I'm from Ohio. I started to caddy when I was in the 4th grade at a country club. They let us play on Mondays. My mom and dad played also.

[spanone]

29. golf is the finest and truest sport imho

one has to play to know

[Blue-Jay]

30. There's nothing wrong with golfing.

It's not "my thing", but golf if you want to golf. If you don't, then don't. What's the big fucking deal?

[wtmusic]

57. For an environmental nightmare, it's pretty harmless

compared to other environmental nightmares like toxic waste dumping, oil spills, etc.

[Jeffro40]

32. I don't see any relationship between golf and anything

I like to play.
I stink
It's fun to be out in the nice weather, cigar, and beer hitting a ball
It's a nice time to talk with people.
Repubs and Dems alike can enjoy this together.

What's the big deal?

[flvegan]

34. I enjoy a game of golf. It's not an elitist sport, though some of the players

treat it like one and act elitist.

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

35. Golf is a good walk spoiled. - Mark Twain

[Ilsa]

36. It is a sport for gentlemen & ladies, control over passion is valued.

My yellow-dog democratic husband used to play. But I hear that many pro-golfers are rethugs.

My husband said there are fairly precise rules for decorum. I figure this is related to the origins of the game and the value of control over passion.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

37. I can't stand golf, but my lifelong Democrat Dad loved it, and he was middle class too. nt

[GOPisEvil]

39. Golf in and of itself is not elitist, but lots of elitists play.

I play golf. I play most of the time at municipal golf courses, and I walk. I also play at the First Tee course here in town. I also belong to a group that plays monthly at nicer golf courses, but the group is made up of current and former state employees.

I am sick and tired of the mischaracterization of golf and golfers. There are lots of assholes who play golf, but there are lots of assholes who fish, hunt, bowl, etc...

On municipal courses, I play with people from all types of background. Notice I said people, and not men. The crowd is overwhelmingly male, but not exclusively.

[Oilwellian]

73. I knew I'd find you here

Golf is a wonderful game, I play with women who've played for 40 years, and half of them are Democrats. For those that aren't, well they get educated by moi. :D

How are you GOP? Haven't seen you in a while. Hope one day we can play that round of golf together. :hi:

[ProfessorGAC]

81. What's The Handicap Down To?

We haven't talked for a while. How have you been?

I finished the year at 3.1. How 'bout you?
GAC

[JanMichael]

41. Well I'm not keen on it but these guys were...

[-..__...]

43. THIS IS MY GOLF COURSE!!!

IF I WANT TO PLAY HERE, I WILL PLAY HERE!!...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E73RM9gS7bU

[Kingofalldems]

44. There are two kinds of golf--the exclusive country club type and

golf for regular people like myself. The country clubbers pay huge bucks to play on a private course and most or many would never set foot on a course like the ones I play. Nor do they want any regular people to set foot on their course.

[Elidor]

46. If every golfer in America dropped dead tomorrow...

The republican party would cease to exist. :evilgrin:

Actually, I play disc golf, and don't have a problem with ball golfers. My only gripe with courses is all that stupid turf. Cut down the trees, put in grass and feed it precious water and nasty chemicals year after year. I think courses should go semi-natural, with wood chip walking paths (made from clearing a bare minimum of trees) and just cut the undergrowth with a bushhog once a month.

I love Carlin's bit, but Robin Williams has the best take on golf:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKA_LxHEyPo

And I will confess to enjoying a certain sardonic pleasure at the golf scene from Falling Down:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E73RM9gS7bU

But that guy with the beanie is no longer representative of golfers in general, if he ever was.

[Echo In Light]

47. Ever heard/seen George Carlin's Golf Courses For The Homeless?

He methodically shreds every aspect of golf, and closes the fairly lengthy piece with suggesting every golf course in America be turned over to the homeless ... or the "houseless," as he puts it, since home is an abstract thought, a state of mind, and a house is the actual, tangible structure the homeless need.

Incidentally, I grew up a poor musician playing in garage bands, usually with a head full of grass and blotter ... so golfing? No.

[opihimoimoi]

48. I kinda gave it up...last round was 2 years ago..still got my Pings and Taylor Driver though

[wtmusic]

63. Me too...much happier

now I'm obsessed with cycling which is actually pretty good for you, instead of wrapping 9-irons around trees.

Very bad for the wrists.

[Godhumor]

51. I play golf

I enjoy it, I usually only play public courses, and I can think of lots of way to burn the same amount of money in less time (minus all the lost golf balls, of course.).

[Norrin Radd]

58. Minigolf

[tuckessee]

64. Ball golf is a MASSIVE waste of resources and a GROSS misuse of land .

Each 18-hole ball golf course gobbles up as much land as could be used to create at least three choice 18-hole Disc Golf courses. :)

[defendandprotect]

69. Golf courses converted for the homeless --- ????

That would be a great idea -- !!!

[defendandprotect]

65. Are we going to find there are STEROIDS in golf --- ???

[defendandprotect]

66. "Yes" . . . golf is an elite sport --- notice the club house plantations at the private clubs ---

[defendandprotect]

68. While ladies are getting something of a chance now to play ---

mainly the golf courses are filled with males ---
and always have been -- !!!

[Chovexani]

67. I play mini golf

The only golf worth playing, IMO. :evilgrin:

[cottonseed]

74. Never got into it - pretty expensive to start the sport.

I'm one of those guy's who likes to get totally geared up for a sport. I stay away from gold because I know if I get into it, it might bankrupt me.

[madville]

75. I'm a member-owner at a semi-private country club

It's the only golf course in the county. County residents have to be members if they want to play and in-county non-member residents can only be guests two times a year. It is a nice little club, $70 a month dues and $15 all you can play all day during the week and $25 on weekends. We are in a dry county so it and the local elks club (also a member there, great food on friday nights) are the only places that have a legal liquor bar. I enjoy it, nice swimming pool, fishing ponds and duck/dove hunting on the property also.

I don't think it is elitist, just a bunch of regular people, white and blue collar and affordable to just about anybody as far as hobbies go. Everybody is welcome to join these days and I can't remember the last time the board turned down a new member.

[JCMach1]

76. Golf- 'bad use of a good lawn'

At least that was Mark Twain's take on it...

I happen to share that sentiment.

[joshcryer]

78. I played 18 rounds under par with a 7 iron for $17.

Some people in this thread are out of their minds and don't know what a bit of outdoor sport can do for them.

[ProfessorGAC]

80. I Play Golf. But, This Is Sophomoric Nonsense

It's just stupid, defensive tripe.

I play the game, and i do sometimes get incensed by the "elitist" tag. I play with a mechanical engineer, a payroll coordinator and a maintenance guy at a brick factory. Each Saturday and Sunday of the good weather part of the year. (For nutjobs like us, that means March to November.) No elitism there. (Unless you count my elitist attitude, but you can't blame golf for that. I'm just a pompous ass.)

I play at the place that has the cheapest yearly fees of any place in the Chicago market. No elitism there.

Our membership includes everything from carpenters and plumbers to lawyers and accountants. And everyone gets along. No elitism there.

And; NEARLY EVERYONE AT THIS GOLF COURSE THINKS BUSH IS A FAILURE! So much for elitism.

But, this screed in the OP is still stupid.
The Professor

[Echo In Light]

82. An aside: perceiving Bush as a "failure" is quite different from perceiving...

The Bushites for what they actually represent. I mention it as it reminded me of a talk I heard weapons inspector Scott Ritter give about how Americans in general aren't opposed to the invasion/occupation of Iraq, or opposed to war for that matter, but instead don't approve of the "Iraq War" because the U.S. was "failing" in its military endeavors.

Vast ideological difference between those two separate lines of thinking. The devil is always in the details.

[ProfessorGAC]

84. And A Good Aside At That

I certainly can't disagree. The devil is, indeed, in the details.

However, i don't think i completely agree with Ritter. I think americans can justify/rationalize war, but i think a majority, at this point, see this war as a bad idea from its inception. Definitely not when it started, but our failure to "win" made people take a second look. That second look created a whole new POV.


The Professor

[Echo In Light]

92. I agree w/you on Ritter, but sometimes one relies on generalizations to make a point

For example, I will often refer to America's Brainwashed populace, although I fully understand that there are many, many people - well into the millions - who are indeed not 'brainwashed' in the sense I'm implicating. Yet I understand that there may be one or two out there who, upon being confronted with the idea that their's is a brainwashed society, may take greater strides to raise awareness among their family, friends, co-workers, etc regarding dire matters which could be made much better {for all} provided there was greater awareness, information, public discourse and what not.

[trumad]

83. Don't fret Professor...

it's just a bunch of liberal elitists who couldn't swing a golf club even if they were being attacked my a Pit Bull.

[ProfessorGAC]

85. Well, It's Not Going To Prevent Me From Enjoying Myself

So, i won't worry. Thanks.
GAC

[InkAddict]

87. Is there a market for used practice balls?

I can probably pick up 1/2 dz or more rogue golf balls daily due to the CC driving range a few feet away from the front door and lot's more if I'd dress up in golf course camo and slither along the ground before the Zamboni-like sweeper gets to the green. Players there might be elitist, but their practice aim sure is bad. Note to self: watch your head while walking dog.

[Le Taz Hot]

88. What bothers me about golf is the complete

waste of land and water resources. And there's so goddamned many of them! Wouldn't it be nice if there was an equal number of neighborhood parks where EVERYONE benefits and not just golfers (whom I have nothing against, mind you)?

[ProfessorGAC]

89. Here's Where You Can Do A Little Research

Go to NGF dot org. You will find that most golf courses water their grasses from the ponds that collect rainwater. The operational side of golf has been taking a conservationist approach to maintenance since the 1970's.

Now, i can't disagree about desert courses. There isn't enough rain there to collect enough to keep all that grass healthy.
The Professor

[Le Taz Hot]

95. Their motto:

"Helping Golf Business Succeed." You think the the NGF just might have an agenda? :shrug: My own belief is that their "conservation" is more economically driven than environmentally driven as pumping in fresh water costs much more. If, for whatever reason, it was the other way around, I have a hard time believing they would be quite so ecologically-minded.

[ProfessorGAC]

97. Suit Yourself

But, i've belonged to three clubs since the mid-80's, and all of them pumped water out of the ponds. One was on the river, and didn't pump river water.

So, if you don't want to believe, don't. Just remember that at most good courses, the superintendents are college graduates in agronomy or conservation sciences. I've known 6 of them in my time. All of them fit that profile. Three of them from University of Wisconsin, one from Indiana U, and two from U of I.

So, i know what i know. And i've seen what i've seen.

BTW: You did notice it's a dot-org. They are non-profit. So, they've got no dog in the hunt, no matter their agenda.
The Professor

[Le Taz Hot]

101. They're non-profit.

Well, so is The Church of Blood of the Immaculate Virgin and Texas Bar-B-Que but that doesn't mean they don't have an agenda. :P

[ProfessorGAC]

104. Not What I Said

I said that whatever their agenda, they've got no dog in the hunt.

Two different things. But we can disagree, agreeably.

Have a good rest of your day.
The Professor

[Bake]

106. Apparently the fact that it's cheaper to use the water that's already there

somehow sullies the fact that the courses don't pump in other water ... I notice the poster put "conservation" in quotation marks. I guess it only counts if you do it for the right REASONS. I don't think the environment cares WHY you do it, as long as you DO it!

Some people are never happy. Sigh .... I just wish I could hit my damn 3-iron worth a crap.

Bake

[ProfessorGAC]

109. Get A Hybrid

Quit being so macho. Get the right gear. I got rid of my two iron and replaced it with an 18 degree hybrid. Much better.

Now; being a 3 handicap, i can hit my three iron. Nyah!
The Professor

[Bake]

110. Do they sell those at WalMart?

I never heard of a hybrid club (I thought you wanted me to go buy a Prius). But then I'm only a four or five-times-a-year golfer anyway - and I use the term "golfer" loosely! Mostly it's a good excuse to drink beer with my buds and get a little fresh air and exercise.

Bake

[ProfessorGAC]

111. Yep!

I've seen them. at discount stores. They look like a tiny wood. Kind of half-iron, half-wood. Bigger face and softer leading edge, plus because of the shape, they're back weighted to get more lift.

I've seen some for as little as $30.
GAC

[iamthebandfanman]

90. i think golf is kinda boring personally

ive never enjoyed playing it and really hate to watch it on TV.

i even took lessons when i was young, but it just didnt stick.


you know, now that you mention it... the friends i have that love golf are registered republicans... lol.... im sure that doesnt hold true for everyone.

[ProfessorGAC]

91. No It Does Not

All four of us that play on Sunday's are Bush Bashers.
The Professor

[newportdadde]

94. I went to the driving range once. After that I realized it would take about a million bucks to get

decent so I've never been back. It was fun talking to my friend, embarrassing when I couldn't even hit the ball and frustrating when I did hit it and it went 20 feet.

Its not a bad sport, I could actually see enjoying it I just don't have the time or money with 4 young kids to play.

[RedStateShame]

96. It's elitist, it's sexist, and on top of everything else...

It's not a sport.

[ProfessorGAC]

98. Is There An Echo In Here?

The Professor

[Bake]

107. So don't play it.

There. Problem solved.

Bake

[slackmaster]

100. Golf originated as a tournament of Village Idiots hitting rocks with sticks

It's still the sport of Village Idiots.

I know this. I grew up in La Jolla.

[cloudbase]

108. I don't play.

When i was a kid, I was told that I didn't know my ass from a hole in the ground.

Seriously, though, I've never been able to divine the fascination for the game. Perhaps if they made it full contact or something like that, I'd consider it.

[Blue_Tires]

112. i understand he's a golf fan, but there are too many myths and half-truths in it

Golf is an honorable game, with the overwhelming majority of players being honorable people who don't need referees.
First of all, i don't even play that much, and even i know a few golf cheats...and there is a provision for the use of a referee in the usga rulebook, and i'm pretty sure most major events use them...and who could forget about Vijay?


Golfers don't have some of their players in jail every week.
Daly?

Golfers don't scratch their privates on the golf course.
Even i know the proper etiquette is to go behind the trees

Golfers don't kick dirt on, or throw bottles at, other people.
And what other sports do?

Professional golfers are compensated in direct proportion to how well they play.
not counting endorsements, which are based on popularity

Golfers don't get per diem and two seats on a charter flight when they travel between tournaments.
no, they just take private jets everywhere...

Golfers don't hold out for more money, or demand new contracts, because of another player's deal.
they have done so where the endorsement dollar is concerned

Professional golfers don't demand that the taxpayers pay for the courses on which they play.
Neither do athletes of any other sport, and it is so much easier to find venues to hold a golf tournament worldwide...

When golfers make a mistake, nobody is there to cover for them or back them up.
like in most sports

The PGA Tour raises more money for charity in one year than the National Football League (NFL) does in two.
wanna quote numbers and a source, please?

You can watch the best golfers in the world up close, at any tournament, including the majors, all day, every day for $25 or $30 while the cost for a seat in the nosebleed section at the Super Bowl will cost upwards of $300..
Pure lie...see how easy it is to get into the masters, the british open, skins game, etc...and the tournaments you can get into, the stars usually skip.

You can bring a picnic lunch to the tournament golf course, watch the best in the world and not spend a small fortune on food and drink. Try that at one of the taxpayer funded baseball or football stadiums.
Well I'm assuming (if you can afford the ticket) you can bring your own food, which is good...

In golf you cannot fail 70% of the time and make $9 million a season, like the best baseball hitters (. 300 batting average) do.
Pure myth, as the poster upthread mentioned...I assume you are talking about batting average; please go investigate OBS, OPS+, and a few other nuances of the great game which you cannot seem to comprehend in your black/white world

Golf doesn't change its rules to attract fans.
two words: Sponsor exemption

Golfers have to adapt to an entirely new playing area each week.
except in most cases they have played/practiced it already

Golfers keep their clothes on while they are being interviewed.
good...not a whole hell of a lot of golfers look good shirtless

Golf doesn't have free agency.
you can't praise golfers for being paid just for performance and then praise the lack of FA...maybe if there were another high-paying tour out there, we might

In their prime, Greg Norman, Arnold Palmer and other stars, would shake your hand and say they were happy to meet you. In his prime Jose Canseco wore T-shirts that read "Leave Me Alone."
Flimsy and you know it...There have been more famous fan-friendly down-to-earth types in other sports than the total number of pro golfers in the world...citing that one example of canseco against all the evidence to the contrary is cheap...

You can hear birds chirping on the golf course during a tournament.
is that what you turn your tv to sports for? the sound of birds?

Ladies are welcome players.
this one isn't even worth commenting on...

At a golf tournament, (unlike at taxpayer-funded sports stadiums and arenas) you won't hear a steady stream of four letter words and nasty name calling while you're hoping that no one spills beer on you.
have you seen/heard the crowd that follows Daly around? they are legendary by now...And once again you've used the term "taxpayer-funded stadiums" you may just want to check into just how many are really taxpayer-funded...the number may surprise you...(i haven't even mentioned taxpayer-funded muni courses)

Tiger Woods can hit a golf ball three times as far as Barry Bonds can hit a baseball.
but how far can woods hit a non-BP baseball? i don't even know if woods could hit a baseball on a tee out of a stadium...it is irrelevant anyways--cut open a golfball and baseball and tell me what's inside...

Golf Courses don't ruin the neighborhood.
my father's friends who live on or near course beg to differ, but what do they know?

[ProfessorGAC]

113. Two Nits To Pick

Golfers keep their clothes on while they are being interviewed.
good...not a whole hell of a lot of golfers look good shirtless

Well, except for a few, the PGA tour is full of workout freaks today. Most of them are ripped to shreds. It's why 160# guys can hit it 320!


Ladies are welcome players.
this one isn't even worth commenting on...

Then i'll comment. Our place has wonderfully placed ladies tees and we play every Saturday and Sunday with a woman in our foursome. On Tuesday's there's a ladies' league and on Friday's a couples' league. So, in fact, they are welcome.

Other than that, you make good points, and i'm one of the golf defenders around here.
The Professor

[jakefrep]

115. I play golf occasionally, but this article is absolute crap.

It sounds like the tripe NASCAR fans use to run down the so-called stick-and-ball sports. If your sport is so bloody great why does one need to put down all others?

The writer has apparently never heard of municipal (taxpayer-subsidized) golf courses.

You'll hear plenty of swearing and four-letter words if you click a camera shutter in the middle of a pro's swing.

And what golf tournament has this guy been to that one can bring their own food? Golf tournaments are no cheaper than baseball games in this regard.