Golf, one of the world’s most popular sports, is enjoyed by millions of people each year. Here are a few things you might not know about the sport:
• The first 18-hole golf course opened in Downer’s Grove, Illinois, in 1892 on a sheep farm. The course is still open today, but it has been downsized to 9 holes.
• Only two sports have been played on the moon: golf and javelin. On February 6, 1967, Alan Bartlett Shepard, Jr. took a swing with a six-iron on the moon, which sent the ball flying through the low-gravity atmosphere.
• According to health and fitness experts, a 190-pound golfer will burn an average of 430 calories per hour while playing the sport (this is assuming the person is walking, not driving around the course).
So, have you ever played a game of golf? Often? Sometimes? Never? Please tell us in the poll below.
I live on a golf course in the summer in Indiana.So I play almost every day !!!!
JJust a waste of beautiful land for snobs and their private gatherings. Should be turned into Parks and Campgrounds for all.
A wonderful place where Ed K and friends are not welcome or allowed!
Ed, Ed, Ed……golf courses were made beautiful by the hard work of many laborers. It is a sport much like any other. Imagine how may parks could be made out of football stadiums or ball parks.
Most golf course land isn’t beautiful when being planned. It’s the building of the course that makes the area “beautiful'”. And, I don’t golf!
That’s an interesting perspective. Will we also be turning all the public soccer fields, skate parks, dog parks, and sporting arenas into public spaces? I don’t use any of those, and only soccer hooligans, sk8rbois, poop-generating-furball-lovers, and brain dead jocks use them – and most of those are free.
Ed, Have you ever played the game? The friends that I play with on a regular basis are just everyday people, a policeman, truck driver, retired postman, and a chef. None of us are very good and we enjoy each other during our every other week outing, I don’t think anyone would put us in the snob category. We walk the course for the exercise, let others play through, and encourage each other. To say that everyone that plays golf is a snob is very ignorant of you.
Used to play, but no longer able to because of my age and Arthritis, loved it when I was able.
I enjoyed golf and played often, a shoulder injury followed by a hip replacement and my golfing days are over.
I absolutely loved playing golf even tho I wasn’t very good. My husband and I took lessons together and then just being out on a beautiful golf course always made for a grand day. Ultimately lower back pain made me quit. I really miss it.
One of my favorite ‘golfing’ stories: East Glacier, MT has a golf course used by many tourists. As I walked my dog nearby, a golfer came running to the walkway along the road shouting “there’s a BEAR on the golf course!”
I don’t get the concept of golf. I can get a 64 in the first 4 holes. I don’t need 18!
I gave it up when I couldn’t get the ball in the clown’s mouth!
I don’t golf BUT I used to caddy when I was a youngster…That was enough for me…
You missed a possible answer. I played a number of years ago and enjoyed it but I don’t play anymore.
I agree. I used to play and enjoyed it a lot. However, it got too expensive and other things in my life took over. But I totally get golf. Everything about it is enjoyable. And I can watch golf on TV and enjoy it too.
I played for several years and enjoyed it very much.
I agree, Joan. I used to play and loved it but never play anymore. I miss it but would rather spend time with the dogs and hiking.
When I was 14&15 years old I was a caddy at the local golf course. I saw what the game of golf turned professional people (Drs, lawyers, business owners, etc.) into raving children throwing temper tantrums and decided never to play golf if that’s what it does to people. When I turned 16 I got a job in a grocery store as a stock boy and have never been on a golf course since. Never had the desire to learn the game and at 77 years young still don’t.
I used to TRY to golf, mostly because of my Step-dad, he always wanted me to go with him. We had some fun times, but I never got any good at it. When he got sick and passed away, I got rid of my clubs and never golfed again. Looking back, I wish I would’ve taken some lesson so I could’ve played better. I probably would’ve enjoyed it more.
I’m assuming miniature golf doesn’t count.
I have to add…”golf” is not a verb. One does not golf, one plays golf. One does not go golfing, one plays golf. Think about it….do you go tennising? Do you go soft balling? Do you go basketballing? Golf is a great game and an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors and some beautiful scenery. Finally, while playing golf, you might get a chance for a quick swim as you retrieve the iron you threw in the pond after flubbing a shot.
I golf. If I just played golf would I get better?
I tried to play once – shot a 68. Didn’t bother with the 2nd hole’
Let’s see, hit a ball as far as you can and then go CHASE it ????? I think not !!!!
Golf is a strange game. The fun part is hitting the ball, the rest is just walking. The winner is the one who hits the ball the fewest times. Therefore, the winner is the person who has the least fun.
I played a few times. People competing like it was life and death. It’s suppose to be fun and relaxing.
Watching golf is like watching paint dry. Actual golf looks about as fun as painting. At least when you are done painting you have something to show for it 🤣
I have played golf for many years and thoroughly enjoy it. Risking angry replies, I must say that none of the respondents below seem to ‘get’ golf. The game is a multitude of things, a test of skill, character, marvelous exercise if you walk, perfect opportunity to spend quality time outdoors with children and grandchildren, parents and siblings, and it need not be overly expensive. Golf balls do not fly straighter on expensive courses. For retired RVers like my wife and I it is a lovely time together.
I would love to play, but each time I have tried, I just can’t get that club to connect with that tiny ball!
Alan shepard walked on the moon in 1971, not 1967. He did hit golf balls on moon then.
Playing golf has crossed my mind, but just seeing what it costs, just to dabble in it seems ridiculous. I know a few people that live in a golfing communities and on one of the “holes” and the rules they have to follow to me are very intrusive and pointless. For example, they are not allowed to have “noise” in their backyards until the course is closed for the day. Meanwhile the course is on a road that cars, motorcycles, kids, yapping dogs etc go by constantly. I do have to say Top Golf is a lot of fun and our family of 3 generations have a great time doing from time to time.
Does mini-golf count? Because if it does then I can say I golf.
My answer isn’t there. I like to play a casual round but since I broke my wrist and had a bone graph I can’t swing a club.. Used to watch all the time and really enjoyed it.