Does Golf Remain Fun?

[Josh Parker]

I recently had a discussion with my wife about how some rounds are frustrating and in general about how hard the game of golf can be.  It really got me thinking about a topic and figured I would start one to see what everyone else has to say.

We never become perfect in golf, and I truly believe that this is something that keeps most of us coming back week after week.  Whether it is enjoying being outdoors walking the course, out with friends or co-workers, or competing in competitions, we are all out here because we love the game. 

So, my question to the Spies is this: As you get better at the game of golf, does it become less fun and more about a personal contest within yourself or does the game continue to remain just as fun as when you started?

I was trying to explain to my wife that I have hard days on the course and it's not because I don't love the game or enjoy spending the time outdoors, but because I know that I could have played better.  I am honestly trying to think where that turn happened for me, where I quit saying, "I'm learning the game" and on to "I know I have this shot or could have played better."

Was it at a certain handicap or a particular moment in a round?  

I know every day that I get on the course or out to the range that I love playing golf and that hopefully will never go away but I do have days that I am working on enjoying the round more.

[Middler]

I started young and focused on improving and tournament competition for about 10 years, my lowest HI was in high school, and I’ll never match that again. I don’t have an interest in spending the time and effort to match those days. I guess I’ve moved past pure competitive golf to social competitive golf? TBH the latter is more fun to me than pure competitive golf.

Since then I have enjoyed golf for three reasons - the golf itself, just being active/outdoors, and the camaraderie. I try my best every round (still play in leagues and occasional tournaments) but I stopped getting better many years ago, with good days and bad days. But even when I’m not playing well, I enjoy it all the same. I had the best round of my life (59 years playing) in June, but I didn’t enjoy that day more or less than any other. Maybe not what you’re getting at but if I ever reach the point again that my enjoyment hinges on how I play above all else, I am sure I will lose interest in golf as an pastime…

Edited January 24 by Middler

[Josh Parker]

7 minutes ago, Middler said:

I started young and focused on improving and tournament competition for about 10 years, my lowest HI was in high school, and I’ll never match that again. I don’t have an interest in spending the time and effort to match those days. I guess I’ve moved past pure competitive golf to social competitive golf? TBH the latter is more fun to me than pure competitive golf.

Since then I have enjoyed golf for three reasons - the golf itself, just being active/outdoors, and the camaraderie. I try my best every round (still play in leagues and occasional tournaments) but I stopped getting better many years ago, with good days and bad days. But even when I’m not playing well, I enjoy it all the same. I had the best round of my life (59 years playing) in June, but I didn’t enjoy that day more or less than any other. Maybe not what you’re getting at but if I ever reach the point again that my enjoyment hinges on how I play above all else, I am sure I will lose interest in golf as an pastime…

Perfect explanation!  It's a good reminder to just enjoy the game.  

[cnosil]

24 minutes ago, Josh Parker said:

 

So, my question to the Spies is this: As you get better at the game of golf, does it become less fun and more about a personal contest within yourself or does the game continue to remain just as fun as when you started?

 

Part of the reason I started and continue to play is the challenge itself.  When I couldn’t break 100 I said I would be happy to shoot in the 90s, which lead to wanting to score in the 80s, which led to wanting 70s, which lead to breaking par.    I also enjoy the learning process which still continues to this day and why I enjoy discussions and reading comments from people like @RickyBobby_PR, @Jim Shaw, @chisag (only naming a few and not trying to exclude anyone)since they have knowledge and perspectives in different areas of the game.    

 

So for me, while frustrating, the personal contest is part of the fun.   the social aspect is also fun….i can’t wait to see my friends and make new ones at the Kingsmill outing.  I also enjoy being outside and the solo round where I can reflect own personal things without interruption.   So it is a combination of “fun” and just enjoying the small things in life.   It’s kinda complex. 
 

Since I am editing, I’ll add the enjoyment of the community call every week. 

Edited January 24 by cnosil

[Josh Parker]

1 minute ago, cnosil said:

Part of the reason I started and continue to play is the challenge itself.  When I couldn’t break 100 I said I would be happy to shoot in the 90s, which lead to wanting to score in the 80s, which led to wanting 70s, which lead to breaking par.    I also enjoy the learning process which still continues to this day and why I enjoy discussions and reading comments from people like @RickyBobby_PR, @Jim Shaw, @chisag since they have knowledge and perspectives in different areas of the game.    

 

So for me, while frustrating, the personal contest is part of the fun.   the social aspect is also fun….i can’t wait to see my friends and make new ones at the Kingsmill outing.  I also enjoy being outside and the solo round where I can reflect own personal things without interruption.   So it is a combination of “fun” and just enjoying the small things in life.   It’s kinda complex. 
 

 

Absolutely!  And I agree, those 3 have a ton of knowledge and being able to bounce things off of this group for learning purposes has been great!  

 

[RickyBobby_PR]

7 minutes ago, cnosil said:

So for me, while frustrating, the personal contest is part of the fun.   the social aspect is also fun…

This is what I love about the game too. no matter how good you get theres always new challenges and goals.

I got into golf for the social aspect with guys at work and got the bug early. it was one of several sports i played in my 20s and 30s so i didnt take jt as serious but still wanted to get better. once i slowed down with other sports around 2003 i took golf more serious. i enjoy playing with good people whether they are friends or strangers

[RickyBobby_PR]

36 minutes ago, Josh Parker said:

So, my question to the Spies is this: As you get better at the game of golf, does it become less fun and more about a personal contest within yourself or does the game continue to remain just as fun as when you started?

 

The fun is in the challenge and no matter how good or bad of a day I’ve had on the course I still have fun, even when competing

[Preeway]

It's an interesting question to pose. For me, hitting a small ball around acres of beautiful landscape with well placed hazards in my way is not in and of itself inherently fun. When I was a kid and getting started, golf gave me opportunities to play with my grandpa and uncles which is what I found enjoyable. As I got older and became better I was able to become competitive and getting to compete in tournaments made the game fun. As an adult in my 20s the game of golf provided an outlet to make new friends. These days I have been able to get my kids into the game and being able to play with them has been like the circle of life in a sense. The game itself will always be enjoyable and I appreciate the new challenges that each day brings. But I think it takes a special kind of masochist to find the game truly fun 

[TSauer]

I don't ever see see the game becoming less fun. There are certainly days I have played poorly and questioned why I still love this dumb game, but the very next day I'm back out there playing or practicing. The constant battle with yourself to get better and better is fun. Chasing those highs from the perfect drive, a well struck iron shot, or sticking a wedge close is addicting.

Outside of the personal challenge, I'm grateful to have a sport that all of my friends at all different skill levels enjoy. Just being able to go out and hang out with the guys, play new courses, drink a few cold ones, and bs with one another is what I really love.

[Tom the Golf Nut]

8 minutes ago, Josh Parker said:

So, my question to the Spies is this: As you get better at the game of golf, does it become less fun and more about a personal contest within yourself or does the game continue to remain just as fun as when you started?

 

There are some days that I feel I am just going through the motions. I would never say that it was not fun. I always enjoy being out on the course. I don't put pressure on myself to play better or get mad because I didn't play well. I would say that it is more fun now than when I started. A lot of that has to do with a bad day being 80 and a good day being 68. 

If I think back to when I started playing (at the age of 30) there was so much more frustration, disappointment, and frankly not knowing what to do to fix a problem. How in the hell can I not hit a stationary ball.  About three years ago I stepped back and stopped trying so hard. I was chasing scratch. Putting a lot of pressure on myself. I never got mad, but it was a draining focus. I stopped GHIN and decided to enjoy golf. Surprising that once I took the pressure off myself, I was playing just as well. Less stress is always good for the golf game. 

Then came the Cobra Challenge. Truthfully having not followed the previous year's very closely I wasn't fully aware of all that was going to be involved. I had a good idea, but you know how that goes. I had to revert back to game on and focus. Joined GHIN again so things would be official. Totally exhausting because my work schedule got crazy at the same time. I did play better but the rounds were not relaxing. I tested myself against one of our toughest competitors @chisag and did far better than I hoped for. A big challenge was getting a witness to get up early and go with me to keep score.  

I do play a majority of my rounds solo. I can focus in a fun way. I'll try shots I normally wouldn't because there are no consequences. I'll hit a normal shot and if I feel like it, drop another ball and try a different approach.  I can't post rounds officially playing solo, so no harm no foul. There is no one out on the course ahead of me and rarely someone behind me. My course opens to carts at 8am. Walkers are allowed out after 7am. It's a 6-1/2mile loop so not many walkers.

No pressure, have fun, enjoy nature and try to make some birdies or eagles. (Hmm just realized birdies and eagles are part of nature?) I do have more fun when playing with others. I'm not part of a work league or our clubs' men's league. To many cheaters and grumpy old men complaining about others cheating as they cheat themselves. I always have fun when I get to meet and play with other spies. 

  

[Jim Shaw]

48 minutes ago, Josh Parker said:

I recently had a discussion with my wife about how some rounds are frustrating and in general about how hard the game of golf can be.  It really got me thinking about a topic and figured I would start one to see what everyone else has to say.

We never become perfect in golf, and I truly believe that this is something that keeps most of us coming back week after week.  Whether it is enjoying being outdoors walking the course, out with friends or co-workers, or competing in competitions, we are all out here because we love the game. 

So, my question to the Spies is this: As you get better at the game of golf, does it become less fun and more about a personal contest within yourself or does the game continue to remain just as fun as when you started?

I was trying to explain to my wife that I have hard days on the course and it's not because I don't love the game or enjoy spending the time outdoors, but because I know that I could have played better.  I am honestly trying to think where that turn happened for me, where I quit saying, "I'm learning the game" and on to "I know I have this shot or could have played better."

Was it at a certain handicap or a particular moment in a round?  

I know every day that I get on the course or out to the range that I love playing golf and that hopefully will never go away but I do have days that I am working on enjoying the round more.

Great question @Josh Parker... Immediately my memory goes back to a round I played with a work colleague in Calgary Alberta about 27 years ago. 

We were driving between a green to the next box and suddenly he pulls over on the cart path, jumps out, grabs a rose bush and take a big whiff... He turns to me and says "my doctor tells me to stop and smell the flowers once in a while" 

For me that is what golf is about and I love those "moments". 

Let's talk about building relationships...delivering the perfect execution of a golf shot...the list goes on and on..

"As you get better at the game of golf, does it become less fun and more about a personal contest within yourself or does the game continue to remain just as fun as when you started?"

To answer your question Josh, golf is exactly the same fun today as when I started in 1966.. 

Thank you for bringing so many memories rushing back... 

 

 

[Jim Shaw]

22 minutes ago, Preeway said:

It's an interesting question to pose. For me, hitting a small ball around acres of beautiful landscape with well placed hazards in my way is not in and of itself inherently fun. When I was a kid and getting started, golf gave me opportunities to play with my grandpa and uncles which is what I found enjoyable. As I got older and became better I was able to become competitive and getting to compete in tournaments made the game fun. As an adult in my 20s the game of golf provided an outlet to make new friends. These days I have been able to get my kids into the game and being able to play with them has been like the circle of life in a sense. The game itself will always be enjoyable and I appreciate the new challenges that each day brings. But I think it takes a special kind of masochist to find the game truly fun 

lol, yes "masochist" has been mentioned from time to time...

[Wheelieb]

As someone who has been newish to the game and do at least once a week play, you have to have fun every time you go out and play. If there is a shot that you make all the time, but wind up duffing it that one time yes you get aggravated. But you have to laugh at yourself. Getting better is the ultimate goal yes, but having fun regardless of how you are playing is key. Even if you had a bad day on the course, deep down you had fun because you see what you need to work on to get better. When I was getting out drove by 50-60 yards, I still had fun. I was learning. You just have to keep learning every time you go play. But that is my mindset and may not work for others.

[chisag]

1 hour ago, Josh Parker said:

We never become perfect in golf, and I truly believe that this is something that keeps most of us coming back week after week.  Whether it is enjoying being outdoors walking the course, out with friends or co-workers, or competing in competitions, we are all out here because we love the game. 

 

... I still love playing just as much today as when I started at age 35. I can sum it up in one sentence:

When I am playing well I can't wait to get back on the course and repeat it and when I am playing poorly I can't wait to get back on the course and fix it. 

... Back in the 60's and 70's all I saw was a bunch of over weight guys in shiny polyester smoking on the course and wearing dress shoes with spikes. As an athlete that had zero appeal for me. I was invited to a Charity Tournament with Chicago Bears rotating with foursomes and I thought ... why not? Knowing nothing about golf I borrowed some clubs consisting of Wilson muscle back blades, persimmon woods and an 8802 putter with some balata balls. I made par on the first 2 holes and thought "Easy game". On the 3rd hole I hit what I was told was a SLICE into the woods on the right. Hmmmmm easy fix. Next hole I just rolled my wrists thinking about hitting to left field and hit what I was told was a SNAP HOOK. The rest of the round was a struggle hitting some good shots and some really bad shots.

... The competitor in me was hooked. I attacked the game with a vengeance and continue to pursue excellence every time I play. Add in being out in nature where I feed roadrunners, squirrels and prepare dogs organic fruit and nuts, walking in the sun or as I told my ex wife "hiking with a stick" and the coup de gras of spending the day with good friends or meeting strangers and chatting for 4-5 hours I just can't see me ever getting tired of playing. I play Mon-Fri usually every day or occasionally take off either Tues or Thur every other week. 

[Jim Shaw]

17 minutes ago, chisag said:

 

... I still love playing just as much today as when I started at age 35. I can sum it up in one sentence:

When I am playing well I can't wait to get back on the course and repeat it and when I am playing poorly I can't wait to get back on the course and fix it. 

... Back in the 60's and 70's all I saw was a bunch of over weight guys in shiny polyester smoking on the course and wearing dress shoes with spikes. As an athlete that had zero appeal for me. I was invited to a Charity Tournament with Chicago Bears rotating with foursomes and I thought ... why not? Knowing nothing about golf I borrowed some clubs consisting of Wilson muscle back blades, persimmon woods and an 8802 putter with some balata balls. I made par on the first 2 holes and thought "Easy game". On the 3rd hole I hit what I was told was a SLICE into the woods on the right. Hmmmmm easy fix. Next hole I just rolled my wrists thinking about hitting to left field and hit what I was told was a SNAP HOOK. The rest of the round was a struggle hitting some good shots and some really bad shots.

... The competitor in me was hooked. I attacked the game with a vengeance and continue to pursue excellence every time I play. Add in being out in nature where I feed roadrunners, squirrels and prepare dogs organic fruit and nuts, walking in the sun or as I told my ex wife "hiking with a stick" and the coup de gras of spending the day with good friends or meeting strangers and chatting for 4-5 hours I just can't see me ever getting tired of playing. I play Mon-Fri usually every day or occasionally take off either Tues or Thur every other week. 

over weight guys in shiny polyester smoking on the course and wearing dress shoes with spikes.....

Hey that's me....

[Golf2Much]

After retiring several years ago, surviving a broken neck and other physical restrictions, and feeling my age as I push towards 70, I find myself celebrating the fact that I can still play.    The physical limitations caused me to completely change my game and attitude towards golf.  Through this period of time, elements of my game that I could do well all of sudden abandoned me.  Areas of my game that I always struggled with became a strength.  Through it all, I found I had to embrace the changes and count my blessings that I can still play the game that I love.  Frustration in my ability to play the game at a certain level was replace with being thankful that I could still even swing a club.   The funny part is that will all the changes, my average scores have remained roughly the same for 20 years.  

I celebrate every time I step on the golf course because when I was in rehab for my broken neck I trained with people who were paralyzed for life and would never have the opportunity to play the game again.  I cherish the group of people I typically play with as they help make the overall golf experience even more enjoyable.   Through it all, my focus that shifted from getting better to maintaining what I have.  To enjoy more and be less critical of myself for not executing like I used to.  And be thankful that I can do what I love with people I enjoy being with.  

Every day I come home from golf, my wife asks me how I did?   I say "great" even though it didn't necessarily show up on the scorecard.  It was great because I was out there, doing something I love with people I really like!

[Josh Parker]

So many great answers!  I was able to get a lot done this morning and the weather had a small window of opportunity, so I just got done playing a round.  With all the rain we have had this week it was a cart path only and was able to get some good steps in.  It would start to rain (light) about every 2 or 3 holes but wanted to get out there and play.  About hole 17, I caught up to the men's group and had an opportunity to read thru the thread and just slow down for a minute. 

17 is a long par 4 that plays up hill from the tee box and then a protected green with 2 bunkers in front.  Green slopes back to front and the pin location was a back left flag.  I played the hole better than I have played it lately with a tee shot straight down the middle to 135yds out.  Played a PW with a slight draw to center green and finished with a tap in par.  It was a perfect reminder to slow down, relax and enjoy the game.  

Thanks for all the responses and wisdom!

[ParFore74x]

10 hours ago, Josh Parker said:

So, my question to the Spies is this: As you get better at the game of golf, does it become less fun and more about a personal contest within yourself or does the game continue to remain just as fun as when you started?

Great topic @Josh Parker!! So many great responses that hit home with me on my journey of getting better at the game of golf. I would definitely say that the game is just as fun now as it was when I started a short seven years ago albeit for different reasons. When I started out I was happy just to be learning how to play the game and occasionally having a good hole here and there. I remember slowly creeping closer to breaking 100 and thinking about how cool it would be to shoot in the 90s. Of course, once that happened my brain went straight to wondering how long it would take to break 90. Same thing after I broke into the 80s, how long until I can get to the 70s? I enjoy the challenge of getting better but I’ve also learned to enjoy the course management of golf.

Dissecting a hole to determine the best approach for ME to tackle a hole has become one of my favorite elements as of late. Some days that means driver and wedge on a par 4. Other days it might mean 3 wood, 9 iron or some other combination depending on how my swing is and what the course conditions are that day. I love that it’s not always straight forward and sometimes I need to think it through a little bit. It helps to clear my head of life’s other distractions.

Bottom line, I always have fun while playing golf. Be it a new low score, those memorable shots, or successfully getting through a tough hole. 

Edited January 25 by ParFore74x

[Stuka44]

On 1/24/2024 at 10:59 AM, Josh Parker said:

So, my question to the Spies is this: As you get better at the game of golf, does it become less fun and more about a personal contest within yourself or does the game continue to remain just as fun as when you started?

Great Topic:   I will say what have said on similar things.  Caution is the word!   I let the game, and the desire to get better, get the best of me a few years ago now, and for clarity I am 57, and play with two older brothers 10, and 8 years older.  I was expecting too much, and was not  really having any fun at all playing.  I was playing poorly, and quit after 9 holes,  due to UNREALISTIC  EXPECTATIONS,  and carried my bag to my car and drove home.

Don't want to sound like the grim reaper, but on the way home I thought to myself, what if something happens to one of my brothers before we play again, or me.  This would be my last experience with them.  I realized just how much power I was giving away to what is really,   a completely, meaningless, mind numbing game, that for 99 percent of us, we are never going to WIN anything of real value playing.  The value is in spending quality time with people you care about.  I swore on that day I would never let this game get to me EVER AGAIN.

I am happy to report I have taken several 8-10's, and even had a round where I shot 83, and had 42 putts.  Have done it all with a smile on my face, and thoroughly enjoyed each and every minute of it.  BILL MURRAY in "Meatballs"  had it right....   "It just doesn't matter.. It just doesn't matter"

[Kenny B]

On 1/24/2024 at 7:59 AM, Josh Parker said:

So, my question to the Spies is this: As you get better at the game of golf, does it become less fun and more about a personal contest within yourself or does the game continue to remain just as fun as when you started?

It is always a personal contest within myself... that's fun.  Strive to get better, or more recently, try to not get worse with age... that's fun.  There will always be the feeling you get when you pull off a shot like you planned... that's fun.  Doing it with friends and family... that's fun.  

I've done many things in my life.  When things weren't fun anymore, I quit.  Haven't done anything longer than playing golf... still having fun!

Check out my signature   

[IndyBonzo]

@Josh Parker This is such a great question, and one that has prompted some self-reflection.  There are so many good answers here too!

Attempting brevity:  I have played golf nearly as long as I can remember.  But I committed to the game in the last four years.  That was spurred by miserable rounds at our first brothers/cousins outing when I lost to everybody all the time.  As a former athlete and competitive soul:  it was tough. 

I got frustrated by bad shots, cursed, got dejected, and beat myself up badly.  It was severe enough my playing partners too frequently asked me if I was having fun.  I was!  Always, and for all the reasons others cited - time with family and friends, Transcendentalism (ha), etc.  But I was frustrated.  I told people I just had a pop-off valve letting off steam, which was partially true. I worry that it was not much fun for them though.

With improvement, the game has gotten significantly more fun for me (and my playing partners).  Especially when my HI got to around 10.  That corresponds to the time that my golf knowledge increased, through this site, lessons, and other study.  I better understand my mistakes now and how to improve.  Bad shots seem less random and inevitable.  I also appreciate how hard the game can be, so I give myself a break.

Now I love the game completely and long for spring.  Bring on the center strikes, slices, holed chips,  snap hooks, bad lies, flyers, low scores, poison ivy, sweat-stained visors, double bogeys, and that perfect baby draw that settles in the middle of the fairway.  I love it all more than ever.*

 

 

 

 

 

* Not the poison ivy.

[NC Golfer]

Mixed feelings here. Have played golf for 45 years. The first 10 were just goofing around with friends and we went to the driving range more than the course. Then I tried to improve, had some lessons and bought better equipment and improved to a 90's shooter. Then I joined forums like this. The discussions on how to swing and the equipment fueled an interest to get better. But, also a frustration why it wasn't happening. So, I continue to be disappointed why I didn't get better. But, overall I still enjoy getting out with family and friends and enjoy the equipment aspect of the game. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

On 1/24/2024 at 4:59 PM, Josh Parker said:

I recently had a discussion with my wife about how some rounds are frustrating and in general about how hard the game of golf can be.  It really got me thinking about a topic and figured I would start one to see what everyone else has to say.

We never become perfect in golf, and I truly believe that this is something that keeps most of us coming back week after week.  Whether it is enjoying being outdoors walking the course, out with friends or co-workers, or competing in competitions, we are all out here because we love the game. 

So, my question to the Spies is this: As you get better at the game of golf, does it become less fun and more about a personal contest within yourself or does the game continue to remain just as fun as when you started?

I was trying to explain to my wife that I have hard days on the course and it's not because I don't love the game or enjoy spending the time outdoors, but because I know that I could have played better.  I am honestly trying to think where that turn happened for me, where I quit saying, "I'm learning the game" and on to "I know I have this shot or could have played better."

Was it at a certain handicap or a particular moment in a round?  

I know every day that I get on the course or out to the range that I love playing golf and that hopefully will never go away but I do have days that I am working on enjoying the round more.

Always remains fun. The expectations are higher, however that does not take away from thr enjoyment in any way.

[EMacK1961]

Golf is my main social outlet. Spending 3-4 hours with friends in a pristine setting doesn't get much better. We get to rib on each other, comment on shots (good/bad), and commune with nature in a way that not many pursuits allow. In short, my answer to your question would be...Yes, golf is fun. It remains fun.

[Rob Person]

Wow, great responses throughout!

Golf will always be FUN for me, but for different reasons. (as I mentioned in your other post) it's my stress release from work. It started out just hitting some balls with a co worker, but quickly turned into a hobby, that is now settling in on becoming a part of my life.

I have my moments of frustration,  but then I just move on to the next shot. I don't have a "shot in the bag" that I can rely on to carry me through either.

And if honesty is the best policy,  I'm still playing Whack-F&#%! half of the time. But it's still fun for me, and I hope the freshness that golf brings to me never wears off!

Your main question @Josh Parker leads to one I've had circling my brain lately...

Ive been playing golf (used loosely) for nearly 2 years now. when does someone stop being NEW at golf? Is it a particular  handicap, is it how long you've been playing, is it your ability to hit every club in your bag proficiently? You get the idea.

[Headhammer]

Interesting question, I think that golf will always be fun, but I would say I'm far less passionate about the game than I was 20 years ago. I no longer feel like I have to play every exclusive course on the planet, replace my clubs every year, try the latests (Longest) ball du jour to enjoy the game. I always want to get better at the game, but no longer beat myself up when making the same stupid mistakes out on course. I believe I've reached a point of balance in my game, where bad or good I'm just going to have fun. I think another evolution for me is that I used to dread playing with my wife and would rather golf with the boys and now I would rather play with her than anyone else. YMMV

[CFreddie]

At the end of the day, if it’s not fun, your time should be spent elsewhere (not saying that’s you).  Sure, it can be frustrating at times, but I think that comes and goes with how hard you like to push yourself.
 

I love the personal challenge of improving, along with the social aspects of the game (most of my guy friends also play regularly). In addition, I sit in a strategic role at work, and I enjoy being able to break down certain courses / holes to understand the ideal path / approach. Add on the 1-2 golf trips a year with a group of guys, and it keeps golf exciting and rewarding every year. 

Edited January 28 by CFreddie

[ZackS]

On 1/24/2024 at 9:59 AM, Josh Parker said:

I recently had a discussion with my wife about how some rounds are frustrating and in general about how hard the game of golf can be.  It really got me thinking about a topic and figured I would start one to see what everyone else has to say.

We never become perfect in golf, and I truly believe that this is something that keeps most of us coming back week after week.  Whether it is enjoying being outdoors walking the course, out with friends or co-workers, or competing in competitions, we are all out here because we love the game. 

So, my question to the Spies is this: As you get better at the game of golf, does it become less fun and more about a personal contest within yourself or does the game continue to remain just as fun as when you started?

I was trying to explain to my wife that I have hard days on the course and it's not because I don't love the game or enjoy spending the time outdoors, but because I know that I could have played better.  I am honestly trying to think where that turn happened for me, where I quit saying, "I'm learning the game" and on to "I know I have this shot or could have played better."

Was it at a certain handicap or a particular moment in a round?  

I know every day that I get on the course or out to the range that I love playing golf and that hopefully will never go away but I do have days that I am working on enjoying the round more.

I definitely understand the feeling. Especially now with getting back into the game more after many years of barely playing. Before the lapse I had played between a 0 and 3 handicap for years. And while I don’t have quite the same speed as I did 10 to 15 years ago I can still hit the ball about as well as I used to. But as we all know playing golf swing and playing golf are different as you almost never get a perfect stock swing yardage. So despite the fact I know better I still find myself getting frustrated with myself or feeling I hit the ball better than the score indicates. That said even those days are still golf and enjoyable. Also you always have something from those days you know need to be better and you have the challenge to make it better next time. 

[NC Golfer]

I'll add, I used to play with friends and one of my sons and keep score. Now, that I play with my wife, it's not about score any more. It's something to do, a social event. We like to travel and play, too. I still want to hit good shots. But, without keeping score, I don't judge myself after a round or have one hole ruin the day - especially if the bad hole was on #1. It makes the game more enjoyable.

Edited January 28 by NC Golfer

[Josh Parker]

Loving all the responses so far!