Why Is Golf So Popular? (Top 5 Reasons)

Written by Todd in Golf Club Questions

Below, I give you the top 5 reasons golf is so popular!
  1. It is a lifetime sport
  2. There is a social element to the game
  3. The outdoors
  4. The journey to get better
  5. Everyone can play

The number of rounds of golf during the 2020 season drastically increased in many locations.  People sought ways to get outside and enjoy the game.  Some that don’t play the game often ask why is golf so popular?

If you have never played the game, you might struggle to have a full understanding of why people are drawn to golf.  Some might even argue that golf can become addictive.  Golfers will get to a level that the only three things they really want to do is eat, sleep and golf.

But why is this the case?

What about the game makes it so addictive and popular among those that play the game?

Golf is popular due to the social interactions!

Why Is Golf So Popular?

People of all ages and gender can play the game and enjoy the outdoors, the social aspects of the game, and the journey to play your best popular golf.  It can be difficult, which plays a role in why it is popular and addictive at times.  The lifetime element of the game makes many take up the game in early adulthood.

Reason #1: It is a lifetime sport!

Golf is one game that you can player for the majority of your life.  You will often see kids as young as 4 or 5 years old at the driving range or even out on the course.  Think back to the videos of Tiger Woods and how early of a start he had with the game. 

Parents who love the game, often want their kids to enjoy and appreciate the amazing game of golf.  As a result, they get their kids started early.

You will often see many senior leagues across the United States.  Senior golfers love being outside, spending time with friends and filling in their time that they have in retirement.  Plus who doesn’t love being on a beautifully manicured golf course enjoy the weather and friends.

I have played golf since the age of 10 and have enjoyed it now for 30 years.  The journey with the game and the challenge to get better has drawn me into the game.  I love the social interaction with family, friends, and even co workers.  It is a time to release from the rigors of life and enjoy the many elements of the game.

Many sports that are popular in the United States like football are difficult to play past the college years.   The beating that the body takes over the years, makes it difficult to continue on.  Golf is truly a lifetime sport and can be played as long as you can walk and make a swing.

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Reason #2: There is a social element to the game

Golf is a great time to spend with family and friends.  The social connections that are available and the friendly competitions that can take place make it really popular.  The handicap system allows leagues to form small money games between a group of golfers at the course.

The time spent afterwards reflecting on a score and talking about a round brings the social connection to life.  

Also, it is a great sport for the business world.  Many business relationships are built on the course and even deals can be discussed.  Golf is a great way to get to know someone as it reveals character and challenges the person to be classy as this is the expectation on the golf course.

Between shots, there is plenty of time to talk and get to know someone.  The best is when you are walking 18 holes, you can share the experience with another person and have quality conversations.  Or if you are riding in a cart with someone, this is another opportunity.  Overall, the game helps build friendships which is one reason it is so popular!

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Reason #3: The outdoors

Have you seen some of the most beautiful courses such as Pebble Beach?  Where else can you be in the middle of a park with perfect green grass, potential lakes or oceans and mountain views?  All while playing a sport and spending time with friends and family.  Golf is truly an amazing sport and the outdoors makes the experience amazing in many cases.

Golf is typically played in weather 60 degrees and over, even though the most diehard golfers will play in almost any conditions, the more casual golfer enjoys the outdoor elements. 

Golf courses continue to improve their ability to make everything very nice and being outside, walking and taking in the outdoors helps make the game popular!

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Golf and the outdoors is an amazing combination!

Reason #4: The journey to get better

Golf can become addictive when someone is trying to reach their full potential with the game.  Every golfer works to find the “secret” to their swing that will help them become consistent.  That last quality shot we hit on the 18th holes keeps us coming back and believing that the next round is going to be our best one yet.

Also, for those that love competition and feeling some pressure, there is nothing better than trying to make a 10 footer on the 18th hole to win and beat your opponent.  Golfers will spend countless hours at the driving range or practicing the short game with the hopes of getting better.

I must admit that I caught the bug in my early teens and have never really lost it.  I remember my first round at a real golf course and struggling and making 13 on holes. 

Now I am able to break 70 on occasion and average between 68-74 for the majority of my rounds. The journey to get better has been fun and worth it!  It has been time spent with my father and friends.  Have there been frustrating and disappointing times?  Of course!  But when you get it right and hit that perfect shot under pressure there is very little that feels better!

Reason #5: Everyone can play

People of all skill levels and ages can play the game and enjoy the outdoors.  Families can head out on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon and enjoy the game together. 

It would be difficult to play football or basketball against your younger son or daughter, but golf is one sport that the entire family can enjoy together!

The connections and bonds that are built around this amazing sport have helped the popularity of it grow!

A perfect weather day on a beautiful course! What an amazing combination!

BONUS Reason: Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods played a major role in the late 90s and early 2000s in helping transform the perception of golf.  His sponsorship with Nike and bringing athletes to the game has been helpful.  Television ratings skyrocketed during his prime and people tuned in to watch his greatness!

He continues to play a role and now his son has taken up the game and we look forward to seeing what he can do.  Others like Brooks Koepka, Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas and Dustin Johnson have brought a new athleticism to the game and have increased the popularity of golf. 

Now junior golfers can be found wearing the Rickie Fowler orange or the Nike outfits made popular by Tiger Woods and others!

Looking to take your game to the next level?  Check out our formula/recipe below to take your game to the next level and have fun doing it!

Take Action – What You Can Do Today to Get Better

What does this mean for you?  I believe in the following recipe to get better:

1 – Improve your motion in the golf swing by identifying a golf instructor.  Here are some options:

Here is a list of golf instructors that we have reviewed:

2 – Train to swing faster and improve your swing speed.  Here are some options:

Looking to gain more Speed and Distance in your swing. Two Options:

3 – Understand course strategy and work to break through your next barrier.  Here is a series on breaking through:

We have provided guides on how to break 100, 90, 80 and 70. Check out more below, if interested.

4 – Practice Frequently

Did you know that I build a golf simulator in my garage and have played over 500 rounds of golf on my SkyTrak system?  It has been a game changer and one worth checking out. Here are some of my other posts on golf simulators frequently asked questions:

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