Some people consider golf to be just a leisure activity for rich folks. The perception of golf by most is that often country clubs are comprised of wealthy patrons and are by invitation only. However, nothing can be further from the truth golf is just as much a sport as football, baseball, and basketball. It can be played by anyone with the right set of equipment. Players only need to pay a small greens fee in order to be granted access to a course. This is required to maintain the course. Beginners to the game of golf need to learn how to improve the golf swing and how to overcome golf swing inertia so they can hit the ball properly.
A sport is defined as Physical activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively. So let's consider this, Golf has an internationally recognized set of rules and of course there is thriving international competition with multi-million dollar purses going to the winners. Golf rules were first written down in Scotland when the first golf course was created. For many years, these rules have been molded and set so that it would be easy for players to discern what the correct behavior for the game. Over the years, these rules have changed and been added to until now, the PGA has determined a definitive set of rules for everyone. Not only is there rules, there is also a set of widely recognized etiquette for the game of golf. These include common courtesies such as quietness while playing, and keeping the course clean.
Competition is a major part of the game of golf. Each player is trying to outdo the others by getting a lower score on an 18-hole course. At almost every local course, there are tournaments for prize money. There are also national and international competitions. Even the schools have golf teams that compete against other schools. Some of the more acclaimed competitions are the PGA Tour, the PGA Masters, U. S. Open, British Open, Irish Open, Senior PGA Championship, and the PGA Cup. There are even golf competitions for women; this is called the LPGA.
Then there is the physical activity of swinging the golf clubs and walking the long courses, some of which can be over 5km long. The most obvious muscle group used during the golf swing is the upper arms and back. These muscles are used in the biomechanics of the golf swing. The most important group of muscles is the core muscles which are important in stance, swing, and release. The hamstring muscles are also very important to the posture and prevention of injury during the swing itself. Another major muscle group that is used is the forearms. These need to be toned in order to have a good grip and prevent wrist swinging. An 18-hole golf course is no simple walk either. Most courses can cover hills, especially if you are playing in a different country where the terrain is unfamiliar to you.
So is golf a sport? Absolutely. It is not just a leisure activity. Not only is there physical exertion, there is competition and rules that are followed everywhere. So the next time you head off to play a round of golf remember, not only are you having fun, but you are an athlete playing a fantastic sport.
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