Why Is Golf So Popular?
Golf seems to be getting more popular by the year. It attracts people from all walks of life – young, old, male, female, famous, and non-famous.
Even athletes who play different sports gravitate towards golf as a hobby. Older people can play golf due to its slower pace.
Also, it combines physical activity, mental engagement, and social interactions into one, separating golf from other sports.
If you want to start playing golf, this blog post is for you. We’ll cover why it’s so popular and all of its benefits.
Fantastic Stress Reliever
Stress is a growing problem, whether because people spend more time on screens instead of the outdoors or people are more isolated than before.
This sport involves a lot of walking, and that releases endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. Engaging with friends and fellow players can be a fun way to alleviate stress and foster positive relationships.
For many people, there's no better stress reliever than hitting a few balls at the driving range or mastering your putt after a long day at work.
Great Way to Network
Golf has been synonymous with networking. Ever wonder why there are so many corporate sponsors or corporate golf events?
People naturally are more relaxed outside of the office. The casual atmosphere helps facilitate more open dialogue compared to the traditional office setting.
As a result, business executives strategically plan annual golf events for business development, client entertainment, and professional networking opportunities. Many companies even take their employees to incredible locations for golf, such as Myrtle Beach, SC, or Augusta, GA, to sponsor golf events where professionals make guest appearances.
Good for Exercise
It's not a stretch to say that golf feels more relaxed than other sports. Though it doesn't require explosive athleticism, this sport still offers great exercise, especially for older people or those who can't participate in other sports.
Research has shown that golf can potentially improve risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as body composition and lipid and insulin glucose levels. Playing golf regularly can also improve lung function, especially in older adults.
If you don't use a cart, you can expect to walk several miles for a 9 or 18-hole round. If you have to carry your gear, then that'll boost the number of calories burned.
Can Be Played by People of Any Age
Age isn't a limiting factor. It's a low-impact sport that doesn't require super-human physical strength or endurance.
This fact makes this slow-paced sport accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. That's why it's common to see people, young and old, play the game. Professionals like Phil Mickelson are still playing past 50 years old, and Jay Haas is still playing professionally at the age of 69!
There are also smaller clubs specifically designed for children and females. The modified clubs have a greater sweet spot and lighter shafts, allowing them to generate faster clubhead speed without straining their muscles.
Domestic and International Television Deals
We can't bring up the sport's popularity without mentioning the media's role in it.
The PGA Tour is the pinnacle of the sport, which inspires millions of people to play. Some people aspire to be one of the greats like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, while others simply want a reason to hang out with their buddies.
That said, we can't deny that the PGA Tour helps to popularize the sport by striking domestic and international media deals. That's why you see widespread coverage on TV networks such as NBC and CBS. Sky Sports, ESPN, and Discovery.
Many of the golf tournaments like The Masters, The U.S Open, and The PGA Championship are all televised, with fans across the world clamoring to see their favorite players win.
This televising brings in millions of viewers and even creates buzz, with many sports talk shows, betting sites, and online publications reporting information and debating about golf.
With all this, it’s no wonder why golfers are paid well. In fact, the salary of a PGA Tour player is, on average, $1.5 million.
Offers Plenty of Scenery and Sunshine
Golf is played outdoors. With gorgeous courses all over the country and abroad, it’s the perfect sport to travel for.
The picturesque scenery makes golf one of the most enjoyable sports. For example, the British Open is iconic for its coastal views, offering panoramic views of the ocean and historical landmarks like castles and lighthouses nearby. Or you can head to Switzerland, the home of the Omega European Masters, with the backdrop of the Swiss Alps.
No matter which course you go to, you're guaranteed to soak up a few uninterrupted hours in the sun, giving you much-needed vitamin D.
It's an All-Day Event
Golf isn't just a game on the course. For many people, it's an all-day excursion.
Golf and country clubs offer many amenities, making it easy to mix golf with leisure. For example, most courses offer fitness centers, pools, restaurants, and spas for the entire family or company to enjoy. Some even offer full-blown resorts.
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Golf continues to be arguably one of the most popular sports. Its overall reach is 119 million, with over one-third of the U.S. population over the age of 5 having played or followed golf in 2022.
The growth of the sport isn't stopping any time soon, either. It was up 12% year-over-year.
If you want to get into the game or already play golf, Stitch Golf can help you find the right gear, accessories, and apparel to suit your taste. Whether you want to feel more comfortable or look sharper when networking with others, we’ve got everything you need.
