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Is Golf A Sport

Decent Essays

Many argue those who play golf competitively are not athletes. This is due to the fact that the sport does not require much physical activity, and is not team based. The general public defines an athlete as someone who possesses stereotypical characteristics such as physical strength, a winning history, and participation in a common sport. A trait that is most forgotten is the psychological side of being an athlete. In order to be fit, succeed in gruesome competitions, a strong mindset must be present. An athlete is made up of many things; not how much you can bench press or the number of championships your team has won. Being an athlete means to be committed to your sports, focus on improvement, undergoing hardships, and learning from mistakes …show more content…

The sport takes solid commitment, meaning by playing competitively, most of your time is devoted to the game. Competitive golf is considered an all in or out sport, meaning if you don’t practice nearly enough or put time aside for the game, you will not be successful. Most travel all over the nation during the season, making little family time, which is considered commitment to the sport. Dr. Bob Rotella states in an article regarding a competitive golfers mind: “Success comes from patiently and persistently doing the right things over and over” (Rotella, 2008). Long term commitment to the game is required for a competitive player, which involves many years of difficult, emotional practice. A typical athlete is not committed to their sport like golfers are, and usually have an off season. Competitive golfers only compete about half of the year, and the other half they are practicing and playing in events in other countries, making it a year-long commitment. Being a committed athlete means multiple things, and can vary from each sport. Competitive golfers are indeed considered athletes because of their commitment level to the …show more content…

People make the conclusion that competitive golfers are not athletes, due to the lack of physical effort needed to participate in the sport. Fitness throughout golf is becoming a vast subject, which most competitive players are taking part in. Most say that athleticism is not directly correlated with golf performance, which is incorrect because the golf swing uses 17 different muscle groups. Also, golfers burn more calories than gymnasts in an 18-hole round, burning roughly 305 calories an hour (Procon,2016). If gymnasts are considered athletes, but golfers burn more calories per hour, that means golfers are scientifically proven as athletes. Most disregard how the mental game of golf strongly influences the outcome. Then, rationally assume that these competitors are naturally talented, and are not affected by mental thoughts. Even professional golfers who have been playing on tour for 15 plus years, still experience negative swing thoughts, and have to deal with them. All of this falls under the term “being an athlete” because it’s a lot more than just being physical. It’s dealing with frustration, developing your skills, enhancing self-confidence, and being a strong competitor. There is a little influence in terms of being physical. Many arguments are brought about from people who have biased opinions on the sport of golf, but

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