Picture this: you're standing on a huge green course, surrounded by nature, with a club in your hands and a small goal, which is to get a tiny ball from where you are to a hole hundreds of metres away, using as few strokes as possible. Sounds simple, right? Well, here's the trick: it's not. But it's precisely that mix of challenge, precision and calm that makes golf so special.
What is golf really about?
Golf is not just about hitting a ball; it is an experience. It is a sport that forces you to be strategic, to have patience and to connect with yourself. Each hole is like a little puzzle: you have to decide how to play it, which club to use, calculate the wind, the terrain, and then execute it with technique. And believe me, when you manage to hit a good shot (that clean “click” sound the ball makes when it comes out), it is pure magic.
Why is it so addictive?
First, because it's a battle with yourself. You're not competing directly against someone else, but against your own score. It's like every time you play you can be a little bit better than the time before. Plus, you're outdoors, on beautiful courses. There are courses by the sea, in the mountains, even in deserts. Some are true works of landscape art! St Andrews in Scotland, for example, is known as the "cradle of golf" and has more than 600 years of history.
The mental challenge of golf
Look, golf is a mental sport before it is a physical one. You can have a bad day and miss shot after shot, but if you don't stay calm, it all goes downhill. It's one of those things that teaches you about yourself. Did you know that Tiger Woods, one of the best ever, says that his mental toughness is his greatest weapon? It's not just hitting hard, but staying calm under pressure.
The best of all: the community
Something that isn't often said is that golf is a super social sport. You spend hours walking with your friends or meeting new people. It's not like other sports where there's a rush; here you have time to chat between shots, joke around or just enjoy the silence. There's something special about that combination of focus and camaraderie.
A funny and real anecdote
In it 1968 Augusta Masters, Roberto De Vicenzo, the great Argentine golfer, made a mistake that went down in history. In the last round, he made a birdie on the 17th hole, which would have taken him to a playoff to win the tournament. But here comes the rub: when signing his scorecard, his marker wrote down a 4 on the 17th hole instead of a 3. And De Vicenzo, without checking it carefully, signed it. According to the rules of golf, if you sign a card with a higher score, that is the one that counts. Result: he lost the chance to play the playoff and finished second.
Afterwards, De Vicenzo said the famous phrase: "How stupid I am"This moment marked a turning point in the history of golf, becoming a lesson on the importance of attention to detail, not only in golf, but in life.
Why should you try it?
Golf is for everyone, regardless of your age or physical condition. You can start without any idea and improve at your own pace. Plus, it's a sport that will stay with you for life. And yes, I know it sometimes has that reputation for being "elitist," but nowadays there are courses and options for all budgets. Seriously, dare to try it! If you like the outdoors, personal challenges, and enjoying the journey as much as reaching the goal, this sport may surprise you.
Are you up for a first game? 😉
