Download The Beautiful Game

The Beautiful Game
While attending a soccer game recently I overheard a fellow spectator refer to the sport as
“The Beautiful Game”. Soccer??? – the beautiful game??? I’m not sure, however it did
prompt me to contemplate my love for the game of golf.
For many the game is enjoyed for its beautiful and peaceful outdoor setting; a time to
spend with friends or family. However for me the game of golf is more. More than a
game, sport or past time. Golf is a wonderful and unique sport because of the life skills it
teaches.
Integrity and sportsmanship are a vital part of the game. It relies on each player to abide
by the rules of golf and be considerate of others. What other game would ask its players
to self referee and be considerate of others? There are no on course umpires or line
judges calling rules infractions, time penalties or out of bounds.
The golfer is ultimately the responsible party on the field. There are no substitutions of
players, foul balls must be played and all decisions on course are made by the competitor.
He/she must be their own coach, trainer, score keeper, therapist and cheerleader. The
player is expected to rake the bunkers, repair ball marks and replace divots.
The game of golf rewards players that are observant and make sound decisions. Every
round of golf presents different challenges, each with varying risks/rewards. A golfer
must be aware of course changes from one shot to the next and adapt their play. Without
good decision making the golfers skills can not be fully utilized. This is why one
player’s decision making can outweigh another competitor’s skill on the course.
There are 100 different ways to hit a golf ball well – and quite a few more ways to hit the
ball poorly. It offers a never ending challenge and lessons whether the golfer is
competing against himself, a fellow competitor or the golf course. Golf offers so much
for so many reasons. How could it not be the “Beautiful Game”?